32 Christmas Appetizers For An Easy and Elegant Holiday

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

If you love sushi but don't want to eat a whole roll before you Christmas dinner, then this appetizer is the perfect alternative. With smoked salmon, rice, avocado, and onions, everyone will want more of these delicious bites. They're super easy to customize too, so you can leave out (or add) whatever toppings you want. (via Brit + Co)

Baked French Onion Meatballs

Meatballs are one of the greatest Christmas appetizers because they're bite-sized and delicious. We'd definitely consider that a win-win-win. This French-themed recipe features cremini mushrooms, garlic, and gruyere cheese for some serious flavor. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Butter Board Recipe

Butter boards are one TikTok trend that we can totally get behind, and this updated version gives the dish a sweet (and healthy) twist with vegan butter and plenty of berries. Coconut and almonds add some extra texture, but if your guests have allergies, it's super easy to leave those off and the butter board will still taste delicious! (via Brit + Co)

Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes

This delicious appetizer is a great way to complement all kinds of recipes that you'll be having throughout the holiday season. Since they take under an hour to make they're great a pre-dinner snack while the ham is in the oven or a Christmas morning breakfast. They're easy, they're delicious, and they're Paleo! (via Brit + Co)

Beet Hummus

Add some vibrant color to your holiday appetizer game with this superfood dip! Dress it up with festive veggies like rainbow carrots, watermelon radish, and golden beets. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato + Feta + Honey Appetizer

This holiday appetizer is a mouthwatering balance between sweet and salty that will definitely make its way to your table every year. Spice it up with some extra seasoning or leave it as-is. Either way, don't worry about setting out the Tupperware — you won't have any leftovers! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Baked Brie Recipe

Baked brie is one of our favorite Christmas appetizers, but if you usually can't take part in the creamy goodness, have no fear. This vegan recipe swaps regular cheese for a cashew alternative. You can use these nuts to make a convincingly creamy dip, and the nutritional yeast gives it a cheesy flavor that's almost too good to be true. (via Brit + Co)

Vegetable Pinwheels

You can make these cream cheese and veggie pinwheels with any filling you prefer, giving you a ton of variety when it comes to snacking preferences (plus, you know we love how colorful they are!). Try them with different types of wraps or fill them with fruit for even more Christmas party food ideas! (via Food Lovin' Family)

Easy Cheesy Jalapeño Poppers

These flaky, cheesy, and spicy poppers are *the* go-to Christmas appetizer idea when you want big flavor but are short on time. Use veggie cream cheese instead of regular to give it a fuller flavor. (via The Blond Cook)

Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts

What's more festive than cranberries and brie?! Bright, cheery, and just a bit sweet, this Christmas appetizer recipe is exactly what any party needs to get going. And they're simple to make, too! They also make a great dessert alternative. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Red Cooking Wine Caramelized Onion Baked Brie

Baked brie is not only a fan-favorite Christmas hors d'oeuvre, but it's quick to throw in the oven while you're working on your other appetizers. This recipe uses caramelized onions and a little wine to bring out the flavors. We love eating this cheese with crackers and fruit. (via Greens & Chocolate)

Vegan Smoked “Salmon” Cheese Rolls

If you love the elegance of sushi but don't want to leave fish out all night, this might be the best Christmas appetizer recipe for you. You'll never guess what the vegan "salmon" is made from. These are also a great way to make sure any vegan family members aren't excluded. (via Full of Plants)

Citrus Marinated Olives and Feta

For something tangy and savory to snack on, look no further than this recipe. Besides being full of tasty flavor, telling your family that you marinated your own olives will make for a toothsome conversation starter! (via Greens & Chocolate)

Need ideas? Steal these Christmas finger food recipes

Let's save the forks and knives for dinner! Finger foods are easy for both prep and clean up, all you need a few small plates and napkins and your friends and family can enjoy these holiday appetizers at their leisure. Finger foods are also great for kids because they're often bite size, but that doesn't mean that everyone can't enjoy them! From bacon-wrapped scallops to Chinese chicken egg rolls, don't be surprised if these finger food appetizers leave your guests speechless.

Holiday Pomegranate Guacamole on Roasted Sweet Potato Toasts

What's red and green and sweet underneath? These festive and fit Christmas party appetizers topped with pomegranate seeds and guacamole! With so many different consistencies and flavors coming together, you'll have an appetizer experience like no other. (via Fit Living Eats)

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is always a hit — especially when you serve it in a fancy glass! These shrimp are served with a zesty cocktail sauce and to add that Mexican flair, they're topped with a refreshing tomato and avocado relish to make them a holiday appetizer recipe to remember. (via Dinner at the Zoo)

Vegan Walnut, Sage, and Cranberry Stuffed Holiday Mushrooms

Mushrooms were meant to be stuffed — and when you pop one of these tasty and easy holiday appetizers into your mouth, you'll agree. The nutty, herbaceous, and slightly sweet filling creates a palate pleaser that will WOW your friends. (via Blissful Basil)

Charcuterie Wreath

The only thing we love more than a delicious Christmas appetizer is a themed delicious Christmas appetizer, and this charcuterie wreath is a cute and festive take on the usual cheese and meat board. Use plenty of rosemary sprigs for some greenery and throw in a few chocolate stars for good measure. (via Amanda Wilens)

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops With Cajun Cream Sauce

The bacon-wrapped scallop is kicked up with a creamy and dreamy Cajun sauce. This is one recipe that's tasty enough to be made all year long! (via Cooks With Cocktails)

Maple Rosemary Roasted Nuts

Warm, aromatic roasted nuts help you stay cozy when it's cold outside. The maple and rosemary flavors in this holiday hors d'oeuvre work nicely together. Not only do these make a tasty appetizer but you can fill your go-to candy jar with them for a snack all holiday season long. (via The Roasted Root)

Chinese Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Egg Rolls + Sweet Chile Pomegranate Sauce

You've never seen egg rolls like this. The crispy egg rolls become swoon-worthy bites when mixed with the sweet, tart pomegranate dipping sauce. Since pomegranates are in season (which means they're cheaper and they taste better, yay!), get a few to make some extra holiday recipes. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crispy Caprese Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

We understand that people share a deep love for Crock-Pots full of Swedish meatballs, but these babies take the cake. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, these meatballs will totally become a holiday tradition. (via The Cozy Apron)

Appetizers for Christmas Eve? Try these dip ideas

By the time Christmas Eve comes around, you've probably already made half a dozen appetizers for your office party, your friend's White Elephant gift exchange, and your family's Christmas dinner. If you're feeling burnt out on regular finger foods, go for a dip instead! Dips and sauces can be full of allergens, so this is a great way to make a customizable appetizer that everyone will be able to enjoy. Make some sweet and savory dips to give guests a few different options, and pair with your favorite cracker, veggie, or even cookie. *Chef's kiss.*

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

A party just isn't a party without a melty and cheesy dip. Get ready for a little extra indulgence with this ooey-gooey mixture that is packed with plump artichokes and topped with toasty breadcrumbs for an easy Christmas appetizer. Our mouths are watering! (via What's Gaby Cooking)

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A pop of dried cranberries makes this holiday cheese ball a tart and savory Christmas themed appetizer for your next holiday bash. It's an unconventional take on a cheese ball that uses your favorite traditional holiday ingredients. (via The Recipe Critic)

Curry Hummus

Why have run-of-the-mill appetizers for a Christmas party when you can have curry hummus? This recipe is easy to follow, even if you've never made your own hummus before. We love carrots and cucumbers, but the veggies you pick are totally up to you. (via Pinch of Yum)

Bacon Wrapped Potatoes With Warm Apple Cream Cheese Dip

The apple cream cheese dip paired with these fluffy and crunchy potato bites will add a sweet touch to your table. It's safe to say no one else will have an appetizer quite like this! (via Cooks With Cocktails)

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

What's better than tender chicken, mozzarella that help prepare your taste buds for Christmas dinner? We're not entirely sure yet, but we suggest you cook this easy recipe. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

If you want something that's cheesy andgluten-free, try these vegan jalapeno poppers. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Hot Cheesy Spinach Dip

This tasty spinach dip is the icing on the cake for other appetizers you'll be serving. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a southern staple that deserve a seat at your Christmas table this year. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Olive Artichoke Crostini

If the idea of eating a finger sandwich doesn't sound fancy enough for your holiday soiree, this olive artichoke crostini recipe may do the trick.

(via Vanilla and Bean)

Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe is a take on Bonefish Grill's famous 'bang bang shrimp' appetizer. What makes it special is that it doesn't exclude those who may have a seafood allergy. (via Woman Scribbles)

Shrimp Cocktail

Should you have seafood lovers stopping by on Christmas, you can still cater to them by whipping up this quick & easy shrimp cocktail recipe! (via Clamato)

Ingredients:

1 lb. shrimp, deveined and chopped

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon sugar

½ cup of your favorite Clamato®

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 Hass avocado, diced

½ mango, diced (optional)

Cilantro for garnish

Directions:

• In a bowl, add the lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, sugar, Clamato, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Stir for a few seconds and set the salsa aside.
• Add in the avocado, mango (if you like mango), and shrimp.
• Put the shrimp in a schooner-type glass and pour salsa on top.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Servings: 4-6

Takes only 10 minutes.