Christmas appetizers set the stage for celebration before the main meal even begins. They fill the room with warm aromas, bring guests together, and turn simple ingredients into joyful bites.
Whether it’s something cheesy, flaky, meaty, or crisp, the right starter makes your holiday spread unforgettable. From golden pastries and stuffed rolls to sizzling sausage bites and savory puff creations, these appetizers are easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of festive flair.
They’re perfect for family dinners, office parties, or cozy evenings at home. With these 35 Christmas appetizers, you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Every recipe brings holiday cheer to the table and makes sure everyone starts the feast smiling and satisfied.
1. Candied Bacon Breadsticks
Crispy, salty, and sweet, these breadsticks wrapped in bacon are an instant hit. Each stick is sprinkled with brown sugar before baking, caramelizing perfectly in the oven.
The smoky-sweet flavor is addictive and elegant enough for parties. They look fancy but need only minutes to prepare—ideal for adding crunch and color to your holiday spread.
2. Crab Rangoon
Golden, crisp wontons stuffed with a creamy crab and cheese mixture make an impressive appetizer. A blend of crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, and garlic gives rich flavor.
Bake or fry them until crunchy. Serve warm for an elegant seafood starter that feels festive and luxurious without taking much effort to prepare.
3. Fried Ravioli
These crispy pasta pillows are coated with breadcrumbs and Parmesan before being fried until golden. Inside, soft cheese or meat filling creates a perfect contrast.
They’re fun to dip in marinara sauce and make a creative twist on Italian comfort food. Hot, crunchy, and cheesy—everything you need for a crowd-pleasing Christmas bite.
4. Pull-Apart Cheesy Bread Wreath
Soft, buttery rolls stuffed with mozzarella and pesto are baked into a festive wreath shape. Once golden, brush them with garlic butter and sprinkle with herbs.
Serve with marinara on the side for a shareable, show-stopping centerpiece. It’s warm, gooey, and the perfect mix of comfort and creativity for your holiday table.
5. Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Simple and satisfying, these bite-sized sausage balls are made with cream cheese, breakfast sausage, cheddar, and biscuit mix. They bake into golden, cheesy perfection that melts in your mouth.
Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating. They’re quick to make, freeze beautifully, and are always one of the first snacks to vanish.
6. Southern Cheese Straws
Crunchy, buttery, and full of sharp cheddar flavor, these Southern Cheese Straws are a traditional holiday favorite. The dough is piped into long strips and baked until crisp.
Perfectly savory and slightly spicy, they pair beautifully with wine or cocktails. Light, flaky, and nostalgic, they’re a must-have on every Christmas appetizer tray.
7. Ham and Swiss Poppy Seed Rolls
Mini rolls filled with ham and melted Swiss cheese are brushed with a buttery poppy seed glaze and baked until golden.
The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors makes them irresistible. Serve warm straight from the oven—soft, melty, and perfect for both brunches and evening gatherings.
8. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
These crispy golden balls hide a creamy mac and cheese center that oozes with every bite. Made from leftover mac and cheese coated in breadcrumbs, they’re fried until crunchy.
Serve hot for a comforting, cheesy treat that’s fun, portable, and perfect for both kids and adults.
9. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
These easy tortilla pinwheels combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.
Rolled, sliced, and chilled before serving, they’re creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor. They’re a crowd favorite and ideal for make-ahead entertaining—colorful, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
10. Southern Pimento Cheese Bites
This twist on a Southern classic turns creamy pimento cheese into baked puff bites. Spoon the mixture of cheddar, pimentos, and mayo into pastry shells and bake until golden.
They’re tangy, cheesy, and bite-sized—an easy, elegant appetizer that’s perfect for adding a taste of the South to your celebration.
11. Country Ham and Cheese Biscuit Bites
Flaky mini biscuits filled with diced country ham and cheddar cheese are warm, buttery, and satisfying. They’re simple to prepare and bake quickly.
Perfect for breakfast buffets or Christmas brunch, these savory bites offer the comforting flavors of ham and cheese in a handheld treat everyone loves.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Brown Sugar Smokies
Little smokies wrapped in bacon and coated with brown sugar bake into crispy, caramelized perfection. The sweet and smoky balance is irresistible.
They’re easy to assemble, bake ahead, and reheat before serving. These vintage favorites always draw attention on the appetizer table.
13. Shrimp Cocktail Cups
A fresh spin on the classic! Arrange chilled shrimp in mini cups with a spoonful of zesty cocktail sauce and a slice of lemon.
Each portion is elegant, refreshing, and mess-free—ideal for guests mingling during Christmas gatherings.
14. Ham and Cheese Puffs
Fluffy mini puffs made with diced ham, cheese, milk, and eggs bake until soft and golden. The texture is airy, the flavor savory, and they’re easy to pop in your mouth.
They work beautifully for brunch or evening appetizers and pair perfectly with wine.
15. Candied Pecan Brie Bites
Mini phyllo cups filled with creamy brie and topped with candied pecans are both fancy and simple.
The buttery crunch of the pastry pairs beautifully with sweet nuts and melted cheese. Serve warm for a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized treat that feels gourmet.
16. Cheesy Dijon Sausage Cups
Wonton wrappers form the crispy crust for these savory cups filled with sausage, cheese, and Dijon mustard.
They’re baked until golden and slightly tangy, offering a rich, cheesy flavor in every bite. Great for parties and easy to make in big batches.
17. Bacon Spinach Crescent Pinwheels
Roll crescent dough with cream cheese, bacon, spinach, and mozzarella, then slice and bake. The result?
Flaky, flavorful pinwheels that smell amazing and taste even better. They’re hearty enough for guests to snack on while waiting for dinner.
18. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull-Apart Rolls
Soft rolls filled with chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese bake into gooey, savory perfection.
Brushed with butter, they’re golden, flavorful, and easily shared. A warm, satisfying option for hungry guests that feels both homely and festive.
19. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Juicy mushroom caps are filled with a rich mixture of crab meat, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Baked until golden and tender, they’re creamy inside and perfectly savory outside.
These bite-sized appetizers look elegant and taste luxurious. Serve warm on a platter for a sophisticated seafood option that impresses guests with minimal effort.
20. Praline Pecan Brie en Croute
Creamy brie wrapped in puff pastry with brown sugar, butter, and toasted pecans makes a show-stopping appetizer. Once baked, it turns gooey, nutty, and beautifully golden.
Slice and serve with crackers, apple slices, or crusty bread. This sweet and savory bite feels elegant yet comforting, perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your Christmas table.
21. Cheese Baked Zucchini Bites
These baked zucchini bites are crispy on the outside and soft inside, made with shredded zucchini, eggs, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs. Light, flavorful, and slightly cheesy, they’re a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise taste.
Serve warm with herbs on top for color. Ideal for guests who love something crunchy but wholesome at Christmas gatherings.
22. Beef and Cheddar Cheeseball
A classic holiday centerpiece, this cheeseball combines cheddar, cream cheese, and chopped beef with a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Rolled in nuts or herbs for texture, it’s easy to slice and serve with crackers.
The flavor is rich, smoky, and comforting—perfect for entertaining and bringing a nostalgic touch to your festive appetizer spread.
23. Mini Caprese Skewers
Bright, fresh, and colorful, these skewers feature cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. They’re light yet flavorful and add a refreshing touch to rich holiday spreads.
Serve on a platter for easy snacking. Simple to make, they balance heavier appetizers beautifully while keeping things fresh and festive.
24. Teriyaki Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze make the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer. The sauce blends soy, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger for bold flavor.
Serve them warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Everyone loves these sticky, savory bites and bring a delicious Asian-inspired twist to your Christmas celebration.
