16 Extra-Special Holiday Appetizers That Will Impress Your Holiday Guests

Make a grand statement by treating your guests to dozens of freshly shucked oysters. Set them in crushed ice and top with homemade mignonette.

Recipe: Oysters with Verjus Mignonette

Who doesn’t love a bit of bubbly during the holidays? You’ll be happy to know that potato chips are a perfect match with sparkling wine. Since it’s the holidays, top your chips with a little caviar and crème fraîche for extra-special indulgence. Assemble ahead of time or set the components out and let guests build their own.

Recipe: Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche

For a splashy holiday treat, serve caviar this season. Purchase more than one type and make it a tasting party.

Recipe: California Caviar Tasting

Tender, sweet Dungeness crab wrapped in a crisp wonton is perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

Recipe: Crab Rangoons

Using panko instead of breadcrumbs makes these crab cakes extra crispy. Top with a quick aioli that sports festive flecks of holiday red.

Recipe: Panko-Crusted Crab Cake Bites with Roasted Pepper-Chive Aioli

Start your holiday party off with a bang and serve these crunchy treats. Seasoning the shrimp and wrapping it up with little bit of onion before frying is the extra touch that makes this appetizer holiday-worthy.

Recipe: Firecracker Shrimp

If it’s too cold to fire up your grill, give these a quick pass under your broiler. You can start this crowd-pleasing appetizer a day ahead.

Recipe: Coconut Lime Shrimp Skewers

Cookbook author and Food Network star Ayehsa Curry likes to serve a family dinner favorite in appetizer portions when entertaining.

Recipe: Sweet and Savory Shrimp and Grits

Gravlax is traditionally made with salmon, but we think it’s delicious and beautiful when made with tuna.

Recipe: Tuna Gravlax with Radish and Avocado Salad

Duck breasts marinated in ginger and Chinese five-spice are a sweet-and-savory hit. Crisp skin and flavorful meat get extra zing from spicy mustard sauce.

Recipe: Asian Duck Wraps with Hoisin Dipping Sauce

Single-serving mini lamb chops are just right for appetizers. Think meaty lollipop!

Recipe: Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Chops with Charmoula

For an appetizer your guests won’t be able to stop eating, cut this salty-sweet bacon snack-size and serve it in small bowls like cocktail nuts.

Recipe: Brown-Sugar Bacon Bites

Deviled eggs are the perfect party appetizer. Take them to the next level by adding Spanish flair with smoked paprika, homemade mayo, and crisp chorizo.

Recipe: Chorizo Deviled Eggs

This holiday season, don’t wait until the end of your meal to serve pumpkin. Instead, give it a savory twist and serve it as an appetizer.

Recipe: Pumpkin Curry Empanadas

Transforming leftover risotto into this crispy bite with a gooey-cheese filling is a surefire way to please a crowd.

Recipe: Green Onion and Fontina Arancini

San Diego fisherman Giacomo Damato found his favorite swordfish recipe on OurItalianTable.com; we’ve adapted it here, with red chile for gusto and panko for extra crunch. The fish may seem fragile when raw, but it will firm up in the pan.

Recipe: Sicilian Swordfish Rolls (Involtini di Pesce Spada)