Holiday parties are all about the appetizers. Onions add a flavorful touch making them an essential ingredient for the snacks 
you set out before your holiday dinner or the spread of bites you offer at a cocktail party to ring in the New Year.
These are a few of our favorite holiday appetizers with onions. They range from crusty flatbreads to simple salsas and dips with each offering something your guests will love. They pair well with beer, wine, holiday cocktails, or your favorite mocktail.
These holiday appetizers with onions bring the flavor
Charred Red Onion Salsa. This is the perfect winter salsa combining red onions with pantry staples such as balsamic vinegar and pitted olives. It’s ideal for scooping with tortilla chips, topping slices of crusty baguette, or for spooning over crackers and cheese.
Cranberry Onion Tarts. A simple pie crust is filled with tart cranberries, savory onions, and crunchy pecans in this recipe. These individual tarts are a festive bite to have on hand throughout the holiday season.
Classic Onion Bloom. Bring a restaurant favorite to your own kitchen this holiday season. Everyone loves an onion bloom and this recipe shows you how to create one that your guests will love to snack on.
Honey Onion, Goat Cheese and Jam Tarts. Puff pastry offers a shortcut during the busy holiday season and serves as a tender, flaky base for these tarts. They are sweet and savory with honey, onions, and tangy goat cheese making a great starter for any occasion.
Crusty Onion Bruschetta. This simple appetizer is a lifesaver when your to-do list doesn’t seem to end. Simple ingredients are layered over crusty pieces of baguette for a tasty bite that highlights onions.
Sweet Onion Tomato Tartlets. These tartlets use puff pastry as a base and then pile it high with roasted, sweet tomatoes and onions. You’ll love this recipe when you need a savory bite to add to your spread of appetizers.
Baked White Bean and Onion Dip. Creamy and cheesy with smooth white beans, this warm onion dip gives you a lot of options. Serve it with tortilla chips, pita chips, or slices of toasted baguette.
Basil Walnut Sweet Onion Pesto. Save this recipe for when you need something quick to serve with crackers. The addition of sweet onion gives pesto an unforgettable depth of flavor. You can throw this snack together in just a few minutes.
Onion, Fig and Sausage Flatbread. Flatbreads make a welcomed addition to any party when you need a filling snack that is also light enough to offer with other appetizers. Cut this one into short strips or squares to feed all your guests.
Three Onion Grilled Flatbread. If grilling is still an option for you during the winter months, this flatbread can’t be beat. It layers marinated onions with a creamy sauce for an easy appetizer that doesn’t need to stay warm for serving. You can use a premade pizza or flatbread dough to save time when preparing this recipe.
Curried Onion Fritters with Mint Raita. These crunchy fritters will be talk of the party. They make a bite-size snack that can be passed around the room and they pair well with your favorite beverage.
Want to involve the whole family in preparing these holiday appetizers? Be sure to check out our guide for Holiday Cooking with Kids.
Need ideas for holiday party activities?
Throwing a holiday party is not only about inviting family and friends over for good food. It’s about bringing them together for a memorable evening. Here are some ideas to incorporate fun activities into your holiday parties.
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Ugly Sweater Contest: Encourage guests to come dressed in their tackiest holiday sweaters and hold a contest to determine the ugliest one.
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DIY Ornament Station: Set up a crafting station with various ornament-making supplies. Guests can create their own personalized ornaments to take home as keepsakes.
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Holiday Trivia Game: Organize a holiday-themed trivia game with questions related to traditions, movies, and music. Divide guests into teams and award prizes to the winners.
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Cookie Decorating Station: Provide plain cookies, icing, and an assortment of toppings.
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Gift Wrapping Relay: Turn gift wrapping into a fun competition. Set up wrapping stations with paper, ribbons, and tape. Guests can compete to see who can wrap a gift the fastest and most creatively.
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Secret Santa Gift Exchange: Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange where guests draw names and exchange small, thoughtful gifts.
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Holiday Karaoke: Set up a karaoke machine with a selection of holiday songs. Make it a Christmas sing-along.
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Christmas Movie Marathon: Create a cozy movie-watching area and play a selection of holiday classics.
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Cocktail Tasting Bar: Arrange a DIY cocktail station with various spirits, mixers, and garnishes.
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Photo Booth with Props: Set up a photo booth area with festive props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and holiday signs.
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Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: Provide gingerbread house kits and let guests unleash their creativity. Have a friendly competition to see who can create the most impressive gingerbread house.
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Pictionary or Charades with a Holiday Twist: Put a holiday spin on classic games like Pictionary or Charades. All clues or guesses can be themed around holiday movies, songs, or traditions.
The combination of good foods loaded with nutritious onions and fun activities will make your holiday get-together a rousing success. Happy holidays!
