10 Easy Christmas Appetizers to Add to Your Table This Season

For the past few years, I’ve been the one hosting Christmas at our house, and honestly? I love it. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that planning ahead, especially when it comes to food, is key. 

While everyone’s hanging out, catching up, and waiting for the big meal, I like to have a few festive bites out to keep the holiday cheer up. So today, I’m sharing some of my favorite Christmas appetizer recipes.

You’ll want to stay tuned if you’re the one hosting, or if you just need something easy and crowd-pleasing to bring to Christmas parties. These little bites are always a hit. They’re simple, delicious, and super festive. Grab your apron—and maybe a glass of something bubbly—and let’s get into it! 

10 Easy Christmas Appetizers to Add to Your Table This Season

These easy Christmas party appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen—no extra holiday errands required. (Or expensive holiday grocery lists!)

Cranberry Brie Bites

If there’s one appetizer that always shows up at a great holiday party, it’s these Cranberry Brie Bites.

They’re everything I love about Christmas wrapped into one little bite. The flaky, buttery pastry, melty cheese, sweet-tart cranberry, and just enough rosemary to make it feel fancy—they’re such a balanced treat. They look impressive, but they’re super easy to throw together. 

They’re a hit with kids, picky eaters, and even that one family member who hovers by the appetizer tray waiting for something warm and cheesy. 

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Slice your puff pastry sheet into small squares (about 16-20 pieces). No need for perfection—just aim for even sizes so they bake up nicely.

Step 2: Pop each square into a mini muffin cup. Don’t stress if they look a little rustic. It adds charm to your holiday spread.

Step 3: Cut the Brie into small cubes and place one in each pastry cup. Even a little goes a long way, melting into the dreamiest center. 

Step 4: Spoon a bit of cranberry sauce over the Brie. Not too much! It bubbles while baking, and you want each bite to stay tidy(ish).

Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden and the cheese is gooey and irresistible.

Step 6: Sprinkle with a pinch of chopped rosemary for that festive flair. Let them cool for just a few minutes before serving warm. 

Caprese Christmas Wreath

This Caprese Christmas Wreath is so fun to put together and it always seems to steal the show. It’s one of those appetizers that looks extra fancy but takes barely any time to make. The bright red tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil (from my countertop garden) come together like a little holiday centerpiece. 

It’s a refreshing break from the heavier holiday foods. Just a few ingredients, a couple of minutes, and voilà, you’ve got something that’s Christmas party-friendly. 

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes (you can slice in half if they are the large variety)
• Fresh mozzarella cheese balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt 
• Pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Grab a round platter or large plate, and start laying out your tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves in a circle. Alternate the colors and sizes for a full, festive look.

Step 2: Once the circle is set, step back and tuck in extra basil or tomatoes wherever it feels sparse. You’re going for lush and leafy—not perfect!

Step 3: Lightly drizzle olive oil over everything. It adds shine and brings out all those classic Caprese flavors.

Step 4: Now for the fun part—zigzag a little balsamic glaze over the top. It adds the prettiest contrast and a sweet touch to every bite.

Step 5: Sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and you’re done! Pop it in the fridge for a bit if you’re making it ahead of time. Just wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze until right before serving so it looks its best.

Christmas Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are one of those classic holiday appetizers that just never go out of style. And at Christmas, you can give them a little festive spin. These Christmas Deviled Eggs are simple, cheerful, and a tiny bit nostalgic.

They’re also light, full of flavor, and always disappear fast (thanks to kids and adults alike!). I also love knowing there’s something a bit protein-packed on the table to balance out all the cookies and cheese boards.

Ingredients

• 12 hard-boiled eggs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Paprika (for that festive red!)
• Chopped chives (for the green)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cut each egg in half lengthwise and gently pop out the yolks. Place the whites on a serving tray and set the yolks in a bowl.

Step 2: Mash the yolks with mayo and mustard until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each egg white with the yolk mixture. Piping makes them look extra fancy, but no pressure—spoons work just as well.

Step 4: Dust half the eggs with paprika and the other half with chopped chives. The red and green combo is so simple and festive.

Step 5: Pop them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes so the flavors have time to come together. Serve cold and watch them disappear! 

