ComScore

The 85 Best Christmas Party Appetizers, Hands Down, No Contest

Baked Brie, anyone?

christmas party appetizers universal
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

You’ve got your Christmas cocktails, mains and desserts covered. Now, it’s time to nail down the hors d’oeuvres, aka the real reason everyone loves the holidays. To complement your wintry fête, we’ve rounded up the most delicious Christmas party appetizers—like scallion and chive flatbread, easy skillet mushroom and gouda fondue and roasted herbed veggie chips—that are bound to impress your loved ones.

Whether your crew is into light dishes (like persimmon goat cheese bites and kale salad) or heartier recipes (like mini chicken potpies and cheesy polenta bites), this list has something for everyone. Then, all that will be left to decide is which holiday cookies to serve. (We’re partial to these gingerbread lattice cuties, just sayin’.)

46 Easy Christmas Treats the Whole Family Can Help Make


1. Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, <10 ingredients

Sweet, salty and spicy, these meatballs are the full package. Serve with plenty of toothpicks and napkins.

2. Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachios and Orange

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy, one pan

Orange cuts through the richness of the Brie, so this dish won't weigh you down. Dish up with some fancy crackers and you’ve got yourself a party.

3. French Onion Cups

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

Your favorite cheesy soup, now in bite-size form. It's got all the essentials, from the fresh thyme to the gooey Gruyère.

4. Roasted Cauliflower

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, gluten free

Our go-to vegetable does it again. Plenty of Parmesan cheese takes this humble, healthy starter over the top.

5. Classy Cheese Balls

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, vegetarian, make ahead

You’ll win with one—or all three. Take your pick from everything bagel and goat cheese, lemon-dill cheddar or pomegranate-blue cheese.

6. Roasted Mixed Nuts

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: vegan, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

Warning: It's practically impossible to stop at one handful. Use any combination of nuts that you'd like, but we used almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews and pistachios.

7. Acorn Squash & Caramelized Onion Dip

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Onion dip is a must-have party appetizer. (And acorn squash is the seasonal twist you didn't know you needed.)

8. Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Bites

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Crispy, cheesy and served alongside tangy lemon-Dijon dipping sauce. They'll last about 30 seconds on the appetizer table.

9. Caramelized Onion, Spinach and Cheddar Pastries

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, kid-friendly

So flaky, so savory. And they're so pretty that your guests will think you ordered them from a fancy bakery.

10. Easy Skillet Mushroom and Gouda Fondue

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, one pan

We will eat cheese dip anytime, anywhere. Double up on the crostini and green apple slices.

11. Artichoke Dip Bites

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

These dough-wrapped dip bites are almost too cute to eat. Almost.

12. Roasted Herbed Veggie Chips

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

Sneak in a serving of vegetables before dessert time with these addictively crunchy chips.

13. Goat Cheese-Stuffed Figs with Pancetta

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients

Warning: These will be devoured fast. Might we suggest preparing two batches in advance?

14. Crispy Mushrooms

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, beginner-friendly

All aboard the umami express. These will convert any self-proclaimed mushroom hater.

15. Bacon-Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs with Roasted Garlic and Asparagus

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy

A quintessential party snack, elevated. This rendition is all about presentation (and bacon).

16. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegetarian, crowd-pleaser

No offense to our beloved Kraft mac, but these delectable bites take our eternal favorite to a whole new level.

17. Zucchini Ranch Parmesan Cups

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Baked to zesty, cheesy perfection. Feel free to substitute squash, carrots, eggplant or sweet potato for zucchini.

18. Grilled Cheese Crostini

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

A simple way to dress up Brie. Use a grill pan to get char marks on the bread without ever stepping foot outside.

19. Caramel Dip

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, <10 ingredients

Fact: Guests love dipping stuff in other stuff. Good thing this salty-sweet star is versatile enough to pair with pretzels *and* sliced fruit.

20. Prosciutto Bites

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Don’t mind us, we live under the appetizer table now. Store-bought pizza dough makes these bites a breeze to assemble.

21. Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Skip the neon nacho cheese dip. These salty gems are stuffed with creamy Brie instead.

22. Bacon, Onion and Asiago Fondue

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy

How can you go wrong with a skillet dish this decadent? Skip the skewers and serve it with crackers, bread and veggies for dipping.

23. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, vegan, crowd-pleaser

Make sure your guests don't lose their appetites before dinner with this vegetarian alternative to cocktail weenies.

24. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Because the recipe calls for store-bought dough and prepared cranberry sauce, this starter will only take you 15 minutes to pull together.

25. Cheesy Polenta Bites with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy

Tangy goat cheese is just the match for crispy, cornbread-like baked polenta.

26. Baby Blooming Onions

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Your local steakhouse will miss you. The dipping sauce would taste heavenly on fries, too.

27. Boursin Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, gluten free, <10 ingredients

The hardest thing you'll have to do is wait for the onions to caramelize. The rest is easy peasy.

