29 Christmas Appetizers That Keep the Mood Merry and the Plates Busy

The holidays are all about sharing food, laughter, and cherished moments, and appetizers are the backbone of every great gathering. With these 29 Christmas appetizers, your spread will shine brighter than the twinkling lights. From rich, hearty bites to light, festive favorites, each recipe is designed to balance bold flavors with easy, approachable prep.

Savory Meatball Sliders

Mini sliders get a festive upgrade with Savory Meatball Sliders. Each contains juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with a rich, saucy filling nestled into soft slider buns. Perfect for mingling guests, they’re the kind of bite you don’t need utensils for, just a good appetite. Pro tip? These are best when served slightly warm for that full, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Get the Recipe: Savory Meatball Sliders

Beautiful Charcuterie Board

A Beautiful Charcuterie Board is more than food; it’s a centerpiece. The balance of creamy, salty, sweet, and crunchy flavors keeps guests coming back to build the perfect bite. Bright seasonal touches like candied pecans or cranberries can make it feel even more festive.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board

Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Savory Roast Beef Sliders bring that perfect balance of hearty and festive to your appetizer spread. These mini sandwiches layer tender, flavor-packed roast beef with a tangy sauce tucked into fluffy buns. Guests love the warm, comforting flavors, and I’ve found they’re often the first thing requested after a party. They’re filling, fun, and full of holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

There’s a reason Smoky Bacon Pig Shots grab attention; they’re small yet mighty. Wrapped in crispy, golden bacon with a creamy, smoky filling, these bite-sized appetizers wow guests at first sight and first bite. They also hold up amazingly for gatherings, staying fresh even as the party goes on. Trust me, you’ll want to double the batch because they disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

If you need a gorgeous appetizer that screams Christmas, Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites are it. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory while looking elegant on your table. Even better? They’re so simple to pull together yet give off the impression you spent hours perfecting them.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Savory Sausage Balls

Hearty yet poppable, Savory Sausage Balls are a holiday classic for good reason. These savory bites are packed full of flavor and the kind of appetizer that appeals to almost everyone. They’re easy to prep ahead and bake in batches, which means you can focus on spending time with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sausage Balls

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Few appetizers look as clean and festive as Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. These perfectly rolled sandwiches slice into neat little rounds, revealing their colorful layers of filling inside. What makes them a holiday hit isn’t just their presentation; it’s their versatility. Portable and snackable, these are always among the first trays to be emptied by the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Take your dips to the next level with Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, a crowd-favorite for its bold, balanced flavors. Sweet-tart cranberries pair seamlessly with the fresh heat of jalapeños in a dip that dazzles with both taste and presentation. Perfectly festive with its bright red color, this pairs beautifully with crackers or crostini.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Colorful Caprese Skewers

Bright, fun, and fresh, Colorful Caprese Skewers are a breath of fresh air amidst heavier holiday fare. Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella balls make these skewers not only delicious but beautiful on your holiday table. Drizzle them with balsamic glaze for a pop of tangy sweetness, and they’ll look like little edible ornaments.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers

Crispy Shrimp Toast

When I want to surprise my guests with something refined yet fun, I turn to Crispy Shrimp Toast. These golden, crispy bites carry the rich, buttery flavor of shrimp paired with a crunch that feels satisfying every time. They’re perfect for seafood lovers or anyone who enjoys an appetizer that feels just a little luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

Classic Party Cheese Ball

Is it really Christmas without a Classic Party Cheese Ball? This appetizer checks all the boxes: creamy, tangy, crunchy, and round. This staple is practically made for gatherings where people want something to spread on crackers or veggie sticks. Its crunchy coating keeps every bite interesting, while the cheesy center balances it perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Classic Party Cheese Ball

