The holidays are about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. Whether hosting a cozy night or attending a lively holiday party, appetizers are the true stars of the table. They’re the first impression, the conversation starters, and the bites that keep everyone coming back for more.

This season, take the stress out of entertaining with a collection of irresistible appetizers that are easy to prepare and guaranteed to wow your guests. From savoury dips to flaky puff pastries and flavorful dumplings, these recipes are packed with festive flair. Plus, you can find everything you need at your local Co-op Food Store, making holiday prep as seamless as possible.

So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s whip up some holiday magic!

Herb, Caper, and Walleye Dip

A perfect appetizer to quickly assemble that is perfect for a group! Find the original recipe in this month's Table Magazine.

Ingredients

• 1 pack Co-op Pure Walleye
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1/3 cup Cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp Capers, chopped
• ½ tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 ½ tbsp Fresh ParselyParsley, chopped
• 1 tub Herb and Spice Cream Cheese
• 1 Bag Co-op Gold Pure Ripple Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place walleye fillets on the tray. Brush with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 158°F and flake easily.

Allow the walleye to cool before flaking in a serving bowl. Add in all remaining ingredients except potato chips. Mix well with a spatula, cover and chill thoroughly. Serve with chips on the side.

Hummus, Feta, and Olive Puff Pastry

The perfect light appetizer that is sure to stand out at the party! Find the original recipe here.

Ingredients

• 2 Eggs
• 1 tub Co-op Gold Pure Roasted Garlic Hummus
• 1 box Co-op Gold Puff Pastry
• ½ cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 24 Co-op Gold Pure Pitted Kalamata Black Olives
• 1 cup Pomegranate Arils
• ¼ cup Fresh Mint, minced or hand-torn

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk one egg thoroughly in a bowl, then stir it into the hummus. Whisk the other egg in a separate bowl to brush the puff pastry.

Unwrap the puff pastry and place the 2 sheets on the counter. Cut them both lengthwise to form 4 long sheets. Transfer 2 sheets of pastry to each baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to glaze the pastry with whisked egg wash. Fold the edge of the pastry inwards, creating a half-inch border on all sides of each sheet. Brush the border of each sheet with egg wash.

Divide the hummus evenly among the sheets, spreading it edge to edge inside the borders. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Evenly divide feta, olives, pomegranate arils and mint among the tarts. Slice and enjoy.

Pork and Shrimp Dumplings

A start so good, it will turn into the star of the show! Find the original recipe here.

Ingredients

Sauce

• ½ tsp Minced Ginger
• ½ tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• ½ tbsp Water
• 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil

Filling and Wrappers

• ⅓ cup Co-op Gold Pure Black Tiger Shrimp
• 1 cup Ground Pork
• 1 tsp Minced Ginger
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
• ½ tbsp Sesame Oil
• ¼ tsp Salt
• 1 pack Wonton or Dumpling Wrappers, round or square
• ¼ cup Vegetable Oil

Directions

Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a dipping bowl. Set aside.

Finely chop shrimp and combine with remaining filling ingredients (except wrappers and oil) in a bowl. Mix with a stand mixer on medium-high or by hand until whipped and sausage-like. Cover and refrigerate.

Lay out wrappers, add 1 tbsp filling, and flatten slightly. Brush edges with water, fold into a rectangle or half-circle, and seal by pinching and folding. Repeat for about 20 dumplings.

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry dumplings in batches until golden (1–2 minutes). Add ¼ inch hot water, cover, and steam for 2 minutes. Uncover, cook 1 more minute until water evaporates, then drain on paper towels.

Arrange dumplings on a platter with dipping sauce and serve warm.

Looking for even quicker options? Check out our freezer section for a variety of stress-free appetizers—preheat your oven and let the magic happen! We even highlighted a couple of our Prep-Free Appetizers to get you feeling inspired!

And don’t forget to swing by our Deli and Bakery departments for freshly made platters, perfect for any gathering. From savoury charcuterie boards to custom-made trays, we’ve got everything you need to make hosting effortless. Learn more about our offerings in our Entertaining Made Easy guide below!

We’d love to see how you’re decking your table this holiday season! Share your festive appetizers with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging us in your posts. Let’s spread the joy—and deliciousness—of the season together!