82 Classic & Creative Christmas Appetizers For The Best Holiday Party Ever
Best part? Many of these double as adorable holiday centerpieces.
We don't know about you, but after all the holiday shopping, party-hopping, and tree decorating, we start to get pretty snacky. So what better way to get your holiday started off right than with a few festive Christmas appetizers? If you need to satisfy a crowd before your holiday dinner, keep them happy and snackin' on these deliciously filling apps until you're ready to serve up the main meal. Whether you're looking for bite-sized snacks or table centerpieces, there's a holiday appetizer for everyone here.
If you're all about the holiday classics—no stress, we've got you covered. Our cranberry brie bites, sweet potato bites, and sausage balls never fail to ring in the holiday right. Looking to get extra festive? We've got dishes that not only taste amazing, but look incredible too (edible centerpiece, anyone?). Whip up our pull-apart Christmas tree, pigs in a blanket wreath, and bacon brie crescent wreath for apps that are sure to be the talk of your Christmas celebration. If you're planning a fancy celebration, bacon-wrapped dates, spinach puffs, and crab artichoke dip really up your app game.
If you're entertaining a wide variety of guests, you may need to have some apps for specialty diets too. Don't worry—we've got you. Many of these appetizers are vegetarian—baked feta bites, spiced candied pecans, stuffed mushrooms—or can easily be made so. Gluten-free and keto friends need not fear—we've got plenty of delicious recipes for you!
Whether you've got time to prepare a holiday spread or simply are looking for the easiest last-minute appetizer, look no further than these festive recipes. Searching for more holiday eats? Try our best ever Christmas cookies and holiday cocktails too!
Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers
Spinach-artichoke dip is a classic appetizer, but let’s make it a little more festive! Wrapped in puff pastry, the dip can be shaped into cute little Christmas trees and becomes individual apps. The tree gets topped with a little cheese star, as all trees should be.
Maple Cranberry Baked Brie
Get your holiday parties started right with this seasonal spin on classic baked brie. An easy-to-make homemade maple and cranberry jam gets layered into buttery puff pastry-wrapped brie, then drizzled with maple syrup for an app no one will be able to stop eating.
Get the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.
Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Nothing says hostess with the most-est like a charming and delicious antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer sculpture will help you decorate for your Christmas party and feed your guests all in one fell swoop.
Crab Cake Bites
Turn the classic seafood dish into the cutest bite-sized app with these crab cake bites. Ready in a little over 30 minutes, these bites are the easiest way to add the fancy factor to your party, whether you're planning your Christmas dinner or New Year's bash.
Get the Crab Cake Bites recipe.
Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread
Here’s an easy and festive holiday appetizer that looks way more impressive and complicated than it actually is. Using homemade pizza dough and pesto is great, but if you go the store-bought route, this star bread takes very little effort.
Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
Spinach artichoke dip + flaky puff pastry + festive design = a Christmas masterpiece. We love spinach dip in every form, but this creative app is totally versatile: Feel free to swap in whichever cheesy dip you desire.
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a star side in our book, and adding Parmesan to these crispy bites makes them practically irresistible. We coat these sprouts in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking on a high heat, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.
Naughty Knots
Though these cheesy, herby bites of deliciousness may make you feel like you should be written up on the naughty list, we promise that if you make these for your holiday dinner guests, you will be sealed on the good list forever.
Get the Naughty Knots recipe.
Sausage Roll Wreath
Every holiday gathering needs a showstopper on the table. That being said, maybe you want something new this holiday season. Enter: this classic British sausage roll with a Christmas–appropriate makeover.
Get the Sausage Roll Wreath recipe.
Smoked Trout Spread
This easy-to-make appetizer is a guaranteed hit at any holiday party. Creamy, smoky, and bright, it's delicious piled onto toasted bread, crackers, or crisp endive leaves.
Get the Smoked Trout Spread recipe.
Brûléed Brie Crostini
Caramelizing the tops of your crostini is a great party trick. Assemble the toasts and wait to brûlée the top for when you’re ready to serve them. The crunchy sugar topping will then give way to an warm and oozy slice of brie and sweet jam. Yum!
Get the Brûléed Brie Crostini recipe.
Baked Feta Bites
If you love the TikTok-famous baked feta pasta and the delightful sophistication of our cranberry brie bites, then brace yourself: These little appetizers are the culinary revelation that combines the best of both worlds.
Get the Baked Feta Bites recipe.
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli
Typically, shrimp cocktail brings to mind a large platter of chilled shrimp and a sweet, tangy sauce. This twist on the dinner party classic embraces and enhances the signature flavors by roasting the shrimp instead. Bonus: it comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Get the Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli recipe.
Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball
Looking for a stunning Christmas app that comes together in no time? Look no further than the humble cheese ball. They’re a retro idea that we’ve really run with here at Delish, taking them fully into modern times with creative ingredients and decorating methods.
Get the Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball recipe.
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs
With a sweet and tangy glaze made with cranberry sauce and thyme- and sage-speckled turkey meatballs, these are great for serving with toothpicks as an app or over fluffy mashed potatoes for a low-key dinner.
French Onion Soup Bites
French onion soup is already a bowl of perfection: fortifying broth, sweetly soft onions, a few chunks of bread, and a molten layer of cheese. These little bites prove that perfection can come in many forms.
Get the French Onion Soup Bites recipe.
Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers
Whipped ricotta is beyond easy to make, even though it sounds so delicate and fancy. Topped with marinated olives and roasted red peppers gives it a nice briney, fresh flavor, and the red and green makes it extra festive. We love warm crusty bread for dipping, but whatever works!
Get the Whipped Ricotta With Olives & Roasted Red Peppers recipe.
Baked Brie Wreath
Honey-glazed melted brie, plus herby crispy pizza dough, is an equation for true happiness. Your friends, family, or colleagues will be ready to dive into this edible wreath once you stroll through the door…after all, you want to eat the cheese while it’s warm and gooey.
Get the Baked Brie Wreath recipe.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Lox lovers—this smoked salmon dip is about to be your new go-to party dip. Smoked salmon, spicy horseradish, bright lemon, and finely chopped dill all get mixed into a cream cheese and Greek yogurt base for the creamiest savory dip imaginable.
Get the Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.
Muhammara
Looking for a last-minute app? Add this sweet and tangy roasted red pepper dip to your next dinner party menu. Muhammara comes together in just a few minutes using jarred roasted red peppers and a food processor.
Get the Muhammara recipe.
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