49 Santa Approved Easy Appetizers To Serve At Christmas Parties

posted by Gina Dickson on December 14, 2024

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Looking for appetizers that’ll keep your Christmas party guests coming back for more? This festive roundup has all the easy, crowd-pleasing recipes you need to impress without the stress. From cheesy, creamy bites to savory dips and elegant finger foods, you’ll find options for every taste. Think tangy Texas caviar, irresistible cheese balls, and fancy cranberry brie bites—all quick to prepare and full of flavor. Don’t miss out on these simple yet show-stopping appetizers that’ll make your holiday party unforgettable!

Oven Baked Honey Dry Rub Wings

dry rub chicken wings that were baked in the oven — Oven Baked Honey Dry Rub Wings Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Looking for a quick, tasty way to make crispy oven-baked chicken wings? The secret is this easy, dry rub chicken wings recipe, along with a few tips and tricks I will share with you.

> Get The Full Recipe: Oven Baked Honey Dry Rub Wings

Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This easy buffalo chicken dip recipe features juicy rotisserie chicken, three types of cheeses, hot sauce, and seasonings, all combined to create a creamy party dip appetizer.

>Get The Full Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Need a quick cool creamy dip for your next party? Cream cheese salsa dip is sure to be a winner with everyone. The cool, creamy dip is made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar mixed in with salsa and Mexican spices.

> Get The Full Recipe: Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Sweet and Saucy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

The recipe takes you through the steps of preparing the shredded pulled pork sliders. There is also a secret sandwich sauce that adds a delightful creamy flavor, perfectly complementing the meat. The best part is this is an easy make-ahead.

>Get The Recipe: Sweet and Saucy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

3 Ingredient Sauce Ideas For Easy Crockpot Meatballs

6 bowls of 3 ingredient sauce idea meatballs — 3 Ingredient Sauce Ideas Crockpot Meatballs -Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

When you need an easy appetizer, all you have to do is grab some frozen meatballs and pick your sauce combination. The best part is it will take you less than 5 minutes to prep these saucy meatballs.

>Get All The Recipes: 3 Ingredient Sauce Ideas For Easy Crockpot Meatballs

Spicy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs & Blue Cheese

Buffalo Air-Fried Turkey Meatballs are the perfect quick snack or appetizer. You can make them ahead and freeze them in large batches. Then, when you need a quick party snack, just place them in your air fryer and bake. You can sauce them mild, medium, or extra hot.

Get The Full Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs & Blue Cheese

Cheesy Layered Taco Dip with Ground Beef

layered beef and bean dip in crockpot — Cheesy Layered Taco Dip Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This cheesy Velveeta taco dip with ground beef is a hot and creamy Crock Pot recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare and bubbles away in your slow cooker to absolute perfection.

> Get The Full Recipe: Cheesy Layered Taco Dip

Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip

Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip is an ideal quick party dip that only takes two minutes to prepare. With a blend of Greek yogurt, mayo, minced onion, garlic, and dill perfect with veggies and chips.

> Get The Full Recipe: Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip

Grape Jelly Saucy Meatballs

grape meatballs with jelly — Grape Jelly Saucy Meatballs – Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Crock Pot meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce are and easy appetizer. Beyond easy to make and cooked in the slow cooker, these cocktail meatballs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor – and you barely have to lift a finger.

>Get The Full Recipe: Grape Jelly Saucy Meatballs

Maryland Crab Dip Recipe (Crock Pot)

Here is the best Maryland crab dip recipe, which features a creamy, cheesy texture packed with classic crab seasonings. Whether hosting a fun gathering with friends or simply treating your loved ones to a special appetizer, this hot crab dip is guaranteed to be a showstopper.

> Get The Full Recipe Maryland Crab Dip Recipe (Crock Pot)

Cold Crab Dip

Sweet lump crab meat from a can, creamy cheeses, and a hint of Old Bay combine to whip up a tasty and crowd-pleasing dip in less than 5 minutes! When you make this creamy cold crab dip recipe, you will almost hear the ocean waves.

> Get The Full Recipe: Creamy Cold Crab Dip Recipe

Rotel Sausage Dip

cheese and sausage dip — Rotel Sausage Dip Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This easy warm Rotel sausage dip recipe combines the classic flavors of sausage and Rotel tomatoes with creamy Velveeta and cream cheese for a sure party or game day hit.

