75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2024)

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (1)

Planning your Christmas dinner menu can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list as you rush around trying to get all your holiday shopping done before December 24. To make planning your Christmas party a little easier, we've rounded up our favorite easy appetizer and Christmas treat recipes — most of which you can easily prep ahead of time!

While Christmas appetizers may not be the main event of the evening, we guarantee your guests will be excited to get their hands on these pastries, toasts, and dips. Don't be afraid to recycle your favorite Thanksgiving appetizers, but we suggest including some festive seasonal favorites, too. Here you'll find classic Christmas foods, like cranberry crescent bites and white wine mussels, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options for every dietary preference. We've also included kid-friendly Christmas snacks and lots of healthy finger food options, too.

In short, these easy and elegant Christmas appetizer ideas will satisfy any crowd — so much so that you may have to remind your guests to save room for the Christmas ham!

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1

Beet Crostini

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2)

These beet crostinis are a tasty plant-forward appetizer option. Plus, the deep red of the beets is pretty Christmas-y, no?

Get the Beet Crostini recipe.

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2

Mushroom and Herb Stromboli

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (3)

This appetizer is the ultimate comfort food, and an option that works for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. It would also be a great thing to heat up and eat with leftovers on the day after Christmas.

Get the Mushroom and Herb Stromboli recipe.

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3

Zesty Mini Crab Cakes

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (4)

These mini crab cakes are the perfect savory bite, complete with the tiniest spicy kick. Plus, who says seafood doesn't have a place at Christmas dinner?

Get the Zesty Mini Crab Cakes recipe.

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4

Cranberry Goat Cheese Crescent Bites

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (5)

Holiday party season means you have to eat pastry puffs filled with cheese. We don't make the rules!

Get the Cranberry Goat Cheese Crescent Bites recipe.

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5

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (6)

One of the seven fishes wrapped up in a slice of bacon.

Get the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops recipe.

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6

Hot Double-Onion Dip

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (7)

For a more casual, comfort food appetizer, consider this hot double-onion dip. Just make sure you have mints near by for anyone who might need them.

Get the Hot Double-Onion Dip recipe.

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7

Tortilla Wreath with Brie

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (8)

Wow your guests with this delicious holiday app featuring baked Brie topped with a spicy salsa made of cranberries, Granny Smith apple jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.

Get the Tortilla Wreath with Brie recipe.

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8

Tangy Cranberry Meatballs

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (10)

Use your extra cranberry sauce to make these delicious tangy meatballs. You don't even have to tell anyone that the meatballs themselves are store-bought.

Get the Tangy Cranberry Meatballs recipe.

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9

Garlic Miso Rolls

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (11)

Pull apart these decadent rolls that'll have your mouth watering.

Get the Garlic Miso Rolls recipe.

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10

Avocado Toast with Pomegranate Salsa

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (12)

The addition of fresh pomegranate seeds makes this classic toast concoction a little more bright and cheery.

Get the Avocado Toast with Pomegranate Salsa recipe.

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11

Ricotta Dumplings

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (13)

While there is certainly a lot of dairy in this recipe, there is no meat and you could definitely use a gluten-free flour to make it GF, too.

Get the Ricotta Dumplings recipe.

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12

Honey-Glazed Carrots

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Spicy and sweet play on each other in this veggie-focused plate that has ginger and honey.

Get the Honey-Glazed Carrots recipe.

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13

Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (15)

Anything made with browned butter is a winter month must-have. Plus, sage and garlic give the squash added warmth.

Get the Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter recipe.

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14

Sweet Parker House Rolls

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (16)

Why not bring out the dinner rolls a little sooner this year? There's never an incorrect time for more bread. Plus, you can spread some of those spreads and dips on them.

Get the Sweet Parker House Rolls recipe.

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15

Ginger Dumpling Soup

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (17)

Anyone who ventures out to play in the snow until dinner is ready will appreciate finding this warm bowl to hold them over.

Get the Ginger Dumpling Soup recipe.

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16

Crispy Roasted Broccolini

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (18)

This time-saving appetizer (or side dish for that matter) makes the most of red chiles, panko, and lemon zest.

Get the Crispy Roasted Broccolini recipe.

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17

Lentil Hummus

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (19)

Hummus is a must at any gathering, so whip up this recipe that's seasoned with lemon juice, cumin, and thyme.

Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.