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

This Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread is one of those holiday appetizers. You know—the kind that fills your whole kitchen with the smell of warm butter and garlic. Basically, the official scent of Christmas at home.

It’s cozy. It’s carb-y. And it’s the perfect snack to nibble on while chatting around the kitchen island. Everyone pulls off pieces with their hands, and somehow it’s always gone faster than expected. Plus, it uses biscuit dough, which means minimal effort for maximum payoff.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Open the biscuit can and cut each individual biscuit into quarters. Aim for even pieces so they bake up nice and fluffy.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan. Give it a stir so every bite gets a hint of garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Add the dough pieces to the bowl and toss until they’re fully coated. Take your time here—this is where the magic happens.

Step 4: Grease a bundt pan and pour in the biscuit mixture. Gently press it down to help everything stick together.

Step 5: Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells like garlic heaven. 

Step 6: Let it cool for a few minutes, then flip it onto a plate. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm. Everyone will be pulling off pieces before you even set it down!

Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Log

This Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese log is one of those easy appetizers that somehow feels super luxe. But it takes all of five minutes to throw together.

The combo of creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans is just so good. And once you roll it all up and give it a drizzle of honey? It looks like a sparkly little ornament on your table. Guests always flock to it right away. It’s festive, it’s colorful, and it’s gluten-free—big win when you’re hosting a mix of diets. 

The best part? No baking required! You can whip this up while juggling 20 other holiday festivities. Simple, pretty, and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 goat cheese log
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Chop your cranberries and pecans into small bits, then mix them together on a plate. This is going to be your crunchy, festive crust.

Step 2: Take the goat cheese log and gently roll it in the cranberry-pecan mixture. Press as you go, so everything sticks and you get that pretty, even coating.

Step 3: Transfer the log to a serving plate and drizzle it with a little honey. It adds the perfect sweetness and makes it look extra fancy.

Step 4: Pair it with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices. Make sure to also set out some festive cheese spreaders for easy eating. 

Christmas Tree Veggie Platter

This Christmas Veggie Platter has become a go-to for holiday parties. It’s cute, it’s festive, and let’s be honest—after all the cookies and cocoa, people actually want something fresh and crunchy. Kids especially love it because it literally looks like a Christmas tree. And I love that it gets them excited about veggies!

It’s one of those appetizers that comes together in minutes but looks like you put in way more effort than you did. And most exciting of all, you can make it with whatever’s already hanging out in the fridge. Budget-friendly and the healthiest thing on the buffet? Total win. 

Ingredients

• Broccoli florets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Cheddar cheese cubes
• Ranch dressing or hummus (for dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Grab a big platter and start layering your broccoli into a tree shape. Wide at the bottom, narrow at the top—don’t stress about making it perfect. The overall shape will come together as you go.

Step 2: Tuck cherry tomatoes into the broccoli for little red pops of color. They look like ornaments and make the whole thing feel extra festive.

Step 3: Lay cucumber slices across the tree in soft curves to mimic a garland. It adds great texture and helps break up the darker green.

Step 4: Use cheese cubes to make a little star at the top of your tree. It’s such a fun finishing touch—and let’s be real, cheese is always the first to go.

Step 5: Set out a couple of small bowls of ranch or hummus nearby for easy dipping. You can pop it in the fridge until it’s party time—it holds up really well and still looks fresh hours later.

Pesto Christmas Pinwheels

These Pesto Christmas Pinwheels are a festive holiday appetizer that looks like you spent all afternoon making them. But actually, they come together in just minutes. 

They’ve got the whole red-and-green thing going on thanks to the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. And the flaky puff pastry makes them feel like something you’d pick up at a little bakery downtown. Not only do they taste amazing and look pretty, but they’re also great both warm and at room temperature. 

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup pesto
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 egg (optional—for egg wash and that golden finish)

Instructions

Step 1: Lay the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Give it all a gentle roll so it’s smooth and ready to fill. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this is a low-stress snack.

Step 2: Use a spoon or spatula to spread the pesto all the way to the edges. You want every bite to have that herby goodness.

Step 3: Evenly scatter your chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the top. They add a sweet, tangy flavor and bring that red holiday pop. 

Step 4: Starting at one of the long edges, roll the pastry up tightly into a log. Then slice it into ½-inch rounds. They will puff up into those beautiful pinwheels as they bake.

