The best part about Christmas dinner is the snacks beforehand, and if that statement is wrong, we don't want to be right. Starters [1] are the gateway to a good meal, keeping your hanger at bay and offering your taste buds fresh and exciting flavours that aren't always present on the dinner table. Since Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, it only makes sense to serve the most drool-worthy starters of them all. Since these small bites can fill you up, it's imperative to have just the right amount, so you still have room for the main course (as well as wine and cookies [2], of course).
This Christmas, if you're keeping your festive gathering small, we curated the perfect recipe list that's fit for two people. From an equally festive and mouthwatering Christmas tree pull-apart bread to a tangy and zesty cranberry-jalapeño baked Brie [3] dip, these recipes are sure to keep your taste buds on their toes while also leaving room for the rest of your meal. Whether you're celebrating the holidays with your best friend, significant other, or favourite roommate, these delightful recipes will make the perfect amount of food for you and your special plus-one. Enjoy good food and better company this Christmas when you cook up these sensational starters that were made for duos.
Whipped Cranberry Goat Cheese Spread
Pretty in pink, this delicious spread is the gift that keeps on giving. You can pair it with crunchy crackers, warm bread, and so much more. This recipe yields six servings, so we suggest cutting the ingredients in half so you have the perfect amount for two people, complete with a little extra.
Get the recipe: whipped cranberry goat cheese spread [5]
Green Goddess Cheese Ball
Cheese — an appetizer that's not going anywhere anytime soon. This glorious cheese ball is made with softened cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, and finely grated Parmesan cheese, meaning it has all the best flavours. The fresh spices make it stand out against other ordinary appetizers, and it can be made ahead of time. This recipe feeds eight people, so we suggest either cutting down the amount of cheese it calls for or making the whole thing and keeping it in the fridge when a cheese craving strikes.
Get the recipe: green goddess cheese ball [6]
Cheesy Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Festive, fun, and ultracheesy, this pull-apart bread is a dream come true. You can stuff the bread with any kind of cheese you like and top it off with the season's best spices. You can adjust this recipe to your liking by choosing how many servings you want to make before you start cooking.
Get the recipe: cheesy Christmas tree pull apart bread [7]
Honey Whipped Ricotta and Prosciutto Crackers
Small and easy to eat, these mouthwatering crackers are topped with creamy ricotta, rich prosciutto, and fresh pomegranate seeds. Add a dash of honey to make them even sweeter. Since this recipe is made to feed eight, cut the recipe in half so you can enjoy this divine appetizer for not one but two nights in a row.
Get the recipe: honey whipped ricotta and prosciutto crackers [8]
Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath
Imagine: a warm golden puff pastry stuffed with sweet cranberry sauce, rich Brie cheese, and crunchy pistachios. That's what you'll get to enjoy with every bite you take of this festive app. Just adjust the serving size by moving the toggle on the recipe, and you can make this for two people in no time.
Get the recipe: cranberry and brie puff pastry wreath [9]
Marinated Cheese
Complete with the bright red colour of the season, this marinated cheese recipe is as festive as can be. Load up on the crackers, and dive into this dip anytime you're in the mood for some seriously good cheese.
Get the recipe: marinated cheese [10]
Baked Brie and Prosciutto Rolls
With a total of just seven ingredients, these heavenly rolls are almost too good to be true. Enjoy the rich flavours of flaky phyllo, creamy brie, and mouthwatering prosciutto with each roll you eat. This recipe makes 12 rolls, so you can either make the full batch and freeze some for later or simply cut down the recipe to make the amount you want. The choice is yours!
Get the recipe: baked brie and prosciutto rolls [11]
Cranberry-Jalapeño Baked Brie Dip
If you're into dips, you'll be all about this recipe! Tart, sweet, and a little spicy, this baked brie dip will be hard to walk away from. Notice how well the cranberries, jalapeños, and brown sugar work together to create a taste like no other. If you make too much, just put it in the fridge and warm it up when you're ready for more.
Get the recipe: cranberry-jalapeño baked brie dip [12]
Twice-Baked Acorn Squash With Maple Butter and Pecans
You've heard of twice-baked potatoes, but have you heard of twice-baked acorns? These cute little cups are filled with all the best flavours of the season along with creamy maple butter and crunchy pecans. Feel free to make as many as you please — the recipe is easy to tweak!
Get the recipe: twice-baked acorn squash with maple butter and pecans [13]
Melty Baked Brie With Walnuts, Honey, and Figs
If you want something that's both sweet and full of fresh flavours, you must try these honey-covered figs. Walnuts, Brie, honey, and fresh thyme work together to make these purple figs a treat for your taste buds. You can make as many as you want, so don't be shy!
Get the recipe: melty baked brie with walnuts, honey, and figs [14]
Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta
To give this bruschetta a burst of extra flavour, add crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan on top. The cheese pairs oh-so well with the tangy strawberries and balsamic vinegar. If you're making this recipe for two people to enjoy, we suggest slicing four to five pieces of bread so you can have more than one.
Get the recipe: strawberry tomato bruschetta [15]
Three-Cheese Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites
You know your dinner is off to a good start when mac and cheese makes a debut at the top of the menu! These little bites are filled with warm noodles and rich cheese, making it hard to stop eating them. Since this recipe makes about 48 mac bites, we suggest cutting the recipe in half and freezing the leftover ones for later.
Get the recipe: three-cheese mini macaroni and cheese bites [16]
Prosciutto-Wrapped, Feta-Stuffed Dates
With only three ingredients, these small bites are so easy to make. You'll get notes of rich prosciutto, sharp feta, and sweet dates. Yes, please.
Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped, feta-stuffed dates [17]
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
These jumbo scallops are coated in a sweet and savory glaze, meaning this simple yet elegant appetizer will instantly wow anyone who tries them. You can easily tweak this recipe to feed as many mouths as you want, so just adjust the number in the recipe box, and you'll be good to go.
Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped scallops [18]
Mini Pastry-Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
If you need a last-minute appetizer, make these impressive bites. Brie cheese, cranberry jam, and puff pastry work together to make each bite of these a true delight. Add fresh sage to make these complete. Since this recipe serves 12 people, we suggest dividing the ingredients by four so you can feed two people, plus have a little extra since it's just that good.
Get the recipe: mini pastry-wrapped cranberry baked brie bites [19]
Lamb Lollipops
These finger-licking pops are juicy and divine. Let's just say that the mint-pistachio pesto that's on top of the lamb pairs wonderfully with buttery white wine. Yum, yum, yum.
Get the recipe: lamb lollipops [20]
Balsamic Steak Bites With Kale and Roasted Tomatoes
Wow everyone around the table with these delicious steak bites. They're rich in flavour and taste just as good as a steakhouse's very own recipe. This recipe makes 30 bites, so we suggest cutting the recipe down to make around four to eight if you're just serving two people.
Get the recipe: balsamic steak bites with kale and roasted tomatoes [21]
Cranberry Crostini
Easy, simple, and bursting with flavour, these crostini will make your mouth water. The cranberry-orange sauce sits atop a whole-grain crostini that's coated in goat cheese, meaning these will leave you wanting more after just one bite. This recipe can serve eight, so simply cut the ingredients in half and enjoy a crostini later in the week if you don't have enough room to eat more than one.
Get the recipe: cranberry crostini [22]
Feta With Honey and Pine Nuts
Toasted pine nuts, sweet honey, and fresh mint work together to make this recipe one to remember. Serve it with crispy crackers or warm bread for best results. This recipe yields about four to six servings, so you can enjoy it the day after, too.
Get the recipe: feta with honey and pine nuts [23]
Mini Spinach-Artichoke-Stuffed Potatoes
These little potatoes pack big flavour, so get ready! Since they're so small, they're pretty light, meaning you can nosh on a few before dinner and still have room to chow down. This recipe is easy to adjust, so just add in how many potatoes you want to make, and the recipe will update depending on that number.
Get the recipe: mini spinach-artichoke-stuffed potatoes [24]
Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots
Take advantage of the season's best sweet potatoes with this drool-worthy recipe. These tots are crispy on the outside (thanks to crunchy Panko bread crumbs) and soft on the inside (thanks to warm mashed sweet potatoes) and will have you coming back for more. Dunk them in ketchup, ranch, or honey if you want some extra flavour.
Get the recipe: baked sweet potato parmesan tater tots [25]
Brie and Cranberry Potato Bites
When you make this recipe, you'll get to enjoy warm Brie cheese atop roasted potatoes that are doused in a dollop of cranberry sauce. They're seasonal, festive, and too tasty to pass up. Once you adjust the recipe to how many people you're trying to feed, you can get to work in the kitchen!
Get the recipe: brie and cranberry potato bites [26]
Baked Caramelized Onion Dip
You might've had onion dip before, but have you had it baked and caramelized? Warm, rich, and bursting with sharp flavour, this dip will go fast. The recipe is easy to adjust, so just note that you're making it for two people, and it will update.
Get the recipe: baked caramelized onion dip [27]
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites
These pesto poppers are tasty, light, and reflect the bright colours of Christmas. Complete with cream cheese, pesto, and flaky phyllo dough, these apps are hard to put down. You can adjust the recipe depending on how many bites you want to whip up, making this recipe even easier.
Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato pesto bites [28]
Garlic Courgette Bites
Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these courgette snacks are irresistible. Since this recipe makes 30 bites, we suggest cutting everything in thirds to make enough for just two.
Get the recipe: garlic courgette bites [29]
Caramelized Winter-Fruit-Stuffed Brie
Imagine: two layers of creamy cheese, caramelized apples, pears, and cranberries, and a dash of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Now tell us, what could possibly be better?
Get the recipe: caramelized winter-fruit-stuffed brie [30]
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Cooked in a cranberry pepper jelly sauce, these flavourful meatballs are a perfect harmony of all the best flavours. To customise how many meatballs you want to make, simply hover your mouse over the number of servings section, and you're good to go.
Get the recipe: sweet and spicy cranberry cocktail meatballs [31]
Artichoke Dip Stuffed Rolls
Take artichoke dip to the next level when you make these divine rolls. Just stuff biscuits with a hefty scoop of artichoke, jalapeño dip, and some jack cheese, and top 'em off with butter. This recipe makes eight rolls, so cut the recipe in half and you can enjoy two rolls for dinner one night and two the next.
Get the recipe: artichoke dip stuffed rolls [32]
Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts
Quick, easy, and a fan favourite, these tarts are too good to be true. Creamy brie, tangy cranberries, and a fluffy puff pastry work together to make these cheese-filled tarts ready to be served in no time. Since the original recipe yields six to 12 servings, cut the recipe in half or in thirds based on if you want leftovers to heat up for the next day.
Get the recipe: cranberry brie pastry tarts [33]
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries With Spicy Aioli
Make the most of sweet potatoes this season when you cook up these perfectly crunchy fries. Who can say no to warm potato slices with a rich and spicy aioli, anyway? Since this recipe makes six servings, you can cut it in half and enjoy enough fries for two people, and then some.
Get the recipe: garlic parmesan sweet potato fries with spicy aioli [34]
Bacon Green Bean Bundles
Sneak in vegetables and bacon all in one by making these tasty bundles. The are rich in flavour and have nutrients, too! You can adjust this recipe to your liking by choosing how many servings you want to make before you start cooking.
Get the recipe: bacon green bean bundles [35]
Goat-Cheese-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Rosemary Honey
What do you get when you mix bacon, goat cheese, and dates together, you ask? The most mouthwatering recipe of them all. These baked bites will melt in your mouth, so be sure to grab a couple, so you can enjoy every bite. This recipe whips up 24 servings, but for two people, we would suggest making about six dates, so you still have room for dinner.
Get the recipe: goat-cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates with rosemary honey [36]
Honey Bacon Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites
If you need an easy and quick app, you can't go wrong with these phyllo bites. They only take 20 minutes to whip up, and the results are drool-worthy. This recipe will provide you with 30 servings, so just cut the recipe into thirds if you want to feed two people.
Get the recipe: honey bacon goat cheese phyllo bites [37]
Baked Mashed Potato Bites
These bite-size snacks are rich and hearty. Add a dollop of sour cream on top to complete them. To adjust the serving size, all you have to do is tweak it on the website and it will automatically adjust.
Get the recipe: baked mashed potato bites [38]
Star Bread Chips
Whether you want to upgrade your cheese board or make your finger foods look even more delightful, these easy-to-make chips will do the trick. Just dust some bread with olive oil, herbs, and salt, and your work is just about done! If you want to make less than 25 stars which is what this recipe produces, just cut the ingredients in half, and you're good to go.
Get the recipe: star bread chips [39]
Mini Smoked Salmon and Pesto Yoghurt Phyllo Bites
These are easy to eat and bursting with fresh fish flavour, so you'll want to be sure to grab a couple of these jam-packed cups. Since they're so small and light, it's best to make about 10 if you're serving two people.
Get the recipe: mini smoked salmon and pesto yoghurt phyllo bites [40]
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Sweet and savory, these puff pastry swirls are perfect for a preholiday dinner. Flaky puff pastries are paired with rich Brie cheese, dried cranberries, and a dash of cinnamon sugar to make this five-ingredient recipe one to remember. You'll make 16 swirls if you follow this recipe as is, or you can trim down the ingredients based on how many people you want to feed. For two people, about two to three rolls are perfect since they are so rich in flavour.
Get the recipe: cranberry brie puff pastry swirls [41]
Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta
Bruschetta is good any time of year, but this butternut squash variation makes it even better in the chilly months. A fluffy baguette is topped with goat cheese, arugula, roasted butternut squash, and tomatoes to make this app practically burst with flavour.
Get the recipe: roasted butternut squash bruschetta [42]
Caprese Skewers
How could you say no to easy-to-prepare finger fare? These caprese skewers are made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, and their simplicity is genius. They're superlight, so if you're looking to feed two people, it's best to make about five to six skewers so you can both indulge.
Get the recipe: caprese skewers [43]
Cherry Bruschetta
Move over, cranberries! This cherry bruschetta is ready to take centre stage. Goat cheese, cherries, pecans, rosemary, thyme, and pinot noir are combined with a chewy baguette to make this mouthwatering app. To adjust the recipe to make two servings, just type in the number "2" into the box that reads "yield," and the ingredients will update.
Get the recipe: cherry bruschetta [44]
Red Potatoes Stuffed With Tomato Avocado Salsa
These hearty bites are savory and flavourful, all in one. The potatoes are roasted until they're browned and a little crunchy, then topped with fresh salsa and a dollop of a sour cream. This recipe makes 24 bites, so trim it down and make four to six if you're serving two people.
Get the recipe: red potatoes stuffed with tomato avocado salsa [45]
Acorn Squash Queso Fundido
Craving squash? This delicious dip is for you. Shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic, and jalapeños fill a large acorn squash with some of the best flavours you can find. Eat it with crispy tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Get the recipe: acorn squash queso fundido [46]
Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites
Tell us, is there anything better than a bite of warm, gooey goat cheese? We think not. This easy recipe combines rich goat cheese with honey, walnuts, and spices that are baked until warm. This recipe is supereasy to adjust, so just type in the number of servings you want to make into the box that reads "yield," and the ingredients will update.
Get the recipe: warm walnut goat cheese bites [47]
Caramelized Garlic Butter Toast With Pan-Fried Mushrooms
If your main course is savory, this rich toast will pair perfectly with it. Top it off with as many mushrooms as you can fit! This recipe feeds 10, so just chop the ingredients in half, and you'll have the perfect amount of toast for two.
Get the recipe: caramelized garlic butter toast with pan-fried mushrooms [48]
Caprese Bruschetta
Stick with the ultimate classic caprese bruschetta to kick off your holiday dinner this year. It's light, refreshing, and seriously underrated! To adjust the recipe to the amount of servings you want to make, just toggle the scale in the "servings" section, and you can get cookin'!
Get the recipe: caprese bruschetta [49]