55 Quick & Easy Christmas Appetizers for Simple Holiday Entertaining
Quick and easy holiday appetizers! These easy Christmas party appetizers are simple to make and fun to share at your holiday celebration.
Aside from gathering with friends and family, seeing the lovely decorations, and the fun movies and music …
… I’d argue that the best part of the holidays is the food!
The sweet treats, hearty Christmas dinner – and perhaps most of all – the appetizers.
Not only are holiday appetizers fun to make, but they turn any gathering into a party.
Guests just LOVE having something to snack on when they arrive at a celebration.
So if you’re racking your brain for what to bring to your next holiday party, appetizers are the answer!
I put together a list of the easiest Christmas appetizers, so you have tons of ideas for simple snacks to make.
This list of easy holiday appetizers includes:
- Easy party dips
- Fancy-looking-but-secretly-easy baked bries
- Holiday shaped snacks
- Mouthwatering cheese balls
- Festive finger foods
There’s something for every type of celebration, and for every cooking “skill level.”
Okay, let’s check ‘em out!
(🎄 Need more delicious holiday food ideas? You’ll love these festive Christmas breakfast casseroles, unique holiday dinner ideas, quick and easy Christmas treats, and irresistible holiday cheesecakes!)
Easy Christmas Appetizers
Christmas Guacamole Wreath
Wow your guests this holiday season by serving Christmas guacamole in the shape of a wreath.
Guacamole is always a crowd-favorite, and you can whip up this easy appetizer in about 15 minutes.
Baked Brie with Fig Jam, Rosemary, and Pecans
Baked Brie with Fig Jam, Rosemary, and Pecans is a total holiday crowd-pleaser!
Brie is wrapped in puff pastry and baked until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is ooey-gooey.
Reindeer Cheese Ball Bites
Delight your guests with these adorable bite-size reindeer cheese ball appetizers.
Paired with some crackers or crostini, this recipe will add a festive and fun touch to your Christmas menu.
White Bean Hummus with Cranberries
Creamy White Bean Hummus is packed with festive holiday flavors!
This dip is loaded with dried cranberries, infused with garlic and rosemary olive oil, and topped with crunchy chopped pecans.
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese look and taste like an upscale appetizer, but they’re super easy to make - just 3 ingredients!
The sweet and salty flavor combo is SO tasty.
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball (Easy Appetizer/Snack!)
A Christmas Tree Cheese Ball will be a gorgeous addition to the holiday appetizer table this year.
Shaped into a cone and decorated with fresh herbs and pine nuts, this flavorful appetizer is festive and tasty.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Everything from the Christmas colors to the fresh herbs, lemon and garlic in the filling makes these Christmas Deviled Eggs truly special.
They are sure to disappear fast, so make extra!
Pepperoni Twirls
With all the tasty flavors of pizza, Pepperoni Twirls are adorable pinwheels that everyone will love to munch on.
With just a few basic ingredients, they’re easy to make and fun to serve.
Hedgehog Cheeseball
Cheese balls are always popular around the holidays, and this adorable Hedgehog Cheeseball will be the hit of the party.
Quick and easy to make, it’s also naturally gluten free making it perfect for a crowd.
Cranberry Brie Bites
You’ll love the balance of sweet and tart cranberries with sharp and flavorful brie in these handheld bite-size Cranberry Brie Bites.
Baked Ricotta Dip
Baked Ricotta Dip is warm and hearty, and always a huge hit. It’s rich and savory, and can serve as an appetizer for any type of gathering.
Tortellini Caprese Skewers
Tortellini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are a fun spin on the classic caprese salad.
They're an easy no-bake appetizer that’s ready in about 25 minutes, bursting with fresh flavors, and look festive when arranged like a wreath.
Hot Spinach Dip
Hot Spinach Dip is a blend of cooked spinach, three types of cheese and seasonings, all baked together to melted cheesy perfection.
It’s an easy make-ahead party snack that's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Charcuterie Skewers
Traditional charcuterie gets a fun twist with these Charcuterie Skewers.
They have all your favorite charcuterie elements, but can be easily eaten while guests mingle.
Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels
Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels have all the delicious flavors of spinach artichoke dip in a fun bite-sized finger food.
You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them to make life easier.
Antipasto Platter
This Antipasto Platter is a combination of Italian meats, cheeses, vegetables and breads, all arranged to create a fabulous appetizer display.
The perfect showpiece for any gathering, and it takes just minutes to put together!
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Making pull-apart bread in a Christmas tree shape adds that extra special touch around the holiday season.
Cheesey, garlicky, and dotted with cherry tomatoes, this fun recipe is made easy with a few supermarket shortcuts.
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Bites
Turn the flavors of jalapeno poppers into Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball!
They’re mini cheese ball bites with bacon that taste delicious on top of crackers or baguette slices.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Is it even really a party without Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and loads of cheese gets baked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping. It’s everyone’s favorite for a reason!
Easy Santa Charcuterie Board
Serve up a very merry appetizer this holiday season with this cute Santa Charcuterie Board. It’s easy to make and very kid-friendly.
Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese are a wildly addicting, irresistible appetizer that will be sure to wow any crowd.
Not only are these bite-sized treats incredibly flavorful, but they’re also incredibly easy to make!
Holiday Butter Board
The viral TikTok trend of butter boards has caught fire, and this festive Holiday Butter Board makes for a delicious and festive appetizer.
Featuring butter that has been “bedazzled” with fun flavors and toppings, you can serve it along crackers and bread slices.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Scallops are delicious on their own, but when you cover them in bacon you end up with decadent little bites that are special enough for the holidays.
Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the easiest holiday appetizer you will ever make!
Simply dump everything into the crock pot and peace out while it cooks, then watch your guests gobble them up.
Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Crostini
Goat Cheese Crostini is basically the perfect holiday appetizer. Crostini is smothered in whipped goat cheese and topped with prosciutto and fresh sage.
Your tastebuds will go wild with this easy appetizer.
Fancy Pigs in a Blanket
Classic appetizers and snacks can be elevated to more grown-up versions with a few elegant flavor combinations.
The addition of dijon mustard and sharp cheddar cheese to miniature smoked sausages and flaky crescent style rolls gives you Fancy Pigs in a Blanket!
Baked Cranberry Brie
Baked Cranberry Brie is an easy but impressive 15-minute appetizer for the holidays.
With a few simple ingredients and minutes of prep time, you have one of the best-tasting Christmas recipes at your gathering!
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Marinated Mozzarella Balls are the perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer or party snack!
They are full of flavor from fresh garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Serve them with crackers, crostini, or on their own with toothpicks.
Hot Cajun Crab Dip
Creamy, spicy and loaded with crab meat, this Hot Cajun Crab Dip is highly versatile.
Use it as a spread for crackers or sliced baguette or use it to dip in crunchy celery or carrots.
Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Walnuts & Salted Honey
These little party toasts make for the easiest appetizer!
Whipped ricotta with lemon is spread over crunchy crostini and finished with a dusting of toasted walnuts, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Simply divine!
Pimento Cheese Spread
Homemade Pimento Cheese, or “Southern pâté,” is a creamy and delicious cheese dip made with a flavorful combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and shredded cheddar cheese.
If you enjoy cheese spreads, you’ve GOT to try this!
Easy Bruschetta with Mozzarella
You can’t go wrong serving Bruschetta with Mozzarella!
It’s a classic combination of vibrant tomatoes, fresh basil & garlic, and creamy mozzarella cheese served over perfectly toasted baguette slices.
It’s a fast and easy appetizer that’s done in 15 minutes and gets rave reviews every time!
Italian Sub Pinwheels
All the flavors of an Italian Sub, all rolled into a delicious bite-size pinwheel. Serve them with toothpicks and a bowl of Italian dressing for drizzling.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
It doesn’t get more festive than your favorite meats, cheese, fruit, vegetables and nuts displayed in a Christmas tree shape!
Smoked Salmon Bites
Smoked Salmon Bites with Dill Sour Cream are elegant and flavorful and look lovely on a platter.
Baked Feta
Imagine a decadent block of feta cheese, creamy and soft bliss amidst a riot of colorful vegetables, all in a citrusy, herb-infused olive oil.
It practically begs to be scooped onto a warm slice of bread or a crunchy pita chip the moment it comes out of the oven.
Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a fun appetizer or healthier snack for the holidays.
So simple to make using mini sweet peppers, and so flavorful from the garlic and herbs, they are also vegetarian and gluten free.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
Fun and festive Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is sweet, spicy and oh-so flavorful!
It is super easy to make and only takes 5 minutes from start to finish, and will look so pretty on your table.
Brie and Fig Crostini
Brie and Fig Crostini is super simple and absolutely delish. Sweet, salty, and crispy, it’s the perfect party appetizer during the busy holiday season.
Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms elevate the classic appetizer to a whole new level.
The blend of crispy bacon, salty parmesan cheese, buttery breadcrumbs and savory aromatics make these juicy baked mushrooms impossible to resist.
Christmas Tree Fruit and Cheese Platter
Perfect for kids and adults alike, this easy Christmas Tree Fruit and Cheese Platter looks so festive!
It’s a nice change from traditional charcuterie, and is perfect if there will be vegetarians at your gathering.
Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
Cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and jalapenos make for the best easy baked Jalapeno Poppers.
Best of all, they’re ready in just 25 minutes and have loads of flavor!
Charcuterie Jars
Charcuterie Jars are adorable and festive, can be made ahead of time, are easy to clean up, and you won’t need a table filled with serving platters and serving bowls.
Easy Homemade Crab Cakes
These easy Crab Cakes are ready in half an hour!
Served alongside a quick mustard aioli, these exquisite appetizers will make your guests feel like they’re eating at a restaurant.
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
With just 10 minutes of effort, you can put together this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie recipe. It’s ooey-gooey and chock full of festive flavors.
Scallion Olive Dip Christmas Wreath
Wow your crowd with an epic Christmas appetizer made with the most delicious party dip.
Scallion Olive Party Dip recipe is quickly shaped into a Christmas cheese wreath for your most festive party presentation ever.
Easy Pineapple Cheese Ball
Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with this 1980s-inspired Pineapple Cheese Ball.
Made with a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, you can whip up this retro appetizer in no time.
Candy Cane Caprese Salad
Christmas Caprese Salad features juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves arranged in the shape of a candy cane.
It’s provides a bright flavor profile to balance the heavier holiday foods.
Easy Christmas “Hummus Wreath”
So quick to make, this Hummus Wreath is guaranteed to impress everyone at your holiday party!
Best of all, it can be made completely ahead, which is a total bonus during the busy holiday season!
Mini Taco Cups
Taco Cups are just what they sound like – cheesy, savory, bite-sized tacos!
These mini taco cups are a fun finger-food that’s perfect for a more casual holiday celebration.
Holiday Antipasto Spread
An amazingly flavorful cream cheese spread that will be the hit of any holiday party.
All the ingredients from your favorite antipasto salad in a delicious, creamy dip!
Bacon Wrapped Lil' Smokies
Lil' Smokies wrapped in crispy bacon and smothered in sticky brown sugar.
It doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this 3 ingredient appetizer!
Layered BLT Dip
Layered BLT Dip is a creamy dip made with BLT classics - shredded romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes and crispy diced bacon.
It’s perfect to serve with your favorite crackers or veggies.
Christmas Tree Sandwiches
Mini Christmas Tree Sandwiches are the perfect finger food for a Christmas party or family gathering.
Quick to prep, easy to assemble, and totally customizable!
Easy Green Olive Dip
Green olive fans, this one’s for you! A super creamy dip that highlights the briny, salty olive!
This Easy Green Olive Dip uses cream cheese and olives to create an umami-forward dip that’s perfect paired with crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies.
Ready to serve some easy Christmas appetizers?
I hope this list of quick holiday appetizers has given you tons of ideas for what to make or bring to your next Christmas gathering.
From dips and spreads, to make ahead finger foods, and holiday-shaped snacks, there’s truly something for everyone!
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