23 Easy Christmas Appetizers Best Holiday Party Recipes
Christmas is my favorite time to fill the house with family, friends, and good food. Before the big meal starts, I always like to have a few easy Christmas appetizers ready so everyone has something to nibble on.
These 23 easy Christmas appetizers are the ones I keep coming back to. They are simple to make, festive on the table, and they keep guests happy while I finish up in the kitchen.
When I plan my Christmas party food, I like a mix of warm dips and cold finger foods so there is something for everyone. It also keeps the oven from getting too crowded.
Pick a few make ahead Christmas appetizers so you are not stuck at the stove when the doorbell rings. Dips, deviled eggs, spiced nuts, and Chex Mix can all be made a day or two early.
Keep it simple with ingredients you already have and a few festive touches like cranberries, fresh herbs, and cheese. A pretty platter or cutting board makes everything look special without extra work.
Whether you need Christmas Eve appetizers for the family or holiday party appetizers to bring to a friend’s house, you will find a favorite here. Less time in the kitchen means more time with the people you love.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Best Oven Baked Skillet Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Dip Best Oven Baked Skillet Recipe is the warm, cheesy dip everyone crowds around at Christmas. It bakes in a cast iron skillet until it is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks for easy Christmas party food. Trust me, it is always the first dish to disappear.
Baked Brie with Walnuts and Honey
Baked Brie with Walnuts and Honey looks fancy, but it is one of the simplest festive appetizers you can make. Warm, gooey cheese with sweet honey and crunchy walnuts feels like Christmas to me.
Set it out with crackers, apple slices, or baguette rounds. It is one of my favorite cheese appetizers for a party. You will love these smaller cast iron skillets.
7-Layer Taco Dip Appetizer
7 Layer Taco Dip is always a hit at Christmas parties and family gatherings. Layers of beans, cheese, and fresh toppings make it colorful and easy to scoop.
This is one of the best make ahead Christmas appetizers because it stays chilled in the fridge until guests arrive. Serve it with tortilla chips and watch everyone go back for seconds.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts with Pre-Cooked Bacon (Rumaki)
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts with Pre-Cooked Bacon (Rumaki) bring a salty, sweet crunch to your Christmas appetizer table. Using pre-cooked bacon saves time, so they look fancy without the fuss.
These are one of my favorite bacon appetizers for a holiday party. Serve them warm with toothpicks for an easy Christmas finger food guests can grab on the go.
Little Smokies Crockpot Recipe
Little Smokies Crockpot Recipe is one of the easiest Christmas party appetizers you will ever make. Just four ingredients, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and little smokies, go right into the crockpot.
They cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, then stay warm all party long. Set out toothpicks next to the crockpot and let everyone help themselves.
Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe
Homemade Southern Pimento Cheese is a creamy, tangy spread made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimientos. The red pimientos give it a pretty holiday color on the table.
Make it a few days ahead, since it keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and tastes even better after it rests. Serve it with crackers, fill celery sticks, or spread it on soft bread for little finger sandwiches.
Snowman Cheese Ball Easy Holiday Appetizer
Snowman Cheese Ball is the cutest festive Christmas appetizer on the whole table. Cream cheese and white cheddar are shaped into two balls and stacked into a little snowman.
Red pepper and chives dress him up, and a skewer keeps him standing tall. You can make him ahead and freeze him undecorated, then add the decorations right before your party.
Original Oven Baked Homemade Chex Mix
Original Oven Baked Homemade Chex Mix is a must for Christmas gatherings. It is crunchy and salty with that classic flavor everyone remembers.
Make a big batch a few days ahead and set out bowls of this easy Christmas snack while everyone mingles. The whole house smells amazing while it bakes.
Crockpot Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
Crockpot Meatballs in Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce are one of those easy Christmas appetizers everyone looks forward to. They cook low and slow in the crockpot in the best sweet and tangy sauce.
Make them ahead and keep them warm for hours, which makes them perfect Christmas party food. Just set out toothpicks and they will be gone before you know it.
Crockpot/Slow cooker, check out these deals!
Knorr Vegetable Spinach Dip In A Classic Bread Bowl
Classic Knorr Spinach Dip in a pumpernickel bread bowl is a creamy, nostalgic Christmas appetizer that brings back so many holiday memories. It is a cold dip made with simple ingredients, so you can mix it up the day before.
Fill the bread bowl right before guests arrive and add crackers and carrot sticks for dipping. It is one of the easiest cold Christmas party foods you can make.
Easy Guacamole Recipe for a Crowd
Easy Guacamole Recipe for a Crowd adds a fresh, colorful pop to your Christmas appetizer table. The green avocado and red tomatoes look so festive in the bowl.
It comes together in minutes, so it is a great quick appetizer for last minute company. Set it out with chips and watch everyone gather around.
Candied Spiced Mixed Nuts
Candied Spiced Mixed Nuts add a warm, sweet crunch to any Christmas appetizer spread. They are coated in sugar and spice, and it is hard to stop at one handful.
Make a big batch ahead and set out small bowls around the room. They also make a sweet homemade gift tucked into a jar with a ribbon.
Easy Beer Cheese Fondue
Easy Beer Cheese Fondue is a cozy appetizer that brings everyone together around the table. It is rich and creamy with just a little tang from the beer.
Serve it warm with bread cubes, pretzels, or veggies for dipping. It is a perfect Christmas Eve appetizer for a relaxed family movie night.
Make sure you have a fondue kit!
Riced Cauliflower Vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Dip
Easy Vegetarian Buffalo Dip has all the bold buffalo flavor everyone loves, without the chicken. Riced cauliflower makes it a great choice for guests who do not eat meat.
Bake it until warm and bubbly, then serve it with crackers, chips, or fresh veggies. It is a simple way to make sure everyone at your holiday party has something to enjoy.
Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip
Jalapeño Popper Dip is creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of heat. It bakes until bubbling under a golden, crispy topping.
Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread on your Christmas party table. It is one of the best Christmas appetizers for anyone who loves a little spice.
Artichoke Dip Hot & Cheesy
Artichoke Dip Hot & Cheesy is a classic crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties and family gatherings. It bakes until golden and bubbling, and your kitchen will smell so cozy.
Serve it straight from the oven with crackers, chips, or toasted bread. It is simple to make and always one of the first dishes everyone digs into.
Easy Creamy Pumpkin Hummus with Savory Spices
puts a cozy holiday twist on a classic dip. It is smooth and lightly spiced, and it looks so pretty on a Christmas platter.
Serve it with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a healthy Christmas party food option. You can make it a day ahead, which is always a help during the holidays.
Caprese Mozzarella Grape Tomato Skewers
Simple Caprese Mozzarella Grape Tomato Skewers Appetizers are a fresh, colorful addition to any Christmas party. Juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil get a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
The red, white, and green look just like Christmas on the platter. They are one of the easiest cold Christmas finger foods, and you can put them together ahead of time.
Super Simple Salsa
Super Simple Salsa adds a bright pop of flavor to your Christmas table. It comes together in minutes with tomatoes, onions, and a touch of lime.
Serve it with tortilla chips right next to your warm dips. It balances out all the rich, cheesy holiday favorites.
Roasted Poblano Hummus Vegan Appetizer
Roasted Poblano Hummus Vegan Appetizer is a smoky twist on classic hummus. The roasted poblano adds a gentle heat that goes so well with the creamy chickpeas.
It is completely plant based and easy to make ahead. Serve it with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies so everyone at your Christmas party can enjoy it.
Classic Easy Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs are a timeless appetizer that fits right in at any Christmas gathering. A sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs gives them a festive touch.
Make them a day ahead and keep them chilled until you serve. Set out a platter of these Christmas hors d’oeuvres and watch them disappear.
Healthy Grilled Pizza on a Pizza Stone
Healthy Grilled Pizza on a Pizza Stone is a special tradition in our Italian family every Christmas. We all gather in the kitchen to stretch the dough, pile on our favorite toppings, and grill each pizza until the crust is crisp and golden.
It is such a fun way to cook together and start the celebration. Cut it into small squares, and it becomes an easy Christmas party appetizer everyone can make their own.
Grab a Pizza Stone and Pizza Peel.
Ranch Seasoned Movie Pretzels with Popcorn Oil
Ranch Seasoned Movie Pretzels with Popcorn Oil are a quick Christmas party snack you can toss together ahead of time. They are crunchy and full of savory ranch flavor.
Set out a bowl while guests arrive or tie a batch up in little bags for a simple homemade gift. Everyone grabs a handful while they wait for dinner.
Planning Your Christmas Appetizer Table
Mix warm dips with cold finger foods so your oven is not doing all the work. The Caprese skewers, deviled eggs, salsa, and spinach dip can all go straight from the fridge to the table.
Pick one or two make ahead Christmas appetizers so you are not rushed when guests arrive. I hope this list makes your holiday a little less busy and a lot more fun.
Christmas Appetizer Frequently Asked Questions
A: 7 Layer Taco Dip, Knorr Spinach Dip, Pimento Cheese, the Snowman Cheese Ball, Deviled Eggs, Spiced Nuts, and Chex Mix can all be made a day or more ahead. Keep the cold dips and eggs in the fridge until guests arrive.
A: Caprese skewers, deviled eggs, guacamole, salsa, spinach dip, and both hummus recipes are served cold. They are a big help when your oven is full with the main meal.
A: Warm dips like Buffalo Chicken Dip and Beer Cheese Fondue, plus Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies, are cozy family favorites. Grilled pizza is our own Christmas tradition and a fun way to cook together.
A: Chex Mix, Candied Spiced Nuts, and Ranch Movie Pretzels travel well in a tin or bag. Crockpot Meatballs and Little Smokies are great too, just bring the slow cooker and plug it in when you arrive.
