77 Yummy Christmas Appetizer Ideas for Hungry Guests in 2024

Infuse some big flavors into your holiday season with these Christmas appetizer ideas. The holiday season is the perfect time to spend with family and friends, so why not dazzle your guests with a delicious appetizer spread? Whether you’re hosting guests before, during or after the holiday, you can offer a variety of dishes.

So, what are 3 food items that are popular for Christmas dinner? Honey-glazed ham, scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole are popular traditional Christmas dishes, according to AllRecipes. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to serve these exact dishes along with your Christmas appetizer ideas. You can serve a version of them or create a new menu entirely. 

What’s great about Christmas appetizer ideas is that they can be an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. You can try new flavor combinations, play with textures and make updated adaptions of your favorite holiday classics. Wow your guests at a Christmas party or craft some dishes for opening presents. We have rounded up 77 Christmas appetizer ideas that are sure to have you and your guests going back for seconds.

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• Easy Christmas Appetizers
• Traditional Christmas Appetizers
• Elegant Christmas Appetizers
• Cold Christmas Appetizers
• Warm Christmas Appetizers

Easy Christmas Appetizers

1. Turkey Meatballs

If you’re looking for easy Christmas appetizer ideas that will please a crowd, turkey meatballs are the way to go. These appetizers are easy to make with ground turkey and seasoning and simple to cook in a hot skillet on the stove. Plus, you can try a variety of sauces to pair with them to give your guests some options.

2. Garlic Knots

These Christmas appetizer ideas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The dough is easy to whip up and has ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. They bake relatively quickly in the oven. Brushed with garlic olive oil and served hot, these will surely be a holiday favorite.

3. Pull Apart Cheese Bread

What is a good snack for a Christmas party? Pull-apart cheese bread will have your guests raving. The best part about these Christmas appetizer ideas is that you can buy a rustic loaf to save you some time. Add in the cheese and herbs before baking and you’ll have an appetizer that comes together in a few minutes before a party.

4. Deviled Eggs

For gatherings of any kind, you can rarely go wrong with deviled eggs. And for many people, these Christmas appetizer ideas are second nature. So, if you’re looking for Christmas party food ideas for a buffet or for Christmas brunch ideas, deviled eggs will always be a popular option. For fun Elf on the Shelf ideas have the little devilish dude sitting in the hollowed out egg, have "eaten" the best part.

5. Buttermilk Biscuits

Guests will love to see buttermilk biscuits or any Christmas cookie ideas during a holiday party. Buttermilk biscuits tend to only take about 35 minutes to cook with simple ingredients you might already have. You can enjoy these Christmas appetizer ideas with butter or jam or even use them in a dish like biscuits and gravy.

6. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

For those looking for a savory and spicy Christmas appetizer idea, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are the perfect option. Simply wrap bacon around cream-cheese stuffed jalapeños and bake. These bite-sized Christmas appetizer ideas have tons of flavor that will be perfect for warming you up in the cold.

7. Christmas Chex Mix

A quick and easy Christmas appetizer idea is a holiday-themed Chex Mix. You can make your own by combining rice Chex with pretzels, red and green M&M’s and other snack foods and melt white chocolate over it. These are the perfect Christmas appetizer ideas to add a little sweetness to a holiday spread.

8. Honey-Glazed Ham and Cheese Sliders

What is a good Christmas Day menu? Many people have honey-glazed ham on Christmas. So, if you’re looking to keep the tradition but try some new Christmas appetizer ideas, consider using the ham to make ham and cheese sliders. Cheddar, Gruyere and Swiss are all great options for these holiday sliders.

9. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo chicken dip is a Christmas appetizer idea that will be a crowd-pleasing hit. Using cream cheese, shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, you can make a contemporary classic served with vegetables and chips for your holiday party.

10. Crab Cake Bites

Make miniature versions of a classic crab cake for these Christmas appetizer ideas. Instead of a whole crab cake, serve small, bite-sized balls. Fried golden brown, these will be a hit at a holiday party, especially when served with a tangy tartar sauce or seasoned remoulade.

11. Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are party appetizers that are easy to eat and refreshing to the palate. Simply add cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls and basil to a skewer. With little prep and no cooking, you’ll have tasty Christmas appetizer ideas that will delight guests all night.

12. Mediterranean Pinwheels

This easy finger food will add tons of flavor to your holiday party. Layer spinach, sundried tomatoes, basil leaves and feta on a rolled-out puff pastry. Then, roll it up and bake in the oven. Once it comes out, cut into smaller slices and serve these Christmas appetizer ideas as pinwheels.

13. Spinach Puffs

Spinach puffs are a great vegetarian option for a holiday party appetizer. Taking only about 45 minutes to make with simple ingredients like puff pastry, cream cheese and spinach, you won’t have to do much work to craft these simple but impressive Christmas appetizer ideas.

14. Stuffed Peppers

There are so many ways to make these Christmas appetizer ideas, which make them a great option. You can make a vegetarian version with quinoa or a classic savory version with ground beef. Stuff small peppers with the ingredients and bake for a filling party snack.

15. Antipasto Bites

If you’re looking for cold Christmas appetizers, antipasto bites might be your new go-to. Gather roasted red pepper, fresh basil, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and cured meats like salami, mortadella and prosciutto. Using a skewer, make different combinations of antipasto that can be eaten as bite-sized Christmas appetizer ideas.

Traditional Christmas Appetizers

16. Candied Pecans

What’s more traditional during the holiday season than candied pecans? You can purchase these nuts or make your own and serve them on your spread of Christmas appetizer ideas. The sweet, nutty flavor and difference in texture will make a great addition.

17. Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket are a traditional appetizer that many guests will love, making them one of the best Christmas appetizer ideas. They’re easy to make with miniature cocktail winners and puff pastry simply baked in the oven until golden.

18. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish. So, for these Christmas appetizer ideas, use them to make mashed potato pancakes. The crispy appetizer will be a favorite, especially when served with a variety of sauces.

19. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Hummus tends to be a crowd-pleaser, which makes for great Christmas appetizer ideas. Roasted red pepper hummus adds a little more flavor and spice. You can easily make your own at home and serve with pita warmed from the oven.

20. Coconut Shrimp

Your guests will thank you for making these Christmas appetizer ideas. Coconut shrimp has a slightly sweet taste and a golden, crispy finish that feels addicting. Served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, this may be the favorite appetizer of the party and your first pick for Christmas potluck ideas. 

21. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a traditional appetizer that will add all the earthy flavors to your holiday spread. Stuff them with breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic and herbs for Christmas appetizer ideas that are easy and irresistible. 

22. Popovers

Who doesn’t love a Christmas roll? Popovers are a light and airy roll to enjoy with butter or fruit spreads. You can make these even more on-theme Christmas appetizer ideas by using cranberries, cinnamon or other holiday ingredients to add the season’s flavors. Serve them up as one of the tastiest Christmas breakfast ideas.

23. Whipped Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a favorite for all kinds of parties. But these traditional Christmas appetizers have a whipped twist. You’ll use heavy cream to make a light and airy filling that will be a hit at the Christmas party.

24. Dill Dip

Dill dip is a Christmas appetizer idea that’s simple and using traditional flavors. Made with sour cream, mayonnaise and dried dill, this dip is a creamy and flavorful addition to a holiday party. Serve it with rye bread for a unique dipper.

25. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for traditional Christmas appetizers, roasted Brussels sprouts will be the perfect starter. Season with herbs and oven roast the Brussel sprouts until crispy. Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette for a bite-sized appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.

26. Hush Puppies

Traditional Christmas appetizer ideas from the South are hush puppies. These crispy fried balls of dough are also extremely addicting and ideal to serve at a party. A creamy sweet and spicy sauce with pair well these bite-sized treats.

27. Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs make great Christmas appetizer ideas. And what’s great is you can make them in a slow cooker in a classic sweet and spicy sauce of chili and brown sugar, so you don’t have to agonize over them all day. Skewer them to make the meatballs easier to serve.

