I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Christmas parties are all about the food, and appetizers set the tone for the whole night. You can wow your guests with tasty bites that are easy to make and fun to eat. From cheese balls to meatballs, there’s something for everyone.
The best Christmas appetizers are festive, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Think colorful veggie platters, savory dips, and bite-sized snacks that can be made ahead. This lets you spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Cheese Board
You’ll need:
- 8 oz brie
- 8 oz manchego cheese
- 6 oz smoked provolone
- 6 oz Pepper Jack
- Assorted crackers
- Fresh fruit (apples, grapes)
- Rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Slice the manchego and provolone thinly.
Cut the Pepper Jack into small cubes.
Arrange cheeses on a large board in a tree shape.
Place crackers between cheese sections.
Add fresh fruit for color and flavor.
Tuck rosemary sprigs around the edges for a festive touch.
Include a small knife for the brie.
Serve immediately and enjoy with friends!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients:
- Dates (pitted)
- Bacon strips
- Goat cheese or blue cheese
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the dates lengthwise and stuff them with cheese.
Cut bacon strips in half.
Wrap each stuffed date with a piece of bacon.
Secure the bacon with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped dates on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm with bread, crackers, or veggies for dipping.
Deviled Eggs
You’ll need:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
- Optional: chopped chives or red pepper flakes
Instructions:
Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 12 minutes.
Transfer eggs to an ice bath. Peel when cool.
Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolks into a bowl.
Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the mixture back into egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika and optional toppings.
Chill until ready to serve. Enjoy your festive deviled eggs!
Pigs In A Blanket
You’ll need:
- 1 package mini hot dogs
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- Dijon mustard
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
Heat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Cut the crescent roll dough into thin strips.
Brush each strip with a bit of Dijon mustard.
Wrap a strip around each mini hot dog.
Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These tasty bites are perfect for your Christmas party! Kids and adults alike will love them. You can arrange them in a circle to make a festive wreath shape on your serving platter.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
- 4 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 3 tbsp chopped pistachios
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Cut puff pastry into small squares and press into muffin cups.
Place a small piece of brie in each cup.
Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Top each bite with cranberry sauce and pistachios.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Meatballs (Cranberry Or BBQ)
You’ll need:
- 1 bag frozen meatballs
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce
Instructions:
Pour frozen meatballs into your slow cooker.
Mix cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a bowl.
Pour sauce mixture over meatballs.
Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm with toothpicks.
For spicier meatballs, use a hot BBQ sauce. You can also make these on the stovetop – just simmer for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Shrimp Cocktail
You’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Water for boiling
- Salt
- Ice water bath
- Cocktail sauce
To make:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and plunge into ice water bath.
Drain shrimp and pat dry.
Chill shrimp in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Serve cold with cocktail sauce for dipping.
Stuffed Mushrooms
You’ll need:
- 24 large mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
Mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
Place mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your tasty stuffed mushrooms!
Antipasto Skewers
Ingredients:
- 30 slices salami
- 30 cherry tomatoes
- 30 mini mozzarella balls
- 30 olives (mix of green and black)
- 15 artichoke hearts, halved
- 15 cherry peppers, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- 6-inch wooden skewers
- Italian dressing
Instructions:
Thread ingredients onto skewers, alternating colors and textures.
Arrange skewers in a circular wreath pattern on a large platter.
Brush with Italian dressing for extra flavor.
Tuck fresh basil leaves between skewers for a pop of green.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Enjoy your festive and tasty Christmas appetizer!
Caprese Skewers
You’ll need:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Cut mozzarella into small cubes if not using pre-made balls.
Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Toss mozzarella in the seasoned oil mixture.
Thread a mozzarella ball, folded basil leaf, and cherry tomato onto each toothpick.
Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
For extra flavor, you can drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving. Enjoy your festive and tasty Christmas appetizer!
Jalapeño Poppers
You’ll need:
• 12 jalapeño peppers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes.
Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon in a bowl.
Spoon mixture into jalapeño halves.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy appetizers!
Baked Brie
You’ll need:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern.
Mix the cranberry sauce and honey in a small bowl.
Spread the mixture over the top of the Brie.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Add a sprig of rosemary for decoration.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with crackers or sliced baguette. Enjoy your tasty appetizer!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients:
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 bacon slices, halved
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Pat scallops dry with paper towels. Mix them with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack on a baking sheet.
Arrange wrapped scallops on the rack. Bake for 15-17 minutes, turning halfway through.
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp up the bacon.
Remove toothpicks before serving. Enjoy your tasty bacon-wrapped scallops!
Vegetable Platter With Dip
Ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Cucumber slices
- Carrot sticks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Bell pepper strips (red and yellow)
- Snap peas
- Cauliflower florets
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dip
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Wash and chop all veggies.
Arrange veggies on a large round platter in a wreath shape.
Place a small bowl of dip in the center.
Sprinkle chopped cilantro on the dip if desired.
Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 12 mini sweet peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cut peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds.
Mix cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Spoon mixture into pepper halves.
Arrange peppers on a baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your festive appetizer!
Mini Quiches
You’ll need:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- Optional fillings: cooked bacon, spinach, mushrooms, or diced ham
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
Cut the pie crusts into circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Press each circle into a muffin cup.
Mix eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Sprinkle cheese and your chosen fillings into each crust.
Pour the egg mixture into each cup, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and set.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your tasty mini quiches!
Roasted Garlic Hummus
You’ll need:
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 2-3 ice cubes
Instructions:
Cut the top off the garlic head. Drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 375°F for 1 hour.
Let the garlic cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cumin, and ice cubes in a food processor for 5 minutes.
Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth.
Taste and add more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top. Enjoy your homemade roasted garlic hummus!
Tomato And Avocado Bruschetta
Ingredients:
- 1/2 loaf French bread, sliced
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Mash the avocados in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread.
Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Garnish with torn basil leaves.
Serve immediately and enjoy your tasty appetizer!
Crab Cakes
You’ll love these tasty crab cakes for your Christmas appetizers! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix crab, breadcrumbs, mayo, egg, mustard, Old Bay, and parsley in a bowl.
Form into 12 small patties.
Chill patties for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook crab cakes 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges.
Enjoy your delicious homemade crab cakes!
Sweet Potato Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Top with marshmallows and pecans.
Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until marshmallows are lightly browned.
Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Christmas appetizer!
Marinated Olives
You’ll need:
- 2 cans jumbo black olives, drained
- 3-4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon zest, chili flakes, fresh herbs
Instructions:
Put drained olives in a zip-top bag.
Add grated garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Seal the bag and shake well to mix.
Let marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Serve at room temperature as a tasty appetizer.
For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest, chili flakes, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Enjoy your easy, budget-friendly holiday snack!
Garlic Breadsticks
You’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Melted butter
Instructions:
Mix flour and yeast in a bowl.
Add warm water, honey, and olive oil. Stir until crumbly.
Knead the dough for 7-8 minutes.
Let it rise for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and cut into strips.
Twist each strip and place on a baking sheet.
Bake at 375°F for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Serve warm and enjoy your tasty garlic breadsticks!
Chicken Satay Skewers
You’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
Instructions:
Mix coconut milk, soy sauce, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, and brown sugar in a bowl.
Add chicken strips to the marinade. Let it sit for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Thread chicken onto skewers.
Grill over medium heat for 7-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Serve hot with peanut sauce for dipping.
Cucumber Sandwiches
You’ll need:
- White bread slices
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh dill
- Cucumber
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix cream cheese, mayo, and chopped dill in a bowl.
Spread mixture on bread slices.
Thinly slice cucumber and layer on top.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cut sandwiches into triangles or small squares.
Chill until ready to serve.