35 Best Christmas Appetizers To Try This Year

Christmas is the time for out-of-this-world delicious food. You can’t beat the selections that find their way to the table during this time, and you don’t have to!

Best Christmas Appetizers To Try This Year

If you want to compete for the most outstanding appetizers imaginable, look no further.

Below, we have 35 mouth-watering appetizers that everyone will love this Christmas. A fair warning, though, you will never go back to those boring plates ever again.

1. Crostini Appetizer With Goats Cheese 

Goats cheese is so flavorful and delicious, and the crunch of the bread brings everything together beautifully.

If you want to make this dish even better, top it off with pomegranate seeds, or even finely chopped cranberries! Even drizzle a little olive oil or honey over the top for some extra oomph.

2. Spinach Puffs

Does anything go together as well as spinach, cream cheese, and puff pastry? No! This heartwarming appetizer is perfect for the holidays, and every one of your guests will agree. You won’t be able to stop at one.

3. Apricot Kielbasa Slices

Want something a little different at your Christmas table? Why not try the apricot kielbasa slices?

It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and it’s the equivalent of a warm hug. You can just keep going in with little cocktail sticks for more. 

4. Christmas Pizza

Everyone loves pizza, and just because it’s Christmastime doesn’t mean you can’t have one!

Just make a tree-shaped pizza, and “decorate” it with all your favorite Christmas flavors. Make sure to add tinsel, baubles, and lights to it!

5. Parmesan And Meatball Skewers 

This moreish Christmas appetizer is perfect for all meatball and cheese lovers alive.

You can even create vegetarian options by using a mashed vegetable mix to create the meatballs! They’re just big enough to fit one in your mouth, but you’ll wish you could fit more.

6. Roasted Beetroot And Garlic Hummus

Don’t forget the dips at your event! This roasted beetroot and garlic hummus will be the perfect dip for anything you want.

The flavors marry together like a dream, and it pairs with just about any food you can think of.

7. Christmas-Style Deviled Eggs

No Christmas event is worthy without a deviled egg or two! You can add some Christmassy ingredients of choice to your filling to really make it feel like a Christmas special.

If you want to get the perfect results, take extra care in piping the filling – you’ll make it look super special.

8. Ham And Cheese Pinwheels

Pinwheels are just fun, right?

We all know that ham and cheese go together perfectly, so don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. Just make the pinwheels, and you will never hear a complaint from a guest. We promise. 

9. Water Chestnuts In Blankets

We’ve all heard of pigs in blankets, but what about water chestnuts in blankets (see also ‘23 Incredible Chestnut Recipes‘)?

It doesn’t roll off the tongue, but that doesn’t matter, you will just want to keep eating these, and they will roll straight into your stomach. You won’t be able to get enough of them. 

10. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry plus brie plus crescent rolls equals the perfect combination. This is the all-encompassing Christmas appetizer we all wish we had in our childhoods.

It’s like a sweet, creamy, and deliciously gooey hug you always want more of.

11. Spinach Spanakopita

You don’t have to know how to pronounce it, you just have to know that it’s delicious. It’s so easy to make, too! If you’re feeling brave, this one is a must-try for your next big event. 

12. Mini-Cheese Christmas Ball Bites

Cheese balls are already world-famous, so what about mini cheese balls?

They’re adorable, delicious, and so easy to make. You can coat them in a variety of Christmas-inspired toppings, too! From cranberries to nuts, it’s up to you.

13. Antipasto Stick Bites

Want to get your daily fill of antipasto?

Try making these super quick and easy antipasto bites! They will certainly be a favorite among everyone in the family. Don’t be surprised if they’re all gone when you blink once!

14. Apricots In Blankets

Blankets are a theme during Christmas, right? Well, here’s another blanket appetizer that you will love if you’re a fan of the sweet and savory mixture!

These apricots in blankets will be the perfect snack for all ages, and you will be everyone’s favorite host. That’s a warning!

15. Shrimp Salad Bites

Any seafood lovers out there? These shrimp salad bites are bound to be popular. It’s refreshing, and so flavorful.

