Easy Holiday Party Dips & Spreads

By Southern Living
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Keep your guests coming back for more with these appetizing dips.

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Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

If you don't have time to make fried wontons, use fancy potato chips or crispy tortilla chips.

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Blue Cheese-Red Currant Cheese Ball

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Blue Cheese-Red Currant Cheese Ball

Perfect for the holidays, this blue cheese-red currant cheese ball can be served with gingersnaps on a beautiful cheese or dip platter. Held together by cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese and coated with currants, guests will enjoy the smooth and creamy texture of the appetizer with a little added texture. The strong ginger flavor will also help to enhance the flavor of the blue cheese while also bringing out the hint of lemon zest and red currant jam. You can shape the cheese mixture into a Yule log during the holiday season or into a regular ball shape for any other special occasion.

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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Closely related to the blue cheese-red currant cheese ball, this appetizer will wow guests with big flavors packed in such a simple dish. Feta and cream make this creamy appetizer while flat-leaf parsley and finely chopped green onion give a burst of freshness and crunch to the outside. The bright green appearance will also draw guests to aesthetically appeasing appetizer that is best served with cucumber slices. Other ingredients including green olives, hot sauce, lemon zest, and Worcestershire sauce add another layer of flavor to balance out the others. Add a little holiday flair by shaping this cheese mixture into a Yule log or keep it traditional in a classic cheese ball shape.

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Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

You can also shape the cheese mixture into a Yule log.

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Wine-Spiked Cranberry Cheese Log

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Wine-Spiked Cranberry Cheese Log

Use this succulent, syrupy fruit as a topping for pound cake or ice cream. You can also spoon it over a softened log of goat cheese instead of cream cheese.

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Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

For a different presentation, make this mousse in a 1 1/2-qt. ovenproof dish instead of small jars.

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Lump Crab Mornay

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Lump Crab Mornay

Recipe developer Julia Reed adapted this creamy dip from a recipe in Bayou Cuisine by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Indianola, Mississippi. Located in the Mississippi Delta, this recipe pays homage to the rich culture in the region, using lump crabmeat and red pepper to add spice. All-purpose flour and heavy cream give the dish its creamy texture and freshly grated cheese makes it savory. This dip can be kept in a chafing dish or a slow cooker set on a very low temperature to keep the dip perfect throughout the night for guests to enjoy. Serve with toast points perfect for dipping.

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Warm Gumbo Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Warm Gumbo Dip

Just like any good Louisiana gumbo, this dip is thick and full of flavor.

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Caramel Apple Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramel Apple Dip

A sugary spin on a cream cheese classic with a crisp bruléed topping.

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Cranberry-Jalapeno Salsa

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Recipe: Cranberry-Jalapeño Salsa

Show off the festive flavor of cranberries with this sweet-hot salsa. You can make it ahead and freeze up to one month before your holiday gathering.

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Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Roquefort Cheesecake with Pear Preserves and Pecans

This herb-and-walnut cheese spread is ideal for large gatherings. Pear preserves balance the tanginess of the Roquefort cheese, and toasted pecans and walnuts add nutty flavor.

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Cherry-Pecan Brie

Photo: Jim Franco; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Recipe: Cherry-Pecan Brie

You can have this five-ingredient appetizer party-ready in about 10 minutes.

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Warm Turnip Green Dip

Recipe: Warm Turnip Green Dip

It's Southern tradition to have a little hot sauce with your turnip greens, so be sure to offer guests several brands to choose from on the side.

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Beer Cheese Spread

Recipe: Beer Cheese Spread

This recipe makes a lot, but it can be frozen for up to a month. It fits perfectly into 4 (10-oz.) ramekins. Try it over French fries, hot dogs, and chili too.

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Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Spinach-artichoke dip is always a party favorite. We love this recipe for its creamy texture and wonderful flavors from artichoke hearts, lemon juice and a mix of Parmesan and pepper Jack cheese.

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Layered Sun-dried-Tomato-and-Basil Spread

Recipe: Layered Sun-dried-Tomato-and-Basil Spread

You can save time by making this recipe up to 3 days before the party.

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Red Pepper Hummus

Recipe: Red Pepper Hummus  

Roasted red bell peppers add a kick of color and flavor to traditional hummus. Go ahead and double the recipe; leftovers make a tasty sandwich spread.

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Warm Brie With Ginger-Citrus Glaze

Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe Link: Warm Brie With Ginger-Citrus Glaze

Warm Brie With Ginger-Citrus Glaze will come together quickly. Pop the cheese in the oven, make your glaze in the microwave, and gather fresh fruit. You’re done in about 10 minutes.

Party Tip: Place the Brie directly on an oven-safe serving plate, and bake as directed. The hot plate will keep the cheese warm and gooey longer.

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Smoked Trout-and-Horseradish Spread

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Smoked Trout-and-Horseradish Spread

You can transform the leftovers from this appetizer into crostini by topping toasted French bread rounds with this creamy spread and a sprinkle of finely diced apples and toasted pecans.

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Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Colby-Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

This cheese dip is made heartier by the addition of chopped cooked chicken. Chopped chipotle peppers, jalapeños, and chili powder add even more heat. Prepare up to a day ahead; cover and chill in an airtight container, and bake just before serving.

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Southwest White Bean Spread

Recipe: Southwest White Bean Spread

Cilantro adds a nice hint of spice to this creamy hummus dip. Serve with pita chips and sliced cucumbers.

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Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Recipe: Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip

For the perfect low-stress starter, try this rich and creamy baked dip.

Tip: Bake Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip in four small baking dishes, and place throughout the party area.

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Quick Winter Pickled Vegetables

Recipe: Quick Winter Pickled Vegetables

Pickles may seem summery, but you can enjoy them using seasonal fall and winter produce. Serve alongside Deviled Ham Terrine, or add to your favorite martini or Bloody Mary. Make extra as a takeaway for your guests.

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Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Make this appetizer your go-to crowd pleaser. Charmingly retro, the cheese ring is dressed up with sweet strawberry preserves that pair perfectly with the sharp Cheddar cheese.

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