50 Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods Ideas
The holiday season is all about gathering, celebrating, and of course, sharing delicious food.
And what better way to kick off your Christmas feast than with a spread of festive appetizers?
🎅 Festive & Flavorful: A Roundup of Christmas Appetizer Recipes
From elegant bites to cozy comfort foods, Christmas appetizers set the stage for the meal to come while giving guests plenty to enjoy as they mingle and celebrate. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner, a holiday cocktail party, or a casual get-together, the right starters bring cheer (and flavor!) to every occasion.
This roundup highlights some of the best Christmas appetizer recipes—easy, festive, and guaranteed to impress. From cheesy pull-aparts and savory dips to elegant canapés and make-ahead favorites, these recipes are the perfect way to start your holiday gatherings with style.
Smoked Salmon, Crackers And Cream Cheese Platter
Smoked salmon makes a delicious appetizer for almost any occasion and this smoked salmon, crackers and cream cheese platter is no exception. An easy to make smoked salmon platter lets everyone garnish their own salmon appetizer bites. Go to recipe.
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board [Perfect for Parties & Holiday Gatherings]
This Mediterranean Charcuterie Board will be the perfect start to your next gathering, Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving, date night, etc.
Filled with cured meats, cheeses, olives, fresh and dried fruit, veggies, and homemade dips such as hummus and tzatziki, it offers a variety of flavors and textures that guests can mix and match! Go to recipe.
Charcuterie Wreath
This charcuterie wreath is an easy appetizer that comes together in less than 30 minutes. This festive recipe requires no cooking and makes an impressive appetizer. Go to recipe.
Charcuterie Tree
This festive charcuterie tree is a show-stopping Christmas appetizer that doubles as a centerpiece. With savory Italian meats and cheeses arranged in a spiral, it’s perfect for holiday parties and pre-dinner snacking. Go to recipe.
Finger Sandwiches
Finger sandwiches are like the little black dress of the snack world: classic, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fancy tea party, a casual get-together, or just want something light and tasty, these small sandwiches fit the bill. Go to recipe.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Crostini
These festive vegan mushroom crostini recipe is an easy and impressive appetizer perfect for holidays. Crunchy baguette with grilled vegan mozzarella topped with sweet caramelized onions and mushrooms with a hint of balsamic and Dijon mustard will surely be a show stopper. Go to recipe.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini
Lightly toasted crostini is topped with creamy brie cheese and a sweet and savory bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar bacon jam to create the perfect bite. This bourbon bacon jam can be made in advance making it the perfect appetizer for entertaining. Go to recipe.
Peach Crostini
I absolutely love this peach crostini appetizer, as it looks fancy but is ridiculously easy. Juicy peaches, goat cheese, and a splash of balsamic work beautifully with toasted bread. Go to recipe.
Smoked Salmon And Dill Canapes
These delicious Smoked Salmon and Dill Canapes require only 5 ingredients and can be made in 10 minutes or less! Perfect for entertaining those close to you. Go to recipe.
Smoked Salmon Appetizer
Dazzle guests at your next dinner party with this impressive appetizer that has the freshest flavors of dill sauce, cucumber, and salmon. A perfect snack to serve at your next gathering or holiday party. Go to recipe.
Christmas Kitchen: Devilled Eggs Royale
These easy Devilled Eggs are given a luxurious twist with fresh cream, smoked salmon and lumpfish caviar, inspired by the classic brunch dish, Eggs Royale. Go to recipe.
Goat Cheese Croquettes
These crispy goat cheese croquettes are an appetizer that everyone will love! Creamy goat cheese mixed with thyme, breaded with Panko and fried until crispy and golden. Then drizzled with honey, and sprinkled with finely chopped walnuts and almonds. Go to recipe.
Crab Cake Recipe with Creamy Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce
Perfect for the Christmas appetizer spread, these crab cakes feature tender lump crab, light binder, and zesty lemon with Old Bay and Dijon. Fry until crisp and serve warm with lemon wedges or a simple aioli. Go to recipe.
Chicken Fingers
Ready to delve into a savory delight that’s kid-friendly and adult-approved too? We present to you the classic Chicken Fingers recipe! Bursting with tender, juicy chicken enveloped by a golden, crispy crust, these are far from ordinary. Go to recipe.
Two Colored Pesto Sticks (with Phyllo)
Crunchy, festive phyllo sticks layered with green basil pesto, red sun-dried tomato pesto, and sprinkled with parmesan; perfect for holiday appetizers. Go to recipe.
Christmas Kitchen: 5 Ingredient Crystallised Ginger Cheese Straws
These delicious cheese straws are great to go with drinks on New Years Eve – they’re a real crowd pleaser because they’re both savoury and sweet! Go to recipe.
Puff Pastry Christmas Trees
These Puff Pastry Christmas Trees are a festive and easy holiday appetizer made with ham, cheese, and flaky puff pastry – perfect for Christmas parties! Go to recipe.
Ham Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Flaky pastry, melty cheese, and savory ham make these pinwheels a holiday favorite. Easy to bake and perfect for Christmas appetizers, they’re always a hit. Go to recipe.
Dried Cranberry Brie Pinwheels
These Dried Cranberry Brie Pinwheels are the perfect little bite for your next holiday party or gathering. They’re easy to make and feature a classic combo of creamy cheese and sweet dried cranberries! Go to recipe.
Vegan Sausage Rolls Recipe
These flaky vegan sausage rolls are stuffed with sautéed onion, porcini mushrooms, parsnips and vegan sausage simmered in red wine. Go to recipe.
Easy Holiday Stracciatella Bites
These little holiday treats combine bright red pomegranate and green pistachio with stracciatella cheese in each bite. They’re easy to make and fun for the whole family. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Walnut Pinwheels
My Cranberry Pinwheels make a deliciously perfect holiday party appetizer. They are super easy to whip up – sweetened cream cheese, dried cranberries, fresh rosemary and crunchy walnuts are combined and stuffed into soft flour tortillas for an irresistible snack! Go to recipe.
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Crack Chicken Pinwheels are a quick and tasty appetizer made with shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon, and cream cheese all rolled up in tortillas. Slice them into bite-sized rounds for a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed party snack everyone will love. Go to recipe.
Baked Brie With Fig Jam
This Baked Brie appetiser looks super fancy but it actually really easy to make! Go to recipe.
Cranberry and Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
Our Cranberry and Cheese Puff Pastry Bitesare the showstopping appetizer your Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas celebrations need! Thanks to the use of frozen puff pasty dough, our recipe is easy to prepare and you’ll have a fun, bite-sized appetizer prepared and ready to enjoy in under an hour. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
A festive, bite-sized appetizer of flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie, topped with tangy cranberry jam and nutty walnuts—perfect for holiday hosting. Go to recipe.
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Cups – a crowd favorite tucked inside a crispy and flaky shell. Go to recipe.
Easy Pigs in a Blanket Wreath
Pigs in a blanket just got a holiday upgrade when baked in the shape of a wreath. Go to recipe.
Bacon Wrapped Dates
This Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe is an easy appetizer packed full of incredible taste. The perfect combination of sweet, savory and salty flavor, this takes a cheese-stuffed date and wraps it in a piece of bacon. Go to recipe.
Hedgehog Cheeseball With Almonds
I’m so excited to share this adorable hedgehog cheeseball in time for the upcoming fall holidays! Salty, creamy and nutty, this little guy is the perfect centerpiece for a baby shower or holiday appetizer buffet. Quick and easy to make, this cheeseball is naturally gluten free making it perfect for a crowd. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Orange Pecan Cheesecake Dip
This isn’t your average Cheesecake Dip! The cream cheese base is smooth and tangy, the cranberries add a burst of tart sweetness, pecans bring the crunch, and a hint of orange ties it all together.
The result is a sweet and savory dip that feels festive and a little unexpected. It’s the kind of easy Christmas appetizer that disappears in a flash every time I serve it! Go to recipe.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is the perfect holiday appetizer made with a handful of simple ingredients. This easy appetizer features tart cranberries and pistachios topping a creamy dip made of fresh feta cheese and cream cheese. Go to recipe.
Best Baked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip Recipe
Once you have had this cranberry cream cheese dip, you won’t go back to boring plain cream cheese dips. It’s a warm dip that is super easy to make as a Christmas Appetizer. Go to recipe.
Mom’s Baked Ricotta Dip
This creamy ricotta dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Whipped with herbs and seasonings, it pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies. Light yet indulgent, it’s a crowd-pleasing starter for any festive spread. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls (No Bake Recipe!)
Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls are creamy and tangy with sweet bursts of cranberry, crunchy pecans, and a subtle herbal freshness. These no-bake gems are effortless yet elegant for any gathering. Go to recipe.
Baked Brie with Pecans and Cherry Sauce
This delicious Baked Brie with Pecans and Cherry Sauce has a brown sugar coating on the Brie, roasted pecans, and a sweet cherry vanilla balsamic sauce that perfectly complements the brie. Go to recipe.
Whipped Feta With Roasted Tomatoes
Combining tangy feta, creamy Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, this dip is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of oven-roasted cherry tomatoes. Go to recipe.
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip
The holidays are coming, and you want YOUR dip to be the STAR of the show! This Bacon Jalapeño Popper Dip was cheesy, creamy, spicy, and crunchy! It was so easy to make and it was SO satisfying! We had this dip with some crackers and pretzels, but it would be good with literally anything!
Dunk some veggies in it, some ripped up bagels, or some garlic crostini! This is sure to warm your belly and have your family members asking when you’re going to make it again! Go to recipe.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a mouthwatering recipe with plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a savory butter sauce flavored with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and homemade Cajun seasoning. Serve barbecue shrimp with some crusty French bread and be transported down to the Big Easy! Go to recipe.
Shrimp with Bang Bang Sauce
This buttermilk-marinated, Panko-crusted Shrimp with Bang Bang Sauce is a perfect party appetizer or meal. The four-ingredient Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha comes together quickly and is a delicious dip and topping for the shrimp. Go to recipe.
Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Deliciously crispy smashed fingerling potatoes that are baked in the oven to perfection. They are buttery the inside, and gorgeously crisp on the outside. Go to recipe.
Cheese Ball with Herbs and Spices
This is for all you cheese lovers out there! Cheese ball is a combination of mild, creamy cheeses, flavored with digestive herbs and spices, and rolled in pecans. Go to recipe.
Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simply, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls. Go to recipe.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta and Spinach
These festive vegan stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for the holiday season. Umami-packed mushrooms filled with cheesy vegan ricotta, spinach and garlic and topped with vegan parmesan make a perfect vegan alternative to traditional stuffed mushrooms, but are gluten- and dairy-free and so delicious! Go to recipe.
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
Cranberry meatballs can be easily made in the Crockpot using simple ingredients. It’s an easy holiday finger food that will impress his guests. Go to recipe.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
If you’re looking for a simple but incredibly flavorful dish, these Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs are just what you need. They combine sweet and tangy homemade cranberry sauce with juicy meatballs, all slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home. Go to recipe.
Bacon Wrapped Sausage in Air Fryer
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy our savory, smoky, and slightly sweet Bacon Wrapped Sausage in Air Fryer bites. The ultimate appetizer or party snack; the juicy breakfast sausage links are wrapped in thick-cut bacon, coated with a touch of brown sugar for caramelization, and crisped to perfection in the air fryer.
They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and wildly addictive. Perfect for game day, holiday brunch spreads, or even a fun weeknight dinner addition. Go to recipe.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate game day snack: spicy jalapeño halves filled with a creamy cheese mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon. The air fryer makes them extra easy, cooking everything to melty, crispy perfection in minutes. Go to recipe.
Papas Arrugadas (Wrinkled Potatoes)
Papas arrugadas, the famously wrinkly little potatoes from the Canary Islands, are boiled in salty water until their skins wrinkle, turn white, and then served with red and/or green mojo sauce. They’re a great side dish, snack, or tapas dish. Go to recipe.
Vegan Spanish Omelette (Spanish Tortilla)
A vegan Spanish omelette or tortillais a delightful and filling dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or served as an appetizer at your next big gathering. Traditionally prepared with eggs, this vegan recipe features tofu as a substitute, offering all the comfort and taste of the traditional Spanish classic. Go to recipe.
Browse more ideas for holiday cooking:
73 Thanksgiving recipes and turkey recipes here
42 Thanksgiving Desserts Ideas For Holiday
46 Festive Christmas Dinner Ideas For Holiday Menu
42 Chocolate Chip Cookies Ideas
🎄 Small Bites, Big Holiday Cheer
Christmas appetizers are more than just starters—they’re a way to welcome guests, spark conversation, and set the tone for a memorable meal. With these recipes, you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep spirits bright and taste buds happy all season long.
Which of these holiday appetizers will you be cooking? Share your favorite in the comments below. And don’t forget to save this roundup—you’ll want it handy for every holiday gathering, big or small.
Here’s to cozy kitchens, merry moments, and Christmas appetizers that make the season even more delicious.
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