Christmas Appetizers Ideas With 45 Quick Wins For The Table
Christmas gatherings can get hectic fast, but that’s where 45 appetizer ideas for the table come in handy. These easy appetizers make guests forget they’re waiting for the main course. Every platter disappears faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning. They keep everyone busy, happy, and less likely to ask when dinner’s ready for the fifth time.

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Party trays empty out quick when these little round snacks get passed around during a busy night. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls always pull people over for seconds and thirds. They’re easy to grab and keep the hands busy. Great for packing up leftovers. Plates always come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Cranberry Brie Bites

Sweet and creamy snacks bring a little brightness to every platter and go fast during holiday gatherings. Serving Cranberry Brie Bites will spark conversation while people reach for more. They work for both fancy and casual nights. No mess with these; napkins might not even be needed. Always a hit with any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
Cowboy Sliders

Hearty mini sandwiches disappear from trays in just a few minutes at every get-together. When Cowboy Sliders land on the appetizer table, folks hover until they’re gone. Easy to eat and great warm or cold. They pack up perfect for leftovers. These have guests asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders
Cheese Ball

Grab a cracker, pile it high, and dig in when a creamy ball sits in the center of the snack table. Bringing out a Cheese Ball keeps everyone coming back for more. It plays well with any dippers. Simple to move around the party. Always ends up scraped clean by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Roast Beef Sliders

Mini sandwiches stack high and get snatched off the tray by everyone as soon as guests walk in. Serving up Roast Beef Sliders makes snack time flow smooth. They work for both fancy events or laid-back nights. Stash a few for lunch the next day if you’re lucky. These slide off the plates fast.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders
Caprese Appetizer

Skewered bites with vibrant colors bring a pop to your table and everyone reaches for a stick. Sharing Caprese Appetizer gives friends something light and fresh between all the rich finger foods. No mess here and easy to prep. They go well with drinks or as a snack. These rarely leave leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer
Cheeseburger Sliders

Everyone lines up when mini burgers come out warm and stacked on a platter. Grabbing for Cheeseburger Sliders is basically a party tradition at this point. These keep hands clean too. Perfect for all ages and a breeze to reheat. So popular there’s never enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders
Pinwheel Sandwiches

Spiraled snack bites line up across every appetizer board and vanish as quick as they’re made. Cutting up Pinwheel Sandwiches keeps guests chewing at every event. Easy to pack for lunch the next day too. Pairs up with any dip. You can never make too many.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches
Meatball Sliders

Small buns and saucy bites mean everyone gets a sandwich without getting their fingers too messy. Passing out Meatball Sliders ensures happy faces all night. Good for bringing along to share. These warm up nicely for leftovers. Every party gets requests for these again.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders
Caprese Skewers

Snack trays look brighter when little sticks full of color get added for dipping or eating plain. Plating Caprese Skewers means there’s always something fresh on the plate. These travel well and pack up for later. They’re simple but always loved. Everyone goes back for one more.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers
Charcuterie Board

No table is complete without a spread packed with slices, bites, and snacky treats for everyone. Setting out a Charcuterie Board keeps people moving and chatting all night. Every combo is possible when you’ve got choices. Easy to make ahead. These always get shared—sometimes even before dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board
Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled seafood appetizers spark attention and bring something special to the table fast. Serving up Shrimp Cocktail breaks up the regular list of snacks. These look fancy but are so simple. Perfect for passing around at fancy events. Most folks reach for another right after their first one.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Crispy, cheese-filled bites with a little kick make sure everyone circles back to the appetizer corner. Plating up Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites means everyone’s talking while they snack. These go fast at any event. Heat up well for leftovers. Rave reviews every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Hummus

Creamy dips land in the middle of every party plate and get scooped up with anything from chips to veggies. Spooning up Hummus is a great way for everyone to gather around. Works for all sorts of snackers. Packs into lunch boxes the next day. Always gets refilled before the party is over.
Get the Recipe: Hummus
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Bites filled with heat and wrapped up neat are impossible to pass up on any appetizer table. Setting out Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers ensures folks stay near the snack spread. Always a talking point among guests. These travel well for quick drop-ins. Leftovers are rare with this tray.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Crunchy edges and a little salty flavor get everyone munching around snack time. Making Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes means there’s nothing left to reheat. They go with just about everything. Easy to eat without forks. Best eaten fresh, but they’ll probably be gone quick anyway.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Brats in a Blanket

Little links packed into golden snacks mean guests keep circling back for just one more. Pulling apart Brats in a Blanket is the best part of a snack table. They reheat well next day. Perfect for dipping into sauce if that’s your style. Always a favorite, no matter the age.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket
Salmon Deviled Eggs

A classic gets an upgrade when the filling is packed and topped for something new at a party. Popping a Salmon Deviled Eggs upgrade surprises your friends in a good way. Works as a quick lunch too. Chill them ahead for easy serving. Always gone by the time the main meal starts.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs
Rotel Dip

Warm, cheesy dips with a bit of a kick bring everyone together in the kitchen. Dropping a pan of Rotel Dip on the table always draws a crowd. Don’t expect leftovers unless you hide it. Great with chips or bread. This one’s usually gone before it cools off.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Rolled-up party bites mix bold flavor with easy snack power and guests snatch them as soon as they’re served. Cutting up Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels signals snack time has started. They’re easy to hold and eat. Everything packs well for tomorrow’s lunch. These never last through the event.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Deviled Eggs

Creamy, handheld bites always fill plates without much fuss and people scoop them up by the dozen. Passing around Deviled Eggs means no downtime between guests and snack. They work well for fancy or casual parties. Chill for a few hours for best results. Always remembered once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs
Crostini Appetizers

Toasty bites make snack platters more interesting since anything can go on top of them. Stacking up Crostini Appetizers lets guests build their own favorites. They hold up well without getting soggy. Easy to serve for any crowd size. These get complimented every time.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers
Party Crostini

Tables look sharp with little toasts topped with a mix of goodies for each guest to grab and build. Serving Party Crostini means everyone can try something new. They hold up to any spread or dip. Awesome as an open snack during mingling. Plates come back for extras every round.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini
Potato Skins

Hot bites with a bit of crunch get picked up fast, especially during games or family parties. Handing out Potato Skins keeps snackers happy for hours. Good for reheating. These pair with almost everything. Be sure to make extra, since there’s never enough.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Italian Sub Pinwheels

Rolled sandwiches slice up fast and stack on any party platter for easy snacking. Adding Italian Sub Pinwheels to the table brings lots of flavor without extra mess. Great for prepping ahead. These travel far without getting soggy. Friends always snag the last ones.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels
Mozzarella Sticks

Crisp, cheesy snacks are always popular for party trays and vanish without a trace. Serving up Mozzarella Sticks means you’ll see people hovering where the food is. These can be microwaved later. Dip in sauce or eat as is. Everyone asks for these every time.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks
Beer Cheese Dip

Warm dip with a little bite shows up strong for any event, especially when the snacks just keep coming. Spoonfuls of Beer Cheese Dip make everything better, from veggies to pretzels. Stays scoopable even after it cools off. Quick to prep and pack for gatherings. Party trays empty every round.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
Smashed Potatoes

Crisp bites disappear from plates as soon as trays land in the middle of the appetizer spread. Sharing out Smashed Potatoes means hands reach fast for seconds. They taste just as good at room temp. Works as a side too. Always remembered by guests.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes
Sausage Pinwheels

Spirals full of flavor keep hands busy and plates coming back for more at the start of any meal. Cutting up Sausage Pinwheels is a clever way to share something filling. Packs up great for home. Reheat with no trouble. These will always be popular with groups.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Pinwheels
Baked Brie

