50 Best Christmas Appetizers to Get Your Holiday Party Started
These easy, make-ahead bites are perfect for your festive feast!
Christmas is the ultimate celebration. From the family gatherings to the presents and of course the food, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. And when it comes to Christmas food, while the main meal is expected to be the big event, Christmas appetizers deserve a starring role in the festivities as well.
Christmas appetizer recipes, from gluten-free favorites, like a bright and refreshing escarole salad, to easy appetizers that take no time at all to prepare (hello seasoned potato chips!), we've collected the best recipes to start your meal off on the right foot. Fan of the classics? We've pulled together some of our favorite traditional Christmas appetizers, like a showstopping cheeseboard that doubles as decor (because it's dressed up just like a snowman!). And if you're looking for some original ideas, try creative finger foods that will really impress, like salty oysters with a vibrant vinaigrette, succulent shrimp potstickers and crispy potato croquettes.
Hosting a big bash this year? Some make-ahead apps are great to keep in your back pocket, so you're not rushing to prepare the feast plus a whole plate of pigs in a blanket at the last minute. Plus, no matter if you're expecting a mix-and-mingling Christmas party with snacks (best paired with a big batch of Christmas punch!) or a more formal sit-down spread that calls for big bowls of soup or sharp salads, these Christmas appetizer ideas cross off every box. And don't forget the Christmas desserts, holiday cookies and festive shots to round out the evening, too!
Gingery Shrimp Toasts
Warning: Guests might fill up on these addictive crostinis before you even serve the roast.
Get the Gingery Shrimp Toasts recipe.
Cranberry Baked Brie
Pass the baguette! This melty, cranberry-covered Brie will be the star of your hors d'oeuvres spread.
Get the Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.
Roasted Clams with Lemony Panko
Celebrate Christmas Eve with Feast of the Seven Fishes? Start your meal with these delicious bivalves, topped with garlicky bread crumbs. Plus, they take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
Snowman Cheese Board
To recreate this adorable holiday app, you'll need three cheese wheels, prosciutto for the scarf, sugared cranberry buttons, raisin eyes and a chile pepper nose. So easy, and so cute!
Goat Cheese Log with Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper
Nothing tops a tray of cheese and crackers... well, unless it's a whole log of cheese.
Get the Goat Cheese Log with Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper recipe.
Parmesan Seeded Crackers
While all your guests will be super impressed that you made your own crackers, only you will know the simple secret — pie dough. Pair these savory snacks with your favorite Christmas cocktail!
Get the Parmesan Seeded Crackers recipe.
Creamy Potato Soup
A cozy bowl of soup topped with potato chips will be a real crowd-pleaser this holiday season.
Get the Creamy Potato Soup recipe.
Beef Empanadas
Delicious at any holiday event, but especially a Nochebuena celebration, these flaky empanadas are filled with ground beef, spices and briny olives.
Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Still have Thanksgiving leftovers? Turn cranberry sauce into a glaze to sweeten up frozen cocktail meatballs.
Get the Sweet and Sour Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner
Parmesan-Chive Chips
Behold the easiest appetizer ever: Just sprinkle on some parmesan and fresh chives onto store-bought potato chips.
Get the Parmesan-Chive Chips recipe.
Marinated Feta
Get the party started with briny, flavorful feta cheese marinated with chili, lemon and rosemary. Serve them with bread, veggies or crackers.
Get the Marinated Feta recipe.
Roasted Pepper Dip
This chunky dip features roasted almonds for a rich, nutty flavor that's delicious on veggies.
Get the Roasted Pepper Dip recipe.
Ranch Croquettes
If mashed potatoes are a must for Christmas dinner, we suggest making an extra batch to turn into these cheesy, herby bites.
Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.
RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side
Apple Sausage Rolls
Don't skip the sauce — it's a simple but delicious combo of apple butter and Dijon mustard.
Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.
Baked Ricotta
Pile a spoonful of jammy roasted vegetables and creamy ricotta on some crusty bread and you have a winning appetizer worthy of any gathering.
Get the Baked Ricotta recipe.
Wild Mushroom Toasts
Avocado toast, who?! This toast is dressed in festive hues thanks to red chili and fresh parsley.
Get the Wild Mushroom Toasts recipe.
Chorizo-and-Manchego Crostini
You've got spiked eggnog and spice cake, now keep to the spicy theme with this chorizo-topped appetizer.
Get the Chorizo-and-Manchego Crostini recipe.
Escarole Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
Add a bracing bite to any wintery feast with this seasonal salad, full of crisp, slightly bitter escarole, blue cheese and bright red pomegranate seeds.
Get the Escarole Salad With Red Wine Vinaigrette recipe.
RELATED: 22 Christmas Salads to Complete Any Holiday Dinner Menu
Whipped Ricotta Three Ways
The topping possibilities are endless for this dreamy cheese dip. Try maple figs, garlicky lemon zest or peppery apricot glaze. There's a flavor for everyone!
Get the Whipped Ricotta Three Ways recipe.
Sriracha Mixed Nuts
Want to start your Christmas meal off light? This sweet and slightly spicy nut mix will certainly whet your appetite.
Get the Sriracha Mixed Nuts recipe.
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