Even if it’s snowing outside, there will always be people who appreciate a fresh salad. Are you one of those people?

16. Cheesy Pigs In Blankets

Regular pigs in blankets are great, but why not level up with these cheesy pigs in blankets? They will be even more delicious and mouth watering than you can imagine.

And with those little cocktail sticks? They’re adorable, too. 

17. Cumin Chicken Meatballs

This appetizer will warm your mind, body and soul. The cumin will bring everything together like a warm hug, and the room will sing your praises.

Who can blame them? Everybody likes chicken, especially when it’s seasoned like these meatballs!

18. Cheesy Pull-Apart Christmas Tree

A Christmas pizza isn’t enough, we need a pull-apart Christmas tree, too! You can use all your favorite Christmas flavors and seasonings to make it perfect.

As long as you can pull it apart and share it with all your family and friends, it’ll be perfect. 

19. Smoked Salmon Bites 

Smoked salmon bites are exactly what you need on a Christmas afternoon or evening. They’re so easy to make, and taste delicious.

Plus, they just look so elegant that everyone will flock to them as soon as they see them all laid out. Add some cream cheese and dill to tie everything together perfectly. 

20. Sweet ‘n Sour Cocktail Meatballs 

Meatball appetizers are a must during the Christmas period. With these meatballs, they are perfect for family members of all ages.

They are the perfect mix of sweet and sour, and are perfect bite size pieces to enjoy one by one until there are no more. We can guarantee that these will be a favorite among the kids. 

21. Bite Size Beef Wellington

You might have a juice beef wellington as the main, but why now enjoy miniature versions as part of an appetizer, too?

These are so juicy and flavorful, and they’re accompanied by the perfect crisp of the pastry.

If you love a regular beef wellington, there’s no denying that this will be your next go-to appetizer for every special event you host. 

22. Oven-Fried Oysters

Oyster lovers gather around! These oven fried oysters are the perfect mix of everything you could possibly love. They’re tasty, but also appealing to look at and even easier to make!

If you or someone you know attending loves oysters, then this is a no-brainer, you need to try them.

23. Cheddar And Parmesan Chips 

Who knew a snack that only took five minutes to make could be so delicious? Cheddar and Parmesan chips are exactly what they sound like – melted cheese that has set again!

They’re delicious, crispy, and everything you could ask for. This will be all the kids’ favorite appetizers, and you will run out in the blink of an eye. 

24. Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes 

These cheese stuffed cherry tomatoes are refreshing and more delicious than you could imagine. The sweetness of the cherry tomato blends perfectly with the creaminess from the cheese.

You can add in any additions you like, too! Feel free to add some chopped cranberry, herbs, or simply drizzle some olive oil over the appetizer.

You can leave the tomatoes raw, or cook them for a short time to make them even sweeter, it’s your choice!

25. Bite Size Caprese Salad 

Want a caprese salad, but not the whole salad? A bite size caprese salad is exactly when you’re looking for. This appetizer is so easy to make, and it only takes a few minutes.

Be sure to drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top to make it that much more delicious. Your guests won’t be able to get enough. 

26. Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent

These might sound fancy, but they are so easy to make!

Sure, you could make the pastry yourself, but it’s Christmas, and nobody has time for that. Just buy pre-made pastry, and the rest of the appetizer will be a breeze.

Be sure to follow the recipe to get the perfect results, and you will never be disappointed.

27. French Dip Squares

Just reading that, you know you can’t say no to it! Make these super easy appetizers, and everyone will be talking about them until next Christmas.

No one will be disappointed when they get to taste these beauties. 

28. Fried Mac ‘n Cheese Balls

Everyone loves mac ‘n cheese, that’s just the way of life. Good news is, you can make these delicious fried mac ‘n cheese balls with the regular stuff or go for a vegetarian or vegan option!

They’re so easy to make, so tasty, and that crunch will be something to remember. Plus, all the kids will love it, there’s literally no way you could lose!

29. Gooey Sausage Ball Bites 

Sausage is another Christmas food item that every event needs. With these, you will get some of the most delicious, cheesy sausage balls that you could ever want.

With a recipe that only takes 30 minutes to do, you will have plenty of time to make all your other favorite appetizers.

If you want to spice things up a little, you can also add spices, or even chili to make things a little more interesting!

30. Pesto-Ricotta Crostini 

Who wants more crostini? Everyone does! The pesto and ricotta combination will result in some of the tastiest food you will have ever had the fortune of putting in your mouth.

It’s creamy, easy to make, and only takes a couple of minutes when you have all the right ingredients! Pick your bread well, and everything else will just fall into place.

31. Toasted Ravioli Snacks 

Ravioli is another favorite, and you know it. These toasted ravioli snacks are so easy to make, only take a few minutes, and they’re healthy!

They are baked, rather than fried, so you don’t have to worry about all that grease. You can use whichever ravioli you like, but the cheesy ones will always be a winner for everyone. 

32. Cornmeal Cheddar Biscuits 

These cornmeal and cheddar biscuits are just perfect for dipping in your favorite gravy, or enjoying as is! They are tasty, but also so easy to make.

The flavor is rich, the biscuit is buttery and flaky, and you’re going to feel like you’re in heaven. Just try it and get back to us once you stop drooling for more. 

33. Goats Cheese And Spinach Mini Tarts 

Mini tarts are another Christmas food item that no one can get enough of. You can do anything with a mini tart, and they will be a winner.

However, if you really want to wow the in-laws, try making this goat’s cheese and spinach mini tart. It’s so easy to make, and the flavor really packs a punch.

You can also get creative with it if you want to! Just make sure they’re big enough for one or two bites, and everyone will be begging you for the recipe.

34. Marinated Mozzarella Balls 

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a simple but delicious mozzarella ball. All you need to create this masterpiece is allow mozzarella balls to marinate in olive oil and your choice of herbs!

You can get regular sized mozzarella balls, or those teenie tiny ones. Make sure to stick them with a cocktail stick for easy grabbing, because they will go like hotcakes!

35. Cheese And Pesto Pastry Twists 

Everyone wants something a little different at their Christmas party, and you can do so much with these!

These delicious but easy cheese and pesto pastry twists can be small, or you can make a whole load out of them!

You can also experiment with different flavors and add toppings to entice everyone to try them.

While cheese and pesto is already the perfect combination, some sun dried tomatoes as a topper definitely wouldn’t hurt. 

Final Thoughts

There are no real rules when it comes to making Christmas appetizers. You might happen across combinations and discoveries that you never thought would work!

As long as you aren’t stressing yourself out too much over the catering aspect of Christmas, you can’t go wrong. 

If you are tired of having the sale of boring Christmas appetizers that everyone else has, maybe it’s time for a change.

So, this Christmas, we double dare you to pick five of the options above, and blow everyone away with your hosting skills. 

Remember – not everything has to be made from scratch. There’s enough to do in the holiday period without worrying about pastries!

Pick some easy ones if you aren’t a pro in the kitchen yet, everyone will still be blown away. We promise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Appetizers Work Well For Christmas?

Pigs in blankets, dips, meatballs, and mushrooms are a few appetizers that work well for this time of year.

What Are The Traditional Flavors Of Christmas?

Heartwarming flavors are great. Cranberry, spices, and smoked foods work well for Christmastime.

Should All Christmas Appetizers Be Warm?

No! You can have a selection of cold and warm appetizers at your Christmas event. There are no rules to follow for this.

Can You Serve Pork On Christmas?

Yes. Pork is absolutely fine to serve during Christmas, just be aware of your guests’ dietary requirements or limitations when you think about it.

What Easy Christmas Appetizers Can I Make?

Easy appetizers include things like prosciutto wrapped asparagus, cheddar chips, stuffed mushrooms, and meatballs.

35 Best Christmas Appetizers To Try This Year

35 Best Christmas Appetizers To Try This Year

Recipe by Jenna

Looking for some delicious Christmas appetizers to spice up the holidays a little? Check out our top 35 picks that you will be drooling over in no time.

Course: Appetizers
5 from 1 vote
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