51 Christmas Party Food Ideas That Keep Guests Happy

ByMandy Applegate

Every holiday gathering deserves snacks that bring people together faster than gossip. With these 51 easy party favorites, plates never stay empty for long. By the end of the night, you’ll know which guests came for the company and which came strictly for the food, no judgment either way.

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it.
Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Crowd goes quiet with smooth Blueberry Cheesecake topping the dessert tray. Creamy layers mix sweet with tang so everyone grabs a slice. Blueberries give extra color for sharing photos. Slices disappear fast before party games start.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Hummus

A bowl of chocolate hummus topped with chickpeas and coarse salt, surrounded by sliced peaches, apples, biscuits, and rolled wafers.
Chocolate Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dip bowls always draw a crowd when creamy Chocolate Hummus sets up by the fruit tray. Sweet flavors pair with cookies or crackers for variety. People ask, is it dessert or dip, and then grab both. Chocolate wins every time before dinner finishes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hummus

Cheese Ball

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

Party tables fill up when creamy Cheese Ball joins the snack spread. Good for dipping chips or crackers while staying in the holiday spirit. Easy to pair with other bites for a quick treat. Nobody walks by without grabbing a scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball

Key Lime Bars

A close-up of dessert bars with a crumbly crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, garnished with lime slices in the background.
Key Lime Bars. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet bites get special fast with tangy Key Lime Bars showing up after dinner. Zippy flavor puts a twist on the dessert table. Simple to slice and share, so lines form quick. Plates empty before drinks get refilled.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Bars

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.

Hands reach out quick for cheesy Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls when trays pass around the room. Savory bites match up with wine or punch. Snack keeps chats going through any game. Balls are gone before plates come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Caprese Appetizer

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

Color pops on trays stacked with fresh Caprese Appetizer for mingling crowds. Simple layers keep plates light for early munching. Matches well with wine or fizzy drinks. Folks stack up seconds the minute chatting starts.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Skewers with grapes, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries arranged in neat rows on a white surface.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Skewer stands light up with cheery Rainbow Fruit Skewers on every buffet line. Bright colors get guests reaching for healthy bites. Good pick for a break between sweet treats. Tray always empties before photos finish.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls relax the table when cool Easy Caprese Salad mixes flavors in every scoop. Fresh greens match up between heavier snacks. Good for side plates during main meals or solo bites. The crowd always asks for more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Chocolate Cheesecake

A slice of chocolate cheesecake with a cookie crust and whipped cream topping is being lifted from the whole cake.
Chocolate Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates fill high with thick Chocolate Cheesecake after dinner stories finish. Chocolate stands rich and smooth so folks cut big slices. Good for sharing with berries or just plain. Pan gets scraped way before dessert hour is over.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cheesecake

Mozzarella Sticks

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

Snack plates get passed quick with gooey Mozzarella Sticks packing in crunch for every guest. Works great with sauce for dipping or solo. Bites fly off the tray before anyone notices. Mozzarella shows up and the party picks up.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tables buzz with crispy Maryland Crab Cake crowding appetizer plates. Golden edges sizzle right out of the pan. Crab brings a bold kick for small bites. Good for pairing with sauces or lemon wedges. Spread clears out quickly each round.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Servings get fun when crunchy Mini Tacos top the finger food section. Each tray brings color and crunch to the table. Bites fill up snack plates with flavor and crunch. Switch up dips for extra fun. Tacos end up gone way before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand.
Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert goes bold with thick Red Velvet Cake standing tall at the end of the party. Creamy frosting cuts the sweet with a smooth finish. Slices stack up for sharing with the crowd. Cake disappears before plates get cleaned up.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Wrap platters fill up fast when stuffed Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap enters snack hour. Salad keeps bites light for easy grabbing between chats. Works with platters of veggies or other wraps. Nothing stays long enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Pink Snoball Brownies

Three stacked slices of chocolate coconut candy, reminiscent of Pink Snoball Brownies, topped with pink shredded coconut.
Pink Snoball Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert table glows when fun Pink Snoball Brownies pops onto plates. Layers stand out with extra color for party pics. Good for sweet round or swapping with other brownies. Crowd goes back for one more before dancing kicks in.
Get the Recipe: Pink Snoball Brownies

Baked Brie

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

Guests gather around creamy Baked Brie, waiting for the first scoop. Cheese melts for soft bites with crackers or bread. Pairs nicely with fresh fruits or nuts. Dish always empties quickly, so nobody misses out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Caramel Apple Fudge

