The Ultimate Christmas Appetizers

Dreaming of the perfect Christmas spread? Dive into a curated collection of appetizers, from timeless classics with a unique twist to show-stopping favorites. Your holiday festivities are about to level up with these delectable bites.

If you’re looking for some delicious appetizer recipes to serve up at your holiday party, you’ve come to the right place. These are the BEST Christmas appetizers that are sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re looking for easy finger food recipes or something a little more elaborate, we’ve got you covered.

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about all the mouth-watering treats that come with it. There’s something magical about the holiday season, and these appetizers are just the cherry on top.

Like a lot of folks, I’m always searching for Christmas appetizers that will tantalize taste buds and add a festive touch to holiday celebrations. And over the past few years, I’ve posted many recipes that do just that.

This collection highlights some Christmas appetizers that my family, friends, and I have especially enjoyed. Each delectable treat is part of joy-filled holiday moments that begin with creating and serving and end with eating and savoring.

They range from savory to salty and even creamy or cheesy. You are sure to find something for everyone’s tastebuds in this large collection of ideas.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• These recipes strike the perfect balance of looking sophisticated without making you sweat in the kitchen. You get to dazzle your guests with minimal fuss. Win-win, right?
• Whether you’ve got veggie lovers, meat enthusiasts, or cheese aficionados among your guests, there’s something here to make everyone’s Christmas merry and bright. From delectable dips to finger-licking finger foods, there’s a flavor for every kind of festive.
• Remember those family recipes that take you on a trip down memory lane every time you have them? These appetizers have the potential to become those cherished favorites for your family. The kind you’ll be making year after year.
• The holidays are all about coming together and sharing. And what better way to bond than over a plate of delicious food? These appetizers are made for passing around, sparking conversations, and creating those unforgettable holiday moments.

Ultimate Christmas Resource List

Before we get to the list of Christmas appetizers, I have some more ideas that will help you plan the most epic Christmas party ever.

I have hundreds of ideas and recipes to add the happy to your holidays. Check out some of my favorite ideas below.

• How I Plan My Christmas Decor
• 20+ Stunning Christmas Tree Design Ideas
• 150+ Creative Christmas Ideas – my favorite resource!
• The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes
• My Favorite Christmas Cookies
• The Ultimate Christmas Music Playlist
• How to add Ribbon to your Christmas Tree – highly popular post! 
• The Best Gingerbread Inspired Recipes

Okay! Now it’s time to get into this delicious collection of festive appetizer recipes.

Classics with a Twist

Let’s kick things off with some familiar faces, but with a little festive flair added! These appetizers might remind you of the classics you grew up with, but they’ve been revamped for an extra touch of holiday magic.

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

I amped up this standard with thick-cut bacon and used an entire water chestnut in each to balance all that bacony goodness. Yummy!

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Shrimp

If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas appetizer that’s exceptionally delicious and easy to make, this is it. To punch up their flavor, toss medium-sized shrimp in olive oil, spices, Parmesan, and fresh garlic. Then roast the shrimp in the oven and serve them with cocktail sauce.

Walnut Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These mini-portobello mushrooms are divine! Their rich, hearty flavor and convenient bite-size make them a perfect nibble. I promise your guests will be begging for the recipe.

Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Want another shrimp recipe? Then you must try these brown sugar glazed bacon-wrapped shrimp. These shrimp are loaded with delicious flavor and wrapped with bacon. As Ina Garten would say, “How bad can that be?”

Tortilla Roll-Ups with Salsa

These tortilla roll-ups are the perfect Christmas appetizer recipe. Stacked into a tree shape and served with salsa, they are an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing snack.

Cranberry Meatballs

The addition of cranberry sauce in the glaze nicely complements the onion and other seasonings in these meatballs. Your guests will talk about them and immediately return for more!

Delicious Dips

Dips are the life of any party! And during the holiday season? They’re the gift that keeps on giving. Dive into these creamy, rich, and flavorsome concoctions that are perfect for chips, veggies, or just a sneaky spoonful when no one’s looking. Every scoop promises a taste of Christmas cheer.

Really Good Jalapeño Dip

The recipe for this dip came from my dad’s wife. The recipe name is an understatement. It truly is the best jalapeno dip I’ve ever tasted. It has just the right amount of heat, but you can make it hotter if you like.

Out-of-this-World Corn Dip

This Out-of-this-World Corn Dip (also know as Crack Corn Dip) is a crowd pleasing appetizer that has become my go-to party recipe. It’s easy to make and will always great rave reviews!

Really Good Veggie Dip

Although veggies are tasty on their own, this dip will take them to another level. To me, this veggie dip is the “best of the best.” I was lucky enough to get the recipe from the deli in my hometown.

BLT Dip

If you’re bored with the classic taco dip, switch things up and try this BLT dip recipe. It’s a personal favorite!

