20 Christmas Appetizers to Start Your Holiday Feast

Add a festive touch to your holiday gathering with these 20 Christmas appetizer recipes. From crowd-pleasing bites like Cranberry Brie Bites to elegant options like Shrimp Cocktail Shooters, these appetizers are perfect for starting the holiday meal with flavor and style. Each recipe includes servings, prep and cooking times, ingredients, and detailed steps for easy preparation. Let’s make this holiday season even more delicious with these seasonal starters!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut puff pastry into 12 squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
3. Place a cube of Brie in each cup, then top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until puffed and golden.
5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary before serving.

2. Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 8 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• Honey for drizzling
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Steps:

1. Toast baguette slices under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden.
2. Spread softened goat cheese on each crostini.
3. Top with pomegranate seeds, a drizzle of honey, and thyme leaves.
4. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.
5. Enjoy the contrast of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.

3. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
• 12 slices prosciutto
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
3. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy.
5. Serve warm as a savory, elegant appetizer.

4. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped chives

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chives until smooth.
3. Fill each pepper half with the cheese mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra chives if desired.

5. Caprese Christmas Wreath

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 20 fresh mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Steps:

1. Arrange cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves in a circular wreath shape on a large plate.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a festive touch.
3. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
4. Enjoy the fresh and festive flavors of this simple appetizer.
5. Add a few rosemary sprigs around the edge for extra garnish if desired.

6. Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, cut into sticks
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each zucchini stick in a beaten egg, then coat in the Parmesan mixture.
4. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice.

7. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
• 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• Fresh dill for garnish

Steps:

1. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each cucumber slice.
2. Top each with a piece of smoked salmon and garnish with dill.
3. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately.
4. Enjoy these refreshing and elegant bites.
5. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

8. Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 large dates, pitted
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until bacon is crispy.
4. Let cool slightly before serving.
5. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination.

9. Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo cups
• 1 cup spinach artichoke dip (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill each phyllo cup with a spoonful of spinach artichoke dip.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.
5. Serve warm as a bite-sized treat.

10. Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10-15 minutes until tender.
3. Top each round with diced avocado and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
5. Serve warm as a delicious, healthy option.

11. Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped chives

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and cheddar until smooth.
2. Roll into small balls and coat with pecans and chives.
3. Insert a pretzel stick in each for easy serving.
4. Arrange on a platter and chill until ready to serve.
5. Enjoy this fun and festive appetizer.

12. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Log

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
2. Shape the cream cheese into a log and roll it in the cranberry-pecan mixture until fully coated.
3. Chill until firm before serving.
4. Serve with crackers or bread slices for easy spreading.
5. Enjoy the festive look and flavors of this holiday cheese log.

13. Roasted Garlic Hummus

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 head of garlic, roasted
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. To roast garlic, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), wrap the head in foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a blender with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and salt.
3. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Serve in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with a few chickpeas or parsley.
5. Enjoy this creamy, savory dip with pita bread or veggies.

14. Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package of mini phyllo cups
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place a cube of Brie in each phyllo cup, then add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce on top.
3. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
5. Serve warm for a delightful holiday treat.

15. Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 24 large button mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2 lb sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
3. Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

16. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix cranberries, green onions, and jalapeño.
2. Spread softened cream cheese in a shallow dish, then top with cranberry mixture.
3. Serve with crackers or bread for dipping.
4. Enjoy the festive colors and sweet-spicy flavor combination.
5. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions.

17. Pesto Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut dough into small pieces, fill each with a bit of pesto, and shape into balls.
3. Arrange dough balls on a baking sheet in a tree shape.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
5. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.

18. Shrimp Cocktail Shooters

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cocktail sauce
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Steps:

1. Pour a small amount of cocktail sauce into each shot glass.
2. Place one shrimp in each glass, tail up, and garnish with a lemon wedge.
3. Arrange glasses on a tray for an elegant presentation.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy.
5. Perfect for a festive, no-fuss appetizer.

19. Cranberry Meatballs

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce.
3. Toss meatballs in the sauce to coat, then transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve warm as a sweet and savory appetizer.

20. Holiday Deviled Eggs

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, boiled and halved
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Paprika and chopped chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Scoop yolks from boiled eggs into a bowl and mash with mayonnaise and mustard.
2. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped chives.
4. Arrange on a serving plate for a festive look.
5. Enjoy these creamy, flavorful bites.

MORE RECIPES

Conclusion

These 20 Christmas appetizer recipes bring a delightful array of flavors, textures, and festive flair to your holiday gatherings. From the savory bite of Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus to the sweet and spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, each recipe offers a unique way to start the celebration. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a large party, these appetizers are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and perfect for setting a cheerful tone. Serve them up, watch the smiles, and enjoy the moments shared with friends and family. Here’s to a merry, delicious holiday season filled with laughter, love, and fantastic food!