100 Best Christmas Appetizers: A Festive Feast of Crowd-Pleasers for Every Holiday Gathering

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This “recipe” brings together the ultimate collection of Christmas appetizers—100 in total—curated to help you build the perfect holiday spread. Rather than hunting for individual ideas, this guide gathers the season’s most loved bites in one place, giving you endless inspiration for parties, potlucks, and family celebrations. I once arranged a selection of these appetizers on one oversized board—everything from creamy dips to savory pastries—and the variety made the entire table feel instantly festive. Whether you prefer elegant finger foods, quick and easy options, or comforting classics, this roundup allows you to mix and match flavors, textures, and themes to suit your celebration. From hot appetizers to cold bites and make-ahead favorites, you now have a complete holiday entertaining tool all in one article.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Since this roundup serves as the “recipe,” consider these ingredients the core items you might use to build a large holiday appetizer platter featuring selections from the 100 ideas below:

A variety of cheeses
Cheddar, brie, goat cheese, gouda, and mozzarella provide the base for many warm and cold appetizer options.

Cured meats
Salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni help anchor the savory side of your spread.

Crackers and breads
Toasted baguette slices, crostini, and seeded crackers pair well with dips and spreads.

Fresh produce
Grapes, apples, pomegranates, peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes bring color and brightness.

Fresh herbs
Rosemary, thyme, and parsley add visual appeal and flavor.

Nuts and seeds
Pecans, walnuts, and pistachios add crunch and seasonal warmth.

Dips and spreads
Hummus, cream cheese–based dips, herbed ricotta, and mustard sauces complement many appetizers.

Festive garnishes
Cranberries, pomegranate arils, citrus slices, and edible greenery add holiday charm.

Directions

Begin by selecting a variety of appetizers from the list below based on your desired theme—classic, elegant, quick and easy, or hearty and comforting. Plan for a balanced mix of textures and flavors: creamy, crunchy, savory, sweet, and fresh.

Prepare any cooked appetizers first so they can go into the oven while you assemble cold items. Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and crudités on a large platter or board. Add bowls for dips and spreads, then fill gaps with crackers, herbs, and holiday garnishes.

Once warm appetizers are ready, place them on a separate platter to ensure everything is served at its best. Replenish as needed throughout the gathering. Your “100 Best Christmas Appetizers” spread can be personalized endlessly with combinations your guests will love.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This spread can serve 12–20 people depending on how many appetizers you select. Preparation time varies—30 minutes for a simple board, up to 2 hours if preparing multiple warm appetizers.

Storage/reheating

Store cold appetizers in airtight containers for up to two days. Reheat warm appetizers in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid refrigerating items with puff pastry or delicate greens until after serving to maintain texture.

Variations and Customizations

Below are 100 Christmas appetizer ideas you can mix and match:

1. Cranberry Brie Bites
2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears
3. Goat Cheese & Pistachio Balls
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
6. Garlic Knots
7. Mini Beef Wellington Bites
8. Caprese Skewers
9. Shrimp Cocktail
10. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
11. Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
12. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
13. Deviled Egg Christmas Trees
14. Parmesan Spinach Cups
15. Hot Crab Dip
16. Cranberry Chicken Pinwheels
17. Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
18. Roasted Garlic Ricotta Crostini
19. Brie & Fig Jam Phyllo Cups
20. Holiday Charcuterie Board
21. Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
22. Pigs in a Blanket
23. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
24. Cranberry Orange Meatballs
25. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
26. Garlic Parmesan Wings
27. Cranberry Turkey Sliders
28. Spinach Feta Triangles
29. Honey Roasted Nuts
30. Maple Bacon Brussels Bites
31. Caponata Crostini
32. Baked Feta with Olives
33. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
34. Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites
35. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
36. Mushroom Bruschetta
37. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
38. Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
39. Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta
40. Deviled Potatoes
41. Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
42. Boursin Stuffed Peppers
43. Cheesy Jalapeño Dip
44. Cranberry Walnut Crostini
45. Spinach Ricotta Pinwheels
46. Shrimp Skewers
47. Parmesan Crisps
48. Roasted Grape and Burrata Toast
49. Feta Watermelon Bites
50. Greek Salad Skewers
51. Mini Quiches
52. Italian Antipasto Platter
53. Maple Glazed Bacon Twists
54. Chicken Avocado Roll Ups
55. Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
56. Loaded Potato Bites
57. Cheddar Apple Crostini
58. Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
59. Sausage Cranberry Stuffing Balls
60. Bruschetta Dip
61. Olive Tapenade
62. Caramelized Onion Tartlets
63. Turkey & Brie Puff Pastry Bites
64. Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip
65. Spinach Pancetta Cups
66. Crispy Fried Ravioli
67. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
68. Holiday Salsa (Pomegranate & Cranberry)
69. Roasted Beet Hummus
70. Mini BLT Sliders
71. Tahini Carrot Dip
72. Maple Rosemary Pecans
73. Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella Bites
74. Baked Camembert with Honey
75. Cornbread Sausage Balls
76. Korean BBQ Meatballs
77. Spinach Parmesan Stuffed Tomatoes
78. Peppered Goat Cheese Logs
79. Chicken Caesar Pinwheels
80. Cheesy Artichoke Dip
81. Roasted Pepper Walnut Dip
82. Mini Turkey Burgers
83. Hot Honey Ricotta Toast
84. Pumpkin Hummus
85. Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
86. White Bean Rosemary Dip
87. Parmesan Garlic Shrimp
88. Avocado Feta Dip
89. Spinach Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
90. Sweet Chili Meatballs
91. Charred Broccolini with Lemon Aioli
92. Cranberry Pecan Flatbread
93. Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes
94. Herbed Ricotta Crostini
95. Roasted Red Pepper Pinwheels
96. Sausage & Apple Stuffed Phyllo Bites
97. Caprese Christmas Wreath
98. Parmesan Pastry Wheels
99. Cranberry Goat Cheese Dip
100. Smoked Salmon Crostini

FAQs

Can I prepare several of these appetizers ahead of time?

Yes, many can be made earlier in the day or the night before.

How many appetizers should I serve at a party?

Plan for 4–6 pieces per person for light gatherings, more for larger events.

Can I mix hot and cold appetizers?

Absolutely—this creates the best variety.

How do I keep warm appetizers warm?

Use warming trays or serve in batches.

Are these appetizers kid-friendly?

Many options are; simply choose milder flavors.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—swap breads and crackers for gluten-free options.

What drink pairs best with a large appetizer spread?

Sparkling wine, mulled cider, or light cocktails work well.

Can I serve all cold appetizers to save time?

Yes, a cold-only spread can still be festive and delicious.

How should I display the appetizers?

Use a large board, multiple platters, or themed stations.

Can I scale recipes for large groups?

Most can easily be doubled or tripled.

Conclusion

This collection of 100 Best Christmas Appetizers offers everything you need to create a festive, crowd-pleasing spread. With flavors ranging from savory to sweet and simple to impressive, you can build a holiday table that delights every guest. Choose your favorites, assemble a colorful and varied selection, and enjoy stress-free holiday entertaining filled with seasonal flavor and festive charm.

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