40 Christmas Appetizers You’ll Want on Your Holiday Menu
Looking for the best Christmas appetizer ideas? The holiday season is all about gathering around good food with the people you love. And what better way to kick off Christmas festivities than with an array of savory appetizers that will leave everyone craving more?
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a large holiday bash, this list of 43 Christmas appetizers has something for everyone!
Let’s dive into some festive bites that will make your appetizer spread unforgettable.
Let’s start with these festive boards. We all love making charcuterie boards, especially during the holiday season, because they are quick and easy to make!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
If you’re going for wow factor, the Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is your go-to appetizer. With layers of delicious meats, cheeses, and accompaniments arranged to look like a Christmas tree, this appetizer will steal the show.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board on a Grazing Table
For larger holiday gatherings, a grazing table is always a great idea. But to make it feel even more special, shape a section of your charcuterie spread into a Christmas tree. With meats, cheeses, bread, and an array of dipping sauces, this is perfect for guests who love to sample a little bit of everything. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your holiday table look festive and inviting!
Festive Wreath Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are always a hit, but when they’re arranged in the shape of a Christmas wreath, they become a stunning edible centerpiece! Pile on your favorite cured meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts, then garnish with fresh rosemary for that festive wreath look. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that offers something for everyone.
You might also want to check out this Christmas Charcuterie Board!
Dips, yes, please! I bet you’re looking for these too, and I’ve got you covered. A holiday celebration couldn’t be complete without these dips. They are some of the best appetizers to serve during this season, and this list includes my favorites!
Reindeer Cheese Ball
What’s more fun than food shaped like a reindeer? This delightful cheese ball will bring smiles to the faces of your guests, while also satisfying their taste buds. Creamy and savory, this snack is perfect when served with crackers, veggies, or pretzel sticks. It’s easy to make and even more fun to decorate with pretzel antlers and a cherry tomato for Rudolph’s nose!
Hot Cheesy Bacon Bean Dip
Nothing warms the heart (and stomach) like a rich, cheesy dip! This hot cheesy bacon bean dip is the ultimate comfort food with creamy beans, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Serve with chips or bread, and watch it disappear fast!
Flavorful Viral TikTok Boat Dip
This viral sensation isn’t just for summer – the boat dip is perfect for holiday parties, too! Loaded with creamy cheese, salsa, and spices, it’s an appetizer that keeps guests coming back for more.
Everything Bagel Dip
Bring the flavors of a classic everything bagel to your Christmas party with this tasty dip. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or even veggies for an unexpected holiday twist.
Creamy Spinach Dip
Creamy spinach dip is always a crowd favorite. Serve it warm with a variety of bread, crackers, or veggies, and watch as it quickly becomes the go-to dip of the evening.
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheesy Dip
Who can resist soft, salty pretzels? Pair them with a gooey cheese dip, and you have a winning appetizer that’s perfect for snacking during the holidays.
Cheesy Buffalo Spicy Chicken Dip
This bold, cheesy chicken dip brings the heat with its spicy flavor profile. It’s a creamy, cheesy dip with just enough kick to warm up any winter evening.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Slow cookers make holiday hosting a breeze, and this spinach artichoke dip is no exception. Creamy, cheesy, and full of veggies, it’s a dip everyone will love.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Creamy, smoky, and full of flavor, this smoked salmon dip is a luxurious addition to your Christmas spread. Serve with crackers or bread for a fancy yet effortless snack.
You’ll also want to check out this Caramelized Onion Dip and this Lemony Whipped Feta Dip. They’re sure to be a hit at your holiday party too.
Pinwheels are also the best food appetizer, and the lists below are packed with delicious options that will delight your guests at any gathering!
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Creamy chicken, cheese, and bacon wrapped up in a tortilla – what’s not to love? These pinwheels are perfect for grazing and bursting with flavor. You can even make them ahead of time, which is a holiday hosting win!
Southwest Chicken Pinwheels
If you like a little spice, these Southwest chicken pinwheels will be a hit. With tangy flavors from salsa and a hint of lime, they’re a zesty addition to your Christmas table.
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
For a touch of elegance, smoked salmon pinwheels are the way to go. The combination of cream cheese, fresh dill, and thinly sliced salmon rolled into bite-sized morsels will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
For those who like a little heat, jalapeno popper pinwheels bring the perfect amount of spice. Cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon are rolled up for a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer that will light up your holiday spread.
Big Mac Pinwheels
Get ready for a flavor-packed bite with these Big Mac-inspired pinwheels. With ground beef, pickles, cheese, and that famous sauce, they’re a fun take on a classic burger.