28. Slow Cooker Chicken Potpie Soup

  • Time Commitment: 7 hours and 35 minutes
  • Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein

Even the coldest December weather is no match for this hug in a bowl. Just *look* at the white cheddar biscuit topper.

29. Christmas Guacamole

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

Pomegranate arils and toasted pepitas give this classic guac a holiday makeover.

30. Mushroom Bruschetta with Brie, Sage and Truffle Oil

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy

It's the most elegant starter you'll ever serve—and one of the best uses for crusty bread we've come across.

31. Easy Candied Walnuts

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

Who knew you could make something this dangerously poppable in 10 minutes?

32. Healthy French Onion Dip with Leeks and Shallots

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, kid-friendly

Go ahead and prepare a second batch, since the first will only last about a minute.

33. Eggnog Bread

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy

Some call it breakfast, some call it dessert. We think it's a great anytime snack (including before dinner), and once you try that eggnog glaze, we know you'll agree.

34. Brussels Sprout and Apple Tart with Walnut Pesto

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Don't worry about making homemade puff pastry. The produce is what makes this starter shine.

35. Maple Pecan Baked Brie

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, special occasion-worthy

Just combine five ingredients and bake until the Brie is soft. Then, serve it with crackers, pretzels and fruit.

36. Mini Mason Jar Chicken Potpies

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy

Admit it: You've never seen a casserole this tiny (or adorable) before.

37. Instant Pot Spicy Thai Butternut Squash Soup

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, vegan, make ahead

Do you always have a tough time cutting squash? A few minutes in the microwave will make it soft and easy to chop.

38. Bleu Cheese-Stuffed Figs

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

A 15-minute appetizer that sounds like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant? Check.

39. Kale Salad with Persimmons, Crispy Chickpeas and Fried Shallots

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 5 minutes
  • Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, dairy free

Sure, you could make kale Caesar salad. Or, you can upgrade to chickpeas, dried apricots and persimmons (it's a winter fruit that's like a cross between a roasted sweet pepper and a mango, BTW).

40. Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, no cook

Don't let all the good stuff get stuck at the bottom of a serving bowl. Serve salad on a pretty cutting board instead.

41. Bacon, Fig and Ricotta Tartines

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly

The only thing easier than baking this half-hour wonder? Devouring it.

42. Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pomegranate

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

Between the pecans, pomegranate arils, orange zest and rosemary, this app simply screams Christmas.

43. Winter Citrus and Pomegranate Salad

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, vegetarian

You'll want something light to serve before the glazed ham and mashed potatoes hit the table.

44. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

  • Time Commitment: 7 hours and 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: slow cooker recipe, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser

"Set it and forget it" never sounded this promising. (Chalk it up to the cheese-encrusted baguette on top.)

45. Ginger Fig Tart with Chestnut-Almond Crust

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours and 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: vegan, gluten free, special occasion-worthy

It's vegan, gluten-free and filled with the nuttiest, spiciest vanilla-ginger cashew cream of all time.

46. Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

These grown-up lollies are made with frozen puff pastry, prepared cranberry sauce and Brie, so all you'll have to do is assemble and bake.

47. Winter Cheese Board

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, no cook, crowd-pleaser

It's got everything from kumquats to aged cheddar to pistachios. But the best part of this cheese board is that it doesn't need to be cooked.

48. Stuffed Fig Focaccia Bread

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy

This golden-brown loaf is studded with figs, blue cheese, prosciutto and herbs, aka one of the best Christmas party appetizers around.

49. Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, one pot

A soul-warming soup that costs less than $5 per serving? Don't mind if we do.

50. The Best Damn Tomato Soup

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead

You so don't need to settle for the canned stuff, especially when making it from scratch is this simple.

51. Harvest Cranberry, Persimmon and Burrata Salad

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, vegetarian

Sure, it sounds delicious already. But just wait until you taste the cranberry-balsamic dressing.

52. Mini Apple Tarts

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 35 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients

Want to know our secret to making the cutest tiny tartlets you ever did see? Baking them in mason jar lids.

53. Mashed Potato Fritters with Smoked Salmon and Chives

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

They'll get snatched up in no time during cocktail hour, but they'd also make a killer impression at Christmas brunch.

54. Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Fig Jam

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: dairy free, make ahead, vegetarian

The homemade jam is as simple as combining cranberries, dried figs and pantry basics on the stove until thick and shimmery.

55. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian

It's not like this autumn gourd goes out of style come December. In fact, it's striped skin makes these handhelds timeless in our book.

56. Brussels Sprouts Latkes

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy

In case your Christmas party could use a hint of Hanukkah. Serve with classic sour cream for dipping.

57. Persimmon, Fried Sage and Goat Cheese Bites

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian

Five ingredients + 15 minutes = sweet-and-salty bliss. Frying the sage makes it impeccably crunchy.

58. Beet, Carrot and Pomegranate Salad

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: no cook, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

The dressing couldn't be more basic. It lets the vibrant winter produce speak for itself.

59. Eggplant Parm Bites

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly

The kids' favorite dinner, only poppable and twice as crunchy.

