Start off your holiday party or Christmas dinner on the right foot with savory treats for guests to snack on as they arrive. Even Santa thinks that many of these are better than milk and cookies, and you'll probably find some recipes that you keep coming back to year after year. Prepare several different types of Christmas appetizers so guests have options to choose from and everyone can find something they love.

Parmesan and Artichoke Dip

Bringing a steaming hot dip out of the oven right before your party begins is the perfect way to invite guests over to load up their plates with appetizers. This recipe brings together the sharp flavors of Parmesan cheese and artichoke hearts in an undeniably delicious and creamy dip.

What You Need
• 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. chopped tomatoes
• 1 green onion, sliced
Make It
• HEAT oven to 350ºF.
• MIX first 4 ingredients.
• SPOON into shallow ovenproof dish or 9-inch pie plate.
• BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with tomatoes and onions. Serve with crackers.

Creamy Cheese Truffles

A giant cheese ball doesn't always look appetizing once guests dig in, which is why these holiday cheese truffles are the perfect alternative. The miniature cheese balls are sized so each guest can just put one on her plate and enjoy
the whole thing. The bold flavors and creamy texture are the perfect combination for anyone's taste buds.

What You Need
• 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Dash ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1-2/3 cups chopped pecans
Make It
• BEAT first 4 ingredients with mixer until blended. Divide in half. Add peppers to half, and onions to remaining half; mix each until blended.
• REFRIGERATE several hours or until chilled.
• SHAPE each mixture into 24 (1-inch balls); roll in nuts. Serve with crackers.

Pesto Cream Cheese Tree

Bring on the holiday cheer with this cream cheese dip decorated to look just like a Christmas tree. Unlike frosted sugar cookies, these decorations actually pack a lot of flavor, too. The zesty pesto sauce complements the cream cheese perfectly, and red bell pepper pieces add a splash of color and a little bit of crunchiness to the dip.

What You Need
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1 Tbsp. chopped red peppers
• Cinnamon stick
Make It
• CUT block of cream cheese diagonally in half. Place triangles together to resemble Christmas tree on serving plate. Cover with pesto.
• ADD peppers for the tree ornaments. Insert cinnamon stick at base of triangle for the tree trunk.
• SERVE as a spread for assorted crackers.

Manhattan-Style Meatballs

Get a jump start on your party planning with this make-ahead Christmas appetizer that is a snap to finish cooking on the day of your party. The savory meatballs are substantial enough to be a hit at a cocktail party, or just make one or two for each guest as an appetizer leading up to your traditional Christmas dinner.

What You Need
• 2 lb. ground beef
• 2 cups fresh bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. margarine
• 1 jar (10 oz.) apricot preserves
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Make It
• PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix meat, crumbs, onions, eggs, parsley and salt. Shape into 56 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Brown in margarine in large skillet; drain. Place in 2-qt. casserole dish.
• MIX preserves and barbecue sauce. Pour over meatballs; mix lightly.
• BAKE 30 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Tomato-Garlic Dip

This cold dip gets better as it sits, so you should definitely make it the day before your gathering to let the flavors meld. Its colors are perfect for the season, with the bright red tomatoes and green chives mixed throughout. Make sure to have the recipe handy for all the guests who request it!

What You Need
• 1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Make It
• MIX ingredients until well blended.
• SERVE with crackers and cut-up fresh vegetables.