28. Sausage Rolls

For a savory Christmas appetizer idea, sausage rolls are a traditional option that will be a hit at the party. Wrap savory sausage in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Cut into smaller pieces and serve fresh from the oven.

29. Sweet Potato Bites

This sweet and savory treat will be a favorite during the Christmas party. This easy Christmas appetizer combines sweet potato with chili powder, panko breadcrumbs and manchego cheese to make a crispy and tender bite. 

30. Potato Latkes with Sautèed Apples

Potato latkes with sautèed apples are a traditional Hannukah food. This makes great Christmas appetizer ideas for Jewish friends who may be celebrating with you. However, these tasty, crispy treats will be a favorite no matter someone’s religion.

31. Fondue Bites

These simple Christmas appetizer ideas will make you feel like you’re having a fondue night. Make bread cups using pumpernickel bread and fill them with a cheese mixture and bake until golden. These bite-sized appetizers will be addicting for guests.

Elegant Christmas Appetizers

32. Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups

Spinach artichoke dip is a beloved appetizer. Add it to puff pastry cups to make elegant handheld Christmas appetizer ideas that guests will love. Crispy and golden on the outside and warm and creamy in the middle, these will be a party hit.

33. Wreath-Shaped Charcuterie Board

Give classic Christmas charcuterie board ideas a holiday twist with these Christmas appetizer ideas. Arrange your charcuterie ingredients, like cured meats and cheeses, into the shape of a wreath. Add cranberries to look like holly berries to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Just be sure you don't use this dish as one of your Christmas door decorating ideas.

34. Apple Butter Brie Twists

If you’re looking for an elegant Christmas appetizer idea, apple butter and brie twists will be your go-to. Spread apple butter on puff pastry and add pieces of brie then bake until golden brown. These classic flavors are sure to elevate a Christmas party.

35. Lobster Bisque

Lobster will always be an elegant dish. For an elevated Christmas appetizer idea, lobster bisque is a great option. This decadent soup will keep you warm in the colder months and fill you with tons of flavor.

36. Stuffed Artichokes

Give your Christmas party an elegant touch with stuffed artichokes. These classic and simple Christmas appetizer ideas are filled with breadcrumbs, garlic and parmesan before being braised until golden brown. They easily pull apart to share with a group or you can slice them into servings.

37. Savory Tarts

Miniature tarts make a delicious appetizer for a holiday party. Add savory ingredients like ham, turkey and prosciutto with cheeses and herbs and bake until golden brown. Having your guests make their own tarts to enjoy can be one of the most fun and hands-on Christmas activities for a party.

38. Garlic Shrimp

Who doesn’t love a dish flavored with garlic? Tender shrimp tossed in an aromatic garlic sauce is one of the most elegant Christmas appetizers you can serve. You can serve them on a skewer to make them party-ready.

39. Potato Leek Soup

Flavorful potato leek soup will be the Christmas appetizer ideas that your guests will find both delicious and unique. You can make a large pot of potato leek soup and set out some toppings like cheese and pancetta for guests to add after serving themselves.

40. Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

Wondering what to make for a Christmas party? Cranberry goat cheese balls will be an unexpected crowd-pleaser. Roll up creamy goat cheese into balls and coat with fresh cranberries. This appetizer has seasonal flavors you can serve with bread or crackers.

41. Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade will be some of the most elevated Christmas appetizer ideas for an elegant party. Olives, sun-dried tomatoes and capers will add tons of flavor to your affair. You can serve it with crackers, pita or vegetable sticks.

42. Arancini

Crispy arancini will be great Christmas appetizer ideas that will bring an elevated Italian menu to your home. Fried until golden brown, arancini served with spicy marinara will be a favorite of your guests.

43. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

The sweetness of dates juxtaposed with savory bacon will create one of the most elegant Christmas appetizers. Baked until warm and crispy, this appetizer will make your party feel fancy and luxurious.

44. Baked Brie

Brie is a simple cheese with plenty of culinary potential. Bake brie in the oven until melted to enjoy with crispy baguette slices. You can also top it with pecans, rosemary, apple or other fragrant ingredients to add more flavor.