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18

Ham and Spinach Pizza

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (20)

You've probably served ham once or twice (or maybe more) at Christmas dinners. This kid-friendly appetizer puts the holiday protein on pizza for a satisfying snack. Just make sure to cut small slices so people don't fill up before dinner (but who could blame them).

Get the Ham and Spinach Pizza recipe.

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19

Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (21)

This plant-based app dresses up brussels sprouts with honey, red chile, and sherry vinegar.

Get the Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts recipe.

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20

Holiday Cheese Board

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (22)

Designing an impressive charcuterie board is a tall order any day of the week, but if your in-laws are in town, it can be helpful to follow some tips and tricks to wow the crowd.

Get the Holiday Cheese Board recipe.

75 Elegant Christmas Appetizer Recipes That'll Wow Party Guests (2024)

FAQs

How many types of appetizers for 100 guests? ›

Appetizers

If you're offering catered appetizers, plan for about six portions per guest. For a party of 100 guests, this adds up to roughly 600 appetizer portions.

What is the easiest food to serve at a party? ›

70 Easy Party Food Ideas To Make For Any Occasion
  • 01 of 70. Ham Delights. ...
  • 02 of 70. Cheddar Cheese Straws. ...
  • 03 of 70. Asparagus Ribbon Crostini. ...
  • 04 of 70. Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise. ...
  • 05 of 70. Glazed Apple Tart. ...
  • 06 of 70. Bacon Bites. ...
  • 07 of 70. Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese. ...
  • 08 of 70.
Oct 27, 2023

What is the cheapest food to make for a party? ›

20 Great inexpensive party food ideas
  • Ham and cheese pinwheels. ...
  • Mini spinach pies. ...
  • Spaghetti bolognese. ...
  • Baguettes with toppings (bruschetta) ...
  • Egg, cheese, and ham skewers. ...
  • Chicken pot pie. ...
  • Cheese straws. ...
  • Macaroni and cheese. You can make a few dishes of macaroni and cheese and serve it from warming trays.
Oct 13, 2022

How to make party platters on a budget? ›

Planning Party Platters: Ideas From Experience
  1. Plan on 2 to 3 ounces of meat per person. ...
  2. Plan 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of cheese slices per serving. ...
  3. Plan 1/2 cup of chicken, tuna, and potato salad per person. ...
  4. Allow 4 to 6 pieces of vegetables on a relish tray per person. ...
  5. Allow 1/2 cup per serving with fruit.

What does every Christmas party need? ›

If you're prepared to decorate by yourself, here are a few things to check off of your list:
  • Door wreath.
  • Christmas lights.
  • Mistletoe.
  • Themed napkins and tablecloths.
  • Christmas tree/ornaments.
  • Garlands or hanging wreaths.
  • Fake snow if you've got it.
Nov 17, 2017

What to bring to a Christmas party as a guest? ›

– If you don't know the host well, play it safe with flowers, a house plant, a bottle of wine, or a box of boutique chocolates. – If you know the host well, choose a gift you know they will like—a small artwork, a six-pack of their favorite craft beer, or a special Christmas tree ornament.

How to feed 100 people for cheap? ›

Serving budget-friendly cuisines like salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes can be a very cost-effective choice. Or, if you're looking for a more casual option, how about a barbeque? Burgers, hot dogs and other grill-oriented foods are sure to be crowd favorites, and they won't rack up a big bill.

How many appetizers for 75 people? ›

If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items. Parties with over 60-75 guests can easily have 9 or more items without over doing it.

What are heavy hors d'oeuvres? ›

Heavy hors d'oeuvres can include a variety of different foods, such as mini quiches, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, and shrimp co*cktail. These dishes are designed to be filling enough to serve as a meal, but small enough to be eaten while standing or mingling.

What are 3 traditional Christmas foods? ›

These are the top-rated main dish and side dish recipes you need for a perfect traditional Christmas dinner. They cover the savory side of Christmas dinner, from prime rib, baked ham, and roast turkey to scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

What is the Favourite food for Christmas? ›

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used. Pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, or fruitcake are staples for dessert.

What is the must have food for Christmas Day? ›

Christmas dinner recipes
  • Flavour-bomb roast turkey & gravy. A star rating of 5 out of 5. ...
  • Hot honey-glazed gammon. ...
  • Mini maple & mustard pigs in blankets. ...
  • Cranberry, orange & rosemary sauce. ...
  • Shredded carbonara sprouts. ...
  • Croissant bread sauce. ...
  • Turkey crown with roast garlic & pancetta. ...
  • Honeyed hasselback carrots.

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