Irresistible Individual Appetizers, Sides, and Desserts for Holiday Meals

Everyone loves fondue, but this is not the year for communal dipping. Instead, skip the shared dipping pot and portion cheese into one-bite bread cups.

A mini cup of shrimp-and-sausage gravy is a delicious appetizer all on its own, but when served with refreshing pickled crudité and a mini biscuit (ideal for soaking up the last bits of gravy), this is a bite your loved ones will be glad they don't have to share.

These fun-sized smashed spuds just might be the ultimate appetizer. They're crispy on the edges, fluffy and tender in the center, and topped with the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato. Feeling extra fancy? Top them with minced chives and caviar instead.

Short on time? Grab a pack of smoked salmon at the store and you're more than halfway to an elegant app. In lieu of the traditional smoked fish spread, consider a canapé version this year instead.

Individual side dishes are cute and delicious as these gratins prove. They're pretty as can be when layered up and baked in muffin cups; the humble potato once again proves how versatile it can be. Make as is or use this recipe as a blueprint and swap in your favorite gratin recipe.

Stuffing is taken quite literally in this pre-portioned side dish when it fills the center of these jewel-like red onions. It's a beautiful and delicious accompaniment to a variety of holiday roasts, from turkey to ham to prime rib.

Avoid playing oven Tetris this year by skipping the dinner rolls and making popovers instead. These pint-sized savory puddings can be made while the roast is resting.

Make everyone feel like they are the guest of honor by giving them their own ramekin of bubbly mac-and-cheese. This recipe allows you to plan ahead—you can make, portion, and freeze them up to three months in advance!

Sweet, savory, and just plain adorable when baked in a muffin tin, these kugel muffins are a must-try side for this year's Hannukah celebrations.

And for dessert? Pistachios are a great way to bring the colors of Christmas to your food in a natural way. These mini Bundt cakes are delicately flavored with pistachios and orange blossom water, and they're positively brimming with holiday spirit.

Welcome citrus season and celebrate the holidays with these sunny tartlets. The press-in crust makes assembly a breeze, while the brûléed topping is sure to impress. 

A cheesecake you don't have to share? Yes, please! These mini delights keep all of the favorite components of the classic—namely the crisp cookie crust and the melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese filling.

There's no need to buy a stack of special tart pans in order to make these sweet-tart minis—a standard muffin pan will do just fine. 

Is your oven going to be packed to the brim with holiday sides and mains? Serving dessert from the freezer can save the day. These mini trifles have you whip up a light and airy chocolate mousse and layer it into cups with store-bought angel food cake for extra ease. 

Personalized by design, parfaits are a great (read: super easy) dessert to serve at a holiday gathering. The key to a successful parfait is to have plenty of different textures so the bites never become boring. Here, we layer ripe pears with clouds of mascarpone whipped cream, chewy candied ginger, and crunchy gingersnap cookies.