• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Taste for Travel

The world's most amazing food, drink and sun destinations

  • Home
  • About Us
    • News and Awards
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
  • Partner with Us
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About Us
    • News and Awards
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
  • Partner with Us
  • Contact
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
      • Mexico City
      • Cancun Riviera-Maya
      • Huatulco & Mazunte
      • Morelia
      • Oaxaca City
      • Puerto Escondido
      • Puerto Vallarta
      • Chiapas
      • San Miguel de Allende
    • Caribbean
      • Anguilla
      • Antigua and Barbuda
      • Aruba
      • Bahamas
      • Bonaire
      • Curacao
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Martinique
      • St. Kitt’s
      • Trinidad & Tobago
      • Virgin Islands
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • Guatemala
      • Panama
    • Europe
      • Cyprus
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • Canada & United States
      • British Columbia
      • Nova Scotia
      • Ontario
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Kentucky
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfasts
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Sauces & Salsas
    • Entrees
    • Soup
    • Guatemalan Recipes
  • Reviews & Tips
  • Types of Travel
    • Cruises & Boating
    • Food & Wine
    • Romantic Getaways
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
      • Mexico City
      • Cancun Riviera-Maya
      • Huatulco & Mazunte
      • Morelia
      • Oaxaca City
      • Puerto Escondido
      • Puerto Vallarta
      • Chiapas
      • San Miguel de Allende
    • Caribbean
      • Anguilla
      • Antigua and Barbuda
      • Aruba
      • Bahamas
      • Bonaire
      • Curacao
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Martinique
      • St. Kitt’s
      • Trinidad & Tobago
      • Virgin Islands
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • Guatemala
      • Panama
    • Europe
      • Cyprus
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • Canada & United States
      • British Columbia
      • Nova Scotia
      • Ontario
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Kentucky
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfasts
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Sauces & Salsas
    • Entrees
    • Soup
    • Guatemalan Recipes
  • Reviews & Tips
  • Types of Travel
    • Cruises & Boating
    • Food & Wine
    • Romantic Getaways
Home » Recipes » Appetizers » 25 Globally-Inspired Holiday Appetizers

25 Globally-Inspired Holiday Appetizers

Posted November 25, 2019, Updated December 4, 2022 //  by Michele Peterson Leave a Comment

We may earn income from links in this post. Please read this Disclosure for details.

25 Holiday Appetizers

Get the party started with these easy recipes for international holiday appetizers from around the world! 

Featuring classics like French baked brie and creamy Bavarian dip to spicy finger foods like cauliflower pakora, these New Year’s Eve and Christmas party appetizers with a global spin are sure to add some excitement to your holiday party.   

Brazil – Christmas Fried Polenta by Easy and Delish 

Christmas Fried Polenta or Fried Polenta decorated for Christmas is a very popular side dish in Southern Brazil as well as at Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias).

Here it’s prepared as a bite-sized appetizer that’s easy to serve and enjoy during the holidays. 

Christmas Fried Polenta Credit Easy and Delish
Pretty Christmas Fried Polenta (Credit: Easy and Delish)

Canada – Smoked Trout Platter by A Taste for Travel 

Smoked Trout Appetizer Platter
Smoked Trout Appetizer Platter with horseradish cream garnished with fresh herbs and lemon

The ultimate make-ahead holiday appetizer, this easy recipe for a smoked trout platter is perfect for a Christmas party, entertaining on New Year’s Eve or any special celebration.

It sets the stage for an elegant afternoon or evening of easy entertaining with food, friends and fun. For an especially festive event, pair it with a sparkling Cranberry and Prosecco cocktail.  

France – Tarte Au Soleil with Pesto by Entertaining with Beth 

Tarte Au Soleil by Entertaining with Beth
Impressive and easy to make Tarte Au Soleil (Credit: Entertaining with Beth)

The classic French appetizer known as a Tarte Au Soleil is a great appetizer idea for holiday entertaining as it’s made with easy to use, store-bought puff pastry but is incredibly delicious.

