49 Christmas Appetizers That Taste Like Pure Merry Mischief
Celebrating the holidays with friends or family gets easier when there are 49 Christmas appetizers to choose from. Reaching for simple recipes helps keep things moving when your calendar fills up. Even quick bites can create a welcoming vibe for guests, no matter the size of the group. Having snack ideas on hand is a lifesaver during packed December weekends.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Bright yellow filling always grabs everyone’s attention with these Classic Deviled Eggs. The creamy texture paired with just a hint of tang marks this appetizer as a holiday favorite. Any time I bring these out, you can count on them disappearing quickly. Even after the last one is gone, someone will ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Crowds seem to gather as soon as these Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls appears on the table. Crunchy bits with a touch of spice make every bite worth talking about. Excitement builds when someone tries to guess what makes it so memorable. Every party plate shines a little brighter with this option.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Holiday tables sparkle a bit more when these Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites are served. Each bite mixes creamy and fruity notes, giving a sweet surprise to whoever tries them. These treats have been known to disappear faster than expected at gatherings. Guests never quite know what hit them until they taste one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Adventurers at the appetizer table always reach for these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites first. Each piece offers a fun kick, balanced by enough comfort to keep everyone curious. Lively chatter and playful guessing about the bold flavors fill the room. They are never left sitting for long.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Colorful Caprese Skewers

Setting out these Colorful Caprese Skewers brightens any holiday spread with fresh bursts of color. Each skewer promises a combination that’s juicy and unexpected. I always notice folks reaching for extra, wanting to try another in a hurry. These are welcome at any gathering, large or small.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers
Loaded Italian Sliders

Each bite of these Loaded Italian Sliders brings the energy of a festive dinner in a handheld stack. Juicy layers pack in plenty of flavor for snackers of all ages. People give this appetizer high marks for both taste and fun. Serving these means never worrying about leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Italian Sliders
Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Stylish platters get a boost from these Elegant Crostini Appetizers at the start of a celebration. Crisp, golden rounds deliver wonderful textures as people try each unique topping. Friends linger by the serving tray for just one more sample. Sharing these usually turns any event into something special.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crostini Appetizers
Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crowds always seem to cheer up as soon as these Crispy Smashed Potatoes joins the food table. Golden edges and a soft inside make them a true comfort treat for all ages. I find myself needing to set out extra after that first crunchy tray clears. There’s something truly joyful about the simple, classic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Gatherings feel more generous with these Savory Roast Beef Sliders making the rounds. Hearty and rich, these snacks hold a spot at both casual and dressed-up parties. Carnivores especially appreciate their tender, meaty layers. Serving these ensures guests will be full and happy even before the main course begins.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

The holidays get a kick of excitement with this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip in the middle of the action. This appetizer balances plenty of festive color with gentle heat, making it hard to stop after one taste. Every scoop brings a combination that’s both familiar and brand new. Any crowd will rave about the fresh twist.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Crispy Shrimp Toast

Bringing a little crunch to the party, this Crispy Shrimp Toast holds plenty of flavor in each bite-sized slice. Golden outside with a savory center, these snacks draw interest from across the room. They fly off the platter faster than expected. Once tried, people remember them long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Friends will line up quickly when they find these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes on the spread. Each bite brings the best mix of crunch and cheesy goodness, making the platter a magnet for seconds. The aroma builds anticipation while the tray empties. If you need a sure hit, these deliver every single time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Cheesy Rotel Dip

Snack tables heat up once this Cheesy Rotel Dip starts to bubble away. Warm, gooey cheese combined with a hint of spice keeps chip bowls constantly full and hands reaching in for more. Laughter and conversation always pick up pace when this dish appears. Quick to make and quicker to disappear, it’s crowd-tested fun.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip
Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Before a meal even starts, these Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls wins curious glances and grins. Soft, cheesy dough with savory sausage fills the air with warmth. These appetizers have a way of bringing people closer to the snack table again and again. Parties just feel happier when these are around.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Crispy Party Crostini

Pass around these Crispy Party Crostini and watch shy guests inch closer for seconds. Toppings range from creamy to bright, each towered on crunchy, bite-sized bread. Everyone finds their personal favorite, so plates empty fast. Crostini like these turn any spread into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