Savory Brats in a Blanket

A playful twist on a classic appetizer, Savory Brats in a Blanket take the idea of traditional pigs in a blanket and crank up the flavor. Wrapped in golden-brown pastry, the brats add a meaty, filling bite your guests won’t stop enjoying. These are perfect for gatherings where kids and adults alike want something familiar yet just a little different.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Add a colorful, fresh option to your holiday lineup with Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites. These hand-sized treats bring together creamy mozzarella, vibrant tomatoes, and herbaceous basil for a refreshing alternative to heavier spreads. Drizzle them with balsamic for an extra flavor kick, and watch everyone flock to grab a few while they admire how festive they look.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Transform the traditional caprese salad into an eye-catching, holiday-appropriate appetizer with Festive Caprese Candy Cane! Juicy red tomato slices alternate with creamy mozzarella arranged in the shape of a candy cane to create a visually festive masterpiece. Guests love its vibrant colors, precise arrangement, and the whimsical nod to Christmas decor.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Rich, smoky, and pleasantly nutty, Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread is a dip that stands out at any appetizer table for its depth of flavor and exotic flair. Paired perfectly with soft pita bread slices or crunchy cracker chips, this vibrant dip feels both festive and sophisticated. Not only is it unique, but it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Flaky Pigs in a Blanket, the quintessential crowd-pleaser, get a gourmet holiday upgrade when cocktail-sized sausages are wrapped tightly in golden, buttery puff pastry. This familiar favorite is an irresistible addition to your appetizer repertoire. Not only are they kid-friendly, but adults swarm the tray for seconds and thirds as these treats disappear like magic.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Sweet and smoky collide in the indulgent bite-sized treat that is Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Start with cocktail sausages, wrap them snugly with flavor-packed bacon slices, and bake until the bacon crispens to perfection. Arrange them on skewers or serve with toothpicks for a hassle-free, portable appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are the daring appetizer that brings bold spice to your holiday table. These golden, crispy bites feature a cheesy filling accented with jalapeños for a spicy upgrade. Serve them with a cool ranch or tangy dipping sauce for contrast, and watch as your guests rave about how addictive they are.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Bring bold flavors to your guests’ plates with Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels, a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken wings. These are a hit for any guest who loves a kick to their appetizers and pair wonderfully with a side of celery or a dollop of extra ranch. They’ll quickly become a holiday staple for gatherings where bold flavors are appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Loaded Italian Sliders

Loaded Italian Sliders bring deli-quality Italian flavors into a perfectly portable, bite-sized format. Guests who love hearty appetizers will adore these compact party sandwiches, especially when paired with olive or marinara dipping sauce. Whether served hot or room temperature, they’re guaranteed to be among the first appetizers to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Italian Sliders

Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

For an appetizer with both elegant presentation and bold flavor, Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels fit flawlessly into your holiday lineup. Cut to reveal the colorful layers and precise swirls, these pinwheels feel visually stunning and deliciously portable at the same time. Guests will enjoy the bold, tangy flavors while marveling at their clean, artistic presentation.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

Colorful Antipasto Skewers

Add variety and flair to your holiday table with Colorful Antipasto Skewers, the appetizer that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together beautifully, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. Guests love sampling different flavor combinations, making this appetizer as interactive as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Skewers

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Warm, flaky layers of buttery pastry encompass slices of savory ham and melted cheese in the timeless favorite, Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. This recipe is so simple yet delivers comforting textures and familiar flavors that guests of all ages can’t resist. Each pinwheel bakes to golden perfection, releasing an irresistible aroma as it comes out of the oven.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Crispy Party Crostini

The charm of Crispy Party Crostini lies in its versatility and elegance. Start with thin slices of baguette toasted to golden perfection; crispy on the outside yet still retaining a subtle chewiness in the middle. Their rustic charm perfectly complements festive gatherings, offering both style and substance.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Elegant and timeless, Classic Shrimp Cocktail is a seafood lover’s dream and a surefire way to add sophistication to your holiday table. The bright acidity of the sauce enhances the fresh, briny taste of the shrimp beautifully. Nothing screams festive gatherings quite like this traditional option, which works equally well as a starter or centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Creamy Hummus

Add balance to your Christmas table with Creamy Hummus, a refreshing and wholesome dip that everyone greets with excitement. Pair it with warm pita bread, fresh veggie sticks, or crunchy crackers; it’s a crowd-friendly appetizer that caters beautifully to both lighter eaters and those building up their appetite for mains. Plus, it can easily be dressed up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus

Chicken Pinwheels

Chicken Pinwheels combine convenience, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation all in each bite-sized roll. Whether served cold or slightly warmed, they pack a flavorful punch while staying light enough to enhance other dishes. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels

Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Packed with cheesy goodness and a delicious savory kick, Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are a mouthwatering addition to your holiday appetizers. Whether paired with dips like spicy mustard or ranch, or simply enjoyed on their own, they’ll be the highlight of your menu. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche is the refreshing seafood dish your guests won’t expect but will absolutely adore. Serve it in individual cups for an upscale touch or with crispy tortilla chips for added texture. The combination of bold citrus flavors and fresh ingredients makes shrimp ceviche a stunning and delicious centerpiece appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Ceviche