A stack of green and brown swirled fudge cubes. The top cube has a bite taken out of it.
Caramel Apple Fudge. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet trays glow when chewy Caramel Apple Fudge gets picked for party night. Classic flavors add a pleasing twist at dessert time. Works fine for small bites or gift bags. Fudge melts away before guests head out.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Fudge

Crab Rangoon

A bowl of fried wontons served with a side of red dipping sauce and a small dish of chopped green onions.
Crab Rangoon. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Appetizer talk picks up quickly when crispy Crab Rangoon lands on the platter. Rich filling makes snack plates more fun. Good for dipping between glasses of punch. All the rangoons always vanish way before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crab Rangoon

Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie jars fill up fast with chewy Peanut Butter Cookies stacked high for guests. Sweet peanut crunch adds a homey feel to dessert hour. Pairs up with coffee or milk. Plates don’t have any left before speeches end.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack plates spin with golden Pizza Pinwheels once guests start circling the room. Cheese and sauce keep bites fun for little chats. Works well with dipping sauces or plain. Tray clears just as the music gets loud.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Eggnog Pudding Shots

Plastic cups filled with creamy yellow eggnog pudding shots are topped with whipped cream, star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Eggnog Pudding Shots. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Party drinks get sweeter with thick Eggnog Pudding Shots chilling at dessert time. Pudding makes the rounds for extra-on-theme fun. Good for a quick toast or slow sip. Shots disappear fast in every round.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pudding Shots

Smashed Potatoes

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

The crowd wins with crispy Smashed Potatoes sitting close to the snack table. Potatoes crunch with every bite for easy munching. Great match for dips or just plain salt. Every bowl empties out as people gather.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

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.

Snack plates heat up with crispy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites in the spotlight. Each small bite draws everyone in for seconds. Bring sauces for extra kick. Bites aren’t around after the first hour.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Party memories stick with warm Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from the oven. Chips give sweet bites for sharing and stories. Good with coffee or solo dessert plates. Cookies always clear out before guests leave.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

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.

No one skips the table with soft Brats in a Blanket rolling through the snack line. Good for pairing with sauces or just grabbing plain. Snacks work well with other finger foods. Brats finish up before the next round starts.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake on cake stand.
Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet cravings get sorted with creamy Strawberry Cheesecake showing off on the dessert tray. Berries bring color and flavor to every forkful. Slices work for sharing or solo nibbling. No crumbs left after the party picks up.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake

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.

Appetizer plates look fancy when smooth Salmon Deviled Eggs join crowd favorites. Eggs give a sharp kick for snack time. Good with toast points or by themselves. Tray clears out quickly during the first pass.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Christmas tree shaped cookies on a baking sheet.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Platter stands out with cool Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies decorated for snack breaks. Sweet frosting and bright sprinkles make every bite festive. Colors match the party vibe all night. Easy to carry or share as gifts. Cookie tray stays busy at all events.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Close-up of sliced stuffed beef roulade with visible layers of meat, cheese, and spinach on a wooden board. A glass of beer is blurred in the background.
Grilled Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Meat lovers crowd the dish when juicy Grilled Steak Pinwheels come off the grill. Roll-ups fit the handheld snack rule for parties. Sauces add extra flavor for quick bites. Pinwheels score a win even on fancy spreads.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer.
Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Desserts get playful with sweet Rudolph Cupcakes stacked tall for snacking. Chocolate and candy toppings make each one picture-perfect. Cute faces add charm to dessert rounds. Great for sharing selfies with friends. Cupcakes go quickly before games start.
Get the Recipe: Rudolph Cupcakes

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.

Dip bowls fill up with tangy Muhammara with Pita Bread, spreading flavor for snack hour. Pita slices work for scooping every last bit. Good pick for mixing with veggie trays. Dip disappears as plates change hands.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Chocolate Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert lasts longer with a smooth Chocolate Pie sliced up for guests. Creamy and delicious filling makes for slow forks and happy faces. Good with whipped topping or solo. Pie always tray empties before dinner chatter settles.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

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.

Snack plates move fast with crunchy Shrimp Toast boosting flavor for appetizers. Toast adds easy grabs during mingling. Seafood brings something special without fuss. Tray clears well before trivia games.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background.
Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Plates perk up with spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel stacked high for nibbling. Bits work for dipping in sauces or grabbing quickly in passing. Heat keeps the energy up. This pleasing serving platter always needs a refill.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles on a plate with a chocolatey spoon resting on the plate.
Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet trays sparkle with soft Chocolate Truffles set out for dessert. Chocolate kicks in right for party rounds. Bites work for casual picks or fancy presentations. These truffles always run out before the plates do.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Truffles

Crack Chicken Dip

Cracker with creamy dip featuring bacon bits and green onions being lifted from a dish.
Crack Chicken Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack bowl gets crowded with creamy Crack Chicken Dip, getting scooped during the first pass. Dip covers chips or crackers with just one grab. Folks go back for refills all night. The bowl never lasts past snack hour.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Dip

Coconut Fudge

A stack of white, square-shaped fudge pieces with a creamy texture are arranged on a plate, some with coconut flakes on top.
Coconut Fudge. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet tooth gets a lift with chewy Coconut Fudge stacked high at dessert time. Coconut adds a new twist for party guests. Good for gift bags or bite-sized plates. Fudge always goes out fast when music gets going.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge

Mini Goat Cheese Balls

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

Spread picks up with tangy Mini Goat Cheese Balls mixing things up on appetizer trays. Cheese works well with all sorts of crackers. Easy to grab for quick bites between drinks. Balls disappear with every toast.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Reindeer Cake Pops

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks.
Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The dessert table feels festive with sweet Reindeer Cake Pops poking out for grabs. Cute faces set the party mood right. Good for sharing selfies before eating. Pops always clear out before games start get loud.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Cake Pops

Turkey Pinwheels

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

Savory platters look full with soft Turkey Pinwheels popping up for snack rounds. Roll-ups hit every craving with fresh and pleasing bites. Easy to bring for group gatherings. Pinwheels finish before the next round starts.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Snowman Cookies

Christmas cookies with cherries and icing on a baking sheet.
Snowman Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie plates light up with friendly Snowman Cookies decorated for sweet moments. Good for smiles at every party break. Perfect for sharing as take-home treats. Snowmen always melt away before wrapping up.
Get the Recipe: Snowman Cookies

Taco Dip

Glass bowl with layered dip topped with guacamole, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and tomatoes. A tortilla chip is dipping into the bowl.
Taco Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack bowl gets busy with creamy Taco Dip, making chips go fast at the table. Good for swapping between flavors or eating extra. The bowl turns empty with every pass. Dip always makes conversation spark during mingling.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip

Watergate Salad

A glass bowl filled with pistachio-flavored dessert topped with mini marshmallows and chopped nuts, with another similar bowl in the background.
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert bowls shine with fun Watergate Salad for light eats after dinner. The mix of pistachio, pineapple, and marshmallows brings a creamy surprise. Sweet and fluffy layers make sharing fun. Good with whipped cream or just as is. Salad always disappears before round two starts.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

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.

Trays get cleared with spicy Sausage Balls popping onto every snack plate. Bite-sized for easy and pleasing to pass during fun. Good for matching up with sauces or nothing at all. No sausage ever stays for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Christmas Sugar Cookies

A group of cookies decorated with icing and snowflakes.
Christmas Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie platters get colorful with classic Christmas Sugar Cookies on the snack spread. Each bite brings a mix of buttery crunch and sweet icing. Iced shapes match the party mood. Good fit for coffee or solo nibbling. Cookie trays always run low fast.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Sugar Cookies

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Glazed ham layered with pineapple slices and a hint of brown sugar, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Main plates fill up with sweet Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham for big party dinners. Ham works as a showstopper with sweet glaze. Pairs up with salads or warm sides. Ham tray empties before everyone’s finished with seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Candy Cane Fudge

Two pieces of vanilla and red swirled candy cane fudge stacked, with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top. Greenery in the background.
Candy Cane Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert table brightens up with chewy Candy Cane Fudge packed into small squares. Each piece adds a festive touch with every bite. Mint kicks mix in for little bites. Good for sharing or snacking fast. Fudge goes out quickly between conversations.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Fudge

Potato Skins

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

Savory bite plates get stacked with crisp Potato Skins for the perfect finger food. Toppings add spice and smoothness for crowd happiness. Easy to share with sauces for fun. Skins empty quickly on busy party nights.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Guacamole

Close-up of guacamole on a tortilla chip, showing a textured mixture of avocado, herbs, and spices.
Guacamole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dip bowls jump in with creamy Guacamole just right for chip action. Fresh lime and herbs bring it all together. Classic snacks work for all ages and all parties. Good alone or mixed with veggies. Guac disappears before trays even dry.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

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.

Party trays get swept up with cold Shrimp Cocktail next to snack plates. Chilled shrimp stay crisp with every dip. Sharp sauce adds fun to every grab. Seafood keeps things fresh and easy. Plate clears while music plays.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie jar gets busy with sweet Chocolate Crinkle Cookies set out for dessert rounds. Crinkles show off with a powdered sugar finish. Bites work with coffee, milk, or solo. Cookies disappear as soon as laughter starts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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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