45. Toasted Ravioli

Toasted ravioli elevate this classic pasta. Use luxury ingredients like prosciutto, sage, spinach or manchego in the stuffing. Toast it until it's crispy for these elevated Christmas appetizer ideas and serve with spicy marinara or brown butter sauces.

46. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Scallops are a delightful dish on their own. Wrapping them in bacon or prosciutto adds plenty of flavor. These Christmas appetizer ideas are definitely decadent and will be great for a sit-down holiday dinner party.

47. Fig and Blue Cheese Bruschetta

A play on classic bruschetta will be delightful Christmas appetizer ideas. Bake crispy bread and top with fresh fig and blue cheese for a sweet and creamy bite-sized treat. The mix of textures and flavors will create a bite of luxury.

Cold Christmas Appetizers

48. Cabbage Salad

If you’re looking for Christmas party food ideas for a buffet, cabbage salad is a great option. Toss shredded cabbage with red bell pepper and green onions in a Dijon mustard and olive oil dressing. Display it on your buffet and your guests can serve themselves.

49. Pimento Cheese and Crackers

Whip up a pimento cheese dip with pimentos, cheese and mayonnaise. It’s a simple dish that you can serve cold and alongside chips and vegetables. This appetizer is a favorite in the South, so you can bring those flavors to your holiday party.

50. Cranberry Honey Butter and Bread

If you’re looking for Christmas party food, take a cue from seasonal flavors. Use cranberries in a sweet honey butter you can make at home. This flavored butter pairs well with rolls, breads and biscuits.

51. Shrimp Dip

A cold shrimp dish features all the flavors of the beloved shellfish. These retro Christmas appetizer ideas mix shrimp, lemon zest and herbs for a unique accent to your holiday spread. Serve with crackers and bread that complement the flavors.

52. Greek Feta Dip

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your holiday party with a Greek feta dip. This easy Christmas party food idea will be easy to whip up with no cooking involved. Make whipped feta and yogurt topped with tomatoes and cucumbers and served with pita bread or pita chips.

53. Chorizo Manchego Crostini

For this Christmas appetizer idea, bake baguette slices until crispy and golden. Then, top with chorizo and manchego cheese for a savory crostini. You can easily assemble these Christmas appetizer ideas and serve them cold.

54. Winter Salad

These Christmas appetizer ideas will help refresh your palate with seasonal flavors. Mix Brussels sprouts, kale, butternut squash, pecans and goat cheese for decadent winter salad dressed with balsamic vinegar. Serve this in a buffet and allow guests to serve themselves.

55. Oysters with Mustard-Horseradish Relish

Oysters served over ice are elegant Christmas appetizer ideas if you’re looking for a more luxurious cold appetizer. Served with a mustard-horseradish relish to complement the flavors. Just be sure to eat them soon after serving.

56. Shrimp Cocktail

Make a traditional shrimp cocktail for a cold Christmas appetizer that is sure to delight guests. You can make individual servings of prawns and cocktail sauce in small glasses or opt for a larger platter where guests can serve themselves.

57. Beet Tapenade

Infuse seasonal flavors into a classic tapenade with these Christmas appetizer ideas. Add beet to a classic tapenade for a hearty and rustic appetizer. Serve with bread and crackers to enjoy the different flavors and textures.

58. Olive and Pepper Whipped Ricotta Spread

A creamy whipped ricotta spread with olives and peppers mixed in creates a flavorful appetizer for your next holiday party. It’s easy to make at home and doesn’t require cooking, so it’s also a great last-minute option.

59. Cucumber Salad

These cold Christmas appetizer ideas have a mix of freshness and spice. Thinly sliced cucumbers, with red onions and a spicy, Asian-inspired vinegar dressing, will be a hit at your holiday party. This salad will surely help refresh your guests’ palates.

60. French Onion Dip

Add the rich flavors of French onion soup to a creamy dip. These Christmas appetizer ideas have a sour cream base with plenty of onion flavor from onion powder and minced caramelized onions. Layout homemade potato chips and vegetables to enjoy alongside.