This impressive version features pesto for a stress-free Christmas appetizer.  

France – Baked Brie with Fig Jam by Masala Herb 

Short of time? This easy recipe for delicious Baked Brie with Fig Jam takes just 10-12 minutes! It features gooey melted cheese topped with walnuts and fig jam.

Serve it with an assortment of crackers and breads or as the centrepiece of a Christmas-themed charcuterie board.  

France – Rosemary Bacon Peach Brie en Croute by the Gay Globetrotter 

Rosemary Bacon Peach Brie en Croute Credit The Gay Globetrotter
An elegant appetizer for the holidays — Rosemary Bacon Peach Brie en Croute (Credit: The Gay Globetrotter)

For glamorous holiday entertaining this Rosemary Bacon Peach Brie en Croute is the ultimate savoury Christmas appetizer.

A wheel of fresh brie is wrapped in puff pastry with bacon, rosemary, and peach jam then baked until the pastry is flaky and the baked brie is melted and gooey. 

Germany – Obatzda Creamy Bavarian Cheese Dip by Foodal

German Obatza Cheese Dip Credit Foodal
This delicious German Obatza Cheese Dip is perfect with pretzels (Credit: Foodal)

A classic and traditional Bavarian delicacy, Obatzda Creamy Bavarian Cheese Dip is perfect for dipping or as a sauce.

Serve this tasty German fare with crunchy pretzels or crisp vegetables for a savoury holiday treat. 

Greece – Dakos Savory Cheesecake by Kopiaste 

Savoury-Greek-Cheesecake-Credit Kopiaste
This easy recipe is inspired by Cretan appetizer made on a barley rusk called dakos, with feta or myzithra and tomato on top. (Credit: Kopiaste)

For a delicious taste of Greece this holiday season, try this easy recipe for Dakos Savory Cheesecake featuring a blend of feta and anthotyros (myzithra) and cream cheeses tipped with herbs, olives and tomatoes. Just watch this festive Christmas show-stopper  disappear! 

Guatemala – Easy Guacamole by A Taste for Travel 

Easy Guatemalan Guacamole in an earthen bowl on a Mayan weaving
Whip up some easy guacamole for your next party or gathering

It’s not a party if you don’t have guacamole dip on your international holiday appetizers menu! Whip it up in just five minutes and serve with crispy blue corn tortilla chips or bright veggies in festive colours such as red pepper strips.  This recipe is popular with teens and kids so is a must for family-friendly pre-dinner snacking.  

India – Cauliflower Pakora by Caroline’s Cooking  

Cauliflower Pakora Credit Caroline's Cooking
Cauliflower Pakora Credit Caroline’s Cooking

For something spicy,  Cauliflower pakora are a traditional Indian snack or appetizer that’s both tasty and versatile. Cook up some of these fritters to start your next Indian meal or add some to your game day or Christmas party menu!

Italy – Sun-dried Tomato Ricotta Crostini by Plating Pixels 

Sun Dried Tomato and Ricotta Cristini Credit Plating Pixels
Sun Dried Tomato and Ricotta Cristini (Credit: Plating Pixels)

A quick Sun-dried Tomato Ricotta Crostini appetizer recipe, made with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, pepper, and ricotta served over crispy crostini pieces. These little bites are packed with flavor and make a great Christmas appetizer for a holiday party.

Italy (Sicily) – Caponata alla Siciliana by Veggie Desserts 

Caponata alla Siciliana is a traditional Italian eggplant stew from Sicily. It’s so easy and versatile, it makes a  delicious Christmas appetizer when served on crisp crostini. It also happens to be freezer-friendly so is the perfect make-ahead appetizer for the busy holiday season. 

