Appetizers play a vital role at parties: they excite the palate, break the ice, and get everyone to relax. Christmas party appetizers are possibly the climax of that category, and need to be decadent, flavourful, as well as decorative. This list of 26 Christmas party appetizers will excite and inspire you, and make you look forward to curating your memorable Christmas Feast.
How to Plan the Ultimate Appetizer Spread
When planning an appetizer spread for Christmas, it is important to consider variety, flavours, and dietary preferences. Think about the number of guests, and their particular tastes and peculiarities. Some people prefer plainer food, while others prefer to be blown away. Some people prefer plant-based delicacies, while others shudder at the thought of a meat-free meal.
The beauty of an Appetizer spread is that it can be a glorious buffet that can cater to everyone. You can create bite-sized treats that will leave no one wanting.
You could make it fun by choosing a particular theme or colour scheme to adhere to, and make sure to include zesty mocktails and cocktails to liven it up!
Classic Christmas Appetizers
Classics are dubbed thus for good reason. Unfailingly popular, these Christmas appetizers disappear every year.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a Classic Christmas Appetizer for a reason! A perfectly hard-boiled egg, halved, then filled with a deliciously flavoured butter/egg paste is a great way to start your Christmas feast. Deviled eggs are refreshing, full of flavour, and a crowd-favourite.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a light appetizer that will add a touch of sophistication to your Christmas feast. Poached shrimp, served with a vibrant cocktail sauce, is a perfectly elegant and vibrant dish. Get all the tips and tricks for the perfect Shrimp Cocktail here!
Swedish Meatballs
Can anything scream Christmas more than a meatball recipe, straight out of Scandinavia? These Swedish meatballs can be made ahead of time, and are flavoured with delicious spices for an interesting bite. Traditionally made from reindeer, or venison, these meatballs are a true Christmas delicacy! Insert toothpicks into them for easy handling, and serve them with the delicious dipping sauce. Or, they can be submerged completely in the sauce and served on rice and pasta for a delicious main course option.
Blini
Traditionally made from buckwheat flour, these delicious tiny pancakes hail originally from Russia. Blinis are an amazing appetizer option, especially because they are so versatile. From smoked salmon and cream cheese to goat’s cheese and beetroot, Blini can bring an array of colours and flavours to your Christmas party. Check out this article for 10 different blini recipes and flavour combinations.
Pigs in Blanket
Pigs in Blanket are a British Christmas favourite, easy to make, and use only a few simple ingredients. They comprise mini pork sausages wrapped with smoky bacon with a bit of sweetness and heat from honey and mustard. These wrapped little babies are great additions to your Christmas Appetiser spread. Watch them fly off the plates within minutes!
Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
Gooey, cheesy, and loaded with sweet caramelized onions, pears, and fresh thyme, this easy pull-apart bread is the perfect Christmas appetizer! It’s warming, comforting, and super simple to prepare.
Creative and Festive Appetizer Ideas:
Add a bit of Christmas flare to your Appetizer spread with these creative edible centerpieces.
Charcuterie Wreath
Making a Christmas Charcuterie Wreath is an easy and fun holiday appetizer idea. Antipasto skewers arranged into a festive wreath shape then decorated with rosemary will be a show stopping dish for all of your parties and feasts.
Baked Brie and Bread Wreath
An edible Wreath is a great idea to make your Christmas party spread sparkle with festivity and fun. This Baked Brie and Bread Wreath not only acts as a delicious appetizer, but it also doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece for any holiday party.
Cinnamon Pull Apart Star Bread
This Cinnamon Pull Apart Star Bread is as lovely to look at as it is to eat! Buttery, spicy, and sweet, it has all the flavours of Christmas and is truly comforting to eat. Serve as part of your Christmas Appetiser line-up, or for breakfast or lunch.
Antipasto Christmas Tree
This antipasto tree is an Italian take on an antipasto platter, boasting tomatoes, little cheese balls, green olives, and more. It’s worth making several of these because, as well as being a delicious appetizer, it makes a gorgeous and edible table centerpiece.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options:
Catering to those with sensitivities does not have to be boring or sub-par. These delicious vegan and vegetarian options are super fun and vibrant.
Mushroom Vol-au-Vent
Mushroom vol-au-vent are a sophisticated appetiser which serve as a perfect vegetarian option for your Christmas spread. Golden, crispy, flaky, puff pastry bites, topped with creamy garlicky mushroom sauce, Mushroom vol-au-vent is real crowd pleaser.