61. Frico Cups

Frico cups will be a holiday appetizer that impresses guests. With a bowl made out of baked Parmesan, this entire appetizer is edible. Fill up the cups with roasted red bell peppers, heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese crumbles for a fresh and flavorful bite.

62. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

These bite-sized appetizers will be a favorite from the holiday party. Fill hollowed-out cherry tomatoes with a garlic and dill cream cheese mixture. These small appetizers are easy to make, require no cooking and will certainly be a hit.

63. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Make a flavorful chicken salad for these Christmas appetizer ideas. Spread it out on crisp lettuce and wrap it tightly. This cold appetizer will be satisfyingly good and can also be served warm if you wish.

Warm Christmas Appetizers

64. Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Elevate the classic flavors of ham and cheese for a warm holiday appetizer. Layer savory ham and cheese on a puff pastry and roll tightly. Cut the pinwheel pieces and place them on a baking sheet to get golden and crispy in the oven.

65. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Garlic bread will always be a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Use a rustic loaf of bread cut into a grid and covered with savory garlic butter. You can also serve this pull-apart bread with marinara sauce.

66. Crab Rangoons

Crispy crab rangoons are a favorite appetizer every day of the year, so they make great Christmas appetizer ideas. A crab and cream cheese filling in a crispy exterior will be a hit with your guests.

67. Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Burger Sliders

If you don’t mind a little extra prep, these Christmas appetizer ideas will have a flavorful payoff. Caramelize onions to top savory burgers with creamy gruyere cheese. Make slider versions so they’re easy to carry around the party.

68. Bean Dip

A warm bean dip topped with jalepeños, cheese and tomatoes will be Christmas appetizer ideas that bring some Mexican flavors to the party. While it might not be a traditional appetizer for the holidays, this dip served with tortilla chips is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

69. Cranberry Brie Bites

Nestle brie and cranberries in crescent roll dough and bake until the pastry is golden and the brie is melted. With their pop of red color and a sprig of rosemary, these delicious desserts can also serve as DIY Christmas decorations.

70. Stromboli

Strombilis fresh out of the oven are a comforting appetizer option. They’re easy to make at home with pizza dough and your favorite fillings. Layer mozzarella cheese with pepperoni or spinach to create a savory dish served with marinara sauce.

71. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

The only way to make mac and cheese better is to fry it until golden and enjoy it fresh and hot. These Christmas appetizer ideas will be a delightful addition to a holiday party. These appetizers are easy to make at home and best served when hot.

72. French Onion Soup

Warm up this holiday season with these Christmas appetizer ideas. A pot of rich and savory French onion soup served with crispy bread and topped with cheese will be a favorite from the party. You can make these in individual bowls for everyone in attendance.

73. Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Make an elevated version of this snack favorite. This Christmas party food idea is fairly easy to recreate using pizza dough, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Make little pockets and bake until golden brown and serve with marina sauce.

74. Brûléed Brie Crostini

Enjoy a sweeter party food by topping brie cheese with a little sugar and caramelizing the top. Then, top the brûléed brie on crispy bread to make a crostini. Served warm, your guests are sure to be going back for seconds.

75. Apple Cheddar Bundles

Wrap crisp apples and light cheddar cheese a simple pastry dough with a sprig of thyme or rosemary. Then bake them until golden brown. These Christmas appetizer ideas combine sweet and savory flavors into the perfect bite.

76. Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup will be Christmas appetizer ideas you won’t regret making. Topped with cheese, chives and bacon bits, this savory dish is warm and comforting for a holiday party.

77. Crab Cake Egg Rolls

Crispy egg rolls filled with crab and Old Bay seasoning will make Christmas appetizer ideas that guests won’t stop talking about. You can easily make these egg rolls at home and serve hot and fresh from the oven.

Your holiday season just got a lot more flavorful with these Christmas appetizer ideas. Whether you’re making a contemporary rendition of a holiday classic for Christmas Day or trying out new flavors for a holiday party, you can be sure that guests will want the recipes for these appetizers. You will certainly be the host that everyone’s talking about this holiday season when you craft these Christmas appetizer ideas. Don’t forget they aren’t only reserved for the holiday season; you can make them throughout the year when you get a craving.

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