30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes: a weeknight method

These memorable Christmas appetizer recipes are sure to bring holiday cheer to your guests with go-to dishes like baked buffalo wings, bacon deviled eggs and spinach dip.

Put some merry in your Christmas with these savory hot appetizes, cool dips, crunchy snacks and more!

Christmas appetizer recipes do not have to be extravagant. They don’t need to require days to prepare or even hours if you’re short on time. In fact, some of the finest Christmas appetizer recipes take little to no time at all. Quick recipes leave you with more family time for the holidays. Add a special cocktail recipe for a memorable Christmas party!

30 Christmas Appetizer Recipes

I gathered some of the top recipes for all your holiday appetizer needs. You can easily make your grocery list from the recipes below and plan your holiday meal in advance. Classics such as pigs in a blanket are always great, but I tend to crave more variety!

These recipes contain a variety of festive flavors. There are meaty finger foods like sausage balls and steak bites. I have crowd pleasers like kitchen-made Chex mix and candied pecans. If you want to indulge a sweet tooth, try my cherry cheesecake dip or Christmas sugar cookie dip. They are to die for. Whatever you need for your party or gathering, there is a recipe for you! Finish off your meal with a sweet treat, you can get some ideas from my lists of 20 Christmas Cupcake Recipes, 30 Christmas Cookie Recipes, 20 Christmas Candy Recipes and 20 Candy Cane Recipes. Don’t forget some holiday treats to go along with your snacks like gingerbread cookies and peppermint patties!

Hot Appetizers

Sometimes you want something a little heartier for your holiday party. I often have get togethers where I just serve appetizers and desserts! These hot Christmas appetizer recipes are bite-size snacks that are meaty, cheesy and packed with tons of savory flavors. You can even make some of them in your slow cooker!

This prosciutto wrapped asparagus is fresh asparagus stalks flavored with savory prosciutto, then broiled to crunchy perfection. A 4 ingredient appetizer or side dish that's straightforward, yet elegant and always gets rave reviews. Get the RecipeThese slow cooker turkey meatballs are Italian style and made with lean ground turkey, parmesan cheese, herbs and spices. They’re slow simmered to tender perfection in the crock pot and are reliable served over spaghetti or as a hearty appetizer. Get the RecipeThese straightforward sausage cheese balls are the reliable party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor! Get the RecipeThese bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are silky, spicy and loaded with cheese. The reliable party appetizer! Get the RecipeThese hot ham and cheese pinwheels are rolls loaded with plenty of meat and swiss, then topped with a butter poppy seed sauce and baked to golden brown perfection. I serve ham and cheese roll ups at every party and there are never any leftovers! Get the RecipeThis recipe for baked buffalo wings is ultra crunchy baked chicken wings tossed in a classic spicy sauce and served with a lightened up blue cheese dip. Snack away with less guilt! Get the RecipeThese seared steak bites are cubes of sirloin steak cooked to perfection in a garlic butter sauce. An straightforward meal or party snack that’s ready in just minutes! Get the RecipeThese fried ravioli are cheese ravioli coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then fried to golden brown perfection. Toasted ravioli are a fun and unique appetizer that are straightforward to make! Get the RecipeThese bacon wrapped scallops are jumbo scallops coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then broiled to perfection. A unfussy yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews! Get the RecipeThese bacon wrapped water chestnuts are crunchy marinated water chestnuts covered in bacon and a sweet and savory sauce, then baked to perfection. A quick and straightforward appetizer option that's always a big hit! Get the Recipe

Cold Christmas Appetizer Recipes

These cold offerings range from snack mixes to elegant mini bites and more! The great thing about cold appetizers is that they can often be prepared in advance which is great for entertaining.

Your search for the reliable kitchen-made Chex mix ends here – this from scratch Chex mix is made with cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts, and is SO much better than the recipe on the box! Get the RecipeThis recipe for Mexican shrimp bites is seared shrimp and guacamole layered onto individual potato chips. A super straightforward appetizer that’s reliable for entertaining! Get the RecipeThese antipasto skewers are a variety of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto sticks. An straightforward yet elegant appetizer. Get the RecipeA rainbow of veggies and chicken are combined with ranch spread on a rolled tortilla to make healthy and tasty pinwheel sandwiches. Get the RecipeNo holiday party is complete without a big bowl of reindeer chow! This Christmas chex mix is loaded with chocolate flavor and is reliable for feeding a crowd. Get the RecipeThis recipe for candied pecans is pecan halves coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and baked to crunchy and crunchy perfection. Candied pecans are reliable for salads, snacking or package them up for a fun kitchen-made gift idea! Get the RecipeA complete guide on how to put together the finest charcuterie board, with a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit, veggies and other snack foods. The signature party appetizer that always gets rave reviews! Get the RecipeThis jalapeno cheddar cheese ball is full of zesty Mexican flavor and takes just minutes to make. The reliable snack for game day! Get the RecipeThis shrimp ceviche recipe is fresh shrimp marinated with cucumber, red onions, cilantro, avocado and diced jalapenos. It takes just minutes to make and is full of bold and zesty flavors.
Get the RecipeThese straightforward bacon deviled eggs are a classic recipe dressed up with the addition of bacon bits and chives. Plus learn my tricks for the finest deviled eggs ever! Get the Recipe

Christmas Dips and Spreads

Here is a selection of dips and spreads that are reliable for the holidays, with everything from kitchen-made spinach dip to decadent sugar cookie dip! Grab a block of cream cheese and some crackers and you’ll be ready to prepare a tasty dip.

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty kitchen-made sauce. It’s the reliable make-ahead dish for a potluck! Get the RecipeThis christmas cookie dough dip has a silky and fluffy eggless sugar cookie base swirled with holiday sprinkles for a fun and festive appetizer or dessert. Get the RecipeThis pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, basil pesto and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and silky dip in just minutes. The easiest last minute appetizer option that pairs well with bread, veggies or can even be used on a sandwich or as a salad dressing. Get the RecipeThis hot spinach dip is a blend of cooked spinach, three types of cheese and seasonings, all baked together to melted cheesy perfection. An straightforward make-ahead party snack that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Get the RecipeThis silky bacon ranch dip takes just 5 minutes to make and is loaded with flavor. Get the RecipeThis hot crab dip is a mixture of crab, cheese and spices, all baked together to form a silky dip that’s bound to get rave reviews. A super straightforward make-ahead appetizer that is always a crowd pleaser! Get the RecipeThis 4 ingredient cheesecake dip is light, fluffy and so tasty! Serve with graham crackers and cookies for a fun appetizer or dessert. Get the RecipeThis mediterranean layered dip starts with a base of whipped feta cheese and is topped with artichokes, olives, sun dried tomatoes and pine nuts. Get the RecipeThis smoked salmon dip is a silky base filled with smoked salmon and fresh herbs. This smoked salmon appetizer is the reliable 5 minute party dip! Get the RecipeThis recipe for jalapeno popper dip is silky, cheesy, spicy and loaded with bacon! Serve with tortilla chips for the reliable straightforward appetizer. Get the Recipe

Have a festive holiday with the reliable party snack or dinner appetizer. Whether you are in the mood for something hot and savory, cool and silky or sweet and decadent, try some of the fantastic flavors in these recipes!