Want more Christmas appetizers? Of course, I still have more here! These bite-sized appetizers below are perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your guests with their festive flavors and delightful presentations!
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
This recipe is super simple, but it packs a punch with juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and a caramelized touch of brown sugar.
BLT Phyllo Party Bites
Take the classic BLT to the next level with these crispy phyllo bites. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy, salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce – all in a delightful pastry shell.
Bacon and Cheese Potato Slices
If you’re looking for a hearty appetizer, try these bacon and cheese potato slices. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they’re topped with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, making them the ultimate comfort food snack.
Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini
Crunchy crostini topped with rich pimento cheese and crispy bacon make for a satisfying savory bite that’s sure to be a hit. It’s an easy recipe with a big flavor payoff!
Ham and Cheese Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs get a holiday upgrade with the addition of ham and cheese. These little bites are creamy, salty, and full of festive flair. Perfect for popping!
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Celery
If you want something crunchy and satisfying, bacon and cheese stuffed celery is the answer. The creamy cheese filling combined with crispy bacon bits makes this a light but flavorful option.
Bacon-Topped BLT Crostini
Another BLT-inspired bite, but this time on crunchy crostini topped with plenty of cheese and bacon. It’s the perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy savory cravings.
Mini Baked Potato Bites
Who doesn’t love loaded potatoes? These mini baked potato bites are topped with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, giving all the classic loaded potato flavors in a single bite.
Luxurious Caprese Skewers
Keep it fresh with caprese skewers. These mini skewers feature juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze – a simple, yet elegant addition to your holiday table.
Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos
Irish nachos are a fun, cheesy alternative to the traditional variety. Made with thinly sliced potatoes instead of tortilla chips, they’re loaded with gooey cheese, bacon, and jalapenos – perfect for a holiday twist.
Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers
Looking for a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste? These mini peppers stuffed with cheesy bacon filling are just the ticket. They’re full of flavor without all the carbs.
Cheesy Tomato Focaccia Rolls
Focaccia bread gets a cheesy makeover in these tomato-filled rolls. They’re soft, warm, and bursting with cheesy goodness – a perfect addition to any holiday table.
Three Cheese Mini Quiches
Quiches are a classic appetizer, and these mini versions are made with three kinds of cheese for a savory, indulgent treat. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go holiday snack.
Buttery Ritz Ham Sandwiches
Simple yet satisfying, these buttery ham sandwiches are made with Ritz crackers for a fun twist on the usual sandwich. They’re buttery, salty, and perfect for a quick holiday bite.
Flaky Mini Piggies in a Blanket
No holiday party is complete without pigs in a blanket! These flaky mini versions are a fun twist on a classic appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These little bites are made with tart cranberries, creamy brie, and flaky pastry, making them the perfect balance of sweet and savory for the holidays.
These lists of wonton cups below are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for any holiday celebration.
Pizza Wonton Cups
Pizza in a bite-sized cup? Yes, please! These pizza wonton cups combine all your favorite pizza flavors (think marinara, cheese, and pepperoni) in a crispy wonton shell. They’re as cute as they are tasty!
Loaded Tater Cups
Loaded with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, these tater cups are a bite-sized version of a baked potato. They’re warm, filling, and oh-so-satisfying!
Taco Wonton Cups
These taco wonton cups are packed with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and toppings, all in a crispy wonton shell. They’re the perfect size for snacking and bursting with flavor.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Wonton Cups
Another wonton cup recipe, but this time with cheesy ranch chicken! These are creamy, cheesy, and full of ranch flavor – a guaranteed hit at your holiday gathering.
Looking for sliders for an appetizer? These two below are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with flavor and served in bite-sized portions, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests!
Cheeseburger Sliders
Mini cheeseburgers, but make them festive! These sliders are juicy, cheesy, and easy to assemble, making them a great option for feeding a crowd.
Sloppy Joe Enchilada Sliders
These Tex-Mex sliders combine the flavors of sloppy joes and enchiladas in one delicious bite. They’re bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
As you dive into the holiday season, I hope these savory Christmas appetizers inspire you to create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Each bite is a little piece of joy that brings everyone together, whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy get-together with friends.
So, grab your favorite recipes, put on some festive tunes, and let the magic of the season fill your home with laughter and delicious flavors. Happy cooking, and cheers to a joyful holiday season filled with good food and even better company!
In search of festive Christmas treats?
If you’re on the hunt for delightful Christmas treats, be sure to explore these 70+ Festive Christmas Treats that will sweeten your holiday season, along with these adorable Reindeer Treats to add a touch of merriment to your celebrations!
