82 Christmas Appetizers That'll Set The Stage For Your Best Holiday Party Yet (2024)

Spinach-artichoke dip is a classic appetizer, but let’s make it a little more festive! Wrapped in puff pastry, the dip can be shaped into cute little Christmas trees and becomes individual apps. The tree gets topped with a little cheese star, as all trees should be.

Get the Spinach-Artichoke Christmas Tree Skewers recipe.

Get your holiday parties started right with this seasonal spin on classic baked brie. An easy-to-make homemade maple and cranberry jam gets layered into buttery puff pastry-wrapped brie, then drizzled with maple syrup for an app no one will be able to stop eating.

Get the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.

Nothing says hostess with the most-est like a charming and delicious antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer sculpture will help you decorate for your Christmas party and feed your guests all in one fell swoop.

Get the Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball recipe.

Turn the classic seafood dish into the cutest bite-sized app with these crab cake bites. Ready in a little over 30 minutes, these bites are the easiest way to add the fancy factor to your party, whether you're planning your Christmas dinner or New Year's bash.

Get the Crab Cake Bites recipe.

Here’s an easy and festive holiday appetizer that looks way more impressive and complicated than it actually is. Using homemade pizza dough and pesto is great, but if you go the store-bought route, this star bread takes very little effort.

Get the Pesto Pizza Stuffed Star Bread recipe.

Spinach artichoke dip + flaky puff pastry + festive design = a Christmas masterpiece. We love spinach dip in every form, but this creative app is totally versatile: Feel free to swap in whichever cheesy dip you desire.

Get the Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree recipe.

Brussels sprouts are a star side in our book, and adding Parmesan to these crispy bites makes them practically irresistible. We coat these sprouts in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking on a high heat, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.

Get the Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Though these cheesy, herby bites of deliciousness may make you feel like you should be written up on the naughty list, we promise that if you make these for your holiday dinner guests, you will be sealed on the good list forever.

Get the Naughty Knots recipe.

Every holiday gathering needs a showstopper on the table. That being said, maybe you want something new this holiday season. Enter: this classic British sausage roll with a Christmas–appropriate makeover.

Get the Sausage Roll Wreath recipe.

This easy-to-make appetizer is a guaranteed hit at any holiday party. Creamy, smoky, and bright, it's delicious piled onto toasted bread, crackers, or crisp endive leaves.

Get the Smoked Trout Spread recipe.

Caramelizing the tops of your crostini is a great party trick. Assemble the toasts and wait to brûlée the top for when you’re ready to serve them. The crunchy sugar topping will then give way to an warm and oozy slice of brie and sweet jam. Yum!

Get the Brûléed Brie Crostini recipe.

If you love the TikTok-famous baked feta pasta and the delightful sophistication of our cranberry brie bites, then brace yourself: These little appetizers are the culinary revelation that combines the best of both worlds.

Get the Baked Feta Bites recipe.

Typically, shrimp co*cktail brings to mind a large platter of chilled shrimp and a sweet, tangy sauce. This twist on the dinner party classic embraces and enhances the signature flavors by roasting the shrimp instead. Bonus: it comes together in less than 30 minutes!

Get the Roasted Shrimp co*cktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli recipe.

Looking for a stunning Christmas app that comes together in no time? Look no further than the humble cheese ball. They’re a retro idea that we’ve really run with here at Delish, taking them fully into modern times with creative ingredients and decorating methods.

Get the Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball recipe.

With a sweet and tangy glaze made with cranberry sauce and thyme- and sage-speckled turkey meatballs, these are great for serving with toothpicks as an app or over fluffy mashed potatoes for a low-key dinner.

Get the Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Meatballs recipe.

French onion soup is already a bowl of perfection: fortifying broth, sweetly soft onions, a few chunks of bread, and a molten layer of cheese. These little bites prove that perfection can come in many forms.

Get the French Onion Soup Bites recipe.

Whipped ricotta is beyond easy to make, even though it sounds so delicate and fancy. Topped with marinated olives and roasted red peppers gives it a nice briney, fresh flavor, and the red and green makes it extra festive. We love warm crusty bread for dipping, but whatever works!

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Honey-glazed melted brie, plus herby crispy pizza dough, is an equation for true happiness. Your friends, family, or colleagues will be ready to dive into this edible wreath once you stroll through the door…after all, you want to eat the cheese while it’s warm and gooey.

Get the Baked Brie Wreath recipe.

Lox lovers—this smoked salmon dip is about to be your new go-to party dip. Smoked salmon, spicy horseradish, bright lemon, and finely chopped dill all get mixed into a cream cheese and Greek yogurt base for the creamiest savory dip imaginable.

Get the Smoked Salmon Dip recipe.

Looking for a last-minute app? Add this sweet and tangy roasted red pepper dip to your next dinner party menu. Muhammara comes together in just a few minutes using jarred roasted red peppers and a food processor.

Get the Muhammara recipe.