15 Quick Christmas Appetizers to Kick Off the Weekend

Holiday weekends start on a positive note by serving 15 quick Christmas appetizers that suit almost any gathering. Sometimes you need practical options that come together faster than expected. Passing around easy snacks lets the conversation keep rolling and gives everyone something to enjoy right from the start.

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Savory Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flaky Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Wrapping each bite in a golden crust, this Flaky Pigs in a Blanket recipe promises easy sharing at any Christmas gathering. People reach for these treats the instant the tray arrives. I always notice them vanish from appetizer plates first. No fuss, just holiday cheer with every crispy, handheld piece.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoky sausage and crisp bacon help this Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies platter stand out at festive parties. Mouths water once the aroma drifts across the room. I make extra because these always get requests for more. Each one brings the comforts of classic Christmas flavors with a playful, bite-sized twist.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce.
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Heat and crunch create excitement with this Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers treat. Guests exchange surprised glances as the bold flavor hits. I pick jalapeño poppers to spark energy in the middle of long celebrations. Bites fly off the tray while laughter fills the room, making snack time unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Cheesy Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Cheesy Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Melted cheese and zippy sauce give this Cheesy Rotel Dip a starring role among Christmas appetizers. Chips disappear as guests dig in for more. I rely on rotel dip for easy prep and big impact. It turns snacking into a fast-paced game whenever the holidays get lively.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blending smoothness with bright flavors, this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip makes any weekend gathering special. People comment on how balanced and rich each scoop feels. I bring spinach artichoke dip to keep things fresh when heavier foods dominate the menu. Every bowl encourages guests to linger and chat near the snack bar.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Colorful spirals and savory fillings turn this Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels snack into a hit wherever you go. Hands reach in quickly as soon as the platter is set down. I grab Italian pinwheels for moments when variety is important. With plenty of flavor packed into every bite, nobody stays hungry for long.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheels filled with a creamy mixture, garnished with herbs, served with bowls of salsa and breadcrumbs.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Zingy sauce and tender chicken roll together in this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels recipe built for bold eaters. Lively conversation buzzes as guests argue over which pinwheel is best. I add buffalo pinwheels to perk up the traditional appetizer spread. Their punchy taste wakes up even the sleepiest holiday guest.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Close-up of baked pinwheel appetizers filled with cheese and ham, topped with black pepper and garnished with sliced green onions.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers of smoky ham with creamy cheese keep these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels in high demand at seasonal parties. Rows of hungry guests reach for seconds. I find these pinwheels especially handy for filling up busy gatherings. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack that hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy fruit and creamy brie create a festive taste with this Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites recipe. Compliments pour in as soon as they appear on the platter. I always include cranberry brie bites for a pop of holiday color. Small but bold, these bites add a sense of occasion to even the simplest party lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Baked baby potatoes topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions on parchment paper.
Loaded Baked Potato Bites. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Potato and cheesy filling bring comfort and crunch to these Loaded Baked Potato Bites treat, perfect for sharing. Hands down, these bites make crowds eager for more. I lean on baked potato bites to round out my appetizer spread when expectations run high. Every piece delivers warmth and big flavor in one small package.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Crispy Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together.
Crispy Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crisp edges and a variety of toppings let this Crispy Party Crostini appetizer shine at any festive bash. Eyes light up as guests scan the options for their favorite bite. I try crostini when finger foods need a touch of class but still stay simple. Guests get creative while building their own perfect combination.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tangy cranberry and gentle heat guarantee this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip stands out from the usual party dips. Guests trade opinions on which flavor hits first. I bring cranberry jalapeño dip when I want to surprise the crowd and add something unexpected. Each spoonful drags everyone back for another taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Classic Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chilled shrimp and tangy sauce give this Classic Shrimp Cocktail a timeless vibe at Christmas gatherings. Guests typically race for their portion before the plate is empty. I serve shrimp cocktail when tradition is wanted yet freshness is still important. Classic choices like this set the mood for weekend celebrations with ease.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Savory Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds.
Savory Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy dough wrapped around hearty sausage helps this Savory Brats in a Blanket snack earn enthusiastic reviews. People enjoy the simple, filling flavor after a busy holiday afternoon. I include brats in a blanket when robust snacks are needed for larger groups. Each piece is simple to pass around and impossible to ignore.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket

Savory Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Savory Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Herby spices and tender textures guarantee this Savory Sausage Balls recipe draws plenty of attention at Christmas gatherings. Platters empty quickly to a wave of compliments. I use sausage balls for easy make-ahead party food. Guests love to grab, snack and come back for more, especially when energy is high and the games just begin.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sausage Balls

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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