Cheese Inspired Recipes

Cheese lovers, rejoice! This section is all about that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes hearts (and stomachs) full. From soft brie to sharp cheddar, these cheese-centric recipes are bound to make your festive gatherings a cheesy, dreamy delight.

Cheese-Filled Pull-Apart Rolls

Lovingly shape these cheese-filled pull-apart rolls into a Christmas tree to create the ultimate holiday appetizer. Serve with a bowl of marinara sauce for a grand, festive treat!

Mini Cheese Truffles

My fondness for cheeseballs is widely known. (Find all of my cheeseball recipes here.) These mini cheese Truffles are a cute and delicious take on this ever-popular Christmas appetizer. What’s especially great is that the presentation stays neat and lovely throughout your event.

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Speaking of cheeseballs, this everything bagel cheese ball is one of the most popular recipes on Inspired by Charm. While I originally created it to look like a pumpkin, you can shape it into a ball to suit any season.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Made with rich and creamy brie, homemade cranberry sauce, and mini phyllo shells, these Cranberry Brie Bites are an easy, unique, and flavorful appetizer perfect for the holiday season. 

Red Pepper Jelly

Red pepper jelly goes beautifully with cream cheese and crackers. I’ll show you how to make your own red pepper jelly, so you can get just the right amount of heat.

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Deck the halls with cheese and fun! This colorful tree-shaped cheese ball is a show-stopper that is also a delight to put together. (And IBC readers know how much I enjoy decorating Christmas trees!)

Mini Pimento Cheese Balls

Adorable, easy, and oh-so-tasty – introducing Mini Pimento Cheese Balls! Elevate your holiday snacking game with these bite-sized delights that are perfect for any gathering! 

Christmas Charcuteries and Boards

Ah, the art of charcuterie! There’s something truly special about laying out a spread of curated meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. It’s not just about eating; it’s an experience. These boards are all about balance, beauty, and bounty, ensuring your guests have a feast for both their eyes and their palates.

Olive Wreath Holiday Appetizer

This olive wreath is a delicious and beautiful holiday appetizer idea. You can assemble it in minutes, and it adds a tasty and colorful touch to any party spread.

Christmas Charcuterie Cups

If you want to wow your guests this holiday season with a spectacular appetizer, then you need to make these Christmas Charcuterie Cups. They are individual festive charcuterie boards served in a cup. They are winner in both presentation and flavor.

 

Tree Shaped Christmas Cheese Board

This tree-shaped Christmas cheese board is an easy and festive appetizer recipe that will impress your guests and be the centerpiece of your holiday table. 

Unique Festive Favorites

For those looking to venture a bit off the beaten path this holiday season, this section’s for you. These aren’t your typical Christmas appetizers, but they’re destined to become new favorites. Unexpected, unforgettable, and unapologetically festive, these treats are sure to add a sprinkle of surprise to your holiday spread.

Artichoke Wonton Wrappers

My mom has often made these for family Christmas Eve get-togethers. I love the look and taste and recently found out how easy they are to create. A Christmas appetizer triple win!

Fried Ravioli

This recipe is a fan favorite probably because it’s super easy and oh-so-tempting. It uses store-bought ravioli and three ready-made sauces for dipping. I even recorded a video to show you what to do.

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppadew Peppers

These bacon-wrapped stuffed peppadew peppers are a delicious bite-sized appetizer ideal for the holidays. Sweet peppers, cream cheese, AND bacon. Could it get any better than that?

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions people often ask about making the best Christmas appetizers. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.

What is the most popular Christmas snack?

It’s really tough to name the one most popular Christmas snack, but there are things that make some snacks more desirable this time of year. Red and green foods and food that is sugary-sweet are really popular this time of year. Cranberry meatballs are all of these things!

What is the best food for a Christmas party?

All of the ideas in this list are festive and the perfect things to serve at a Christmas party. The olive wreath looks just like a Christmas wreath, and the Christmas tree cheeseball looks like a stunning tree. These are foods that will impress your guests. Looking for more non-traditional Christmas dinner recipe ideas? Check out this post HERE.

What do you put on a nibbles platter?

A nibbles platter is another word for a charcuterie board. The olive wreath and red pepper jelly will look stunning on a nibbles platter. The cheese-filled pull-apart rolls will look lovely on a Christmas appetizers tray too.

That’s a Wrap

I hope this round-up of ultimate Christmas appetizer recipes has inspired you.

Which recipes will you be making for your next big party? Which ones will you be surprising your friends or family with on a quiet evening at home during the holiday season? I’m confident everyone will love the Christmas appetizers you create.

More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love

• The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes
• My Favorite Christmas Cookies
• Cheeseball Recipes for Every Season
• Delicious Gingerbread Inspired Recipes
• The Ultimate Cranberry Recipes

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