As soon as hands reach for this Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, laughter and sharing take off. Warm, melty cheese meets a burst of sweetness in this holiday treat. Every piece pulls apart so easily, making them fun to eat with a crowd. No one forgets a party where these are served.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Bringing the classic flavors of a drive-thru home, these Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders makes every guest’s eyes light up. Each little bite holds all the best parts of a burger, making the plate popular for snacking. I notice there’s a scramble for the last one every time. A holiday party feels more fun with these on hand.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Stretchy cheese wrapped in a golden shell makes these Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks an instant favorite. Kids and adults both grab these while the cheese is still warm. It’s fun to watch people try to stretch each piece as far as it will go. Simple, nostalgic, and a guaranteed hit, these never last long.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks
Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

Colorful swirls of meat and cheese set these Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels apart from the rest. Each slice brings together classic deli flavors in a handy roll. People love finding their favorite snack on the tray. Pass these out and the compliments will follow naturally.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels
Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board

Holiday tables light up with this Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board arranged for both beauty and flavor. Crisp vegetables cut into shapes attract curious grazers of all ages. A crowd gathers to scoop their favorites, chatting and laughing as they snack. It’s a playful way to keep things fresh and fun.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board
Loaded Potato Skins

The best parties have trays of these Loaded Potato Skins right in the middle of the action. These bites feature crispy shells, creamy centers, and fun toppings—it’s as though every bite holds a little holiday celebration. I serve extras, since these disappear before anything else. The plate is always the first to clear.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins
Savory Meatball Sliders

Gathering around the table gets easier with these Savory Meatball Sliders in the mix. Tender meatballs packed inside soft buns always mean happy faces. While sauces might drip, no one ever complains because the flavor is all that matters. No one skips over these once they’re spotted.
Get the Recipe: Savory Meatball Sliders
Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Parties gain instant energy with these Loaded Baked Potato Bites arranged on a platter. Creamy, bite-sized portions make for easy snacking as conversations flow. I sometimes make a double batch because the tray empties right away. Guests talk about these long after the holiday is done.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Colorful Antipasto Skewers

Edible art takes shape in these Colorful Antipasto Skewers that steal attention on any appetizer spread. Each skewer combines new and familiar flavors in a playful stack. Grazers enjoy picking and mixing their favorites. Arranged neatly, these are an easy way to brighten up festive tables.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Skewers
Chicken Pinwheels

Spirals of flavor make these Chicken Pinwheels a festive standout among appetizers. Inside each bite is a fun surprise, perfect for grabbing while mingling with friends. People enjoy guessing what gives them their unique taste. Simple to share, these bite-sized spirals are always a holiday hit.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

New flavors awaken the palate as this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread lands on the table. The rich, bold dip paired with soft pita wedges draws curious eyes. Many guests ask where the recipe came from, surprised by its blend of spices. Starting conversations comes easily with a snack like this.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread
Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Playful and full of fun, these
Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Whispers about special appetizers rise when these
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Plates empty quickly once these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels is served at any gathering. Layers of tender meat and creamy cheese make each roll worth reaching for. These appetizers spark a little competition for seconds. Something about their spiral shape feels just right for Christmas parties.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Creamy Hummus

Silky smooth and ready for dipping, this Creamy Hummus is a must for any fresh appetizer spread. Every scoop reveals a velvety texture balanced with just enough flavor to keep snackers coming back. Friends ask if you made it yourself, often reaching for seconds. Relaxed gatherings only get better with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus
Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Holiday cheer comes built-in when this Festive Caprese Candy Cane lines the platter. Cheery red and white stripes grab everyone’s attention, guaranteeing it becomes a centerpiece. Guests enjoy both the fun look and the burst of fresh, simple flavors. Even before you taste it, the visual alone sets a merry mood.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Savory Brats in a Blanket

Bite-sized layers make this Savory Brats in a Blanket a classic among party snacks. Warm, doughy edges meet a juicy middle that people can’t help but grab. It’s fun to watch guests sneak one or two before dinner even gets underway. Smiles and laughter follow wherever these are served.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket
Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Sharing food gets even more fun with these Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches that is easy to pick up and eat. Rolled up with layers of flavorful fillings, every slice is different and colorful. Even picky eaters find something to love here. Spirals like these are a party tradition for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Holiday snack tables get a little wild when these Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers is added to the lineup. Crunchy edges give way to creamy heat, making these a bold choice that sparks conversation. There’s always an empty tray before the main meal starts. People have been known to hunt for more in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled bites never go out of style, which is why this Classic Shrimp Cocktail remains a steady party favorite. Plump shrimp, a touch of sauce, and crisp presentation makes this appetizer catch eyes fast. I see guests head straight for it, hoping to get seconds before it runs out. It’s reliable for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Sharing turns into an event as soon as this Warm and Gooey Baked Brie is unwrapped at a party. Rich and creamy cheese melts into a soft center, inviting everyone to dig in together. Laughter and chatter grow louder when this arrives at the table. Make sure you have plenty of bread close by.
Get the Recipe: Warm and Gooey Baked Brie
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Spiraled snacks always make tables more fun, especially these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Each roll serves up a bit of heat with tangy flavor in every bite. Crowds tend to finish these before the next dish is out. The extra kick keeps people coming back to the platter over and over.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Loaded Cowboy Sliders

Filling every hand in
Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Colorful toppings and creamy middles make these Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls a crowd pleaser. Each bite is unique, offering something special for every snacker to discover. These tiny treats add both elegance and fun to your spread. Enjoy seeing plates cleared again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Flaky Sausage Pinwheels

Celebrations grow more lively with these Flaky Sausage Pinwheels turning up on your party trays. Golden swirls catch the eye, while savory sausage delivers heartiness in every bite. People are drawn to grab just one more as they mingle with others. Simple, rich, and perfect for sharing, these belong at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Sausage Pinwheels
Savory Sausage Balls

For a bite-sized snack that keeps hunger at bay, these
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Gathering around the appetizer table gets festive with this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. Artfully arranged cheese, meat, and fruit turn a simple board into a piece of holiday art everyone admires. Little hands and adults both reach in for their favorite snacks. This edible centerpiece creates a sense of celebration before dinner even begins.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Holiday snacking takes a fun detour with these Savory Turkey Pinwheels loaded onto the platter. Spirals deliver bite-sized layers that work perfectly for mingling guests. Each roll is as visually fun as it is flavorful. Passing these out means you’ll never have leftovers sitting around.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels
Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Festive flavors come bubbling up with this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip, ready for any crowd. Thick, rich cheese draws all kinds of snackers, making pretzels and veggies quick to disappear. I notice people keep scraping the bowl long after it looks empty. Conversations grow louder with this dip on hand.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Laughter fills the room as soon as these Smoky Bacon Pig Shots is served to eager partygoers. Each bite-sized cup mixes savory flavors with just a dash of spicy fun. Guests guess at the recipe, marveling at the smoky taste. Present these once, and folks always request them again.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Beautiful Charcuterie Board

Gatherings feel more inviting when this Beautiful Charcuterie Board sits at the center. Arranged with bright, fresh ingredients, everyone finds something to nibble as they walk by. Casual conversations begin in front of the board, with people sharing their top picks. Bringing variety and style, this board turns every party into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board
Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Any crowd perks up seeing a platter of these Flaky Pigs in a Blanket pass by. It’s a playful, nostalgic snack that’s easy to grab while socializing. Each bite holds comforting warmth inside a buttery blanket. There’s never a single one left at the end of the party.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket
Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Lively flavors transport you somewhere bright with every bite of this Fresh Shrimp Ceviche. Cool, citrusy notes and tender shrimp make this appetizer a refreshing change from traditional holiday snacks. Guests compliment the bold but balanced taste. This is the dish I rely on when I want to surprise a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Ceviche
Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Setting out these Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes guarantees a crowd of snackers will form. The crisp, ridged edges invite plenty of curious hands, while the soft middle delivers comfort. Cheerful chatter grows as people go back for more. Even the pickiest eaters hang around for a second serving.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes
About the Author

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.
