Kristin Maxwell
Published on
37 Festive Christmas Appetizers
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Start your holiday off right with these festive Christmas Appetizers. Food is a huge part of the holiday season, and it’s even better when the food matches the mood. Choose your favorites from this list of 37 appetizers, dips, finger foods, and bite-sized snacks.
Whether it’s a Christmas cheese ball or a Christmas tree appetizer you’re looking for, here you’ll find over 30 different deliciously satisfying appetizers to help set the mood for your holiday party or Christmas Dinner.
Table of Contents
My Top Picks
I am an equal opportunity appetizer connoisseur, but I do have my favorites. These are my Top 5 Favorite Christmas Appetizers, and the ones I include on my Christmas menu almost every year. My family loves them too, so I make them whether we have guests or not!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip is a super creamy and cheesy appetizer dip to serve at parties or just for when you’re craving something really sinful!
Antipasto Skewers
Easy to make Antipasto Skewers are like pasta salad on a stick! Made with salami, olives, artichokes, cheese, tortellini and fresh basil.
Christmas Tree Fruit and Cheese Platter
An adorably festive fruit and cheese tray, made in the shape of a Christmas tree that's perfect for holiday parties!
Goat Cheese & Marinara Dip
Creamy, rich goat cheese is the perfect contrast to the bright, acidic tomatoes in this outrageously delicious baked dip, served with crispy homemade Crostini.
Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Little smokies sausages wrapped in crescent dough and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning.
Easy Christmas Appetizers
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a sweet and tangy bite-sized appetizer. Creamy baked brie in a flaky crescent roll cup topped with sweet cranberry orange sauce.
Mozzarella Bruschetta
Mozzarella Bruschetta is a delicious, easy appetizer that everyone will love. Top grilled slices of baguette with fresh mozzarella, and a fresh, savory tomato salad. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a lovely tang and brightness to the dish.
Spicy Hot Italian Sausage Dip
My Spicy Italian Sausage Dip is so creamy and delicious, made with spicy sausage and 3 types of cheese and lots of spicy elements. This is the perfect appetizer for game day or holiday parties.
Cheesy Hot Corn Dip
This Cheesy Hot Corn Dip is a creamy, cheesy delicious dip that’s perfect for all your summer parties. It’s great for tailgating, too!
Baked Brie with Jam Recipe
Baked Brie with Jam is a beautiful appetizer that's perfect for parties. Made with Brie cheese, fig jam and walnuts baked in puff pastry.
Stuffed Mushrooms
These Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect for every get-together, from the swankiest shindig to football Sunday! Loaded with gooey cheese, spicy sausage, and tons of savory flavor, these easy-to-make two-bite wonders will be gone in a flash!
Spicy Barbecue Grape Jelly Meatballs
Easy, spicy BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs made on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.
Rotel Dip
With only three ingredients, this quick and easy Rotel Dip will be a favorite at any party. The perfect blend of cheesy, spicy goodness, this dip always gets eaten quickly.
Spicy Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
An easy 3-ingredient appetizer recipe for cranberry bbq meatballs made with cranberry sauce, spicy bbq sauce, and fresh or frozen meatballs.
Cranberry Chicken Puffs
Cranberry Chicken Puffs with chicken, cranberries and cheese, wrapped in pillowy soft crescent dough are a perfect easy appetizer or dinner.
Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno are stuffed with a cream cheese and bacon and a crispy breadcrumb topping. They are hand held and bite sized, the perfect appetizer for any occasion!
Pesto Bruschetta
Pesto Bruschetta combines three of my favorite things – juicy tomatoes, rich, creamy pesto and toasty bread for a tasty and unique appetizer.
Bruschetta
This Tomato Bruschetta Recipe is bursting with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic, all piled on crisp, toasted bread for a delicious, classic appetizer.
Bacon Crackers
Sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy, these candied Bacon Crackers are the perfect appetizer. Made with just 5 ingredients that are more than the sum of their parts, this easy appetizer recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are the sweet and savory snack that are deliciously addictive and perfect for game day!
Meatball Poppers with Simple Marinara Sauce
If you love meatballs, you’ll love this easy Meatball Marinara Poppers Appetizer. Homemade or frozen meatballs are topped with a delicious homemade marinara sauce that is simple to make and full of flavor. It’s a great appetizer for the holidays!
Make Ahead Appetizers
These are the Christmas Day time savers that you can make ahead of time. Sometimes just prepping all of the ingredients is all it takes, and sometimes you can prep the entire dish and just reheat to serve. Either way, these appetizers will save you time in the kitchen so you can enjoy time with your guests.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is made with just 7 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of active time, for a creamy, spicy and tangy appetizer.
Winter Salad
This Winter Salad is hearty, delicious and full of rich, earthy texture and flavors. A tangy homemade vinaigrette adds a smooth, tart finish.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer with flavorful, poached shrimp served with cocktail sauce that is party ready in less than 20 minutes.
Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels
My Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels make a deliciously perfect holiday party appetizer. They are super easy to whip up – sweetened cream cheese, dried cranberries, fresh rosemary and crunchy walnuts are combined and stuffed into soft flour tortillas for an irresistible snack!
Olive Cheese Ball with Parmesan Toasted Walnuts
This Olive Cheese Ball with Parmesan Toasted Walnuts is fun and festive appetizer for the holidays. With loads of cheeses and salty olives, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser!
Veggie Tray
The best veggie tray is full of colorful vegetables, and a variety of flavorful dips. A vegetable tray is a must have at parties!
Frozen Fruit Cups
Frozen fruit cups are a classic, refreshing snack with loads of fruit suspended in an icy slush. With oranges, pineapple, peaches and bananas.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Smoked Salmon Dip is a creamy, elegant appetizer with just a few simple ingredients. This crowd-pleasing dip is as easy as it is delicious!
Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
A Bacon Ranch Cheeseball is the perfect party appetizer. A cheese ball is easy to make, tastes amazing and is a real crowd pleaser.
Greek Salsa
Greek Salsa is a fun twist on everyone’s favorite snack! It’s light, fresh, and super addictive, but also totally easy to make!
Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
This Easy Cream Cheese Fruit Dip has so simple and so delicious. With just 3 ingredients it whips up in minutes making it perfect for snack or dessert.
Antipasto Platter
Learn how to assemble an epic antipasto platter with some simple tips. It's an easy customized and beautiful appetizer meat and cheese board.
Roasted Grapes
Roasted grapes are an impressive, sophisticated appetizer that can be ready in about 40 minutes.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Creamy, fresh cheese, and an herb and garlic-studded olive oil combine forces in this simple recipe for Marinated Mozzarella Balls.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs recipe with smoked paprika makes the perfect appetizer or side dish.
Whether you are hosting a big gathering or keeping it low-key with your family, I hope that you found something on this list to satisfy your cravings.
Need help with the main meal? Check out 60 Best Christmas Side Dishes! Making Christmas Cookies? I’ve got a huge list of 50+ Festive Christmas Cookies to make.
For more festive holiday recipes, check out my round-up of 25+ Easy Christmas Treats.
Hi there
Looking for a Christmas Cider Gift idea for about 20 people.
Thanks
Anne
Love it Kristen!!!.. Happy Holidays.