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, for me, has always been about feeding the people I love — and appetizers are my secret weapon for keeping everyone happy while the real feast is still in the works. I picked these recipes because they’re the kind of bites I always come back to during the holidays: easy to make, full of flavour, and guaranteed to disappear fast. There’s a mix of nostalgic classics (hello, pigs in a blanket and French onion dip) and a few special ones that feel a bit more dressed up, like oysters with Vietnamese dressing. I’ve included a variety to suit different tastes and dietary needs—because nothing makes me happier than seeing everyone around the table, eating well and feeling included.
👉 Check out my other collections: 🫒 vegetarian appetizers, 🍣 Asian appetizers, 🌮 Mexican appetizers, 🍤 seafood appetizers, 🧀 French appetizers, 🇮🇳 Indian appetizers, 🧆 Mediterranean appetizers, ☀️summer appetizers, 🍗Paleo appetizers, 🛞 pinwheel sandwiches, 🥐 puff pastry appetizers, ☃️ Christmas charcuterie board ideas, and these unique charcuterie board ideas.
Must-Try Christmas Appetizers
Caprese Wreath
This Caprese appetizer 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, yum!
Corn Fritters With Whipped Feta
These mini corn fritters are 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. These Buffalo deviled eggs are creamy, tangy, with just the right amount of kick.
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. 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.
Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cottage Cheese
My buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese is creamy, spicy, and dangerously scoopable—the kind of party food people hover around. It’s high in protein, lighter than most cheesy dips, and just the right mix of tangy and rich. Great for low-carb or high-protein diets!
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 & Avocado Taco Cups
This shrimp and avocado appetizer is like perfect for any gathering where you want to wow your guests. Crisp tortilla cups filled with creamy guacamole, spiced shrimp, and a zesty Tex-Mex cocktail sauce. You can also check out my grilled shrimp served with three dipping sauces recipe.
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. Check out these Vietnamese oysters here.
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 skewers marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs served on skewers. These are quick, healthy, and an excellent option for seafood lovers.
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.
Smoked Salmon Dip
My go-to holiday spread has to be this smoked salmon dip. It’s creamy, smoky, and feels way fancier than the effort it takes to make. Serve it with crackers or veggie sticks and watch it disappear faster than the Christmas cookies.
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.
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.
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.
Save These Christmas Appetizers To Pinterest
Comment or Rate This Recipe
Made the recipe? Please leave a rating as it helps other readers to discover this dish. You don’t need to leave a comment if rating a recipe, unless it’s 3 stars or below.
Comments
0 Comments