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30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes

These amazing Christmas appetizer recipes are sure to bring holiday cheer with favorite dishes like baked buffalo wings, bacon deviled eggs and spinach dip.

Put some merry in your Christmas with these savory hot appetizes, cool dips, crunchy snacks and more!

A collection of images of Christmas appetizer recipes such as veggie pinwheels, bacon wrapped water chestnuts and steak bites.

Christmas appetizer recipes do not have to be extravagant. They don’t need to require days to prepare or even hours if you’re short on time. In fact, some of the best Christmas appetizer recipes take little to no time at all. Quick recipes leave you with more family time for the holidays.

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes

I gathered some of the top recipes for all your holiday appetizer needs.  You can easily make your grocery list from the recipes below and plan your holiday meal in advance.

These recipes contain a variety of festive flavors. There are meaty dishes like sausage and cheese balls and steak bites. I have crowd pleasers like homemade Chex mix and candied pecans. If you want to indulge a sweet tooth, try my cherry cheesecake dip or Christmas sugar cookie dip. They are to die for. Whatever you need for your party or gathering, there is a recipe for you!

Hot Appetizers

Sometimes you want something a little heartier for your holiday party. I often have get togethers where I just serve appetizers and desserts! These hot Christmas appetizer recipes are meaty, cheesy and packed with tons of savory flavors. You can even make some of them in your slow cooker!

A group of images of Christmas appetizer recipes including ham and cheese pinwheels, baked buffalo wings and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
This prosciutto wrapped asparagus is fresh asparagus stalks flavored with savory prosciutto, then broiled to crispy perfection. A 4 ingredient appetizer or side dish that's easy, yet elegant and always gets rave reviews.
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A plate of prosciutto wrapped asparagus garnished with fresh parsley.
Turkey Meatballs
These slow cooker turkey meatballs are Italian style and made with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They’re slow simmered to tender perfection in the crock pot and are perfect served over spaghetti or as a hearty appetizer.
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Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce inside a slow cooker.
Sausage Cheese Balls
These easy sausage cheese balls are the perfect party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor!
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A platter of sausage cheese balls with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are creamy, spicy and loaded with cheese. The perfect party appetizer!
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A plate of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers served with ranch dressing.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These hot ham and cheese pinwheels are rolls loaded with plenty of meat and swiss, then topped with a butter poppy seed sauce and baked to golden brown perfection. I serve ham and cheese roll ups at every party and there are never any leftovers!
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Ham and cheese pinwheels are an easy savory party snack.
Baked Buffalo Wings
This recipe for baked buffalo wings is ultra crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a classic spicy sauce and served with a lightened up blue cheese dip. Snack away with less guilt!
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Baked buffalo wings tossed in hot sauce, served with celery sticks.
Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
These seared steak bites are cubes of sirloin steak cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce. An easy meal or party snack that’s ready in just minutes!
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Bites of sirloin steak in a garlic sauce.
Fried Ravioli
These fried ravioli are cheese ravioli coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then fried to golden brown perfection. Toasted ravioli are a fun and unique appetizer that are easy to make!
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A plate of fried ravioli topped with parmesan and parsley, and served with a side of marinara sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These bacon wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews!
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Bacon wrapped scallops coated in glaze and topped with parsley.
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
These bacon wrapped water chestnuts are crunchy marinated water chestnuts covered in bacon and a sweet and savory sauce, then baked to perfection. A quick and easy appetizer option that's always a big hit!
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Bacon wrapped water chestnuts on a sheet pan, garnished with parsley.

Cold Christmas Appetizer Recipes

These cold offerings range from snack mixes to elegant bites and more! The great thing about cold appetizers is that they can often be prepared in advance which is great for entertaining.

A group of holiday favorite snacks including bacon deviled eggs, homemade Chex mix and antipasto skewers.
Homemade Chex Mix
Your search for the perfect homemade Chex mix ends here – this from scratch Chex mix is made with cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts, and is SO much better than the recipe on the box!
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Chex mix in a white serving bowl.
Mexican Shrimp Bites
This recipe for Mexican shrimp bites is seared shrimp and guacamole layered onto individual potato chips. A super easy appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!
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This recipe for Mexican shrimp bites is seared shrimp and guacamole layered onto individual potato chips. A super easy appetizer that's elegant enough for entertaining! #ad
Antipasto Skewers
These antipasto skewers are a variety of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto sticks – an easy yet elegant appetizer.
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These antipasto skewers are an assortment of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto a stick for a super easy yet elegant appetizer.
Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels
A rainbow of veggies and chicken are combined with ranch spread on a rolled tortilla to make healthy and delicious pinwheel sandwiches.
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Veggie pinwheels on a board filled with bell peppers, carrots, cabbage and spinach.
Reindeer Chow
No holiday party is complete without a big bowl of reindeer chow! This Christmas chex mix is loaded with chocolate flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Christmas Chex Mix
Candied Pecans
This recipe for candied pecans is pecan halves coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and baked to crispy and crunchy perfection. Candied pecans are perfect for salads, snacking or package them up for a fun homemade gift idea!
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A bowl filled with homemade candied pecans.
Charcuterie Board
A complete guide on how to put together the best charcuterie board, with a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, veggies and other snack foods. The ultimate party appetizer that always gets rave reviews!
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A charcuterie board filled with meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and nuts.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball
This jalapeno cheddar cheese ball is full of zesty Mexican flavor and takes just minutes to make. The perfect snack for game day!
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This Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball is full of zesty Mexican flavor and takes just minutes to make. The perfect snack for game day! #KickUpTheFlavor Ad
Shrimp Ceviche
This shrimp ceviche recipe is fresh shrimp marinated with cucumber, red onions, cilantro, avocado and diced jalapenos. It takes just minutes to make and is full of bold and zesty flavors.
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A bowl of shrimp ceviche marinated in citrus juice with tomato, avocado, cilantro and jalapeno.
Bacon Deviled Eggs
These easy bacon deviled eggs are a classic recipe dressed up with the addition of bacon bits and chives. Plus learn my tricks for the best deviled eggs ever!
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A plate of bacon deviled eggs garnished with sliced chives and smoked paprika.

Christmas Dips and Spreads

Here is a selection of dips and spreads that are perfect for the holidays, with everything from homemade spinach dip to decadent sugar cookie dip!

Several images of holiday dips including cherry cheesecake dip, smoked salmon dip and spinach dip.
Cowboy Caviar
This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade sauce. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck!
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A serving bowl of cowboy caviar made with beans and veggies, and garnished with cilantro.
Christmas Cookie Dough Dip
This christmas cookie dough dip has a creamy and fluffy eggless sugar cookie base swirled with holiday sprinkles for a fun and festive appetizer or dessert.
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This Christmas cookie dough dip has a fluffy and creamy base that's swirled with plenty of holiday sprinkles and served with fruit and cookies for dipping. It only takes 5 minutes to make! #HolidayWithChobani Ad
Pesto Dip
This pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, basil pesto and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and creamy dip in just minutes. The easiest last minute appetizer option that pairs well with bread, veggies or can even be used on a sandwich or as a salad dressing.
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A bowl of pesto dipped topped with tomatoes and served with breads and vegetables.
Spinach Dip
This hot spinach dip is a blend of cooked spinach, three types of cheese and seasonings, all baked together to melted cheesy perfection. An easy make-ahead party snack that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
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A piece of bread scooping into a pan of spinach dip.
Bacon Ranch Dip
This creamy bacon ranch dip takes just 5 minutes to make and is loaded with flavor.
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A bowl of creamy dip topped with bacon and green onions.
Crab Dip Recipe
This hot crab dip is a mixture of crab, cheese and spices, all baked together to form a creamy dip that’s bound to get rave reviews. A super easy make-ahead appetizer that is always a crowd pleaser!
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Hot crab dip in a skillet topped with tomatoes and green onions.
Cherry Cheesecake Dip
This 4 ingredient cheesecake dip is light, fluffy and so delicious! Serve with graham crackers and cookies for a fun appetizer or dessert.
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A plate of cherry cheesecake dip with a graham cracker in it.
Mediterranean Layered Dip
This mediterranean layered dip starts with a base of whipped feta cheese and is topped with artichokes, olives, sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts.
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This mediterranean layered dip starts with a base of whipped feta cheese and is topped with artichokes, olives, sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts. Ready in about 10 minutes, it's the perfect party appetizer!
Smoked Salmon Dip
This smoked salmon dip is a creamy base filled with smoked salmon and fresh herbs. This smoked salmon appetizer is the perfect 5 minute party dip!
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A bowl of smoked salmon dip surrounded by bread, crackers and vegetables.
Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon
This recipe for jalapeno popper dip is creamy, cheesy, spicy and loaded with bacon! Serve with tortilla chips for the perfect easy appetizer.
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This jalapeno popper dip is creamy, cheesy, spicy, loaded with bacon and totally addicting! Serve it with tortilla chips for the ultimate party snack.

Have a festive holiday with the perfect party snack or dinner appetizer. Whether you are in the mood for something hot and savory, cool and creamy or sweet and decadent, try some of the fantastic flavors in these recipes!

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    Comments

    1. Gina Abernathy says

      So many delightful recipes for the holiday season. Chicken wings, jalapeno peppers, and the cheese ball are a few of the first appetizers I am making this season. Can’t wait! YUM!

      Reply

    2. Sharon says

      This year we are doing appetizers instead of one main dish so I was so excited to find this post loaded with amazing apps. Thank you for this roundup.

      Reply

    7. Carol Cassara says

      We wouldn’t be entertaining a lot of people this year for Christmas but I still love preparing dishes that my husband and I will enjoy. I think these appetizers are worth taking note of.

      Reply

    8. AnnMarie John says

      You can never have enough appetizer recipes for this season and the next! It’s really nice to have this much resource. Thanks for the links to the recipes.

      Reply

    9. Annemarie LeBlanc says

      I am bookmarking this page. I have already found 3 or 4 appetizers that I like! Thanks for collating all these wonderful and delicious appetizer recipes.

      Reply

    11. Theresa says

      These are all such yummy holiday appetizer options. Thankfully, I don’t have to host a dinner this year, but I will have to bring something to my in-laws so this will be a great resource to find a crowd pleasing appetizer that I can bring.

      Reply

    13. Kelly || Food, Fun & Faraway Places says

      Oh my gosh, 60!? I don’t know where to start! I want to close my eyes and just pick a few LOL. I love that one in the shape of a Christmas tree!

      Reply

    15. Catherine Sargent says

      These all look like wonderful appetizers. I am going to make the winter cheese board and almond pesto dip.

      Reply

    17. Ma says

      These are a great, super large selection of Christmas appetizer recipes. I am so glad you shared them. Bookmarking a few for my ideas with family this Christmas 🙂

      Reply

    18. Rachel Ferrucci says

      These all look delicious and at my Christmas party I usually do all appetizers. I see quite a few I can take from here to add! Thanks love it!

      Reply

    20. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

      This is so awesome! I’ve been looking for some new foods to serve this Christmas. I can’t wait to try some of these appetizers.

      Reply

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