45 Christmas Appetizers Ideas Everyone Talks About

Every December, party tables get crowded with small bites that always steal the spotlight. Guests hover near the trays, pretending to chat while plotting their next grab. These 45 Christmas appetizer ideas keep conversations flowing and plates mysteriously empty.

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

Cowboy Sliders

A close-up of sliders filled with cooked ground beef, melted cheese, bacon, and sliced jalapeños on a white surface, with some jalapeño slices scattered nearby. — Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Snack spreads always get more lively with Cowboy Sliders stacked high. Every mini burger packs tons of smoky flavor. Buns hold up well even after sitting awhile. Easy for guests to grab as they chat. Friends always beg for the recipe after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Sliders

Caprese Appetizer

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

Fresh plates never last long when Caprese Appetizer gets served. Colorful stacks make party tables pop. Skewers or bites always go first. Works great for light snacking with wine. Plates always clear before the main dish arrives.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crowd size never matters when Cheeseburger Sliders are lined up. Juicy layers stacked together for easy grabbing. Piled on trays for sharing. Always makes chatty guests quiet down. Sliders vanish before the second round of drinks.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

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.

Party tables look full when Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls roll out. Perfect to pop in your mouth with one hand. Rich flavor that pairs with any dip. Reheat well for late arrivals. People never leave without grabbing a second round.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwich lovers always head toward Roast Beef Sliders first. Bun and filling stay moist all night. Slices thick enough for a serious snack. Stacks up for grab-and-go snacking. Everyone lines up for more.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface. — Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Finger foods hit gold when Pinwheel Sandwiches spin around the table. Easy to eat in a couple bites. Fun colors make snacking more exciting. Works for big crowds and small get-togethers. Guests fill their plates before sitting down.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background. — Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack trays never last long with Meatball Sliders in the spread. Soft bread hugs a saucy filling so no mess. Always pulled first from the lineup. Perfect for piling on extra cheese. People talk about these every year.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Caprese Skewers

Charcuterie boards pop when Caprese Skewers line up in rows. Good for picking without a fork. Bright colors stand out in every photo. Mixes well with all types of other apps. First thing gone when the party kicks off.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Cranberry Brie Bites

Sweet meets rich in Cranberry Brie Bites passed around. Flaky outside with creamy center makes every bite pop. Good option for sweet and savory lovers. Packs well in trays for big gatherings. Usually all gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

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.

Seafood lovers always reach for Shrimp Toast first. Crisp bread soaks up all the flavor. Quick snack before the main meal. Stays crunchy through the party. Guests always call it a favorite once they try it.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper. — Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack time heats up with Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Creamy center with a bit of a kick. Pairs best with crackers or chips. Good for spicing up a cold plate. Always a conversation starter among friends.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Shrimp Cocktail

Fancy parties always bring out Shrimp Cocktail for the wow factor. Piled high with a cool dip on the side. Works as finger food or with forks. Everyone circles back around for more. Seafood fans always want extra shrimp on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Baked Brie

Melted goodness takes over when Baked Brie hits the table. Gooey cheese sinks into every cracker. Fresh out of the oven or warmed up still wins. Matches well with fruit or bread. Guests call it memorable every time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheels filled with a creamy mixture, garnished with herbs, served with bowls of salsa and breadcrumbs. — Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold flavor rolls into every party with Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels. Slices have just a bit of heat. Always tops snack boards for game days or big events. Works well cold or room temp. No one skips this on the appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Hummus

Dips work well when Hummus shows up with chips and veggies. Thick enough for sturdy snacks. Stays center stage all night. Perfect for everyone from meat lovers to plant-based eaters. Always finished off by the hour.
Get the Recipe: Hummus

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy. — Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Guests flip for Smoky Bacon Pig Shots on a festive platter. Stacked bites go in one mouthful. Smoky kick keeps people reaching for the tray. Goes fast every single time. People ask for extra napkins just to have more.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese. — Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Friends fill up on mini sandwiches like Italian Sliders before dinner hits. Spicy or mild versions win over everyone. Easy to warm for seconds. Works for all types of drink pairings. Always a reason for another round at the table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

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.

Game days or big family parties fit Brats in a Blanket right into place. Each piece wraps a bold sausage with perfect crunch. Handy for holding without mess. Pairs with any dip you like. Always gone before halftime.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish. — Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet meets savory with Bacon Wrapped Smokies set out for guests. Bites are super easy to pop right off a toothpick. Good for slow grazing alongside drinks. Warms up great for late arrivals. Always runs out before the party is over.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Potato Skins

Potato Skins disappear quickly from the center of the table. Crispy shells packed with loaded toppings always hit the mark. Best served with lots of napkins. Keeps everyone snacking till the main meal. Always someone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Antipasto Skewers

Mixes of flavor pack every bite in Antipasto Skewers. No messy hands needed just stab and snack. Easy to make for the crowd or just a few. Pairs with most drinks at parties. Always leaves guests asking for recipes.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray. — Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fancy bites fit the mood with Crostini Appetizers topped many ways. Crunchy bases hold all types of fillings. Looks great on serving platters. Works for small bites between courses. Gone before desserts appear.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

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.