Gooey and rich, this soft treat makes a sweet and creamy centerpiece for every table. Slicing into Baked Brie gets everyone hovering around the appetizer board. Spreads onto bread or crackers so easy. Great served warm for best results. Always empty by the end of the party.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie
Loaded Potato Skins

Crunchy cups packed with creamy filling make it impossible for people not to circle the food table twice. When Loaded Potato Skins show up, every hand grabs one. These are good warm or at room temp. No trouble packing extras for later. Crowd favorite status locked in.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins
Antipasto Skewers

Sticks full of tangy, savory bites keep party trays moving while everyone chats and picks up something new. Lining up Antipasto Skewers means more variety and less mess. They pack up for road trips. Looks great on snack tables. Everyone grabs a few when they wander by.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Caprese Candy Cane

Bright snacks with a fun shape make the table inviting and get snapped up faster than expected. Making a Caprese Candy Cane side brings a bit of color to snack time. It’s quick to set up for guests. Kids love the shape. Most people ask for you to make it next time.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane
Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Thin sliced minis get crispy edges and soft centers, making for snack trays that end up empty quick. Placing Mini Hasselback Potatoes on a platter is always a talking point. These reheat without getting soggy. Easy to portion for big crowds. Always need to make extras.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Creamy bites rolled up small bring something different to snack tables, especially next to crackers. Sharing Mini Goat Cheese Balls makes finger food feel a bit special. Holds up great on a buffet. Packs easy for later. Most people will grab seconds without asking.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Small party treats add a kick of spice and bold flavor to keep guests going during any snack session. Serving up Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls brings everyone back to the plate. They go with crackers or fresh veggies. Good to make ahead. The plate always empties.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Turkey Pinwheels

Rolled bites bring a lighter option to the snack board while still keeping things interesting. Slicing up Turkey Pinwheels makes it simple to grab food on the run. Perfect for leftovers. Fits well in lunch boxes. Crowd loves these on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels
Shrimp Toast

Toasty snacks with seafood top off any holiday tray in a way that gets noticed. Spreading out Shrimp Toast brings folks to the kitchen for a sample. These get crispy edges and a fluffy inside. Good for grabbing and eating between chats. Always gets compliments immediately.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Pigs in a Blanket

Wrapped up mini bites mean nostalgia and easy fun at every gathering. Baking Pigs in a Blanket guarantees a buzz by the snack table. These hold up well for hours. Dips make them even better but aren’t required. Expect none left after the party.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket
Muhammara with Pita Bread

Rich, creamy spread offers something bold and quick for scooping while chatting before dinner. Dipping into Muhammara with Pita Bread brings a new flavor to group snacks. Easy to make for a crowd. Packs well for later. Friends ask what it is and want more.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Thick bites stacked with smoky edges fill appetizer trays fast and spark quick grins from party-goers. Passing around Smoky Bacon Pig Shots results in empty toothpick jars and happy bellies. Reheat well for leftovers. Pairs great with beer or soda. People always ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Italian Sliders

Everyone gets a mini sandwich with bold flavors lined up on a party platter. Presenting Italian Sliders makes the appetizer round both filling and easy. They travel well and don’t fall apart. Quick to reheat in a pinch. They’re always gone before the main meal starts.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Sausage Balls

These round snacks hit the table first and leave it fast since they never make it past the halfway mark. Serving Sausage Balls gets people reaching for more without thinking. Packs up neatly. No tools needed. There’s always a call for more.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls
Shrimp Ceviche

Cold and tangy, this seafood dish shows up as a bright break on the snack table and keeps people coming back. A tray of Shrimp Ceviche disappears during the first round of appetizers. It travels well for sharing. Perfect for any party style. Snacking never stops with this one.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche
Christmas Cheese Trees

Festive bites shaped like trees bring playful style to your platter and get folks chatting at the table. Setting up Christmas Cheese Trees means no fork is needed to enjoy. Kids and grown-ups grab for these equally. They look great and store for later. Bet you don’t have any left to pack up.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Trees
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.
