13 Appetizers That Brought Cousins Together Without a Fight

Holiday gatherings can get loud, but the right appetizers can keep everyone focused on the food instead of old arguments. These 13 recipes are easy to share, easy to like, and hard to stop eating. They work well for a mix of ages and tastes, which helps keep things calm. When the snacks are this solid, everyone finds something to agree on.

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato burrata salad takes just 10 minutes and combines fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, basil, and olive oil. The flavor is mild, fresh, and balanced with a bit of acid from the tomatoes. It’s a cold appetizer that feels light but still satisfying. It’s one of those plates that disappears without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

My homemade mushroom savoury pastries take about 45 minutes and are filled with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. The pastry is crisp while the filling is earthy and rich. They’re bite-sized and easy to share, which makes them perfect for a group. No one’s arguing when the tray’s gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: My Homemade Mushroom Savoury Pastries

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Steamed artichokes with spicy peach mango sauce take around 1 hour including prep. They’re served with a fruity, spicy dipping sauce made from peach preserves, mango, and chili flakes. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and just a little hot. They’re interactive enough to keep hands busy and arguments at bay.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Roasted eggplant and tomato dip takes about 45 minutes and uses eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and spices. The dip is thick, smoky, and full of flavor. It’s traditionally Moroccan and works great with pita or crackers. When it’s on the table, people focus more on scooping than squabbling.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked butternut squash chips take 30 minutes and use thinly sliced squash, olive oil, and salt. They come out crisp around the edges with a slightly sweet flavor. They’re a simple snack that’s easy to grab by the handful. Nobody fights when everyone’s chewing.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Homemade butternut squash ravioli takes about 1 hour and uses fresh pasta dough, roasted squash, ricotta, and nutmeg. The flavor is soft, sweet, and lightly savory. Served in small portions, they work well as a warm appetizer. They’re rich enough to quiet a table for a few peaceful bites.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Air fryer jalapeño poppers with bacon are ready in about 25 minutes. They’re made with jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon for a creamy, spicy, and salty bite. The balance of heat and richness keeps people coming back for more. They disappear fast and keep cousin competition to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegan tofu stuffed mushrooms take 40 minutes and feature mushrooms, seasoned tofu, onions, and breadcrumbs. The texture is tender and satisfying with a mix of umami and herby flavors. They’re completely plant-based but don’t feel like a compromise. They’re a solid choice when everyone needs something to agree on.
Get the Recipe: My Favorite Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Loaded bruschetta takes about 20 minutes and tops crusty bread with tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta. It’s fresh, a little salty, and perfect at room temperature. Every bite offers crunch and flavor without being too filling. It’s easy to serve, easy to eat, and never causes drama.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta Recipe

Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Sweet potato guacamole bacon bites take about 45 minutes and use roasted sweet potato rounds, mashed avocado, and crispy bacon. The taste is sweet, smoky, and creamy all in one. They’re small enough to eat in one bite, no forks required. People pass them around without even thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites

Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Vegetarian seven layer dip takes 15 minutes and includes refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, cheese, olives, and green onions. The flavor is creamy, tangy, and bold with every scoop. Served with chips, it’s a crowd pleaser that doesn’t leave anyone out. Sharing a bowl means fewer disagreements and more dipping.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Seven Layer Dip

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Sweet potato fritters take about 35 minutes and come with a sauce made from honey, vinegar, and chili flakes. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside with a balance of sweet and heat. The fritters are easy to grab and dip. When they’re hot and ready, nobody wants to argue.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Vegan eggplant parmesan stacks take around 1 hour using eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and dairy-free cheese. The texture is soft and layered, with a baked, saucy bite in each piece. They’re hearty enough to feel like a small meal. Everyone’s too busy grabbing seconds to bring up old arguments.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks