There's already a lot going on during the holidays, so why should you have to spend all day on a fussy spread? Most of these 17 Christmas appetizers can be thrown together before you even have to get dressed, and they're crowd-pleasers. Just pick a few, pour the cider, and let the guests help themselves!
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1) Bacon-Wrapped Dates
They are party snacks and disappear within four minutes at every party I bring them to. They are sweet and salty.
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Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Plump Medjool dates, wrapped in bacon, gooey cheese, then baked to perfection for a sticky sweet treat!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Slice each date open along one side and tuck in a small spoonful of goat cheese, then pinch closed.
- Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange seam-side down on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp and golden.
- Drizzle with honey and serve warm.
Notes
Let them cool for five minutes before serving so the cheese doesn't run.
2) Stuffed Mushrooms
I have started hiding a pan in the kitchen for myself, that's how fast these little bites disappear.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Button mushrooms have caps with garlic, herb, and parmesan breadcrumbs stuffing.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a baking dish.
- Finely chop the mushroom stems and saute them with butter and garlic until soft.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and parsley until the mixture holds together.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap and arrange in the dish.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm with extra parsley on top.
Notes
Pat the caps dry before filling so they don't get soggy.
3) Brie and Cranberry Pastries
These cookies are flaky and gooey, and will impress people and make them think you spent a lot more time than you actually did.
Brie and Cranberry Pastries
Brie and cranberry sauce are ensconced by buttery puff pastry squares.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares and press each into a muffin tin cup.
- Place a cube of brie in each cup and top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with thyme.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly, then lift out and serve warm.
4) Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
This appetizer looks fancy but is actually just two ingredients and a hot oven.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto and roasted until the tips are crisp.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and black pepper.
- Wrap each spear with a strip of prosciutto, spiraling down the length.
- Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the prosciutto is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and serve right away.
Notes
Thicker spears hold up best to wrapping.
5) Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
A fancy take on the classic deviled eggs that everyone hopes you will bring.
Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Classic creamy deviled eggs topped with silky smoked salmon and fresh dill.
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the boiled eggs in half lengthwise and pop the yolks into a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise and Dijon until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
- Top each with a small curl of smoked salmon.
- Garnish with fresh dill and a crack of pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Make these a few hours ahead and keep covered in the fridge.
6) Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Chips
The cooler cousin of the veggie tray and the one bowl that always empties first.
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Chips
Baked zucchini rounds with parmesan and bread crumbs.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the parmesan, panko, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Dip each zucchini slice in beaten egg, then press into the crumb mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
- Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Notes
Slice the zucchini evenly so the chips crisp at the same rate.
7) Mini Caprese Skewers
The colors of red, white, and green represent the colors of Christmas, so we can say that this is Christmas confetti on a stick.
Mini Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic all threaded onto skewers.
Ingredients
Method
- Thread a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each small skewer.
- Repeat until all the skewers are assembled.
- Arrange them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Assemble these no more than an hour ahead so the basil stays bright.
8) Cranberry Meatballs
Not only are they sweet and tangy, but these can be made in one slow cooker so you can actually enjoy your own party.
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Cranberry Meatballs
Meatballs cooked in shiny barbecue sauce and cranberries.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the cranberry sauce, barbecue sauce, Dijon, and Worcestershire in a slow cooker.
- Add the frozen meatballs and stir to coat them well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Uncover and stir until the sauce is glossy and clings to the meatballs.
- Switch to the warm setting and serve straight from the cooker.
Notes
Set out toothpicks so guests can grab and go.
9) Honey Garlic Shrimp
Impress your guests with this drink service that is ready before they have time to find their drinks.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Juicy shrimp seared in a soy sauce infused sticky honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the honey, garlic, and soy sauce together in a small bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour in the honey garlic mixture and toss to coat.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and clings.
- Serve hot with toothpicks or over a small bed of rice.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the pan or the shrimp will steam instead of sear.
10) Gingerbread Cheese Ball
This dessert doubles as the cutest centerpiece on the table!
Gingerbread Cheese Ball
A sweet and spiced cream cheese ball that is rolled in crumbled gingersnap cookies for your dipping pleasure.
Ingredients
Method
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, ginger, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Scrape the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Roll the chilled ball in the crushed gingersnaps until fully coated.
- Set on a platter and surround with cookies and apple slices for dipping.
Notes
The chill step is what keeps it from going soft, so don't skip it.
11) Cranberry Brie Bites
Three simple ingredients and a muffin tin, and you'll have an empty plate by the second song!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Brie and tart cranberry sauce are baked in crescent dough cups.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cut the crescent dough into 24 small squares and press one into each cup.
- Tuck a piece of brie into each dough cup.
- Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a few chopped pecans.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden.
- Garnish with thyme and serve warm.
12) Spinach Artichoke Dip
The dip that transforms polite mingling into a hushed gathering around the table.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
An artichoke dip that has cream cheese and spinach in it that is warm and has a lot of cheese in it.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a baking dish.
- Stir together the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and half the mozzarella.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve hot with crackers, bread, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Squeeze the spinach really dry or the dip turns watery.
13) Holiday Cheese Board
This is less a recipe and simply a permission slip to go out and buy all the good cheese.
Holiday Cheese Board
A grazing board with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, and crackers is very festive.
Ingredients
Method
- Set small bowls of jam, honey, or olives on a large board first.
- Arrange the cheeses in different corners, slicing one or two for easy grabbing.
- Fold and fan the cured meats between the cheeses.
- Fill the gaps with crackers, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- Tuck in sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch and serve.
Notes
Pull the cheese out 30 minutes before serving so it tastes its best.
14) Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Some heat, tons of cheese, and the perfect starter for all the spice lovers.
Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Jalapeño halves stuffed with spiced sausage and cream cheese then baked till bubbly.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cook and crumble the sausage in a skillet, then let it cool slightly.
- Mix the sausage with cream cheese, cheddar, and green onion.
- Spoon the filling generously into each jalapeño half.
- Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 20 to 22 minutes until golden.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Wear gloves while seeding the jalapeños to spare your hands later.
15) Sweet Potato Bites
Roasted, topped and just sweet enough to feel a little indulgent.
Sweet Potato Bites
Roasted sliced sweet potatoes with goat cheese, cranberries, and pecans.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and lightly browned.
- Top each round with a smear of goat cheese.
- Finish with a dab of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of pecans.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Cut the rounds about a quarter inch thick so they hold their shape.
16) Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
The veggie platter that gets eaten because the kids see it as a fun craft!
Christmas Tree Veggie Platter
Creamy dip with fresh vegetables presented in a fun Christmas tree design.
Ingredients
Method
- Place a small bowl of ranch dip at the base of a large platter for the tree trunk.
- Arrange the broccoli florets in a triangle tree shape above the dip.
- Dot cherry tomatoes throughout the broccoli like ornaments.
- Cut a star from the bell pepper and set it at the top.
- Tuck baby carrots along the bottom as the trunk.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
Build it on the platter you'll serve it on so you don't have to move it.
17) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This dip is silky, smoky, and makes you look classy for just five minutes of work!
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Creamy homemade hummus blended with sweet red pepper and tahini.
Ingredients
Method
- Add the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Stream in a little olive oil or water until creamy.
- Season with salt and a pinch of cumin to taste.
- Spoon into a bowl, swirl the top, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Serve with pita and fresh vegetables.
Notes
A spoonful of ice water while blending makes it extra fluffy.