Christmas Appetizer Recipes

We’ve listed small dishes that could serve as an appetizer or starter or hors d’oeuvres for a Christmas meal. Whether you’re sitting down for a multi-course feast or attending a holiday potluck, we hope you find something delicious to enjoy!

12 Christmas Appetizers

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Traditionally, many families start Christmas dinner with seafood plate. The classic shrimp cocktail is an easy one. We’ll show you how to perfectly poach your shrimp, plus make a tangy dipping sauce.

Roasted Prociutto-Wrapped Asparagus 

This is essentially a two-ingredient dish, and it is always a hit. If you do have any left over, serve it chilled in a salad.

Polpettini on Spoons (Meatballs)

Mini meatballs served with tomato sauce and fresh parsley. What’s not to love?

Polpettini on Spoons. Photo Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein.

Individual Party Quiches 

These delicious quiches are highly customizable, making them the perfect addition to any holiday party. Individual Party Quiches. Photo Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock

Caprese Bruschetta

This red and green Caprese Bruschetta appetizer is so simple. The layers of bread, mozzarella, tomato, and basil stack up for one tasty morsel! 
Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pass a tray of these at your next party and watch them disappear. Stuffed mushrooms are great to make ahead and reheat just before serving. 

Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

Best-Ever Cheese Ball

No holiday party is compete without a giant cheese ball! It will disappear before your eyes. Note: The cheese ball tastes even better when made a day ahead.

Photo by Sam Jones of Quinn/Brein.

Cranberry Chutney

Slather our cranberry chutney over melted brie on crackers, crostini—or, a baked round of brie. This chutney’s best if you make in advance (at least the day before). 

(The chutney’s also a wonderful condiment with roasted pork or poultry.)

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Salty bacon wrapped around sweet scallops is a luscious appetizer. They may look fancy but they’re easy to make.

Photo by Matt Antonino

Spiced Nuts 

Ever had homemade spiced nuts? The real spices mixed with sweetness taste amazing. It’s easy to make and addictive!

Spiced Nuts. Photo Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.

Classic Deviled Eggs 

You can’t go wrong with classic deviled eggs. Prepared in as little as 20 minutes, these savory treats are packed with protein, too.

Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo by Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

This Florentine Spinach Dip won first prize in The 2015 Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest!

Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

More Christmas Recipe Collections

• Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes 
• Christmas Dinner Recipes: Main Dishes, Sides, and Soups
• Christmas Dessert Recipes 
• Christmas Cookie Recipes for Kids 
• Holiday Drink Recipes 

What are your favorite holiday appetizers? Let us know in the comments!