60. Christmas Cookie Dough Dip

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes

Scoop it up with cookies, graham crackers, pretzels or fruit. Did we mention it'll only take you five minutes to make?

61. Sliced Citrus with Pistachio Dust

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, <10 ingredients, make ahead

Pro tip: Slice the citrus fruit in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three hours. Sprinkle the pistachios on top just before serving so they stay crunchy.

62. Italian Deli Pinwheel Sandwiches

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, no cook

Not all hors d'oeuvres have to be fancy. These wraps are as basic as they come, but we’re willing to bet they’ll be gobbled up in 10 minutes or less.

63. Spicy Ricotta-Stuffed Phyllo Rolls

  • Time Commitment: 55 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Hummus and pita? Boring. Jazz things up with these irresistible, unexpected phyllo rolls with ricotta and Peppadew peppers.

64. Mini Skillet Pizzas with Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian

Yep, you’re allowed to use store-bought pizza dough. Your guests won't know the difference.

65. Scallion and Chive Flatbread

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, make ahead, crowd-pleaser

The quickest way to make anything look extra fancy for the holidays? Crown it with edible flowers.

66. Pepper Teigen’s Thai Glazed Ribs

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy, dairy free

How are these sweet-and-savory ribs ready to eat in just 40 minutes, you ask? They're deep-fried instead of being smoked or grilled.

67. Jammy Upside-Down Onion Tart

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly

Just look at those caramelized cuties. Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe both fancy looking *and* lightning fast.

68. Carrot, Fennel and Miso Soup

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, one pot

Complete with pumpkin seed-pine nut crunch. A swirl of coconut yogurt or heavy cream won't hurt either.

69. Ritz Crackers with Whipped Honey Ricotta and Bacon

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly

Call it a Christmas miracle: This appetizer will be ready to serve in just 15 minutes. Bonus points for candying the bacon in maple syrup and brown sugar.

70. Five-Minute Bean Salad

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why We Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes, vegan

If you're *really* behind schedule, let canned white beans come to the rescue. They're combined with fresh herbs, sliced almonds and a few pantry staples.

71. Ginger-Scallion Chicken Meatballs with Sesame-Soy Glaze

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: high protein, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly

Sure, we like these with rice, sliced cucumbers, carrots and slaw. But the meatballs can totally hold their own at cocktail hour if you'd prefer.

72. Feta Wrapped in Phyllo with Sesame and Honey

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, vegetarian

It'll disappear in mere minutes if served as a Christmas appetizer, but this dish also works as a dessert if you serve it with fruit and wine.

73. Sweet Potato Biscuit Rolls with Honey Butter Glaze

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Let us repeat: Honey. Butter. Glaze. These rolls are like a hybrid of a crispy biscuit and a soft bun.

74. Dill Pickle Snack Mix

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead

Pickles are having a big moment right now, so we think everyone at the party will be thrilled to dig into this salty, cheesy, dill-kissed snack assortment.

75. Ina Garten’s Chipotle Cheddar Crackers

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients

Leave it to the Barefoot Contessa to pull off a party-ready appetizer that only requires six ingredients (many of which are likely in your pantry already).

76. Easy Baked Goat Cheese Marinara Dip

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

It's almost like a giant lasagna, sans the noodles. Count us in.

77. Smoked Salmon Crostini With Herbed Mayonnaise

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why We Love It: no cook, <10 ingredients

Basically a one-bite lox bagel. Serve with a mimosa and you're sest.

78. Avocado Tahini Dip

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, vegan, <10 ingredients

Light and refreshing—unlike most other holiday foods. And the bright green color is absolutely spectacular.

79. Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly

It may not be a traditional "holiday food," but everyone and their mother is going to love it. Maybe offer a BBQ wing too, just to be safe.

80. Mexican Corn (Elote) Dip

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly

A little spicy and deliciously savory. Of course, you could serve it in a regular bowl but a bread bowl is just so much more fun, no?

81. Honey Ricotta Dip

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser

Sweet and savory notes make this one of the most tantalizing dips out there. Consider serving with focaccia or rosemary flat bread... yum.

82. The Perfect Easy Mezze Platter

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why We Love It: make ahead, no cook, vegetarian

Charcuterie is great, but mezze is better. This Mediterranean party platter features all the greats: hummus, tabbouleh, almonds lavash bread and more.

83. All-Green Crudités Basket

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why We Love It: ready in <15 minutes, no cook, vegan

Mean, green and so refreshing. Who doesn't love some nice crunchy crudités?

84. 5-Minute Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why We Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients

This quick and easy dip is an incredible last-minute addition to any feast. Seriously, leave it to bacon to steal the show.

85. French Onion Dip

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients

French onion soup as a dip... who wouldn't want a taste of that? Serve with some salty chips and crispy bread and you’re set.

Additional reporting by Alexandra Hough

65 Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas That Take One Hour or Less


Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.


screen shot 2020 05 14 at 6 31 35 pm

Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.

taryn pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...