Guests brag on Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites every party. Spicy filling wrapped in a crisp shell. Great dipped or just on their own. Always the hottest thing on the table. Requests for these roll in year after year.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Loaded Potato Skins

Pleasing snacks always feature Loaded Potato Skins on appetizer trays. Cheesy and packed with flavor inside a crispy shell. Good for eating with your hands. Stacks high for sharing. Always sparks talk at the holiday party.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley. — Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party snacks go wild for Italian Sub Pinwheels cut into rounds. Each bite has layer after layer of filling. Great for mixing up the snack board. Works cold or room temp. Everyone looks pleased after just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Smashed Potatoes

Plates fill quickly with Smashed Potatoes getting passed around. Crunchy outside hides a soft middle. Perfect for dipping or eating as-is. Simple snack but always a winner. Friends scrape up every last crumb.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Sausage Pinwheels

Close-up of several baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with minced meat, arranged on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. — Sausage Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spirals win big when Sausage Pinwheels fill the table. Savory bites hold up parties or game nights. Works with cheese boards too. Always first to go once guests show up. Slices stick around just long enough for a snap.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Pinwheels

Mozzarella Sticks

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

Cheese fans cheer for Mozzarella Sticks served hot. Crunchy coating with stringy cheese just works. Dips make it better. Always served up fast and eaten even faster. No tray stays full for long.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks

Pigs in a Blanket

Party picks get swooped when Pigs in a Blanket stack up. Soft dough wraps each piece tightly. Dips well with sauces on the side. Matches both casual and dressy tables. No leftovers to wrap up after the party.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Christmas Cheese Trees

Boards get creative with Christmas Cheese Trees cut into shapes. Layers of flavors stacked high. Pops off the tray in minutes. Easy to grab with toothpicks. Always the talk of the snacking table.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Trees

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center. — Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fancy sides join the table with Mini Hasselback Potatoes lined up. Crisp edges with soft insides every bite. Picks up dips just right. Stack up for big groups or small. No potato left behind on these trays.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party favorites hit hard with Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers for that spicy punch. Crispy bacon hugs a creamy center. Perfect bite with a cool drink. Stays hot for hours. More friends mean more gone.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together. — Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack tables fill out with Party Crostini dressed in lots of toppings. Crunch balances soft spreads well. Easy to pass around during drinks. Stays crisp even with spreads. Always the last plate picked clean.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Charcuterie Board

Grazing boards stay busy for hours with Charcuterie Board on deck. Meats, cheese, fruits and nuts mix. Works for early snacks or late. Lets everyone pick what they want. Always finished by the time dessert gets rolling.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

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.

Brunch tables look classy with Salmon Deviled Eggs. Smoky flavor adds an upgrade to the basic bite. Stacks up for simple picking. Works well with bubbly drinks. Guests call this bite their favorite surprise.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper. — Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dipping gets better at parties with Beer Cheese Dip. Creamy texture coats every chip or pretzel. Always easy and fulfilling to scoop up in a crowd. Good hot or cooled down. Always disappears before dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip

Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it. — Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snack platters go festive with Caprese Candy Cane lined up. Color pops on every table. Easy to grab and eat while mingling. Sweet and tangy for all palates. Everyone mentions how cool it looks.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips. — Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dip bowls always empty first when Rotel Dip is served. Spicy and cheesy mix keeps people grabbing chips. Stays melty for hours. Packs up for easy leftovers. Always gets requested for the next party.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Shrimp Ceviche

Fresh flavors make Shrimp Ceviche shine at big gatherings. Cools down the mix of snack tables. Scooped easily with chips or spoons. Works as a small plate or main. Always adds something special to the holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Dips don’t disappoint when Muhammara with Pita Bread takes center. Creamy texture handles all types of bread. Sweet hint with a little punch. Perfect for groups that like something new. Always wiped out by the end.
Get the Recipe: Muhammara with Pita Bread

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet. — Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack fans rave about Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Crunchy crust holds every topping. Perfect for forkless eating. Mixes with drinks or mains. Always grabs attention on big platters.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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.

Snack platters feel empty quickly without Sausage Balls on them. Meaty bite that holds spice and cheese well. Good finger food and reheats for round two. Builds up big snack towers. Always a hit with big hungry crowds.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Turkey Pinwheels

Food lines move fast when Turkey Pinwheels go out. Slices hold up without getting soggy. Layers balance crunch and soft stuff every round. Works for big grazing tables or lunch. Gone in minutes with every group.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Deviled Eggs

Simple trays fill fast with Deviled Eggs all lined up. Creamy inside always matches well with paprika tops. Portion-sized for easy grabbing. Good with bubbly waters or stronger stuff. Never a leftover left.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Cheese boards finish best with Mini Goat Cheese Balls. Little bites mix crunch and smoothness. Roll well in all types of toppings. Perfect for toothpick snacks. People always ask how you made these.
Get the Recipe: Mini Goat Cheese Balls