The 85 Best Christmas Party Appetizers, Hands Down, No Contest (original) (raw)
Baked Brie, anyone?
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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 I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegan, beginner-friendly
All aboard the umami express. These will convert any self-proclaimed mushroom hater.
16. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I 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 I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Baked to zesty, cheesy perfection. Feel free to substitute squash, carrots, eggplant or sweet potato for zucchini.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Your local steakhouse will miss you. The dipping sauce would taste heavenly on fries, too.
28. Slow Cooker Chicken Potpie Soup
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 35 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Who knew you could make something this dangerously poppable in 10 minutes?
33. Eggnog Bread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I 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 I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Admit it: You've never seen a casserole this tiny (or adorable) before.
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
A 15-minute appetizer that sounds like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant? Check.
40. Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Between the pecans, pomegranate arils, orange zest and rosemary, this app simply screams Christmas.
44. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
- Time Commitment: 7 hours and 25 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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.
54. Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Fig Jam
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I Love It: no cook, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
The dressing couldn't be more basic. It lets the vibrant winter produce speak for itself.
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Hummus and pita? Boring. Jazz things up with these irresistible, unexpected phyllo rolls with ricotta and Peppadew peppers.
65. Scallion and Chive Flatbread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I 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.
72. Feta Wrapped in Phyllo with Sesame and Honey
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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).
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I 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.
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I 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?
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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.
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I 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 I 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 I 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
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.
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.
Food Editor
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- Studied English and writing at Ithaca College