35 Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes

Get the party started with this collection of 35 Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes to kick start your holiday celebration. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering, an elegant soiree with close friends or hosting a crowd there’s something here for everyone!

Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes that are Easy to Make

Every holiday needs a few things to kick off the festivities. Once the Christmas lights are hung, gifts are wrapped and the tree is decorated it’s time to plan the small bites holiday menu. This collection of the best Christmas Appetizer Recipes is meant to inspire you. It includes pull apart breads with one shaped as a gorgeous Christmas tree and the other a pretty wreath. I’ve included Fried Ravioli, Spinach Bacon Crescent Pinwheels and a festive Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Log guaranteed to add seasonal flair to your holiday table. Scroll down for 35 Easy Christmas Appetizer Recipes to plan your menu.

1 Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

These Cream Cheese Sausage Balls are a two bite mainstay on Southern appetizer menus. Serve them with honey mustard, maple syrup or barbecue sauce for dipping. Get the Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe Here.

2 Easy Veggie Dip

The holiday wouldn’t be complete without a crudite tray and a creamy dip on the table. Get the Easy Veggie Dip Recipe Here.

3 Fried Ravioli

These ravioli are made using refrigerated ravioli coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese breading. Serve them with warm pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping. Get the Fried Ravioli Recipe Here.

4 Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread

This festive recipe uses frozen dinner rolls that are stuffed with mozzarella cheese then formed into the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s brushed with butter and baked until golden and just before serving a puffy star added to the top completes this edible centerpiece. Get the Pull Apart Christmas Tree Bread Recipe Here.

5 Southern Cheese Straws

These cheese straws are made using a cookie press fitted with a star disc to form them into an oblong shape. You may want to make a double batch, they never last long. Get the Cheese Straws Recipe Here.

6 Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail is a crowd favorite and it comes with the bonus of being made completely in advance. My recipe includes two dipping sauces that takes this elegant starter to another level. Get the Shrimp Cocktail Recipe Here.

7 Crab Rangoon

Crab meat can be a pricey addition to the menu. Crab Rangoon is a delicious way to serve jumbo lump crab meat to a crowd without breaking the bank. Get the Crab Rangoon Recipe Here.

8 Candied Bacon Breadsticks

Lower your stress level and make as many appetizers as you can in advance like these breadsticks. These bacon wrapped breadsticks will add visual interest to the table. Get the Candied Bacon Breadsticks Recipe Here.

9 Country Ham and Cheese Biscuit Bites

These biscuit bites are filled with shredded cheddar cheese and salty country ham. It’s a match made in heaven and it’s the type of starter that can be served for brunch, too. Get Country Ham and Biscuit Bites Recipe Here.

10 Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls

The holiday season is all about indulging. These mashed potato filled spring rolls are just that with a delicious filling that’s certain to delight your friends and family. Get the Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls Recipe Here.

11 Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

You’ll pay a mint for mac and cheese balls in a restaurant. These are made with cold macaroni and cheese that’s dipped in a flavorful coating then fried until crispy on the outside with a gooey mac and cheese center. Get the Fried Mac and Cheese Balls Recipe Here.

12 Cowboy Caviar

This popular dip is filled with a variety of vegetables and vibrant colors, too. Make it one or two days in advance then add the cubed avocado just before serving. Get the Cowboy Caviar Recipe Here.

13 Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log

Cheeseballs are one of my favorite make ahead appetizers to make and serve. This festive cheese log features all of the flavors of the holidays in every bite. Get the Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log Recipe Here.

14 Ham and Cheese Puffs

These two bite puffs are made in a mini muffin pan. You can make them in advance then warm them in the microwave or in an air fryer just before serving. Get the Ham and Cheese Puffs Recipe Here.

15 Teriyaki Meatballs

These homemade meatballs are perfectly seasoned then simmered in a sweet and spicy Asian sauce. Serve them with picks for dipping in the flavorful sauce. Get the Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe Here.

16 Shrimp Dip

This make ahead dip is packed with flavor and should be made in advance so all of the flavors can fully marry. Get the Shrimp Dip Recipe Here.

17 Everything Pigs in a Blanket

No party would be complete without a tray of pigs in a blanket. This recipe features smokies rolled with cheese then seasoned with Everything Bagel seasoning. Get the Everything Pigs in a Blanket Recipe Here.

