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The holiday season is here, and you know what that means—family, friends, laughter, and most importantly, FOOD! Whether you’re hosting an extravagant Christmas dinner, a casual get-together, or even just looking to impress your loved ones with some delicious bites, having the right appetizers can set the tone for your festivities.
Let’s face it, appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. They’re the little bites that keep everyone satisfied while you’re putting the finishing touches on the main course (or slyly taste-testing desserts in the kitchen). But when it comes to Christmas appetizers, you want something that screams festive, looks incredible on the table, and of course, tastes amazing. And don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This list of 27 Christmas appetizers has a little something for everyone—cheesy, crispy, savory, and even a few sweet surprises. Whether you’re aiming for quick and easy, Pinterest-perfect platters, or indulgent options that have “holiday indulgence” written all over them, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
1. Crab and Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
Halve mini peppers and remove seeds. Mix crabmeat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stuff the mixture into the peppers, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.
2. Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Combine cooked meatballs with cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker. Stir to coat and cook on low until heated through.
3. Air Fryer Steak Bites
Toss steak cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F, shaking halfway, until juicy and tender.
4. Christmas Ornament Cheese Balls
Shape seasoned cream cheese into balls, roll in festive toppings like nuts, herbs, or cranberries, and chill until firm.
5. Cheddar & Cheeve Biscuits
Combine flour, cheddar cheese, and butter, then stir in milk to form dough. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until golden.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and Parmesan. Bake until warm and gooey.
7. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls
Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, and cheddar. Shape into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until crispy.
8. Crab Rangoon
Mix crabmeat, cream cheese, green onions, and seasoning. Spoon onto wonton wrappers, fold, seal, and fry until golden.
9. Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Boil sprouts, smash with a fork, and toss in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan. Roast until crispy.
10. Sweet Potato Salad
Roast sweet potato chunks, then mix with cranberries, pecans, and a honey-lime dressing.
11. Spinach and Goat Cheese Tartlets
Fill tart shells with a mix of sautéed spinach, goat cheese, and cream. Bake until set.
12. Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix
Toss pretzels with melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Bake until crispy.
13. Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
Spread flatbread with blue cheese, top with pear slices, walnuts, and honey, then bake until crisp.
14. Cranberry Fluff
Mix cranberries, crushed pineapple, marshmallows, whipped topping, and pecans. Chill until set.
15. Pimento Cheese Dip with Cornbread Crackers
Make cornbread crackers and dip in pimento cheese.
16. Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
Score bread, stuff with cheese and butter, and bake until melted and gooey.
17. Butternut Thyme Tartlets
Fill tartlets with roasted butternut squash, thyme, and goat cheese. Bake until golden.
18. Turkey Meatballs
Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Shape into balls and bake until cooked through.
19. Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip
Combine shrimp, cream cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Bake until bubbly.
20. Party Appetizer Meatballs
Slow cook meatballs with a mix of grape jelly and chili sauce until coated and sticky.
21. Cucumber Sandwiches
Spread herbed cream cheese on bread, layer with cucumber slices, and cut into small sandwiches.
22. Garlic Knots
Twist pizza dough into knots, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden.
23. Cheesy Baked Oysters
Top oysters with breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and butter. Bake until bubbly.
24. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Thread Chicken, cherry tomatoes(optional), and basil onto skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
25. Crab Dip
Mix crab, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and dill. Chill before serving.
26. Pizza Thumbprint Cookies
Make a savory dough, press indents, fill with marinara and cheese, and bake.
27. White Bean Dip
Blend beans, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Bake with cheese on top until bubbly.
This post is all about Christmas Appetizers Ideas.
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