35 Christmas Appetizers That Know How to Keep the Party Easy

With Christmas appetizers like these, keeping a party stress-free feels more doable during the busiest stretch of the season. Any of these 35 picks offers a laid-back way to start the table without overthinking anything. Here, the vibe leans friendly and flexible. You’ll notice choices that work for casual drop-ins or planned get-togethers.

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.

Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

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

Bite-sized and packed with flavor, these Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders are a crowd favorite for holiday gatherings. Their softness pairs beautifully with the rich-tasting filling, ensuring smiles with every bite. Serve them straight from the oven, and watch hands reach for seconds before you’ve placed the platter down.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

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.

Bright and refreshing, these Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites bring festive color and flavor to your table. The simple combination of ingredients feels elegant yet approachable. Perfect for starting the party on a lighter note, they’re always a hit with guests looking for something fresh and deeply fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Savory 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. — Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cozy and packed with flavor, these Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls bring a savory twist to your Christmas spread. Perfectly golden and cheesy, they’re hard to resist at any gathering. Whether enjoyed with dipping sauce or on their own, guests always circle back for more. You might want to double the batch!
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Elegant 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. — Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add sophistication to your appetizers with these Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs, combining creamy filling with the richness of smoked salmon. Perfect for serving at holiday dinners or cocktail parties, they’re a conversation starter in both taste and presentation. Once plated, they disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”
Get the Recipe: Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Colorful Caprese Skewers

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

Easy and vibrant, these Colorful Caprese Skewers make entertaining effortless. Each bite blends fresh flavors with visual charm, making them a festive addition to any holiday spread. Whether paired with wine or set out as a light starter, they’re the skewer everyone keeps reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers

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.

Packed with hearty flavor, these Loaded Cowboy Sliders are ideal for festive parties where you want bold appetizers that deliver. From their juicy filling to the perfectly toasted bun, they’re the comfort food guests rave about the whole night. These sliders know how to keep the crowd happy and the plates empty.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cowboy Sliders

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.

Simple, smooth, and deeply fulfilling, this Creamy Hummus is the perfect dip for crackers, bread, or crisp veggies. Set out a platter, and watch guests gather around to scoop up its silky goodness. Great for lighter snacking in between heavier bites, it’s as versatile as it is crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Hummus

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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

Elegant and perfectly balanced, these Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites combine rich cheese with a touch of holiday sweetness. Bite-sized and easy to serve, they’re ideal for Christmas parties filled with festive cheer. Whether placed on trays or passed around, these bites turn heads with every buttery, gooey mouthful.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie 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.

Take finger foods up a notch with these Savory Roast Beef Sliders, blending tender slices of beef with soft buns for an unforgettable snack. Perfect for holiday parties or laid-back gatherings, they offer richness and comfort in each bite. Pair them with your favorite dips for sliders that guests won’t stop talking about.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

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.

Velvety and packed with flavor, this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip brings effortless indulgence to the appetizer table. Perfect for pairing with pretzels, crackers, or fresh bread, its warmth and richness keep guests coming back for more. Easy to serve and always appreciated, this dip is a must-have for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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.

Crunchy, golden, and full of flavor, this Crispy Shrimp Toast takes appetizers to a whole new level. Perfectly crispy edges balance the rich-in-taste, shrimp-packed center, making each bite feel elegant yet approachable. Serve it fresh for a dish that always gets plenty of compliments and empty platters.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

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 and delicious, these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites heat up your appetizer game with spicy, cheesy perfection. Their golden crust makes them irresistibly crisp, while the tangy filling keeps the party lively. Serve with dipping sauce to turn them into the appetizer that guests can’t stop talking about.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

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.

Gooey and full of holiday charm, this Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread feels like a centerpiece snack. Each bite delivers warm flavors with festive flair, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings. Guests love pulling apart the gooey bread layers to uncover pockets of rich, cheese-filled goodness.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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.

Packed with bold, smoky flavor, these Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are a fun and flavorful addition to your appetizer lineup. Their rich-in-taste goodness gets people talking with every bite. Perfectly layered with bacon and filling, they’re a guaranteed hit for fans of hearty snacks. Add these to your holiday party list, you won’t regret it!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Colorful Antipasto Skewers

A plate of antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, and a drizzle of green pesto. — Colorful Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A lively mix of flavors comes together beautifully in these Colorful Antipasto Skewers, perfect for festive gatherings. They’re simple to grab and packed with bold ingredients, keeping things easy yet taken to the next level. Guests appreciate their blend of textures and flavors, making them an appetizer that quickly becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Skewers

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

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

Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks bring comfort food vibes to your holiday party. Each bite bursts with cheesy fun, making them impossible to resist. Pair them with marinara for dipping, and watch the platter clear out before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Savory Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rolled to perfection, these Savory Turkey Pinwheels are an easy but flavorful addition to your holiday spread. Their bite-sized design makes them a hassle-free favorite, while every roll packs plenty of festive flavor. Whether served casually or presented elegantly, pinwheels never fail to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Beautiful Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam. — Beautiful Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Combine simplicity and elegance with this Beautiful Charcuterie Board that makes entertaining effortless. The thoughtful balance of flavors and textures ensures there’s something for every guest to enjoy. Perfect for grazing throughout the evening, it’s the kind of dish people come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board

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.

Fresh, chilled, and always classy, this Classic Shrimp Cocktail adds timeless elegance to any holiday party. The tangy sauce perfectly complements the delicate shrimp, creating a light yet deeply fulfilling option for guests. Served in glasses or trays, it’s a visually impressive dish as much as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Golden and perfectly seasoned, these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are a fun addition to the appetizer table. Crispy edges and flavorful toppings create a dish that’s ready to impress. No matter how you serve them, they’re a side or starter that keeps guests reaching for just one more piece.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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.

Whimsical and festive, these Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls bring holiday cheer to your appetizer spread. Perfectly sized for snacking, they combine creamy cheese with fun presentation that your guests will love. They’re great for kids and adults alike, adding a playful yet utterly pleasing touch to your Christmas party lineup.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Mini 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.

These Savory Brats in a Blanket upgrade the classic appetizer into something bold and hearty. Perfectly wrapped with flaky pastry, they’re a cozy bite ideal for holiday celebrations. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch these treats turn into the star of the snack 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.

Bold and flavorful, this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread is a unique addition to any Christmas spread. Its rich, peppery taste pairs beautifully with warm pita for a snack that feels light but full of flair. Set it out as a dip to complement your table, and it’ll quickly become a holiday favorite among adventurous eaters.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

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.

Easy to prep and fun to eat, these Chicken Pinwheels bring just the right amount of flavor to kick off your holiday gathering. Rolled with a light creaminess and a hint of savory charm, they’re perfect for snacking while mingling. Guests appreciate their simplicity, making them party staples year after year.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels

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.

This Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip knows how to steal the show with bold flavors and holiday flair. The sweet cranberries and spicy jalapeños combine into a dip that’s as unforgettable as it is full of rich taste. Pair it with crackers or veggies, and it’s sure to turn heads and keep plates empty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill. — Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunchy and easy to share, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes are a straightforward but crowd-pleasing option. They’re golden with fluffy centers and pair beautifully with sauces or dips for extra fun. Perfect to serve alongside other appetizers, they’re as gratifying as they are simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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.

Serve sophistication with ease using these Elegant Crostini Appetizers, the perfect blend of texture and flavor for holiday parties. Each bite feels taken to the next level yet approachable, offering a mix of toppings that appeal to everyone. Whether passed on trays or set on the table, they’re always a classy choice for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with cheese stars, meats, olives, tomatoes, grapes, and breadsticks on a wooden board, garnished with rosemary. — Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring the spirit of the holiday to life with this Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board, a centerpiece appetizer that dazzles the crowd. Carefully crafted with festive colors and bold flavors, it combines style with incredible variety. Perfect for grazing throughout the night, it’s guaranteed to spark conversation and compliments.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl. — Fresh Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light and refreshing, this Fresh Shrimp Ceviche adds a citrusy twist to your holiday snack lineup. It’s cool, zippy flavors balance heavier appetizers beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser for festive celebrations. Served in bowls or on crackers, it delivers elegance with each bite while keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Crispy 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. — Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized, golden perfection defines these Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Their tender insides and crisp edges combine for a side dish that stands out and shines. Easy to pick up and even easier to devour, they’re a guaranteed hit for both casual and elegant-style Christmas gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter. — Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Never out of style, these Classic Deviled Eggs bring timeless charm to your appetizer table. Creamy and beautifully spiced, they’re a simple addition that everyone grabs without hesitation. Perfect for casual snacking or holiday spreads, this dish proves that crowd favorites never go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls

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

Add some sophistication to your evening with these Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls, lightly coated and bursting with flavor. Perfectly balanced between creamy and tangy, they pair easily with both crackers and charcuterie boards. Guests love their bite-sized appeal; it’s a snack that feels upscale but is easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mini Goat Cheese Balls

Crispy Party Crostini

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

Toasted and topped with elegant flair, these Crispy Party Crostini bring sophistication to every gathering. Perfect for layering bold flavors, these crunchy bites pair wonderfully with dips, spreads, or fresh toppings. Whether for cocktail hour or casual mingling, they’re a versatile appetizer that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

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.

Warm and packed with bold flavor, this Cheesy Rotel Dip makes holiday entertaining effortless. Its creamy texture and lively kick pair expertly with chips or bread while keeping everyone deeply fulfilled. Perfect for a laid-back vibe, this dip combines fun and comforting flavors guests will want to eat all night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Fun, easy, and festive, these Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches bring holiday cheer and light bites to your table. Perfect for gatherings where finger foods reign supreme, they pack tons of flavor into every roll. Guests appreciate snacks like these that are hassle-free yet full of charm. Keep extras ready, just in case!
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches