Happy Holidays Wine Sisters! 

Party season is here and this year we’re thinking beyond the ho-hum appetizers that seem to show up at every get together and are making recipes that will spark a few “oohs” and “aahs” this year. 

We taste tested some of these recipes while shooting our “Setting the Table” photo shoot last month and we must say, they are dee-licious! Get your recipe cards ready, you’re going to want to jot a few of these down. 

But before you start cooking, turn on our latest Deck the Halls holiday playlist! It’ll have you humming along while you’re prepping these fabulous apps. Then bring it along to your next party!

We’ve also put together this handy wine pairing chart, so you know what wines to have on hand that pair well with each appetizer recipe. 

Now, onto the recipes! Here are the appetizers we’re preparing this holiday season for all of our friends and family.

What yummy apps and main dishes do you have planned with your friends and family this holiday? Let us know in a comment below!

Chicken Meatballs with Spinach-Walnut Pesto

Bring a bite of The Meatball Shop in New York City to your next party with this recipe for Chicken Meatballs with Spinach-Walnut Pesto at The Food Republic. Pour a Pinot Grigio for guests to enjoy with it like Wine Sisterhood Passionate Pinot Grigio or Middle Sister Drama Queen Pinot Grigio.

Chicken Meatballs with Spinach-Walnut Pesto

Collard Green and Pecan Pesto

We got to snack on this Collard Green and Pecan Pesto appetizer from Bon Appetit at our Thanksgiving photo shoot. Not only is it tasty, but it’s good for you too! Only a few simple ingredients go into this one, including nutrient-rich collard greens. Try it with a tasty red blend like PromisQous Red or Wine Sisterhood Ravishing Red. 

Deviled Egg Spread

Bring a taste of the South with you with this Deviled Egg Spread recipe from Food & Wine. Give it a try with a sparkling wine like Middle Sister Glamour Girl White Bubbly. 

Deviled Egg Spread

Pomegranate Jeweled CheeseBall 

We picked up this Pomegranate Jeweled Cheeseball recipe from the how sweet it is blog and Wine Sister Natalie recently made it for a party. Pair it with a Chardonnay like Wine Sisterhood Savvy Chardonnay or Middle Sister Smarty Pants Chardonnay. The verdict: Looks alone set this recipe at a 10, but just wait until you take a bite!

Roasted Carrot Harissa and Crème Fraiche Crostini

This Food52 review had us sold on this recpie, “Warm, savory spices like cumin and coriander always bring out the best in sweet, roasted roots and gingerroot’s earthy carrot harissa is no exception.” Bring along a bottle of Pinot Noir with this appetizer like Haute Red Pinot Noir or Middle Sister Goodie Two-Shoes Pinot Noir.  

Roasted Carrot Harissa and Crème Fraiche Crostini

Smoked Whitefish Brandade

Created by a New York City chef who returned home to her roots in Minnesota, this Smoked Whitefish Brandade recipe puts a heartland-inspired twist on a French classic.  

Smoked Whitefish Brandade