Jamaica – Saltfish Fritters by That Girl Cooks Healthy 

Saltfish Fritters Credit That Girl Cooks Healthy
Get the party started with these Jamaican saltfish fritters! (Credit: That Girl Cooks Healthy)

Your guests will love this taste of the Caribbean! A popular finger food, this Jamaican saltfish fritters recipe is made using gluten-free flour, generously seasoned and lightly fried for a golden crisp coating with a soft chewy interior.

Serve with your favourite hot sauce or perhaps a tomato chirmol salsa from Guatemala! 

Japan – Muffin Tin Sushi Cups by Rhian’s Recipes 

Vegan Sushi Cups Credit rhians recipes
These yummy sushi cups are filled with edamame paste or avocado. (Credit: Rhians Recipes)

For a crowd pleaser that’s also a vegan and gluten-free appetizer, put this recipe for Muffin Tin Sushi Cups on your Christmas appetizer menu. They’re super easy to make, adorable and full of healthy goodness!

Middle Eastern – Baba Ghanoush Hummus Dip by Strength and Goodness

When it comes to international holiday appetizers, combine two of the best dips to make baba ghanoush hummus!

Full of deep, smoky, and roasted flavours, this dip is gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free which makes it popular at every holiday gathering.

It features eggplant and chickpeas so your guests will thank you for the boost of  healthy veggies and protein in one delicious holiday dip!

Nigeria – Puff Puff (Deep Fried Dough Balls)  by Recipe from a Pantry 

Puff Puff Credit Recipes from a Pantry
This popular Nigerian street food also makes a delicious holiday appetizer (Credit: Recipes From a Pantry)

Another winning holiday appetizer that will thrill everyone including the vegans at your party is this recipe for traditional Nigerian Puff Puff, deep-fried dough balls that are bites of deliciousness.

Crunchy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, they have a hint of sweetness that makes them super irresistible.   

Russia – Mini Salmon Rissoles with Sour Cream & Caviar by Greedy Gourmet 

Mini Salmon Rissoles Greedy Gourmet
Try these festive Mini Salmon Rissoles by Greedy Gourmet

For a posh finger food, these mini salmon rissoles are divine when paired with sour cream and caviar. They make lovely entrées or starters.

Better yet, these fancy salmon rissoles are just what you need for a festive occasion such as Christmas. They really are the perfect little canapés.

Sierra Leone – Air Fryer Plantains by Recipes from a Pantry 

Air Fryer Plantains Credit Recipes from a Pantry
Totally snackable and delicious Air Fryer Plantains (Credit: Recipes from a Pantry)

Air Fryer Plantains are a delicious appetizer that’s versatile, delicious and a lower calorie option.

It also happens to be  Gluten-Free, Paleo, Whole 30, and Vegan dieters so will be a welcome finger food addition to your holiday appetizer table. 

Southeast Asia – Chicken Satay with Cashew Sauce by What a Girl Eats 

chicken satay Credit What a Girl Eats
Chicken satay with cashew sauce are easy to make and delicious (Credit: What a Girl Eats)

This easy recipe for Paleo chicken satay with cashew sauce makes a delicious appetizer course any time of year but they are especially perfect for the holidays.

Skewers of seasoned chicken pair up with a flavourful Asian cashew dipping sauce for an easy and delicious finger food. 

Spain – Marinated Caña de Cabra by Everyday Maven 

cana de cabra by Everyday Maven
Enjoy the flavours of Spain in this holiday appetizer by Everyday Maven

Both easy and delicious, marinated Caña de Cabra Spanish goat cheese is one of those sophisticated holiday appetizers you can count on for entertaining a crowd.

Infused with the flavours of Spain such as paprika and olive oil, it can be made ahead and served with crackers.    

Spain – Sardine Pate with Capers by A Taste for Travel 

Cream of Sardines recipe by Chef Martin Beratasagui
Try this Cream of Sardines recipe created by Basque Chef Martin Beratasagui for gastro bar by MB at Paradisus Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re looking for easy, inexpensive and make-ahead international holiday appetizers, try this cream of sardines with smoked salmon tapas recipe.

It was created by Basque Chef Martin Beratasagui for gastro bar by MB at Paradisus Los Cabos, Mexico

Spain – Spanish Cheese Board by My Kitchen Love 

Get all the details on how to create an amazing cheese board, Spanish-style, for your holiday season and New Year’s Eve entertaining.

Impressive but stress-free to make, this Spanish cheese board is a winner for Christmas entertaining.   

United States – Christmas Tree Appetizer by Gourmandelle 

Christmas Tree Appetizer Credit: Gourmandelle
This delicious Christmas tree appetizer is decorated with cranberries and rosemary (Credit: Gourmandelle)

What can be a better starter for your Christmas menu than this incredible Christmas tree appetizer? Decorated with dried cranberries and rosemary, it’s easy, it’s delicious and it looks impressive.

So that makes it pretty much perfect, right? 

United States – Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares by Plating Pixels 

Cream cheese, blue cheese, green onion, and parsley create a unique, cheesy topping over flaky puff pastry crust.

These easy creamy blue cheese puff pastry squares are sure to be a hit at any party or holiday gathering.

United States – Cranberry Orange Bites by Play. Party. Plan. 

cranberry orange bites Credit Play Party Plan
You’ll love the burst of flavour in these cranberry orange bites! ( Credit: Play. Party. Plan.)

These easy-to-make mini cranberry orange bites are the perfect addition to your holiday menu as an appetizer or even breakfast and brunch.

 Serve them with a sharp cheddar or even a blue cheese for a sophisticated addition to your line-up of international holiday appetizers. 

Venezuela – Tequeño Venezuelan Cheese Sticks by The Cookware Geek 

In Venezuela, tequeños are a popular addition to every special party — from weddings to Christmas!

These tiny fried cheese sticks wrapped in dough are most-highly anticipated appetizer in Venezuela and will also be the hit of your holiday party celebrations.  

Save to Pinterest!

25 Fun Global Appetizers

25 Holiday Appetizers

Michele Peterson
Michele Peterson

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.

Read more about Michele Peterson.

« Champurradas – Guatemalan Sesame Seed Cookies
Countdown to 2020 Dreamweavers Exhibition and Sale »

About Michele Peterson

Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.

Read more about Michele Peterson.

Previous Post: «Mexican sesame seed cookie Champurradas – Guatemalan Sesame Seed Cookies
Next Post: Countdown to 2020 Dreamweavers Exhibition and Sale Mixteco weaver at Dreamweaver event»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Michele Peterson in Tuscany Italy Credit Insight Vacations.

Hi, I'm Michele! Welcome to A Taste for Travel, one of the world’s top culinary travel blogs, welcoming over 1.5 million readers annually! 

Along with a team of expert travel writers, enthusiastic eaters and skilled photographers, we help readers plan incredible adventures and make delicious global recipes at home.

More about me →

Popular Posts

  • Insider’s Guide to Seaweed Conditions in Cancun and Riviera Maya in 2023
  • 19 Best Canned Sardine Recipes from Around the World
  • 20 Bucket List Things to Do in Bonaire
  • Best Caribbean Beaches Without Seaweed: Where to Go in 2023
  • 25 Bucket List Things to Do in Huatulco, Oaxaca
  • Pepián de Pollo – Guatemalan Spiced Chicken Stew

Trending Spring Travel

  • 9 Best Food Tours in Florence
  • The 10 Best Castle Hotels in Ireland
  • 25 Bucket List Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus
  • The Perfect 7-day Azores Itinerary: Top Things to See and Do
  • 25 Guatemalan Festivals and Celebrations for Your Bucket List
  • The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun and Riviera-Maya
Download the free ebook with 5 easy to make Guatemalan recipes!
Booking.com

Site Footer

Follow A Taste for Travel

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2016–2023 A Taste for Travel

462 shares
  • 188