47 Christmas Appetizer Recipes That Vanish Fast

Every Christmas party has two things: someone in charge of the playlist and snacks that disappear faster than wrapping paper on gifts. This lineup of 47 appetizer recipes guarantees the crowd sticks near the food table all night. It’s the kind of spread that sparks small talk and big appetites.

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh flavors on a platter get snapped up as soon as the drinks show up. Spots for Caprese Appetizer wind up empty quick because each serving is full of color and easy to pick up without a mess. Plates move fast around the room, especially as people chat. Everyone likes the mix on their plates before the big dishes come out.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background.
Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hand-held bites keep every party moving, no forks required. Roast Beef Sliders stack up as a crowd favorite since every mini sandwich is packed with comfort you can grab in one go. They match with chips or salads for easy munching. Plates always look bare before the next round arrives.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over.
Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stick appetizers are always first to go since there’s no fuss and they look sharp. Bowls of Caprese Skewers disappear as soon as friends see the bright layers lined up for quick snacking. Food moves super quick between chats. Everyone asks for more before you can refill the tray.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rolled bites make snacking simple, plus it’s fun to grab pieces from a plate. Pinwheel Sandwiches keep hands busy and seem to vanish before anyone gets tired of picking at the appetizer table. Works with almost any dip, too. Guests swing by for second rounds with no hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture.
Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stacking mini burgers means nobody waits in line for dinner with these out early. Slices of Cheeseburger Sliders get handed off all night since the servings are just the right size for keeping hunger away. Fans of classic bites always ask for the recipe. Great for grabbing quick in between chatting.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Cranberry Brie Bites

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

Plated little snacks bring out big flavors, making any table pop fast. Cranberry Brie Bites catch eyes as soon as they hit the table, offering creamy bites everybody rushes for. Most trays go empty in minutes at any party. It’s one appetizer everyone asks about after their first try.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hearty finger food always keeps the crowd happy during busy times. Piling up Meatball Sliders means plates fill and empty out fast as everyone wants something solid with their drink. Sides like chips or salad match up perfectly. Not much gets left for last call.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Letting everyone dig into one shared dish gets the conversation rolling early in the get-together. Balls of Cheese Ball usually attract those ready to dip and scoop with crackers or chips, so the snack table stays busy. Easy for refills, too. Bowl’s empty before people settle down.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing bold, layered flavors into mini sandwiches makes hands reach out even after plates are full. Italian Sliders come with a bit of crunch and zip in each bite, making them go missing quicker than you’d think. Pair with anything in the fridge. Everyone notices when the last one gets snatched up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray.
Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy treats at just the right size make the party plates feel full before dinner starts. Baskets of Crostini Appetizers offer endless toppings, so every bite is different and keeps folks guessing. Besides, it’s easy to snack while chatting. All that crunch finishes off quick once guests spot the variety.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Spreadable flavors bring a change from the typical chips and dip scene. Muhammara with Pita Bread offer scoops and bites perfect for mixing up the appetizer line-up, and everyone loves piling on extra. Fits in as a snack between conversations. Always empties quick.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.
Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Roll-ups on the tray mean mess-free munching for every guest. Lines of Turkey Pinwheels cycle fast since the flavor pairs with any dip you set out and nobody ever stops at just one. It’s easy to swap out for meat or veggies, too. By the end of the hour, the plate is cleared off.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

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

Bringing a mix of flavors into one bowl draws crowds to the snack table first. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip are gone quick, since the combo always gets people talking and dipping again and again. Matches with crackers or veggie sticks. Guests always nudge for the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-size snacks with a crunchy shell make everyone lean in for more. Pans of Loaded Potato Skins get scraped clean fast as soon as they’re set out since nobody wants to miss one of the good pieces. Easy to serve with dips. You’ll need to make a second batch most nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Sausage Pinwheels

Close-up of several baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with minced meat, arranged on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Sausage Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rolled-up bites never stay long once the party kicks off. Sausage Pinwheels line up quick next to dips and drinks, disappearing between every laugh and chat with friends. Just match with sauces if you want variety. Plates always look empty before folks move to the next nibble.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Pinwheels

Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it.
Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fun shapes always get noticed first when appetizers hit before the main meal. Arranging Caprese Candy Cane gets lots of compliments, since every bite brings new color and a little twist on the classic. Bask in how fast these move. Tray is clean by the time the main course is ready.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing some heat and crunch in one bite means snacks don’t last long on the counter. Stacks of Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls go quick, since creamy, spicy bits always attract a crowd. Pairs with breadsticks nicely. Most trays are picked clean before guests settle in.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with whole chickpeas, chopped parsley, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Hummus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spreadable dips make snack tables popular for anyone looking for light bites before the meal. Hummus vanish quickly, especially when there are veggie sticks or pita lined up next to it. Good for sharing with a group. Not much left after the mingling starts.
Get the Recipe: Hummus

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

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

Spicy snacks in a crispy shell bring everyone closer to the kitchen in no time. Plates of Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers disappear between laughter, since guests can’t resist taking a second piece. Perfect with cool drinks. That crisp shell always ends up in conversation, too.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cheesy bites mix well with every table setup and let folks snack without missing a beat. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls always pair with dips for more flavor and vanish as soon as people spot them. Best for quick grab-and-go eating. Last piece never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunch on the outside means these bites get picked over first every round. Bowls of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are gone fast, especially next to creamy dips or cool spreads. Good for stacking high. Empty plates say it all right away.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of sliders filled with cooked ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a white surface, with some jalapeño slices scattered nearby.
Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Hearty little sandwiches mean hands stay full and the snack table never looks boring. Cowboy Sliders make a great match with sweet or spicy dips, clearing out before larger mains show up. Guests like piling up their plates. Not much is left for later.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

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

Smoky flavors with crispy edges mean guests start eyeing the snack tray early. Passing around Bacon Wrapped Smokies always turns heads and gets people picking up two at a time. Pairs well with toothpicks for easy grabbing. The tray gets cleared without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spreading out lots of options lets guests snack without needing a plate or fork. Sharing a Charcuterie Board makes mingling easy, since slices and bits are perfect for mixing and matching all evening. Great for keeping hands busy. Every cracker or cheese disappears before long.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Party Crostini

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

Little crispy bites stack up easy and let everyone make their own snack mix at the table. Trays of Party Crostini are topped with both smooth and chunky spreads, keeping guests passing the tray for more. It’s always fun to see all the combos. The last piece goes about as quick as the first.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Italian Sub Pinwheels

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

Quick rolls make snack time easy and keep plates neat between bites. Lined up Italian Sub Pinwheels always match well with chips or pickles and move round the party quick. Bites are great for grabbing before the main meal. The plate usually empties quicker than expected.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Rotel Dip

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

Creamy dips that pack a punch are gone before most people have sat down. Bowls of Rotel Dip get scooped up on chips fast since easy appetizers bring people together at the snack table. Matches with almost anything crunchy. You’ll need extra if there are lots of guests.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background.
Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fancy bites draw attention with their smooth flavor and bright look. Salmon Deviled Eggs brighten up the table, each one easy to grab and pass around before dinner starts. Perfect match with crisp crackers. Not one is ever left behind.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small bites with a smoky kick mean trays rotate quick between guests. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots move up fast on the party list, since each piece mixes crunch with bold flavors for busy hands. Best with a dip or solo. No leftovers by the time guests get moving.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Popping bites with a little spice clear out appetizer pans every time. Plates of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are scooped up by anyone who loves some heat, making snack time much more fun. Good with cool dips or alone. The count drops before you even notice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tear-apart breads make sharing easy without much fuss at the snack table. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is gone quickly once smoothed with jam or dips. Everyone drifts over for another bite. Nothing gets left in the baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl.
Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Vibrant bites pull guests into the kitchen ahead of every big meal. Bowls of Shrimp Ceviche are light enough for mingling and match well with crispy chips or cool drinks at the party. These bites go fast once trays make the rounds. Good for refilling if the crowd’s hungry.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fried cheese snacks win every time, clearing out pans before main dishes get served. Mozzarella Sticks get dipped quick and pair perfectly with sauces for grab-and-go eating. Easy for sharing. Not one gets left behind once plates hit the living room.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crunchy bites with seafood make appetizer plates stand out and bring a nice switch from usual snacks. Stacking up Shrimp Toast means quick grabbing for all guests, especially when matched with fresh dips. Great for starting off the evening. Gone before any bread basket makes the rounds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Antipasto Skewers