> Get The Full Recipe: Rotel Sausage Dip (Crock Pot)

Restaurant Style Queso Dip

cheese dip — Restaurant Style Queso Dip Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This creamy restaurant-style homemade queso dip recipe is a blend of gooey cheeses and Mexican seasonings with a punch of heat. It’s the perfect dip with tortilla chips or any of your favorite Mexican foods.

> Get The Full Recipe: Restaurant Style Queso Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

buffalo chicken dip in a crock pot — Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This easy, make-ahead crock pot buffalo chicken dip recipe is filled with the zesty tang of hot sauce whipped into creamy melted cheeses. The best part is how quick and easy it is to whip up a crock pot full of this dip because you make it with a rotisserie chicken. I promise you can’t stop eating it once you start; it keeps you coming back for more.

> Get The Full Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Dip

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with this irresistibly creamy Sweet Pretzel Dip. Made with creamy ingredients and a touch of sweetness, this dip is perfect for parties, snacks, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Try it with your favorite pretzels for a sweet-and-salty flavor combo that’s simply out of this world.

> Get The Full Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Dip

Cranberry Salsa Dip

Cranberry salsa adds a little twist to traditional salsa recipes, blending together fresh cranberries, jalapenos, onion, lime, and honey, all served over cool cream cheese, perfect for dipping and spreading.

> Get The Full Recipe: Cranberry Salsa Dip

Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

Transform a Southern classic, Pimento Cheese Dip, into a quick and easy burrito dinner. Or, keep it warm in a crock pot for an amazing hot dip to serve for Game Day or your next get together. If you’ve never tried pimento cheese as a warm crockpot dip instead of a cold spread, you’re going to love it.

> Get The Full Recipe: Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

43 Great Meatball Recipes You Need To Try

meatballs in sauces — 43 Great Meatball Recipes You Need To Try – Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Get meatball tips and tricks! After learning how to make the perfect meatball, scroll through the list of all the best meatball recipes I could find! Then tap the recipe button to learn more and print the recipe card.

Get All The Recipes: 43 Great Meatball Recipes You Need To

Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

This homemade cheese ball recipe is the perfect appetizer for parties and holidays! Creamy cheese ball packed with cheese blends, bacon, ranch and walnuts.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cheese Ball Recipe

Pickle Roll Ups: Easy To Make Appetizer

Party pickle Roll-Ups on a plate with fresh dill ready to be served — Pickle Roll Ups: Easy To Make Appetizer. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Pickle roll ups are an easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for the holidays. With these simple how-to steps, you can make this crowd-pleasing snack with minimal prep time. The best part is you only need 4 ingredients to make a big serving tray of these delicious appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Roll Ups: Easy To Make Appetizer

Cold Shrimp Dip Recipe With Cream Cheese

Looking for an easy and delicious party dip? Try my family’s cold shrimp dip made with cream cheese, Old Bay, a touch of mayo, and seasonings all blended together to make an easy-to-scoop cold party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip Recipe With Cream Cheese

Delicious Southern Lobster Corn Fritters

Lobster corn critters on a plate and spicy aioli sauce in a small bowl with lemon zest and chopped green onion. — Delicious Southern Lobster Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cook up a batch of lobster corn fritters as an enticing appetizer or main course. Easy to make southern corn fritters with fresh corn are certain to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Southern Lobster Corn Fritters

Creamy Bite-Sized Crab Pinwheels

Pinwheel tortilla rolls filled with vegetables and cheese are arranged on a tray. Garnished with chopped green onions and red peppers, lemon wedges are placed at the edges. — Creamy Bite-Sized Crab Pinwheels. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tortilla pinwheels filled with a creamy crab mixture make a flavorful and easy appetizer. Prepare them ahead, slice before serving, and enjoy their fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bite-Sized Crab Pinwheels

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Wings Recipe

Crock pot chicken wings with Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce beans brushed on — Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Wings Recipe. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

These Slow Cooker BBQ Wings is a sophisticated and simple appetizer, they’re the ideal way to start your Christmas dinner. Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Wings Recipe

Boiled Peanut Hummus Recipe

Y’all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Boiled Peanut Hummus Recipe

