15 Christmas Appetizer Recipes To Wow Your Guests!

Looking for delicious ideas to kick off your festive celebrations with a bang? I’ve got you covered with this collection of 15 easy Christmas appetizer recipes that are perfect for serving a crowd! Whether you’re hosting a family party during the holiday season, or you’ve got guests coming to you on the big day itself, in this guide you’ll find plenty of choices. Including make-ahead dishes for less hassle and fuss, hot and cold options, and holiday inspired finger foods that are great for grazing before dinner! Let’s get straight down to it… 

1. Caprese Christmas Wreath

This gorgeous appetizer is a festive twist on the classic Caprese salad, beautifully arranged to resemble a wreath. It’s not only a visual stunner, but the fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will have your guests feeling merry! This one is always a talking point on any table, yet it’s super simple to prepare. 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mini mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Rocket leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. On a large platter, arrange the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in a circular wreath shape.
2. Tuck in fresh basil leaves and rocket leaves around the tomatoes and mozzarella.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and pepper before serving.

2. Puff Pastry Stars

These flaky stars are a festive addition to any holiday spread and are sure to impress. They’re quick to make and are the perfect finger food that combines elegance with flavor! I love tucking into these with a glass of wine whilst I put the finishing touches on the Christmas dinner. 

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sea salt or sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into star shapes using a cookie cutter.
3. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt or sesame seeds.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.

3. Cranberry Meatballs

These juicy meatballs are drenched in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re a crowd-pleaser that combines savory and sweet, making them perfect for any festive occasion!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and garlic powder. Form into meatballs.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
4. In a separate saucepan, mix cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Heat until combined, then add meatballs to the sauce and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Pigs in Blankets

These bite-sized sausages wrapped in bacon are always a hit at holiday parties! They’re a nostalgic favorite that everyone loves, and they disappear super quickly!

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 package cocktail sausages
• 1 pack bacon
• Mustard for dipping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Wrap each sausage in a strip of bacon.
2. Place on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Serve with mustard for dipping.

5. Holiday Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Create a stunning cheese and charcuterie board filled with seasonal flavors, meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts. It’s visually impressive and allows guests to graze while mingling, making it perfect for parties! I’ve included suggestions for ingredients below, but the real beauty of this Christmas appetizer is that there are no rules. Use whatever ingredients you have to hand, and don’t be scared to get a little creative! 

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
• Cured meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
• Fresh fruits (grapes, apple slices)
• Dried fruits (figs, apricots)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Crackers and bread for serving
• Honey or jam for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts on a large platter or board.
2. Add crackers and bread in the empty spaces.
3. Drizzle with honey or jam and serve!

6. Bacon Wrapped Dates

These sweet and savory bites are filled with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon—what’s not to love? They’re easy to make and a guaranteed hit with your guests; the flavors are out of this world!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 16 dates, pitted
• 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stuff each date with cheese and wrap with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.

7. Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans

These sweet potato bites are topped with mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans for a delightful holiday treat. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and savory, bringing a festive touch to your appetizer spread!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender, then top with marshmallows and pecans.
4. Return to the oven until marshmallows are toasted and melty.

8. Smoked Salmon Crostini

These elegant crostini topped with creamy cheese and smoked salmon are perfect for impressing guests at your holiday party. They’re light, flavorful, and add a touch of sophistication to your appetizer table!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 1 tbsp capers
• Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden.
3. Spread cream cheese on each slice, top with smoked salmon, capers, and a sprig of dill before serving.

9. Goat Cheese and Fig Tartlets

These delightful tartlets combine creamy goat cheese with sweet figs in a flaky pastry shell—perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread. They’re easy to make and offer a sophisticated flavor profile that will wow your guests!

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup figs, chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and cut into circle. Place in a greased muffin tin.
3. In a bowl, mix goat cheese and honey until smooth. Spoon into each pastry shell and top with chopped figs.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

10. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

This sweet and spicy dip combines tart cranberries with jalapenos for a unique flavor that’s perfect for spreading on crackers or pita chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a fun twist to traditional dips, adding a pop of color and flavor to your table!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine cranberries, jalapeno, and sugar. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in cranberry mixture and cheddar cheese.
3. Serve with crackers or chips.

11. Holiday Deviled Eggs

These festive deviled eggs are filled with a creamy mixture and topped with a sprinkle of paprika, making them a classic, retro inspired appetizer that never goes out of style. They’re a simple yet elegant finger food that’s always a hit during the holidays!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

12. Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls

These adorable mini cheese balls are rolled in nuts and dried cranberries, making for a fun and festive appetizer. Perfect for prepping in advance and serving with a drink once your guests arrive! 

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
2. Form into small balls and roll in cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving with crackers.

13. Christmas Salad

This vibrant salad is filled with seasonal greens, cranberries, nuts, and a tangy dressing—making it a fresh and festive side. I love serving this one alongside of a couple of other appetizers to bring a splash of color and vibrancy. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to combine before serving.

14. Cranberry and Brie Crostini

This elegant appetizer features creamy brie topped with tangy cranberry sauce on toasted baguette slices—a perfect bite-sized treat.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 8 oz brie cheese, sliced
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until golden.
3. Top each slice with brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Return to the oven until cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

15. Bloody Mary Soup

This unique and flavorful soup captures all the flavors of a classic Bloody Mary in a warm and comforting dish—perfect for the holiday season! It’s always a conversation starter, and it’s a great choice for the adults. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• Celery stalks and olives for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
2. Heat over medium until warm, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve in bowls, garnished with celery stalks and olives.

These 15 Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes are sure to wow your guests this holiday season! From savory bites to delightful dips, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Which of these ideas will you be making? Be sure to leave a comment and share your thoughts – this helps me to create more recipes that you’ll love!