A plate of antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, and a drizzle of green pesto.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Changing up the usual vegetable tray brings everyone around the table for quick bites. Strips of Antipasto Skewers get picked up fast since every layer adds something new and works well with meats or cheeses. Good at busy parties in any spot. Never lasts long in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Sausage Balls

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

Cheesy meatballs line up easy for snacking or adding to plates, making party tables fun and stress-free. Sausage Balls pair with creamy dips and move quick thanks to the small, flavorful bites. Great for holding in napkins. The last ball is always fought over.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Christmas Cheese Trees

Close-up of sliced cheese coated with mixed herbs and chopped nuts on parchment paper, resembling charming Christmas cheese trees.
Christmas Cheese Trees. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shaped snacks get noticed right away so nobody misses out on grabbing one. Lining up Christmas Cheese Trees makes cheese more fun, especially when matched with crackers or fruit. These pieces are gone before you know it. Always good to have extras on hand.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Trees

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baked snacks with crispy edges mean quick munching at any get-together. Trays of Mini Hasselback Potatoes go fast, especially with some dips nearby and hungry friends in the room. No need for fancy toppings. Every part of the tray gets taken.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Shrimp Cocktail

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

Chilled seafood always catches eyes on the appetizer table at busy parties. Shrimp Cocktail match up clean with cool sauces and make it easy for guests to pick their favorite bites. Goes nice with cold drinks. No shrimp left by the first refills.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic snacks always run out quick since everyone loves reaching for them first. Plates of Deviled Eggs circle the table at every party, working great with crunchy crackers or simple veggies. Easy to eat in one bite. Not one lasts longer than five minutes on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Brats in a Blanket

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

Wrapped snacks bring hands to the snack table for quick bites during busy gatherings. Lined up Brats in a Blanket mean filling flavors for every guest, perfect with dips or sauces in reach. Plates clean off easy. These snacks are never around for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Baked Brie

A baked brie with walnuts and thyme, with a jar of honey next to it.
Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gooey cheeses make snack tables more exciting, especially served warm with bread or fruit. Wheels of Baked Brie vanish shortly after cutting, since soft bites mix well with sweet or crunchy sides. Easy to hand out. Make sure to watch for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper.
Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Creamy dips clear out bowls quick when the party crowd starts grabbing chips or crackers. Beer Cheese Dip always get requested for every game night or festive table, matching perfectly with munchies. No leftovers at the end. You’ll be scraping the bowl in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp shells and warm centers make for perfect hand-held treats at any event. Hot batches of Potato Skins stack high with toppings and make a hit beside drinks or salad plates. No mess for guests. Can’t store these, they’re gone before dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

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.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rolled bites in pastry mean fingers stay busy until the big meal begins. Plating up Pigs in a Blanket gets all the good stuff wrapped up, keeping parties lively and easygoing. Matches great with dips. Tray is empty fast every single time.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Goat cheese balls on a wooden cutting board.
Mini Goat Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Little round snacks let each guest grab something creamy without waiting for a knife. Loads of Mini Goat Cheese Balls pair up well with crunchy sticks or soft bread slices, vanishing before anyone gets bored. Fun to combine with other cheeses. No rounds ever make it to the end.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Adding some crunch with every bite is a solid strategy at any party table. Bowls overflowing with Smashed Potatoes get picked clean fast, especially next to dips for scooping. Great for breaking up bigger meals. Every bit is gone before you look twice.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

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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