Looking for the best Christmas appetizers to make your holiday gathering extra festive? From classic favorites like shrimp cocktail and deviled eggs to creative bites like smoked salmon blinis and goat cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, this list has it all.
Christmas is the time to bring everyone together over delicious food, and appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleasers for any holiday celebration. That’s why I’ve rounded up a collection of the best Christmas appetizers that will have your guests raving all night. Whether you’re into classic crowd-pleasers like pigs in a blanket and French onion dip or want to try something a little fancier like oysters with Vietnamese dressing, there’s something here for every style and flavor preference.
Must-Try Appetizers To Serve This Christmas
This collection is packed with festive options that are easy to make but guaranteed to impress. You’ll find everything from creamy cheese balls and mini quiches to shrimp skewers and cranberry cocktail meatballs. These appetizers are not only delicious but also help set the tone for a memorable evening. I’ve included recipes that suit various dietary preferences, so whether your guests love seafood, prefer vegetarian bites, or want gluten-free options, you’re covered. Happy holiday hosting!
Caprese Wreath
This Caprese wreath is a fresh and festive twist on the classic Italian salad, arranged in a wreath shape for maximum holiday vibes. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, make it almost too pretty to eat.
Corn Fritters With Whipped Feta
Crispy, golden corn fritters served with tangy, creamy whipped feta are an irresistible combo. These are great for finger food, and they bring a touch of summer sweetness to your winter table.
Savory Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball loaded with sharp cheddar, green onions, and a hint of Worcestershire for that extra zing. It’s a showstopper on any appetizer table and easy to whip up in minutes. Serve with crackers and watch it disappear. Recipe from Oh Sweet Basil.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
This cheese ball combines creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible sweet-savory combo. It’s festive, colorful, and practically begs to be the centerpiece of your Christmas spread. Recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Buffalo Deviled Eggs With Crispy Bacon
Classic deviled eggs get a bold makeover with spicy buffalo sauce and a topping of crispy bacon. They’re creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of kick for your holiday crowd.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
These fun and festive deviled eggs are jazzed up with a sprinkle of Christmas spirit, thanks to creative toppings like paprika, chives, and pimentos. They’re quick to make and bring cheer to the table. Recipe from Best Appetizers.
Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
Turn your deviled eggs into edible holiday decorations! With dill “branches” and star-shaped toppings, these Christmas tree deviled eggs are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Recipe from The Food in My Beard.
Mini Quiches
Buttery, flaky crusts filled with creamy egg custard and a variety of mix-ins like cheese, veggies, or bacon make these mini quiches a crowd-pleaser. They’re bite-sized, delicious, and perfect for mingling. Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Garlic Bread
This pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree is as tasty as it is festive! Fluffy rolls stuffed with gooey cheese and brushed with garlic butter will be a hit on any appetizer table. Recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Christmas Sausage Rolls
These golden, flaky sausage rolls are stuffed with spiced sausage meat, perfect for a savory snack or a make-ahead party appetizer. They’re simple yet irresistibly delicious. Recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Warm, melty brie topped with tangy cranberry sauce and wrapped in golden puff pastry—this appetizer screams holiday indulgence. It’s elegant, gooey, and effortlessly impressive. Recipe from Downshiftology.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
Flaky puff pastry swirls filled with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs make for an easy yet flavorful bite-sized treat. These are sophisticated but not fussy. Recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
These Mexican shrimp cocktail cups are like a party in a glass—juicy shrimp tossed with tangy tomato sauce, crunchy veggies, and zesty lime. Serve it in individual cups for a colorful and flavorful appetizer. You can also check out my grilled shrimp served with three dipping sauces recipe. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy, so there’s something for everyone.
Shrimp Cocktail
A classic crowd-pleaser, shrimp cocktail is always a hit at holiday parties. Served with a zesty, tangy homemade cocktail sauce, it’s fresh, light, and quick to assemble. Recipe from Foodie Crush.
Vietnamese Oysters With Zesty Dressing
Fresh oysters dressed with a tangy, zippy Vietnamese-inspired sauce are a bold and refreshing choice for your Christmas spread.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Juicy, tender mushrooms stuffed with a cheesy, garlicky filling and baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized beauties are always a crowd favorite at holiday gatherings. Recipe from Downshiftology.
Cloud Bread Blinis with Smoked Salmon
Light and airy cloud bread topped with rich smoked salmon make these gluten-free blinis a stunning addition to your appetizer table. They’re unique, festive, and delicious.
Smoked Salmon Blinis
Delicate smoked salmon on top of fluffy, buttery blinis with a dollop of cream cheese or crème fraîche is pure Christmas luxury. These are elegant, easy, and perfect for mingling. Recipe from Jo Cooks.
Antipasto Skewers
Mini skewers loaded with a colorful array of cured meats, cheese, olives, and veggies. They’re easy to assemble, full of flavor, and make snacking a breeze. Recipe from Hungry Healthy Happy.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Perfectly grilled shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs served on skewers. These are quick, healthy, and an excellent option for seafood lovers. Recipe from Wholesome Yum.
Pigs in a Blanket
Juicy sausages wrapped in buttery puff pastry make these pigs in a blanket an irresistible classic. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a brush of honey for extra flair. Recipe from Kitchen Sanctuary.
Goat Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Rosemary Honey
Sweet, savory, and smoky—these goat cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in crispy bacon are little flavor bombs that never last long. Recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
French Onion Dip
This creamy, rich dip made with caramelized onions is a step above the store-bought kind. Serve it with crispy chips or veggie sticks for a nostalgic yet elevated snack. Recipe from Feasting at Home.
Beet Hummus
Vibrantly pink and packed with earthy flavors, beet hummus is a show-stopping, healthy addition to your appetizer lineup. Serve with pita chips or veggies for dipping. Recipe from Waves in the Kitchen.
Whipped Feta with Tomatoes & Garlic
Creamy whipped feta topped with sweet roasted tomatoes and garlicky olive oil is a flavorful spread for crackers or crusty bread. It’s indulgent yet simple.
Whipped Goat Cheese with Bacon & Dates
Creamy goat cheese paired with crispy, caramelized candied bacon is an appetizer that will have your guests swooning. Sweet, salty, and rich—it’s a flavor-packed treat. Recipe from Half Baked Harvest.
Cocktail Meatballs
These glazed cranberry meatballs are smothered in a rich, tangy sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. They’re juicy, flavorful, and will disappear fast, so you might want to make extra!
Swedish Meatballs
Classic Swedish meatballs in a creamy, rich gravy are cozy and satisfying. They’re great for parties and pair perfectly with toothpicks for easy serving. Recipe from Once Upon a Chef.
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Crispy crostini topped with creamy spread, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of fresh dill—these are as beautiful as they are delicious. A classic, elegant Christmas appetizer. Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Fluffy whipped ricotta spread over toasted bread and topped with honey, herbs, or roasted veggies is a simple yet irresistible option for your Christmas gathering. Recipe from Dang That’s Sweet.
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