Best Christmas Appetizers for Your Next Party!
One of my favourite parts about the holidays is all the delicious food you get to make! If you’re hosting a Christmas party this year, make your life 10x easier by preparing some fun and festive appetizers ahead of time! I’ve gathered some of my favourite Christmas appetizers to inspire you when planning for your holiday party!
If you’re looking for more activities to do during the holiday season, check out my list of 50 Holiday Bucket List Ideas!
1. Mini Chicken Parmesan Lasagne Rolls
Chicken parm and lasagne combined into the perfect bite-sized portion? Count me in! These mini chicken parmesan lasagne rolls are sure to be a favourite amongst your guests! Made with tender chicken, delicious marinara sauce and melted cheese all rolled up in a lasagne noodle. Perfection!
2. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
What’s better than a classic spinach dip? This popular appetizer seamlessly marries the rich creaminess of melted cheese with the earthy freshness of spinach and the subtle tang of artichokes, creating a crowd-pleasing dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Pair it with some crackers or toast up a pita!
3. Candy Cane Caprese Board
Caprese is such an easy appetizer to make, but why not make it more festive? Arrange your mozzarella and tomatoes in the shape of a candy cane and drizzle some balsamic vinegar over top.
4. Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
These cheese and crab-stuffed mushrooms are perfect to make ahead of time and store in the freezer! Just pop them in the air fryer before your guests arrive and you have the perfect bite-sized appetizer that your guests will love!
5. Guacamole Shrimp Wanton Cups
Another unique appetizer to wow your guests! These wontons are filled with guacamole and shrimp, and have the perfect mix of crunch and flavour! Add tomatoes to keep up with the red and green theme and if you’re short on time, just use store-bought guac!
6. Reindeer Cheese Balls
Cheese balls are a staple holiday appetizer, but why not make them more festive? Add broken pretzels for antlers and a piece of tomato or pepper for the red nose to get the full Rudolph affect, and serve with crackers or bread on the side!
7. Salami Chips With Mustard
If you’re looking for a protein-packed alternative to chips or crackers with your dip, try out this salami chips! Plus they’re incredibly easy to make- just slice up your salami, throw them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven for 15 minutes. Great to pair with a mustard-based dip or any other dips you may have in your holiday spread!
8. Cranberry Meatballs
Another staple appetizer is meatballs! Make them more festive by trying out this sweet and tangy cranberry sauce
9. Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
We’ve seen stuffed mushrooms, but now what about stuffed tomatoes? These guys are filled with crab meat, mayo and seasoning and they’re the perfect bite-sized Christmas appetizer to add to your menu!
10. French Onion Cups
I have recently become obsessed with grilled onions, and these French onion cups look mouth-watering! Another great item to prep ahead of time, these cups can be stored in the freezer ready to pop in the oven before your guests arrive.
11. Mashed Potato Arancini
Arancini is a classic Italian dish made with risotto and stuffed with mozzarella. This unique take on the classic uses one of my favourite foods- mashed potatoes! Swap out the risotto for some creamy mashed potatoes and add an olive or two into your mozzarella (or skip this step if you’re not an olive fan like me) for a delicious, crispy ball of goodness!
12. Gogonzola Grapes
These grapes are incredibly easy to make and pack a juicy punch! Take some grapes, spread gorgonzola cheese around the outside, and roll them in crushed walnuts. The perfect bite-sized treat to mix things up!
13. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? These bite-sized portions are perfect for an appetizer spread- crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle. Yum!
14. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are another one of those staple appetizers you’d find at most parties, cause who can resist? Creamy, spicy and stuffed with cheese, these bad boys also fit the festive green and red theme! The perfect Christmas appetizers.
15. Mushroom and Gouda Fondue
Sticking to our cheese theme here, next up is a mushroom and gorgonzola fondue! Another incredibly easy Christmas appetizer, just sautee up some mushrooms, mix up some wine and heavy cream, pop in your cheese and bake in the oven for 5-6 minutes. Serve with some baguette slices!
16. Antipasto Squares
I love anything antipasto-related, so when I saw these squares I knew I had to add them to the list! Traditional antipasto salad filling wrapped in crescent layers. These are the perfect hand-held addition to your appetizer spread!
17. Christmas tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks
This is a very popular recipe on Pinterest, and for good reason! A fun take on both breadsticks and spinach dip, this festive recipe will be a hit with your guests!
18. Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath
Another easy and festive appetizer to consider for your next party! This wreath is made out of Pillsbury crescent dough, homemade cranberry sauce and brie cheese rolled together. Top with some spiced pecans and you have the perfect Christmas appetizers!
19. Grilled Cheese Crostini
Another classic with a twist! Grilled cheese is a staple in many households, but take it up a notch with these grilled cheese crostinis! Made with baguette, brie cheese and balsamic-marinated strawberries. Top with some fresh mint to tie the festive theme together!
20. Caramelized Onion Dip
I absolutely love the Trader Joe’s caramelized onion dip, but since I’m Canadian I can’t always get across the border to visit a TJs. This homemade caramelized onion dip is a great substitute!
21. Beef Tenderloin Crostini
If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas appetizers or just looking to try something new, why not make these beef tenderloin crostinis? Topped with whipped goat cheese and pesto, this one is sure to wow your guests!
22. Prune Bacon Jam Crostini
When I think of the holidays I don’t usually think of prunes, but adding them to this bacon jam gives it a bit of extra sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the bacon. Pairs well with any kind of cheese over a warm baguette!
23. Maple Bacon Wrapped Smokies
This simple appetizer is always a crowd favourite! Little smoked sausages wrapped in caramelized bacon, these little guys are sure to be gone in a flash!
24. Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Bites
These cheese balls are a little bit more of an “adult” version to the previous reindeer cheese balls. Made with goat cheese, honey, walnuts and cranberries, these appetizers are the perfect mix of salty and sweet!
25. Spicy Cranberry Salsa
If you’re not sick of cranberries yet, try out this spicy cranberry salsa! A good balance between spicy and sweet, serve this salsa with some tortilla chips and enjoy!
26. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip
As you can probably tell, I love a good dip. This one uses 5 ingredients and only takes 10 minutes to make! Made with cream cheese, bacon, ranch and beer, this dip will definitely be a party favourite!
27. Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Nibbles
I love anything wrapped in puff pastry, so I know I would go crazy for these ham and cheese “nibbles”! Another easy Christmas appetizer to prepare ahead of time and store in the freezer so you can focus on your guests!
28. Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
I think the only way you could get me to eat brussel sprouts is if they’re wrapped in bacon! These are topped with balsamic vinegar and white cheddar, making them the perfect (but not so healthy) way to sneak some greens into your spread!
29. Tortellini Skewers
How cute and festive are these? Like I said earlier, I love anything antipasto-related so these skewers look perfect to me! Made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and tortellini served with a cheesy pesto sauce, these are easy to prepare ahead and your guests will love them!
30. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Simple, easy and healthier Mozzarella Sticks that take no time at all! Dunk these into a side of marinara sauce and your guests will devour these in no time and make them the perfect Christmas appetizers!
Have any other ideas for Christmas Appetizers? Let me know!
