85 Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes

1Cheese PuffsPHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

These cheese puffs (aka gougères) are a triple threat: easy to make, impressive looking, and wildly delicious. And the good news is, you probably already have most (or all) of the ingredients! Whether you’re looking for an easy addition to your cocktail party, Christmas dinner, or Friendsgiving potluck, this bite-sized appetizer never disappoints.

Get the Cheese Puffs recipe.

2Reindeer Berry Snacks chocolate covered strawberries shaped like reindeers PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

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3Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Nothing says hostess with the most-est like a charming and delicious antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer sculpture will help you decorate for your Christmas party and feed your guests all in one fell swoop.

Get the Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball recipe.

4Air Fryer Deviled EggsPHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Don’t look now, but we put deviled eggs in the air fryer. And guess what? They’re real good. Like, never-make-a-deviled-egg-the-same-way-again good. We know, it’s bold to try a new take on a traditional recipe of which most people have very strong opinions, but it was worth it. And while we love a classic deviled egg, these texture- and flavor-packed air fryer deviled eggs have got us giddy.

Get the Air Fryer Deviled Eggs recipe.

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5Cranberry Cream Cheese SpreadPHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE6Sausage Roll Wreath sausage roll wreath with cranberry sauce for dipping PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Every holiday gathering needs a showstopper on the table. That being said, maybe you want something new this holiday season. Enter: this classic British sausage roll with a Christmas–appropriate makeover.

Get the Sausage Roll Wreath recipe.

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7Carbonara Deviled Eggs carbonara deviled eggs topped with pecorino romano and crispy pancetta PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE8Sausage Stuffing Bites With Cranberry SaucePHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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9Cranberry Brie Jalapeño Poppers jalapeños stuffed with brie and wrapped with bacon, topped with cranberry sauce on a sheet tray PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON10Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers spinach artichoke christmas tree skewers PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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11Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star BreadPHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE12Apple Cheddar Bundles apple cheddar bundles with puff pastry honey pecans and thyme PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

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13Maple Cranberry Baked Brie wrapped baked brie topped with cranberry and maple and served with crackers PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Get your holiday parties started right with this seasonal spin on classic baked brie. An easy-to-make homemade maple and cranberry jam gets layered into buttery puff pastry-wrapped brie, then drizzled with maple syrup for an app no one will be able to stop eating.

Get the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.

14Crab Cake Bites crab cake bites dipped in a sour cream and chive dipping sauce PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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15Brûléed Brie Crostini bruleed brie crostini with cherry jam PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Caramelizing the tops of your crostini is a great party trick. Assemble the toasts and wait to brûlée the top for when you’re ready to serve them. The crunchy sugar topping will then give way to an warm and oozy slice of brie and sweet jam. Yum!

Get the Brûléed Brie Crostini recipe.

16Parmesan Crusted Brussels SproutsPHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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17Naughty Knots garlic knots made with cranberry sauce PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Though these cheesy, herby bites of deliciousness may make you feel like you should be written up on the naughty list, we promise that if you make these for your holiday dinner guests, you will be sealed on the good list forever.

Get the Naughty Knots recipe.

18Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas TreePHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

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19Smoked Trout Spread smoked trout spread with chives and dill PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

This easy-to-make appetizer is a guaranteed hit at any holiday party. Creamy, smoky, and bright, it’s delicious piled onto toasted bread, crackers, or crisp endive leaves.

Get the Smoked Trout Spread recipe.

20Baked Feta Bites puff pastry with feta rosemary and peppers PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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