30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (2024)

These amazing Christmas appetizer recipes are sure to bring holiday cheer to your guests with favorite dishes like baked buffalo wings, bacon deviled eggs and spinach dip.

Put some merry in your Christmas with these savory hot appetizes, cool dips, crunchy snacks and more!

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (1)

Christmas appetizer recipes do not have to be extravagant. They don’t need to require days to prepare or even hours if you’re short on time.In fact, some of the best Christmas appetizer recipes take little to no time at all. Quick recipes leave you with more family time for the holidays. Add a special co*cktail recipe for a memorable Christmas party!

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes

I gathered some of the top recipes for all your holiday appetizer needs. You can easily make your grocery list from the recipes below and plan your holiday meal in advance. Classics such as pigs in a blanket are always great, but I tend to crave more variety!

These recipes contain a variety of festive flavors. There are meaty finger foods like sausage balls and steak bites. I have crowd pleasers like homemade Chex mix and candied pecans. If you want to indulge a sweet tooth, try my cherry cheesecake dip or Christmas sugar cookie dip. They are to die for. Whatever you need for your party or gathering, there is a recipe for you! Finish off your meal with a sweet treat, you can get some ideas from my lists of 20 Christmas Cupcake Recipes, 30 Christmas Cookie Recipes, 20 Christmas Candy Recipes and 20 Candy Cane Recipes. Don’t forget some holiday treats to go along with your snacks like gingerbread cookies and peppermint patties!

Hot Appetizers

Sometimes you want something a little heartier for your holiday party. I often have get togethers where I just serve appetizers and desserts! These hot Christmas appetizer recipes are bite-size snacks that are meaty, cheesy and packed with tons of savory flavors. You can even make some of them in your slow cooker!

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (2)

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (3)

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

This prosciutto wrapped asparagus is fresh asparagus stalks flavored with savory prosciutto, then broiled to crispy perfection. A 4 ingredient appetizer or side dish that's easy, yet elegant and always gets rave reviews.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (4)

Turkey Meatballs

These slow cooker turkey meatballs are Italian style and made with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They’re slow simmered to tender perfection in the crock pot and are perfect served over spaghetti or as a hearty appetizer.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (5)

Sausage Cheese Balls

These easy sausage cheese balls are the perfect party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (6)

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, spicy and loaded with cheese. The perfect party appetizer!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (7)

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These hot ham and cheese pinwheels are rolls loaded with plenty of meat and swiss, then topped with a butter poppy seed sauce and baked to golden brown perfection. I serve ham and cheese roll ups at every party and there are never any leftovers!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (8)

Baked Buffalo Wings

This recipe for baked buffalo wings is ultra crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a classic spicy sauce and served with a lightened up blue cheese dip. Snack away with less guilt!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (9)

Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

These seared steak bites are cubes of sirloin steak cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce. An easy meal or party snack that’s ready in just minutes!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (10)

Fried Ravioli

These fried ravioli are cheese ravioli coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then fried to golden brown perfection. Toasted ravioli are a fun and unique appetizer that are easy to make!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (11)

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

These bacon wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (12)

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

These bacon wrapped water chestnuts are crunchy marinated water chestnuts covered in bacon and a sweet and savory sauce, then baked to perfection. A quick and easy appetizer option that's always a big hit!

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Cold Christmas Appetizer Recipes

These cold offerings range from snack mixes to elegant mini bites and more! The great thing about cold appetizers is that they can often be prepared in advance which is great for entertaining.

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (13)

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (14)

Homemade Chex Mix

Your search for the perfect homemade Chex mix ends here – this from scratch Chex mix is made with cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts, and is SO much better than the recipe on the box!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (15)

Mexican Shrimp Bites

This recipe for Mexican shrimp bites is seared shrimp and guacamole layered onto individual potato chips. A super easy appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (16)

Antipasto Skewers

These antipasto skewers are a variety of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto sticks. An easy yet elegant appetizer.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (17)

Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels

A rainbow of veggies and chicken are combined with ranch spread on a rolled tortilla to make healthy and delicious pinwheel sandwiches.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (18)

Reindeer Chow

No holiday party is complete without a big bowl of reindeer chow! This Christmas chex mix is loaded with chocolate flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (19)

Candied Pecans

This recipe for candied pecans is pecan halves coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and baked to crispy and crunchy perfection. Candied pecans are perfect for salads, snacking or package them up for a fun homemade gift idea!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (20)

Charcuterie Board

A complete guide on how to put together the best charcuterie board, with a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, veggies and other snack foods. The ultimate party appetizer that always gets rave reviews!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (21)

Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball

This jalapeno cheddar cheese ball is full of zesty Mexican flavor and takes just minutes to make. The perfect snack for game day!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (22)

Shrimp Ceviche

This shrimp ceviche recipe is fresh shrimp marinated with cucumber, red onions, cilantro, avocado and diced jalapenos. It takes just minutes to make and is full of bold and zesty flavors.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (23)

Bacon Deviled Eggs

These easy bacon deviled eggs are a classic recipe dressed up with the addition of bacon bits and chives. Plus learn my tricks for the best deviled eggs ever!

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Christmas Dips and Spreads

Here is a selection of dips and spreads that are perfect for the holidays, with everything from homemade spinach dip to decadent sugar cookie dip! Grab a block of cream cheese and some crackers and you’ll be ready to prepare a delicious dip.