Fancy Baked Brie Recipe With Cranberry Jam

baked brie with cranberry apples and wine — Fancy Baked Brie Recipe With Cranberry Jam. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This sweet and savory baked brie recipe with cranberry jam is an upscale appetizer that is very quick to make and perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Fancy Baked Brie Recipe With Cranberry Jam

Best Creamy Deviled Eggs

A plate of deviled eggs is arranged neatly, each with a creamy orange filling and a sprinkle of paprika on top. The background features stacked white plates and a white cloth. — Best Creamy Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A classic holiday appetizer, these Deviled Eggs are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for serving before Christmas dinner, they’re a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both savory and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Best Creamy Deviled Eggs

Easy and Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips — Easy and Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Easy and Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a no-fuss appetizer that’s perfect for busy holiday hosts. Assemble it in advance and bake it fresh for a warm and comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy and Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy Marinated Sicilian Green Olives Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with marinated green olives garnished with herbs. Fresh parsley, basil leaves, a garlic clove, and chili flakes are scattered nearby on a wooden cutting board. The background is a light marble surface. — Easy Marinated Sicilian Green Olives Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These vibrant Green Marinated Sicilian Olives is a quick and easy appetizer perfect for nibbling on before Christmas dinner. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, oregano, and chili pepper flakes, they’re a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Marinated Sicilian Green Olives Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Salsa With Cream Cheese

A dish with cream cheese topped with bright red cranberry salsa, garnished with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cranberries. Corn tortilla chips surround the dish on a wooden surface, accompanied by parsley leaves. — Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Salsa With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This sweet and savory 5-minute cranberry salsa is served over soft cream cheese for an irresistibly fresh creamy appetizer or easy snack.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Salsa With Cream Cheese

Easy Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

Six buttery, golden-brown shortbread cookies arranged on a piece of brown parchment paper. The cookies have a round shape with slightly crumbly edges. — Easy Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These savory and easy to make parmesan rosemary shortbread cookies are an elegant appetizer or special late-night snack with a glass of wine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Strawberries decorated for the holidays with white and dark chocolate coatings, topped with festive sprinkles, red and green icing, and holiday shapes like Christmas trees and stars, arranged on a white tray. — Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberry. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate and decorated festively are both elegant and easy to make. Prepare them ahead and refrigerate until serving time.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip

This classic dip made with Knorr’s vegetable mix is perfect for pairing with fresh veggies or bread. Make it the day before to allow the flavors to develop.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip

Easy Mexican Caviar Recipe

Texas caviar with beans, cilantro, onions and seasonings — Easy Mexican Caviar Recipe. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Also known as Texas caviar, this dip features black-eyed peas, corn, and a tangy dressing. It’s quick to assemble and can be made a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Cavia

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Zucchini slice dips into a creamy dip. — Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Our homemade Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is the perfect dipping sauce for appetizers together with chips and crackers. This recipe has only simple ingredients, including shredded chicken, cream cheese, and easy buffalo ranch dressing with hot sauce.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ham Roll Ups: Low Carb Appetizer

These ham roll ups are a low carb appetizer everyone will love. Thinly sliced ham is layered with cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onions. No cooking required and they take just minutes to make. A tasty appetizer you can easily prepare in advance so you can enjoy your party too!
Get the Recipe: Ham Roll Ups: Low Carb Appetizer

Festive Pine Cone Cheese Ball

Pine Cone Cheese Ball on a board with bread behind. — Festive Pine Cone Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn How to Make Pine Cone Cheese Ball Recipe as a perfect festive breakfast or appetizer using almonds. Skip cream cheese and enjoy cheese mixture using our famous garlic homemade cheese dip instead.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pine Cone Cheese Ball

Easy Pasta Salad Skewers

Skewers with tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and slices of pepperoni arranged on parchment paper, accompanied by a small bowl of green dipping sauce. — Easy Pasta Salad Skewers. Image Credit: Inquiring Chef

These pasta salad skewers are the perfect answer to serving a salad for a cocktail party! Tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil are layered onto skewers for an easy to eat handheld appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Salad Skewers

Easy 10-Minute Caprese Dip With Cream Cheese

A glass dish with a layer of cream cheese topped with pesto and sliced cherry tomatoes. Slices of toasted bread are arranged on the side. The dish is placed on a checkered cloth and an orange napkin. — Easy 10-Minute Caprese Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Combining cream cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and pesto, this dip has a rich and savory flavor. Just layer the ingredients and bake for 10 minutes, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time. The red and green colors are perfectly festive for your holiday table. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crunchy veggies.
Get the Recipe: Easy 10-Minute Caprese Dip With Cream Cheese

Quick and Easy Bruschetta Al Pomodoro Recipe

A person's hand picking up a slice of bruschetta al pomodoro. — Quick and Easy Bruschetta Al Pomodoro Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Bruschetta al pomodoro is a delicious appetizer that’s made with simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and warm, crusty bread makes for a refreshing and flavorful bite that will keep you wanting more. Seriously, this easy-to-make snack will give you nothing but big flavors and pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Bruschetta Al Pomodoro Recipe

Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers Recipe

Need a fun to make and fun to eat appetizer skewers? This easy cold appetizer on a stick is made with layers of Swiss cheese, ham, Dijon mustard, salami, and baby dill pickles.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers Recipe

Whipped Ricotta Crostinis

Crostinis are one of everyone’s classic cold finger foods! Crispy homemade toasts are topped with a sweet, herb-filled creamy ricotta cheese. While the toasts need to be cooked, you can also use store bought toasts to skip the cooking. Full of rich creamy flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Crostinis

The Best Cranberry Brie Bites

Close-up of flaky pastry appetizers filled with diced nuts and a dark red jam, garnished with fresh sprigs of rosemary, arranged on a white plate. — The Best Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Cranberry brie bites are the perfect bite-sized appetizers for all your special occasions. Quick and easy, quite fancy, and oh-so-pretty! With creamy brie, buttery puff pastry, sweet-tart cranberry, and crunchy pecans in every bite, they’re sooo good that you’d want to make a whole batch just for yourself! The best part? You only need 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on time to make these beauties.
Get the Recipe: The Best Cranberry Brie Bites

Baked Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

Mini zucchini quiches with golden, flaky crusts are arranged on a baking sheet. The filling is light green with visible zucchini shreds, indicating a freshly baked, savory treat. — Baked Zucchini Appetizer Quiches. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage

Serve a zucchini appetizer right out of the oven or at room temperature, baked in prepared phyllo cups, they’re a breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini Appetizer Quiches

Tasty Vegan Pinwheels

Large flour tortillas are filled with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and a delicious, easy to make chickpea spread make a tasty cold appetizer that’s great to serve for parties.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Pinwheels

Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

A plate with fresh vegetables, including celery, carrots, red bell pepper, and cucumber slices, arranged around a bowl of creamy dip garnished with chopped herbs. — Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This classic onion dip recipe is a potluck favorite, and with only three ingredients, it’s also a breeze to make. Serve with your favorite chips or veggies and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

Strawberry Balsamic Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

A simple appetizer that combines a stunning look with Classic Italian flavors of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and cracked black pepper. The addition of cream cheese makes a creamy, tangy base for the strawberry topping.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Balsamic Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

Easy Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls

A simple cold appetizer that’s easy to make for groups large and small. Use lavash bread for the base and top it with creamy cheese and crisp cucumbers. Great texture and flavor for a light and fresh appetizer that’s a great addition to any party menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls

Creamy Garlic Whipped Ricotta Dip Recipe

This creamy concoction is one of the best cold dips to serve! Blended ricotta cheese, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a handful of herbs make a winning dip your guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Whipped Ricotta Dip Recipe

29 Stress-Free Christmas Snacks For A Jolly Good Time

A white bowl filled with popcorn, pretzels, red and green candies, and red sprinkles, all drizzled with chocolate. The bowl is placed on a green textured cloth on a marble surface. Some popcorn pieces are scattered around. — 29 Stress-Free Christmas Snacks. Photo Credit: Quick Prep Recipes

Snack your way through the holidays by finding the perfect balance of festive treats and easy-to-make recipes that won’t leave you stressed in the kitchen. We’ve gathered mouthwatering snacks to make your holiday celebrations unforgettable, from crunchy pretzel treats and creamy deviled eggs to sweet-and-salty Chex mixes and indulgent cheese balls, there’s something for every craving. Don’t miss out—explore these easy holiday snacks to keep your celebrations stress-free and oh-so-jolly! Get All The Recipes: 29 Stress-Free Christmas Snacks For A Jolly Good Time

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