(Appetizers From Bits & Bites to Spanish Pork Adobado)
For Kirstie’s 16th birthday, she decided against a special meal, and instead requested and ‘all appetizers’ dinner. Why settle on one meal when you can have such a variety of flavours?! And when it comes to holiday entertaining, appetizers are where the celebration truly begins. Before the big meal, before the Champagne toast, before the late-night sweets—the appetizers set the tone for the entire gathering. And if you know us, you know we believe those first bites should be bold, memorable, and completely irresistible. More importantly, let’s make it easy (and as much as possible, make ahead!).
Below is a curated list of our 10 Favourite Holiday Appetizers from The Culinary Studio blog. These are the dishes we return to year after year including family traditions (Bits & Bites!) an the recipes we make for our own families, the ones we serve at events, and the ones our clients ask for again and again.
They are tried, tested, loved, and absolutely perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, and every festive moment in between.
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a quiet New Year’s Eve dinner, these recipes bring a mix of warm, crispy, fresh, creamy, and flavour-packed bites to your table. There are, by the way, brought to you in no particular order. Like our kids, it’s hard to pick a favourite. Sometimes 😉
1. Spanish Pork Adobado
Smoky, garlicky, and deeply flavourful, Spanish Pork Adobado is one of our most beloved pinchos that Jody learned on one of her many trips to Spain. Thin slices or cubes of pork are coated in a pimentón marinade and seared until tender and aromatic. It’s simple, festive, and ideal for tapas-style holiday hosting.
2. Crispy Potato Rösti (The Best Appetizers You’re Not Making Yet)
Golden, crisp, and beautifully lacy, this rösti is a show-stopper and with only really ONE ingredient! Topped with smoked salmon and crème fraîche or sour cream, Rosti appetizers bring an elegant Scandinavian-style note to your holiday table. It works for brunch, cocktail hour, or a late-night New Year’s snack.
3. Honey Butter Hot Sauce Chicken Wings
Crispy wings tossed in a glossy blend of honey, butter, and hot sauce—this recipe is one of our most popular, and for good reason and some have said better than from the pub. They’re sweet, spicy, and universally loved. Perfect for casual holiday gatherings or New Year’s Eve parties. Or really just for dinner!
4. Mushroom Crostini Appetizers
This warm, savoury crostini has been a staple in our kitchens for years. Caramelized mushrooms, soft leeks, fresh herbs, and Gruyère or local Gunn’s Hill handeck cheese come together on toasted bread for a comforting yet sophisticated appetizer. This recipe has made mushroom lovers out of those on the fence!
5. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Juicy skewered chicken paired with a creamy, flavour-packed peanut sauce is always a crowd favourite, the recipe Kirstie’s mom has served at countless dinner parties! These satay skewers as appetizers are great for passing at holiday parties or serving family-style on a platter. They’re colourful, fragrant, and everyone will ask for the recipe!
6. Bits & Bites
The ultimate holiday tradition! A true Canadian classic. Our homemade Bits & Bites recipe is salty, crunchy, nostalgic, and completely addictive. It works beautifully for Christmas parties, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, and movie nights over the holidays. It’s also one of the top search terms we rank for–this recipe is beloved across Canada.
7. Chili Lime Shrimp
A masterclass in appetizers, this Chili Lime Shrimp always impresses. With just a few ingredients on hand, this combo can’t be beat. The best part is that they can be served warm or at room temperature; either way, they disappear quickly.
8. Devilled Eggs
Devilled eggs were always a mainstay on Christmas morning in our homes. Not just for BBQ’s devilled eggs are a welcome additions to parties in the cooler months! Our devilled eggs are creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned—simple, classic, and always appreciated. They also pair well with everything else on a holiday spread.
9. Easy Tzatziki
Fresh, cool, and herb-forward, our tzatziki is the dip that goes with everything and is a fresh addition to the appetizer spread. Serve it with vegetables, pita, lamb lollipops, salmon bites, or as a refreshing contrast to rich dishes like our Honey Butter Hot Sauce wings.
10. Seared Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Get a little fancy with these light, crisp, and modern tuna lettuce wraps. Seared tuna, crunchy lettuce, herbs, and a bright sauce offer a beautiful contrast to heavier winter dishes—especially welcome on New Year’s Eve.
Why These Appetizers Are Our Tried-and-True Favourites
These recipes have been in rotation in our kitchens for years. They are:
• dependable
• easy to scale
• ideal for both casual and elegant gatherings
• delicious (obviously!)
• thoroughly tested by us (and you!)
• perfect for both Christmas and New Year’s hosting
From nostalgic classics like Bits & Bites to elegant bites like seared tuna and mushroom crostini, this list brings together everything we love about holiday cooking: warmth, variety, bold flavours, and food that brings people together.
And the Appetizers Honourable (or obvious) mention goes to…
The Charcuterie board! With a little creativity you can turn cheese & crackers into a piece or art.. Quite possibly the appetizer we reach to the most!
