There’s a long and storied tradition of welcoming dinner guests by way of a starter bite or two. Appetizers can also set the mood and be a real party-saver if the main meal is running a little behind schedule. Just remember this: During the holiday season, you’ll want to choose appetizers that feel special enough for the occasion.
Whether you want to prepare something quick and easy or take the whole day to master a new pastry technique, we have a delicious Christmas appetizer idea for every type of host. Some are rich and decadent, others are meaty classics, and some are just plain fun and delicious. Whichever route you choose, you’re bound to delight your loved ones.
Potato Croquettes
Grant Webster
A beloved finger food, these crispy potato apps always disappear fast at parties. Serve them with a sauce for dipping. We like Herb Mayonnaise or Three-Ingredient Marinara.
Three-Cheese Artichoke-and-Sun-Dried-Tomato Dip
Lennart Weibull
A hot cheese dip? Yes please! This sophisticated take blends cream cheese, Colby Jack, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, then adds chopped marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes before the dish finishes in the oven.
Smoked Salmon-Radish Deviled Eggs
Mike Krautter
A luxurious take on that all-time favorite, the deviled egg, this extra-festive deviled egg has smoked salmon blended into the yolk. Little bits of peppery, fresh radish contrast with the richness of the silky salmon and egg.
Salmon-and-Mashed-Potato Croquettes
Lennart Weibull
Crispy and golden brown, these croquettes have a coating of panko breadcrumbs around a filling of fluffy mashed potatoes and salmon. You can use tinned salmon or smoked, but either way, they’re the perfect bite for a holiday celebration.
Three-Cheese Gougères
Johnny Miller
These delicate, savory French cheese puffs never fail to impress. They strike that perfect balance between indulgent, but not too filling.
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
Kirsten Francis
A staple at cocktail parties and get-togethers from the past, this retro favorite will never go out of style. Our pull-apart version takes it to the next level.
Brown-Butter Nut Mix With Rosemary and Thyme
Coated with a sweet-savory mixture of rosemary and brown sugar, these party nuts are the crunchy and delicious snack you’ve been looking forward to all year.
Savory Crepe Rollups
Lennart Weibull
A fun way to incorporate the Christmas colors of red and green into your spread is to roll them up in these savory one-bite appetizers. Tender crepes make a great wrapper and can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to roll.
Baked Brie With Boozy Fruit
Aya Brackett
It would be unthinkable to leave a brie-en-croute off of a “best-of” appetizer list. This version includes a side of port-spiked fruit compote to balance out the bites of rich gooey cheese and flaky puff pastry.
Herby Shrimp-and-Feta Bake
Johnny Miller
A departure from the same-old shrimp cocktail, this Mediterranean-inspired appetizer features the plump, tender shrimp and briny feta practically swimming in an aromatic sea of olive oil. In case it wasn’t already clear, serving this dish with crusty bread for dipping is a must!
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Bryan Gardner
Go all out with this homemade pull-apart bread that is shaped like a Christmas tree, and decorate it with edible baubles like rosemary, mini mozzarella balls, and tiny chile peppers.
Gooey Gouda Puff-Pastry Bites
Con Poulos
Our gouda puff pastry bites take just 15 minutes to prepare and come out looking as festive as ever. The recipe calls for lingonberry jam, giving it a pop of color and sweetness against the buttery pastry.
Goat-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
José Manuel Picayo Rivera
These cheesy stuffed mushrooms are as delicious as they are easy to make; they come together in just three steps. The creamy filling can get blitzed in a food processor.
Harissa, Goat Cheese, and Herb Tart
Bryan Gardner
Store-bought puff pastry makes this appetizer quick and easy to make, while toppings of spicy harissa and creamy goat cheese make it special enough to serve for a classier occasion.
Devils on Horseback
Rachel Marek
Here’s another retro appetizer that has stood the test of time—and that’s because it is one of the simplest bites you could make and has the most going on in terms of texture and flavor. Sweet dates are stuffed with blue cheese and encased in smoky bacon. It’s no surprise that we can’t get enough.
Tomato Burrata Bites
Bryan Gardner
Tomato burrata bites are a go-to no-bake appetizer that is perfect for all your holiday parties this season. The red, white, and green color scheme makes them even more festive than the rest. Their small size is easy to pass around throughout the evening and takes up minimal space in the fridge.
Beet, Cheddar, and Apple Tarts
Bryan Gardner
Bite-sized tarts are a holiday favorite due to their festive presentation; no silverware is needed, and they create delicious flavor combinations all in one. These beet, cheddar, and apple tarts are sure to impress your guests and are ready for serving in under 30 minutes, saving you time in the kitchen.
Cantaloupe and Mozzarella With Prosciutto and Basil
The perfect addition to any holiday charcuterie board. Serving the prosciutto with cantaloupe, mozzarella, and basil not only looks beautiful out on display, but the savory and sweet flavors complement each other with each bite.
Easy Baked Brie With Pecans
David Loftus
Baked brie cheese is a must at any holiday party. If you’re in a time crunch for preparing what you will bring, look no further than our baked brie with pecans. You can assemble it all together and warm it up once you arrive at the party for the best results.
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bryan Gardner
Let’s face it: anything wrapped in bacon is delicious. This recipe includes maple syrup for a little added sweetness to each bite. Serve alongside a zesty mustard for dipping.
Warm Bruschetta With Tomatoes and Feta
Brie Goldman
Our simple bruschetta recipe is perfect for the holidays due to the festive red and green color scheme, and your guests will love it. You can easily pull together this appetizer with tomatoes, feta, olive oil, and garlic on a toasted sliced baguette topped with fresh basil.
Mushroom-and-Goat-Cheese Purses
We love these mushroom and goat cheese purses during the holidays. The buttery puff pastry and savory flavors of the mushrooms make for an irresistible appetizer to pass around. Plus, the prep work is minimal and comes together in 25 minutes.
Dates and Blue Cheese
Sharon Radisch
This simple, salty, and sweet combination requires minimal preparation and makes for the perfect bite-sized appetizer to set out for guests before dinner. Serve it on a festive platter, then top it off with chopped almonds and a honey drizzle.