12 Easy, Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers

updated Aug 20, 2025

The holiday season calls for delicious appetizers! Whether served at your next Christmas party or as an addition to your Christmas dinner menu, these easy holiday appetizers are sure to please.

Honey, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Phyllo Cup Appetizers

Perfect for your next holiday party, the tasty appetizers below can all be made ahead, and feature fresh herbs and simple ingredients you can easily find at the grocery store. We’re skipping traditional cheese balls for creamy dip, easy finger foods, and bite-sized snacks your guests will love.

This list of Christmas appetizers proves foods don’t have to be shaped like a Christmas tree to be festive. They’re an elegant and perfect way to start your holiday meal.

12 Easy Christmas Appetizer Recipes

1. Smoked Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese

A bowl of smoked salmon dip with a serving spoon in it, surrounded by veggies and crackers.

This easy smoked salmon dip is made with hot-smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a blend of onions. Serve it with your favorite crackers for the perfect quick appetizer for any occasion. >Get the Recipe

2. Brie Cheese and Spiced Cranberry Bites Appetizer

A small plate of Brie and Cranberry Bites with a larger platter in the background.

These crispy bites filled with creamy brie cheese and spiced cranberry sauce are the perfect easy appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas festivities. >Get the Recipe

3. Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey

A plate of whipped ricotta dip topped with cracked black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and swirls of honey.

Light and creamy, this Whipped Ricotta Dip recipe with honey and fresh thyme is a quick and easy last minute appetizer that comes together in minutes. >Get the Recipe

4. Smoked Salmon Bites with Cucumber

Ideal for your next dinner party or happy hour, these Smoked Salmon Bites with cucumber are a delicious, quick and easy appetizer. >Get the Recipe

5. Creamy Crab Rangoon Dip (No Bake!)

This easy, creamy crab rangoon dip will upgrade your appetizer game. It comes together quickly, can be made well in advance of serving, and feels special enough for any holiday gathering or celebration. >Get the Recipe

6. Honey, Walnut, and Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups

These honey, walnut, and goat cheese phyllo cups are an easy appetizer recipe that requires minimal cooking, so it comes together in very little time. >Get the Recipe

7. Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms in White Wine

A plate of Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms.

Full of melty cheeses and fresh herbs, this vegetarian stuffed mushrooms recipe is sure to be a hit the next time you’re entertaining friends or hosting a dinner party. >Get the Recipe

8. Easy Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon wrapped dates, filled with almonds and cream cheese, are perfect for entertaining and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. They look fancy, but come together easily. >Get the Recipe

9. Three Cheese Baked Artichoke Dip

A cast iron baking dish filled with Three Cheese Artichoke Dip.

This creamy, garlicky three cheese artichoke dip is a delicious alternative to the usual appetizers and sure to be a hit at your next party. >Get the Recipe

10. Slow Cooker Savory Spiced Nuts

This delicious, savory snack swaps the cinnamon and sugar for garlic and rosemary. These savory spiced nuts roast in your slow cooker and make a great homemade gift for your favorite snack lover. >Get the Recipe

11. 15 Minute Stove Top BBQ Meatballs

BBQ Meatballs in a bowl, garnished with parsley.

Let’s skip the slow cooker and have these delicious sweet and savory stove top BBQ Meatballs ready in 15 minutes with no grape jelly! This is a great recipe for last minute dinners or easy entertaining. >Get the Recipe

12. Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Goat Cheese

Cool and creamy roasted red pepper dip is delicious with fresh veggies, thick cut potato chips, veggies chips, or toasted pita. >Get the Recipe