Step 5: Place the slices, cut-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. If you want them extra golden and glossy, brush the tops with a bit of beaten egg.

Step 6: Pop them in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed and golden and your kitchen smells amazing.

Step 7: Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the pastry to set. Then serve them warm or at room temperature—they’re delicious either way. 

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I served this Spinach & Artichoke Dip last Christmas Eve, and it was a total hit! It’s warm, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. It’s the kind of dip people keep coming back to, saying, “just one more scoop,” and then… poof! It’s gone. 

And it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your fridge or pantry. Plus, it works great with whatever dippers you have on hand—crackers, toasted baguette, raw veggies… or just a spoon. No judgment. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, just make sure it’s well-drained)
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Give your spinach and artichokes a quick chop so they mix in easily. If you’re using frozen spinach, press out any extra water. It’s worth the extra step to keep things creamy.

Step 2: Add everything to a medium baking dish. Stir until it’s all nice and blended. 

Step 3: Use the back of your spoon to even out the top. This ensures it bakes evenly and gets a golden crust on top.

Step 4: Pop it into a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is melted and the edges are doing that cozy little bubble thing.

Step 5: Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. It’ll thicken up a bit and be easier to scoop that way. Then serve it warm with your favorite dipper snacks and soak up the compliments. 

Mini Meatball Skewers

Looking for an appetizer that’s festive, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to disappear fast? These Mini Meatball Skewers check all the boxes. They’re warm, kid-friendly, and bite-sized—AKA perfect for a mingling crowd or busy Christmas Eve. 

They’ve got that classic red-and-green holiday vibe (thanks to the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil). But they don’t require any actual decorating skills. Just stack, serve, and enjoy. 

Ingredients

• 24 mini frozen meatballs (about 1 lb or standard bag)
• 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed (optional, for dipping)
• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 24 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Follow the package instructions to heat the meatballs through. You can use an oven, a skillet, or an air fryer—they all work. 

Step 2: Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. This keeps everything from sliding off the skewers and helps the basil stay bright and fresh.

Step 3: Layer one basil leaf, one cherry tomato, and one mini meatball all onto a toothpick or skewer. Press gently so everything stays snug but still looks cute and layered.

Step 4: Spread them out on a platter so the red, green, and golden meatballs pop. It makes everything look more festive—no extra garnish needed.

Step 5: A little bowl of warmed-up marinara sauce takes these from “fun” to “cozy Italian Christmas snack” real quick. I highly recommend it!

Holiday Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

There’s something about Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms that just feels like Christmas to me. They’re cozy, a little indulgent, and the kind of savory, buttery bite that people love. It’s basically holiday magic in mushroom form. 

Pull these out on Christmas Eve or as a warm appetizer before the big dinner. They’re hearty enough to satisfy a hungry crowd, but light enough that everyone still has room for the main event. Oh, and they look so high-end, too! 

Ingredients

• 20 medium mushrooms, stems removed
• ½ lb ground sausage
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Give the mushrooms a quick rinse and pat them totally dry (so they roast, not steam). Pop out the stems and gently scoop out a little space for stuffing.

Step 2: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. You want bite-sized crumbles that’ll mix well with the filling.

Step 3: Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. It should all stick together nicely—just enough to hold its shape inside the mushrooms.

Step 4: Fill each mushroom cap with a spoonful of the mixture and line them on a baking sheet. Then drizzle the tops with olive oil to help everything turn golden and delicious.

Step 5: Pop them into a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and crisp. 

Step 6: Give them a few minutes to cool slightly—just enough so no one burns their fingers grabbing the first one. Arrange on a pretty platter and watch them vanish. 

Make Christmas festivities just as delicious as it is special with these easy appetizers.

Christmas is hands-down one of my favorite times of year. There’s just so much joy, so much cozy cheer… and yes, so much good food.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably already planning out your holiday menu. Or you’re at least browsing for inspiration between wrapping gifts and sipping cocoa. These Christmas appetizers are total crowd-pleasers. They’re perfect whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or bringing a dish to share. And, best of all, they’re festive, easy to pull together, and always disappear quickly. 

Need some new ideas? Here are a few of my go-to holiday recipes—ones I make year after year and still get asked about: