20 Festive Christmas Appetizers to Kick Off Your Holiday Celebration

Make your holiday gatherings memorable with these 20 festive Christmas appetizers. Perfect for starting your celebration, these recipes range from elegant bites like Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Balls to crowd-pleasers like Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites. Each recipe is easy to make and designed to impress your guests with festive flavors and presentation. Here’s to a merry holiday filled with delicious moments!

Cranberry Brie Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and place each in a mini muffin tin.
3. Add a cube of Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each pastry cup.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 dates, pitted
• 3 oz goat cheese
• 12 slices of bacon

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese.
3. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until bacon is crispy.
5. Serve warm for a sweet and savory treat.

Pomegranate Guacamole

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Mash avocados in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in pomegranate seeds, red onion, lime juice, and salt.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra pomegranate seeds.
4. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
5. Enjoy the festive twist on classic guacamole.

Parmesan Crusted Asparagus

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Dip each asparagus spear in egg, then coat in a mixture of Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
3. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
4. Serve warm for a crunchy, savory appetizer.
5. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest for extra flavor.

Mini Caprese Skewers

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 12 cherry tomatoes
• 12 mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Steps:

1. Skewer a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf on each toothpick.
2. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
4. Enjoy these fresh, flavorful bites.
5. Perfect for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chives until smooth.
3. Fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
5. Garnish with extra chives and serve warm.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Balls

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 12 cantaloupe melon balls
• 6 slices prosciutto, halved

Steps:

1. Wrap each melon ball with a half slice of prosciutto.
2. Arrange on a serving plate and secure with toothpicks.
3. Serve chilled for a refreshing, savory bite.
4. Optionally, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
5. Enjoy these elegant and easy-to-make bites.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

1. Mix cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, and parsley until combined.
2. Shape into a ball and roll in extra cranberries and pecans.
3. Chill until firm, then serve with crackers.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley for a festive touch.
5. Enjoy this holiday favorite with a mix of flavors.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package mini phyllo cups
• 1 cup spinach artichoke dip
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill each phyllo cup with a spoonful of spinach artichoke dip.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
4. Serve warm for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
5. Perfect for a bite-sized take on a classic dip.

Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado and Bacon

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Top each round with diced avocado and crumbled bacon.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
5. Serve warm for a hearty and flavorful bite.

Roasted Garlic Hummus

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 head of garlic, roasted
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Roast garlic by baking at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
2. Squeeze roasted garlic into a blender with chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
3. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed.
4. Serve with pita bread or veggies.
5. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
• 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• Fresh dill for garnish

Steps:

1. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each cucumber slice.
2. Top each with a piece of smoked salmon and a sprig of fresh dill.
3. Arrange on a serving platter.
4. Serve immediately for a light and elegant appetizer.
5. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Brie and Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut dough into pieces and wrap around small cubes of Brie.
3. Arrange dough balls in a round baking dish, placing cranberry sauce over the top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm for a festive presentation.

Mini Quiche Lorraine

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package mini pie crusts
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange mini pie crusts in a muffin tin and fill each with bacon and cheese.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, then pour over fillings.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until set and golden.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Cream Cheese

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 24 button mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Cranberry Meatballs

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
3. Coat meatballs in the sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve warm as a sweet and savory appetizer.

Pesto Christmas Tree Breadsticks

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough, spread with pesto, and fold in half.
3. Cut into strips, twist, and arrange in a tree shape on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve with marinara for dipping.

Baked Feta and Tomato Dip

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 block of feta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place feta and tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with oregano and bake for 25 minutes until feta is golden and tomatoes are soft.
4. Serve warm with crusty bread or pita.
5. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dip.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix cranberries, green onions, and jalapeño.
2. Spread cream cheese in a shallow dish and top with the cranberry mixture.
3. Serve with crackers or pita chips.
4. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
5. Enjoy this sweet and spicy dip.

Holiday Deviled Eggs

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, boiled and halved
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Paprika and chopped chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Scoop yolks from boiled eggs into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise and mustard.
2. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into egg whites.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped chives.
4. Arrange on a serving plate for a festive look.
5. Enjoy these creamy, flavorful bites.

MORE RECIPES

Conclusion

These 20 festive Christmas appetizers are perfect for setting a warm, joyful tone at your holiday gatherings. From the rich flavors of Brie and cranberry pull-apart bread to the fresh, vibrant bites of pomegranate guacamole, each recipe adds a unique twist to your table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate get-together or a large family celebration, these appetizers are designed to be easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy the smiles, laughter, and festive spirit as you share these delightful bites with friends and family. Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, joy, and wonderful food!