Vegan Charcuterie Platter
Vegan Charcuterie Platters are a fun and interesting way to cater for those with food sensitivities or strong principles. Make it colourful, diverse, and full of vibrant flavours, and it will delight all of your guests- not just the vegans!
Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simple and healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour of time and you have a vegan treat for the tastebuds with these walnut stuffed eggplant rolls.
Spinach Puffs
Tiny parcels of golden baked pastry, these cheesy Spinach Puffs are a tasty and gorgeous-looking Christmas party appetiser. This recipe is easy to make and freezer friendly, so you can make them in advance to save last-minute stress.
International Flavors for a Global Feast
Transport your guests to another place with these international foods. Adding different flavours is a great way to make your Christmas feast more interesting.
Italian Bruschetta
Golden Fig Bruschetta is a twist on classic Italian bruschetta. These little hand-held appetizers are sweet, savory, and crunchy all in one bite. Little toasts get smothered with fig spread instead of tomatoes and then topped with creamy burrata, crispy prosciutto bits and fresh basil.
Mexican Guacamole
Authentic Mexican guacamole requires only a few simple ingredients – avocados, onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, optional tomatoes and salt. This article dives into 3 unique variations on this favourite appetizer, all of which are utterly delicious.
Japanese Sushi Rolls
Add Sushi to your Christmas appetizer spread for a taste of the orient. The clean, fresh flavours of the tasty morsels will make them a crowd favourite! This easy Spicy Tuna Roll is a flavor-packed version of sushi that is simple enough to make right in your own kitchen! Made with real, fresh ingredients and you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
Greek Tapenade
This chunky Olive Tapenade recipe is flavored with lemon-infused olive oil and tangy feta, a delicious and memorable party appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a light and tasty option.
French Pate
Beef liver pate is a decadent treat that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine a spread that is full of cream cheese, fresh herbs, and beef liver that has been sautéed. This French treat is a classic dip, and a perfect touch of sophistication for your Christmas party.
Egyptian Dukkah
Add a touch of spice to your classic bread-and-oil starter with Egyptian Dukkah. Dukkah is made with basic ingredients, including nuts, sesame seeds, coriander and cumin. It is a simple, low-cost way to liven up your charcuterie board, and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Appetizers for Kids
Sometimes the complexity and inventiveness of Christmas Party appetizers can be a bit much for children. These simple bites will make sure they don’t go hungry at your party.
Mini Grilled Cheeses
These grilled cheeses are so sophisticated, your adult guests will be super impressed, too! These mini grilled cheeses are loaded with a triple creme brie, caramelized onions, and a generous schmear of fig jam. Each bite is sweet, salty, crunchy, and completely irresistible.
Pizza Bites
Pepperoni Pizza Bites are a like a bagel bite and pizza muffin with homemade dough, cheese & pepperoni, ready to bake in just a few minutes. Kid’s will love these little morsels, which are packed full of cheesy flavour and easy for little hands to eat.
Fruit Kebabs
Fruit Kebabs are a Kids Birthday Party Classic, but have you ever tried Christmas Fruit Kebabs? These Santa-shaped fruit kebabs with strawberries, grapes and marshmallows make great Christmas party appetizers for kids.
Dips and Spreads
Pair these delicious and out-of-the-ordinary dips with vegetable sticks, crackers, chips, or breads.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo Chicken Dip is an easy party food that people go crazy for. Use fresh chicken, leftover chicken ,or buy a rotisserie chicken to make this dip even easier. Cheesy and full of flavor, this appetizer won’t last long!
Artichoke and Spinach Dip
Few things beat the salty perfection of spinach artichoke dip. It’s the perfect snack and goes with just about every party and celebration. Creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke that is baked in the oven. This dip is ultimate comfort food, and perfect decadence for a Christmas feast.
Caramelised Onion Dip
Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon and Gruyere is the ultimate onion dip! The flavor of the sweet caramelized onions covered in so much rich, creamy, cheesy goodness makes this dip the hit of every party!
Conclusion
Christmas Party Appetizers are such a great way to add sophistication, decadence, vibrancy and fun to your Christmas party. Food has a powerful way of unlocking inhibitions, breaking the ice, and getting people relaxed. There are some phenomenal recipes in this Christmas Appetizer list, that are sure to impress your guests and start your party off with a bang.
Let this be your sign to start planning your Christmas party appetizer menu and spread the holiday cheer with delicious, memorable bites.
If you have a favourite Christmas appetizer, why not share it in the comments below?
