35 Christmas Appetizers That Taste Like the Season Feels

I’ve noticed that the easiest way to keep holiday hosting calm is having a go-to list, and these 35 Christmas appetizers cover so many different moods. Some work well when you want something quick, and others feel a bit more seasonal when a gathering calls for it. The variety makes it simple to choose what matches the vibe.

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background. — Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

Bold, crispy on the outside with just the right amount of cheesy heat on the inside, these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are the kind of appetizer that instantly turns a regular gathering into something memorable. Whether you’re curled up for a holiday movie marathon or hosting a festive party, this dish always brings the right vibe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Loaded 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. — Loaded Cowboy Sliders. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Is it even a party without sliders? The best part about these Loaded Cowboy Sliders isn’t just their lovely size; it’s that combination of smoky, savory flavors with just the perfect toppings piled up high. These feel fitting for all kinds of Christmas get-togethers, from laid-back hangouts to festive game nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cowboy Sliders

Colorful Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over. — Colorful Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect for folks looking for a fresh bite during the holiday rush, these Colorful Caprese Skewers are bright, crisp, and just a little fancy without trying too hard. Somehow, they bring their own festive cheer with their vibrant pops of green, white, and red; classic holiday color vibes.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers

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.

Forget mashed potatoes; these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-conversation during a party. The crunch combined with the garlicky, cheesy hint feels just cozy enough for the colder season without being a full-on comfort food overload.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Spiral 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. — Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fun but not fussy, Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches are the appetizer version of joyfully unwrapping a surprise. They’re playful to look at and pack so much flavor into those neat little rolls. These show up ready to mingle at any holiday gathering, bringing a feeling of lightness and variety to a spread full of warm dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. — Flaky Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s no appetizer more universally loved than these Flaky Pigs in a Blanket during the holiday season. They bring the perfect blend of childhood nostalgia with baked perfection. People just seem drawn to them; maybe it’s their golden buttery crust or that little bite of savory goodness inside.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping. — Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The vibe of Christmas comes through beautifully in these Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. They’re warm, buttery, and bring a little festive twist with that tart cranberry accent over creamy melted Brie. These bite-sized treats feel indulgent without going over the top. Serve them and watch your crowd find their new favorite appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Flaky Sausage Pinwheels

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

If you’re looking for an appetizer that feels extra special but still simple enough to share joyously, these Flaky Sausage Pinwheels are that perfect middle ground. Their buttery pastry paired with savory sausage stuffing hits all the right holiday notes. It’s like they were made for this season!
Get the Recipe: Flaky Sausage Pinwheels

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

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

Light yet flavorful, these Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites bring that crisp, refreshing feeling to your holiday lineup. These bites bring their own little pop of joy to the lineup. The fresh ingredients and festive presentation always leave people with that “this is exactly what I needed” kind of feeling.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Savory 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. — Savory Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you want an appetizer that feels a bit hearty but still festive, these Savory Roast Beef Sliders are the perfect pick. They’re warm, rich, and carry that comforting holiday vibe that fits perfectly into winter gatherings. People always appreciate the mini size that lets them indulge without getting too full before a second round.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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

Only during the holidays can a simple appetizer double as edible art. These Festive Caprese Candy Cane do exactly that; they’re playful, bright, and add instant charm to your holiday presentation. With its iconic candy cane shape, this appetizer is perfect for impressing guests without making things complicated.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

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

If you’ve got fans of bold flavors in the mix this holiday season, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels are the no-brainer choice. They pack just the right amount of heat balanced by creamy richness, all rolled up in bite-sized perfection. These are the kind of appetizers that keep people chatting while grabbing one more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

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

There’s something about these Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks that feels like bringing the joy of a cozy diner right into your Christmas spread. The golden, crunchy shell paired with gooey melted cheese inside just hits the spot every time. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch, giving everyone that extra lovely bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

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.

Bold flavors and creamy textures collide in these Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls, making them the star of any appetizer table. Smoky bacon brings warmth, while the sharp kick of jalapeño keeps things exciting; these are perfect for someone wanting a little extra zing in their holiday snacks. People love the bite-sized nature of these.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board

A holiday-themed platter with bowls of hummus, yogurt dip, nuts, grapes, breadsticks, and crackers, decorated with festive greenery and red ribbons. — Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those moments when you need your holiday appetizers to look as amazing as they taste, this Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board delivers every time. It’s colorful, fresh, and feels like the healthier side of Christmas, yet still packed with variety and visual charm. These are keeping everything balanced and joyful on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Christmas Charcuterie Board

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Close-up of baked pinwheel appetizers filled with cheese and ham, topped with black pepper and garnished with sliced green onions. — Ham and Cheese Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classic, simple, and so satisfying, these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a holiday staple that feels comforting yet fun. Their flaky, golden crust and savory filling are the kind of flavors that instantly bring people back for seconds. Sometimes, the simplest classics are all you need to keep your holiday spread perfect.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

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

Few appetizers encapsulate “holiday indulgence” like these Warm and Gooey Baked Brie. When you set this dish out, it feels almost like Christmas magic, inviting everyone to get swept up in creamy, buttery goodness. If your holiday table needs a centerpiece appetizer that feels elegant yet approachable, Baked Brie is always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Crispy Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Crispy Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you want to surprise your guests with something a little different, these Crispy Shrimp Toast is the way to go. These golden bites are packed with crunch and seafood flavor, making them a standout choice that feels unexpected yet festive. Perfect for mingling over holiday cocktails or as a fun addition to a bigger dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls

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

These Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls bring sophistication and charm without being pretentious. Bite-sized, smooth, and coated with festive ingredients like crushed nuts or herbs, they’re great for adding a touch of elegance to more casual holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that will have people admiring your creativity.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Savory Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Savory Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Like the classic pigs in a blanket, but with a heartier twist, these Savory Brats in a Blanket feel tailor-made for Christmas gatherings. The flaky pastry shell combined with that slightly smoky brat flavor makes these a substantial yet approachable appetizer for the season. They’re perfect for balancing lighter bites on the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side. — Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Elegant yet approachable, this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread feels like a hidden gem on the Christmas appetizer table. This dip brings a bold, roasted flavor that pairs beautifully with soft and chewy pita slices. If your menu needs a little global flair, this dish absolutely delivers.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Loaded Potato Skins

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

These Loaded Potato Skins bring that hearty, crowd-pleasing vibe to any Christmas get-together. This appetizer feels like it came straight out of a cozy pub, packed with crispy, cheesy goodness that makes people smile. Perfect for casual gatherings or laid-back Christmas Eve snacking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Here’s an appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to talk about, these Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. These little bites have a ton of bold flavor packed into their miniature size, combining savory bacon with the just-right filling inside. Plus, they always get people asking, “What are those?” in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you want an appetizer that feels downright magical during Christmas, this Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is a guaranteed showstopper. Warm, gooey Brie mixed with sweet, tart cranberry sauce inside soft bread is the ultimate holiday indulgence. This appetizer is perfect for sharing; just pull apart a piece and dip right in.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Cheesy Rotel Dip

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

Few things get people gathering around the table like this Cheesy Rotel Dip. It’s rich, creamy, and packs just a hint of spice to keep things exciting. Whether you’re setting it out with tortilla chips or veggies, it’s one of those dips people just can’t stop scooping into. A staple that deserves its spot in every festive lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley. — Classic Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This Classic Shrimp Cocktail is that timeless appetizer that feels classy without being too fancy for a Christmas table. Perfectly chilled shrimp paired with vibrant cocktail sauce delivers freshness and tang that cuts through holiday flavors effortlessly. People always love loading up their plates with this one; it’s clean, light, and always refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions. — Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

brings just the right amount of kick to your holiday lineup with this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. The balance between tart cranberry sweetness and the heat from jalapeños makes it far from ordinary, and that contrast is what keeps everyone dipping. It’s one of those unexpected combinations that feels right at home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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

Rich, creamy, and flavorful, this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip practically invites people to gather around and indulge. There’s something warm and inviting about cheese paired with the subtle maltiness of beer, especially during the colder months. This dip brings that laid-back comfort to your holiday spread that everyone craves during Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Crispy Party Crostini

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

The versatile holiday appetizer people can’t stop talking about is these Crispy Party Crostini. Their crunchy base paired with whatever festive toppings suit your vibe makes them adaptable, elegant, and downright delicious. They look as great as they taste, making them a solid pick for both casual and dressed-up holiday occasions.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Creamy Hummus

A bowl of hummus garnished with whole chickpeas, chopped parsley, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. — Creamy Hummus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This creamy Hummus might not scream “Christmas,” but it’s one of those dishes that balances heavier appetizers and brings welcomed variety to your spread. The smooth, savory dip feels fresh yet warming, especially paired with pita, crackers, or colorful veggie sticks. If you’re aiming to keep things approachable, hummus is the perfect addition.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus

Elegant Crostini Appetizers

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

If you need an appetizer that feels polished yet approachable, these Elegant Crostini Appetizers check all the boxes. They start with a crispy base that gets layered with flavors that thrill both your palate and eyes. They’ll make your food display look effortless while delivering every bite with flair.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Savory Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These Savory Turkey Pinwheels are the perfect go-to for something festive yet effortless. Rolled up with all the holiday spirit packed into bite-sized pieces, they’re a hit because they’re just as fun to eat as they are to serve. Perfect for gatherings of all kinds, these pinwheels never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Cheese balls coated with chopped nuts, topped with cranberries and pretzels, arranged on a white plate near a small artificial pine tree. — Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Playful, festive, and almost too cute to eat, these Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls bring whimsical holiday charm to your appetizer spread. Shaped to complement the Christmas mood, they feel special in all the right ways while still being packed full of flavor. Great for more cheerful and lighthearted gatherings where holiday spirit runs high!
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Chicken Pinwheels

Close-up of baked puff pastry pinwheels filled with cheese, herbs, and finely chopped toppings, garnished with sliced green onions. — Chicken Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

These Chicken Pinwheels pack big flavor into small, snackable bites that suit both relaxed evenings and lively holiday gatherings. Their rolled-up shape adds that playful touch, while the savory chicken filling feels hearty enough to satisfy without overwhelming. A solid favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels

Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Transform your Christmas table with these Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs, a unique twist on classic deviled eggs that introduces delicate, smoky salmon flavors. Guests love the savory yet fresh flavor combination, and the lightness of the eggs fits seamlessly with the season’s cozier dishes. A great way to add a little flair without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs