75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2024)

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (1)

Planning your Christmas dinner menu can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list as you rush around trying to get all your holiday shopping done before December 24. To make planning your Christmas party a little easier, we've rounded up our favorite easy appetizer and Christmas treat recipes — most of which you can easily prep ahead of time!

While Christmas appetizers may not be the main event of the evening, we guarantee your guests will be excited to get their hands on these pastries, toasts, and dips. Don't be afraid to recycle your favorite Thanksgiving appetizers, but we suggest including some festive seasonal favorites, too. Here you'll find classic Christmas foods, like cranberry crescent bites and white wine mussels, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options for every dietary preference. We've also included kid-friendly Christmas snacks and lots of healthy finger food options, too.

In short, these easy and elegant Christmas appetizer ideas will satisfy any crowd — so much so that you may have to remind your guests to save room for the Christmas ham!

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1

Beet Crostini

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2)

These beet crostinis are a tasty plant-forward appetizer option. Plus, the deep red of the beets is pretty Christmas-y, no?

Get the Beet Crostini recipe.

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2

Mushroom and Herb Stromboli

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (3)

This appetizer is the ultimate comfort food, and an option that works for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. It would also be a great thing to heat up and eat with leftovers on the day after Christmas.

Get the Mushroom and Herb Stromboli recipe.

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3

Zesty Mini Crab Cakes

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (4)

These mini crab cakes are the perfect savory bite, complete with the tiniest spicy kick. Plus, who says seafood doesn't have a place at Christmas dinner?

Get the Zesty Mini Crab Cakes recipe.

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4

Cranberry Goat Cheese Crescent Bites

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (5)

Holiday party season means you have to eat pastry puffs filled with cheese. We don't make the rules!

Get the Cranberry Goat Cheese Crescent Bites recipe.

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6

Hot Double-Onion Dip

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (7)

For a more casual, comfort food appetizer, consider this hot double-onion dip. Just make sure you have mints near by for anyone who might need them.

Get the Hot Double-Onion Dip recipe.

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7

Tortilla Wreath with Brie

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (8)

Wow your guests with this delicious holiday app featuring baked Brie topped with a spicy salsa made of cranberries, Granny Smith apple jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.

Get the Tortilla Wreath with Brie recipe.

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8

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (10)

Use your extra cranberry sauce to make these delicious tangy meatballs. You don't even have to tell anyone that the meatballs themselves are store-bought.

Get the Tangy Cranberry Meatballs recipe.

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9

Garlic Miso Rolls

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (11)

Pull apart these decadent rolls that'll have your mouth watering.

Get the Garlic Miso Rolls recipe.

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10

Avocado Toast with Pomegranate Salsa

The addition of fresh pomegranate seeds makes this classic toast concoction a little more bright and cheery.

Get the Avocado Toast with Pomegranate Salsa recipe.

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11

Ricotta Dumplings

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (13)

While there is certainly a lot of dairy in this recipe, there is no meat and you could definitely use a gluten-free flour to make it GF, too.

Get the Ricotta Dumplings recipe.

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12

Honey-Glazed Carrots

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (14)

Spicy and sweet play on each other in this veggie-focused plate that has ginger and honey.

Get the Honey-Glazed Carrots recipe.

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13

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (15)

Anything made with browned butter is a winter month must-have. Plus, sage and garlic give the squash added warmth.

Get the Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter recipe.

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14

Sweet Parker House Rolls

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (16)

Why not bring out the dinner rolls a little sooner this year? There's never an incorrect time for more bread. Plus, you can spread some of those spreads and dips on them.

Get the Sweet Parker House Rolls recipe.

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15

Ginger Dumpling Soup

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (17)

Anyone who ventures out to play in the snow until dinner is ready will appreciate finding this warm bowl to hold them over.

Get the Ginger Dumpling Soup recipe.

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16

Crispy Roasted Broccolini

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (18)

This time-saving appetizer (or side dish for that matter) makes the most of red chiles, panko, and lemon zest.

Get the Crispy Roasted Broccolini recipe.

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17

Lentil Hummus

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (19)

Hummus is a must at any gathering, so whip up this recipe that's seasoned with lemon juice, cumin, and thyme.

Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.

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18

Ham and Spinach Pizza

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (20)

You've probably served ham once or twice (or maybe more) at Christmas dinners. This kid-friendly appetizer puts the holiday protein on pizza for a satisfying snack. Just make sure to cut small slices so people don't fill up before dinner (but who could blame them).

Get the Ham and Spinach Pizza recipe.

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19

Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (21)

This plant-based app dresses up brussels sprouts with honey, red chile, and sherry vinegar.

Get the Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts recipe.

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20

Holiday Cheese Board

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (22)

Designing an impressive charcuterie board is a tall order any day of the week, but if your in-laws are in town, it can be helpful to follow some tips and tricks to wow the crowd.

Get the Holiday Cheese Board recipe.

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2024)

FAQs

How many different types of appetizers for a party? ›

If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

What is the suggested preparation time for hot appetizers that need to be cooked or assembled? ›

For any appetizers that need to be cooked or assembled, do as much of the actual preparation as early as possible. A day in advance is ideal. Appetizers that need to be served warm should be prepared early and rewarmed as guests start arriving.

What appetizer is known as a crowd pleaser? ›

From taco dip to cheese balls, deviled eggs to jalapeno popper dip, these appetizer recipes will feed a crowd.

What is the most popular appetizer in America? ›

What Is the Most Popular Appetizer in America?
  • Mozzarella Sticks. ...
  • Buffalo Wings. ...
  • Spinach and Artichoke Dip. ...
  • Fried Calamari. ...
  • Potato Skins. ...
  • Shrimp Cocktail. ...
  • Deviled Eggs. ...
  • Stuffed Mushrooms. Mushrooms filled with a mixture of cheeses, garlic, breadcrumbs, and sometimes sausage.

What is the new trend in appetizers? ›

What street foods are starting to pick up steam in the appetizer category? Bao buns from China, empanadas from Spain, falafel from the Middle East, and crepes from France are all rising in popularity. Look to these for inspiration for next-level appetizers that will truly delight adventurous consumers.

What are the 7 appetizers? ›

7 Appetizers for Entertaining
  • Beer-Battered Cauliflower Bites with Jalapeño Cheddar-Style Dipping Sauce. ...
  • Gooey Mac & Cheese Balls. ...
  • Mini Steak & Blue Cheese Pizzas. ...
  • Sweet Pea Ricotta Spread. ...
  • Burrata Mushroom Bites. ...
  • Endive Bites with Goat Cheese, Figs & Honey. ...
  • Stuffed Dates with Ricotta.
Nov 18, 2020

What is the simplest form of appetizer? ›

50 Easy Appetizer Recipes
  • Socca. ...
  • Air Fryer French Fries. ...
  • Air Fryer Fried Pickles. ...
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes. ...
  • Baked Potato Wedges. ...
  • Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites. ...
  • Loaded Potato Skins. ...
  • Stovetop Popcorn. Toss it with a little melted butter and nutritional yeast for appetizer perfection.

How many appetizers do you need for a Christmas party? ›

How Many Appetizers to Make. On average, each guest will have about six appetizers, although this number may double if it's a cocktail-style event. You want enough to keep your guests satisfied, but not so many that their appetites will be ruined. (Here are some quick crowd-pleasing apps in 15 minutes or less.)

Which of the following is considered as the simplest appetizer? ›

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor. For example, you could serve a platter of thinly sliced cucumbers, chunks of red bell pepper and baby carrots.

How to present appetizers attractively? ›

Give your appetizers an impressive flair by rolling them up instead of just sticking them on the skewer. This can take the shape of pin rolls, lettuce-wrapped appetizers, cut wraps or cucumber feta rolls. Stick a decorative pick into the center of each roll-up to keep them in place.

What are considered heavy horderves? ›

Heavy hors d'oeuvres can include a variety of different foods, such as mini quiches, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp cocktail. These dishes are designed to be filling enough to serve as a meal, but small enough to be eaten while standing or mingling.

What are the 5 guidelines in the selection of appetizers? ›

Ina's 5 Cocktail Party Rules
  • Start with five to six different appetizers. ...
  • Always offer a mix of meat, fish and vegetables. ...
  • Plan on ten pieces of the appetizer per guest. ...
  • Serve everything at room temperature. ...
  • Don't cook everything yourself.

What are good appetizers to buy for a party? ›

11 Store-Bought Appetizers Our Editors Turn To For Easy...
  • Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit.
  • Publix Deli Chicken Breast Dip, Buffalo Style.
  • Trader Joe's Pastry Bites Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions.
  • The Fresh Market Take & Bake Brie.
  • Publix Deli Artichoke & Spinach Dip.
Feb 19, 2023

How to calculate how many appetizers per person? ›

Too many might spoil your guests' dinner - but not enough is even worse! Serve 4 to 6 appetizers per person at a dinner party. It depends on when you serve them and your dinner's content. An early or heavy dinner means you can aim for fewer appetizers per person.

References

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