Healthy New Year's Appetizer Recipes

Ring in the New Year with these lightened-up versions of your favorite party appetizer recipes.

Most Popular

Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Roll

Rating: 4 stars 4
Buttery puff pastry is a tasty shortcut ingredient that can be used in many delicious ways. Here we roll out a pastry sheet and cover it with fig jam and crumbled goat cheese, then roll it up into a log and bake it. The end result is a sweet-and-savory appetizer that looks and tastes impressive, especially considering it has just three ingredients.
Victoria Seaver
By Victoria Seaver, M.S., RD

Mini Crustless Caramelized Onion & Cheese Quiches

These crustless mini quiches are packed with savory caramelized onions and flavorful cheese. This technique for making caramelized onions uses way less fat, and by using sweet onions (like Vidalia, if you can find them), you don't need to add the sugar some recipes call for.
By Stacey Ballis

Smoked Tuna Spread Canapés

Try this easy canapé recipe for your next cocktail party. Made with canned tuna, cream cheese and cucumber slices on crunchy almond crackers, this is an appetizer that your guests will be reaching for first.
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp

Rating: 5 stars 5
Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic- and lemon-infused oil is a simple yet elegant appetizer.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball

Rating: 4.5 stars 4
Sweet pear, salty Cheddar cheese and crunchy nuts make this healthy cheese ball recipe an alluring holiday treat. Serve with an array of crudités and crisp party crackers.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Chile-Lime Peanuts

Rating: 2.5 stars 5
These spicy nuts were inspired by ones sold by street vendors across Mexico. If you can only find salted peanuts, omit the added salt. Add the maximum amount of cayenne pepper if you want an extra hit of spice.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Slow-Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

Rating: 5 stars 1
This creamy, crowd-pleasing dip comes together with ease in your crock pot. Leave it in the slow cooker all party long to keep it warm for serving with perfect, melty cheese in every bite. Whole-wheat bread and raw veggie dippers allow you to dig in without the guilt.
By Carolyn Casner

Caprese Skewers

Rating: 4.5 stars 6
We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Roasted Pears with Brie & Pistachios

Rating: 4.5 stars 2
Roasted pears with Brie and pistachios is delicious as a first course or a side with roast pork or lamb. Leave the stems on for the prettiest presentation.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Cured or Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter

Rating: 4 stars 2
This smoked salmon platter requires little effort but the spread makes a big impression.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Creamy Spinach Dip

Rating: 3 stars 4
Try this light spinach dip made healthier with reduced-fat cream cheese, nonfat yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream. It will save you a whopping 84 calories and 10 grams of fat per serving when compared to traditional versions. Serve it with pita chips and crunchy vegetables or spread it on a sandwich.
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By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

Rating: 5 stars 1
This cheesy dip recipe is lightened up by subbing mashed butternut squash for some of the melted cheese. We also loaded it with chili-spiced caramelized onions. Serve this healthy makeover with tortilla chips or sliced jicama for dipping.
Katie Webster
By Katie Webster
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Inspiration and Ideas

Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizers
Hosting is easy as 1…2…3 with these crowd-pleasing bites.
Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Rating: Unrated 1
This crab-stuffed mushroom recipe is perfect for Christmas, New Year's Eve and other holiday parties or any other time you need a quick and easy appetizer. The filling is light and fresh thanks to hearts of palm, a tender vegetable with a mild flavor (similar to artichokes) that doesn't mask the rich, sweet flavor of fresh crabmeat.
Mini Brie & Apple Quiches
Rating: 3.5 stars 6

We love the way Brie and apples taste together in these mini quiches. Mini phyllo cups make it swift and simple to create an elegant appetizer.