18 Bacon Spinach Crescent Pinwheels

Wrap up spinach and smoky bacon with cheese to hold it all together in a tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls. Get the Bacon Spinach Crescent Pinwheels Recipe Here.

19 Southern Pimento Cheese

Is it pimento cheese or pimiento cheese? The terms (and spelling!) are used interchangeably in the South. Spelling aside, this creamy Southern classic never disappoints. Get the Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe Here.

20 Easy Popcorn Chicken

These homemade chicken bites will thrill kids of all ages. Serve popcorn chicken with a variety of sauces for dipping and watch them disappear. Get the Easy Popcorn Chicken Recipe Here.

21 Smoked Salmon Dip

I love serving this salmon dip with pita chips, crackers and crostini. Get the Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe Here.

22 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels

These make ahead pinwheels feature that trio of flavors that everyone loves. Wrap them up in colorful tortillas and chill them until serving. Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels Recipe Here.

23 Party Snack Mix

This party mix is terrific for snacking and homemade gift giving. Package it in cellophane bags and tie the top with a pretty bow then give it to your guests as a party favor. Get the Party Snack Mix Recipe Here.

24 Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies

This vintage appetizer couldn’t be easier to make. I like to add a hint of heat to the brown sugar coating by adding ground ancho or chipotle chili powder for a sweet and spicy flavor. Get the Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies Recipe Here.

25 Cheesy Dijon Sausage Cups

These little cheesy sausage cups use wonton wrappers for the crust. Bake them in a mini muffin pan for small bite that can also be served for brunch. Get the Cheesy Dijon Sausage Cups Recipe Here.

26 Cheese Baked Zucchini Bites

The simple puff dough is mixed with cheddar cheese and a perfect blend of seasonings. They’re baked in mini muffin pan and served warm straight from the oven. Get the Cheesy Baked Zucchini Bites Recipe Here.

27 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls

These easy chicken bacon ranch sliders are a viral Pinterest sensation year-round. They’re a guaranteed hit regardless of how they’re served as a holiday snack, light meal or appetizer. Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls Recipe Here.

28 Sundried Tomato Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These savory palmiers are a party favorite. They use frozen puff pastry that makes the assembly an absolute cinch! Get the Sundried Tomato Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe Here.

29 Pepper Jack Spinach Dip with Bacon

Spinach dip can be found on restaurant appetizer menus all around the country. Make this kicked up version with smoky bacon ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Get the Pepper Jack Spinach Dip Recipe Here.

30 Ham and Swiss Poppy Seed Rolls

These rolls are a party favorite! They’re brushed with a sweet mustard poppy seed glaze and baked until lightly golden and the Swiss cheese has melted. Get the Ham and Swiss Poppy Seed Rolls Recipe Here.

31 Loaded Baked Potato Dip

This easy dip features bacon, cheese and sour cream. Serve it with waffle fries on the side for dipping. Get the Loaded Baked Potato Dip Recipe Here.

32 Praline Pecan Brie en Croute

Wrap creamy brie cheese in buttery puff pastry then top it off with toasted pecans, brown sugar and butter. After baking, slice and serve with a nutty crisp bread or crackers. Get the Praline Pecan Brie en Croute Recipe Here.

33 Beef and Cheddar Cheeseball

Cheeseballs sometimes get a bad wrap. I love them, and this vintage appetizer will never go out of style in my kitchen. Get the Beef and Cheddar Cheeseball Recipe Here.

34 BLT Dip

This easy dip features all of the flavors we love about BLT sandwiches. Whip it up in advance, then add crisp green lettuce just before serving. Get the BLT Dip Recipe Here.

35 Pull Apart Cheesy Bread Wreath

This edible holiday wreath is an iconic symbol of the season. Each roll is filled with basil pesto and cheese. Serve them with warm pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping. Get the Pull Apart Cheesy Bread Wreath Recipe Here.

I hope you’ve found many recipes to try in these Easy Christmas Appetizer Recipes. My wish is that you’ll enjoy your time with family and friends as you celebrate the miracle of Christmas. Merry Christmas wishes from my family to yours! Find Festive Christmas Table Ideas here on BHG.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rotary Cheese Grater
• Basting Brushes