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Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade sauce. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (26)

Christmas Cookie Dough Dip

This christmas cookie dough dip has a creamy and fluffy eggless sugar cookie base swirled with holiday sprinkles for a fun and festive appetizer or dessert.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (27)

Pesto Dip

This pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, basil pesto and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and creamy dip in just minutes. The easiest last minute appetizer option that pairs well with bread, veggies or can even be used on a sandwich or as a salad dressing.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (28)

Spinach Dip

This hot spinach dip is a blend of cooked spinach, three types of cheese and seasonings, all baked together to melted cheesy perfection. An easy make-ahead party snack that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (29)

Bacon Ranch Dip

This creamy bacon ranch dip takes just 5 minutes to make and is loaded with flavor.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (30)

Crab Dip Recipe

This hot crab dip is a mixture of crab, cheese and spices, all baked together to form a creamy dip that’s bound to get rave reviews. A super easy make-ahead appetizer that is always a crowd pleaser!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (31)

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

This 4 ingredient cheesecake dip is light, fluffy and so delicious! Serve with graham crackers and cookies for a fun appetizer or dessert.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (32)

Mediterranean Layered Dip

This mediterranean layered dip starts with a base of whipped feta cheese and is topped with artichokes, olives, sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts.

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (33)

Smoked Salmon Dip

This smoked salmon dip is a creamy base filled with smoked salmon and fresh herbs. This smoked salmon appetizer is the perfect 5 minute party dip!

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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes (34)

Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon

This recipe for jalapeno popper dip is creamy, cheesy, spicy and loaded with bacon! Serve with tortilla chips for the perfect easy appetizer.

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Have a festive holiday with the perfect party snack or dinner appetizer. Whether you are in the mood for something hot and savory, cool and creamy or sweet and decadent, try some of the fantastic flavors in these recipes!

Originally Posted November 7, 2023

Last Updated February 1, 2024

CategoriesAppetizers Christmas Roundups

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FAQs

How many appetizers per person for 30 guests? ›

3. How many bites per person? If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

What's the difference between appetizers and hors d oeuvres? ›

You're supposed to eat hors d'oeuvres before a meal begins, versus appetizers, which are considered part of the meal. Then there is the quantity served, with appetizers being served once to a table, versus hors d'oeuvres being served several at a time.

How many appetizers do I need for 50 people? ›

Quantity. A good rule of thumb when working with your caterer on just how many hors d'oeuvres to choose is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections.

How many trays of food do I need for 30 guests? ›

Half-trays normally feed approximately 25-30 people. Full-Trays normally feed approximately 40-45 people. Always consider the variety of different foods, sides, salads and the ages of your guests when ordering.

How much food do you need for a 30 person party? ›

Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.

How much finger food for 25 guests? ›

Here's a quick guide to how many appetizers you should serve at your party:
  • 10-12 guests = 5 appetizer selections.
  • 25 guests = 9 appetizer selections.
  • 50 guests = 13 appetizer selections.
Jan 12, 2024

What are small appetizers called? ›

Hors d'oeuvres are small items served before dinner, often accompanied by co*cktails. They're most commonly found at co*cktail parties or during the co*cktail hour of a reception or gala. Most of the time, hors d'oeuvres are considered 'finger foods' and can be eaten while standing and mingling.

What is a one bite appetizer in French? ›

myz. ɡœl]) is a single, bite-sized hors d'œuvre. Amuse-bouches are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons but are served free and according to the chef's selection alone. These are served both to prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a glimpse of the chef's style.

What are two tips for presenting appetizers? ›

Individualize. Place each appetizer on its own plate for an elegant look. Arrange all of the little dishes on a large serving platter in a circular pattern or a uniform pattern in which all of the plates are spaced the same amount of distance from each other.

What is a typical finger buffet? ›

A finger buffet meal consists of food which may be picked up with the fingers (finger food), such as small (finger) sandwiches, canapés and vol-au-vents.

What to serve for appetizers at a party? ›

12 Easy Party Appetizers for Procrastinators
  • Deviled Eggs. Simply Recipes / Kelly Hamilton. ...
  • Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip) Alison Bickel. ...
  • Classic Cheese Ball. ...
  • Chipotle-Lime Mixed Nuts. ...
  • Easy Stuffed Stromboli. ...
  • Crab Fondue. ...
  • Prosciutto and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels. ...
  • Slow Cooker Spinach Feta Dip.
Dec 31, 2023

What do you feed a budget crowd? ›

Feed the masses without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly dishes.
  1. Mexican Lasagne. A spicy lasagne for those of us who love Mexican and Italian food. ...
  2. Cheese Cob Dip. ...
  3. The Best Burger in Oz. ...
  4. Kangaroo Casserole. ...
  5. Sausage Casserole. ...
  6. Nanna's golden sausage casserole. ...
  7. Quiche Lorraine. ...
  8. Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagne.

How do you calculate the number of appetizers per person? ›

Here's a general guideline: Number of Appetizers: Plan for 4-6 different types of appetizers. Quantity per Person: Estimate around 5-6 pieces per person per hour. So for a 4-5 hour party, you'd aim for around 20-30 pieces per person in total.

How do you calculate appetizers? ›

In general, calculate your appetizer number to be 6 pieces for every 1 guest in attendance. When planning out your wedding timeline, take into consideration how long it will be before guests eat dinner. If you have a long intermission between the ceremony and the reception, you may want to offer more appetizers.

How much finger food for a party of 40? ›

Here's a general guideline: Number of Appetizers: Plan for 4-6 different types of appetizers. Quantity per Person: Estimate around 5-6 pieces per person per hour. So for a 4-5 hour party, you'd aim for around 20-30 pieces per person in total.

How many appetizers do I need for 40 people? ›

Too many might spoil your guests' dinner - but not enough is even worse! Serve 4 to 6 appetizers per person at a dinner party. It depends on when you serve them and your dinner's content. An early or heavy dinner means you can aim for fewer appetizers per person.

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