25. Sundried Tomato Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Golden puff pastry layered with sundried tomatoes, herbs, and cream cheese bakes into flaky, savory pinwheels. Each spiral is buttery, aromatic, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
They’re elegant enough for parties but simple to make in minutes. Warm or at room temperature, these pretty bites always earn compliments on your appetizer table.
26. Mini Chicken Pot Pie Bites
Tiny, flaky pastry cups filled with creamy chicken, peas, carrots, and gravy bring homey comfort in one bite. Made with puff pastry or biscuit dough, they bake until golden and bubbling.
Perfectly portable and warm, these savory mini pies capture the flavor of comfort food in a party-friendly form—ideal for winter celebrations.
27. Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Bread
Soft dough balls stuffed with mozzarella are shaped into a Christmas tree and brushed with garlic butter. Baked until golden, it’s cheesy, pull-apart perfection.
This edible centerpiece is festive, flavorful, and easy to share. Serve with marinara or herb butter for dipping—a warm, melty appetizer that’s sure to steal the spotlight.
28. Fried Mozzarella Sticks
These golden, crunchy sticks are loaded with melted mozzarella that stretches with every bite. Coated in breadcrumbs and lightly seasoned, they fry to crispy perfection.
Serve them hot with marinara or ranch for dipping. Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re a simple yet irresistible addition to any Christmas gathering or snack table.
29. Mini Quiche Bites
Light and fluffy, these mini quiches combine eggs, milk, cheese, and veggies like spinach or peppers in a buttery crust. Baked until golden, they’re flavorful and perfectly bite-sized.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Great for brunch or parties, these little savory pies bring elegance and comfort to your Christmas spread.
30. Savory Puff Pastry Twists
Made from puff pastry brushed with butter, herbs, and Parmesan, these twists bake into flaky, crispy appetizers. Each bite delivers buttery crunch and aromatic flavor.
They’re quick to prepare, easy to serve, and look beautiful in a breadbasket. A simple yet elegant snack that pairs perfectly with wine and conversation at holiday gatherings.
31. Fried Chicken Bites
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these fried chicken bites are seasoned to perfection and coated in crunchy crumbs. Serve them hot with a drizzle of honey or spicy glaze for extra flavor.
They’re hearty, satisfying, and loved by all ages—an easy crowd-pleaser that brings homestyle goodness to your Christmas appetizer table.
32. Mini Cheese Balls
These bite-sized cheese balls are easy, creamy, and perfect for Christmas parties. Mix cream cheese with herbs, garlic, and shredded cheddar, then roll into small balls.
Coat them in crushed nuts, parsley, or paprika for color. Serve on toothpicks or with crackers. They’re quick to prepare, look festive, and taste rich, cheesy, and delicious.
33. Pigs in a Blanket
A holiday favorite that’s always a crowd-pleaser! Wrap cocktail sausages in crescent roll dough and bake until golden and puffy. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds for extra crunch.
Serve with mustard or ketchup. Simple, tasty, and nostalgic, these warm bites disappear fast at every Christmas party or family gathering.
34. Bruschetta Bites
Crispy baguette slices topped with juicy tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil make a fresh and festive appetizer. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean flavor.
Sprinkle a little salt and Parmesan for extra zest. They’re easy to assemble, colorful, and perfect for adding a light touch to your Christmas appetizer spread.
35. Stuffed Mini Peppers
Sweet mini bell peppers filled with a creamy cheese mixture make a simple yet impressive holiday appetizer. Mix cream cheese, herbs, and shredded cheese, stuff the peppers, and bake until slightly soft.
Their bright colors and mild flavor make them a cheerful addition to your table—perfect for balancing rich, meaty dishes during Christmas gatherings.
Conclusion
These 35 Christmas appetizers bring variety, color, and excitement to your festive table. From cheesy puffs to bacon-wrapped delights, each recipe adds warmth and joy to your celebration. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Start your feast the right way—with flavor, fun, and plenty of holiday cheer!
