Feeding a large group during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful.
The key is choosing Christmas appetizers that are easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.
From hot bites to cold platters, these festive starters help kick off any Christmas party with flavor and style.
Below are some of the best Christmas appetizers for a crowd, guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Mini puff-pastry cups filled with melted brie and a spoonful of tart cranberry sauce.
They’re elegant, sweet-savory, and perfect for passing around before dinner.
2. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Juicy mushrooms packed with a flavorful sausage-cream cheese mixture.
They bake quickly and can be prepped hours ahead, making them ideal for large gatherings.
3. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A fresh and vibrant option—mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil on mini skewers.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction for a festive red-green presentation.
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4. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, warm, and cheesy, this dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices.
It’s always the first dish to disappear at holiday parties.
5. Pigs in a Blanket
An absolute crowd favorite.
Mini sausages wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked until golden.
Serve with mustard or holiday cranberry ketchup.
6. Christmas Charcuterie Board
A spread of meats, cheeses, fruit, crackers, dips, and festive touches like rosemary or sugared cranberries.
It feeds a lot of people with very little effort.
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7. Shrimp Cocktail Platter
Light, refreshing, and elegant.
Arrange chilled shrimp around a bowl of zesty cocktail sauce for a classic appetizer that never goes out of style.
8. Mini Meatballs with Cranberry BBQ Glaze
Perfect for slow cookers, these bite-sized meatballs simmer in a sweet-tangy cranberry barbecue sauce that feels festive and flavorful.
9. Deviled Eggs with Holiday Toppings
A nostalgic appetizer that’s easy to customize.
Add toppings like chives, crispy bacon, or paprika trees to make them look more Christmas-ready.
10. Baked Brie with Rosemary and Pecans
Warm brie topped with rosemary, honey, and toasted pecans.
Serve with crackers or sliced apples for a rich, comforting starter.
11. Holiday Pinwheels
Flour tortillas layered with cream cheese, spinach, dried cranberries, and turkey or ham.
Roll, slice, and serve for a quick make-ahead appetizer.
12. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
Soft, buttery bread filled with garlic and cheese.
Guests can tear off pieces easily, making it perfect for large gatherings.
13. Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Sweet and crunchy, served with an orange-chili dipping sauce.
They look fancy but cook fast—ideal for holiday hosts with limited time.
14. Loaded Potato Bites
Mini roasted potatoes topped with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions.
They’re like tiny, festive baked potatoes everyone loves.
15. Holiday Cheese Balls
Shape them into Christmas trees, wreaths, or ornaments.
Cream cheese mixed with herbs, cheddar, and spices makes a visually striking centerpiece.
16. Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Swirls
Flaky pastry rolled with spinach, feta, garlic, and herbs.
They bake into golden spirals that are easy to serve and perfect for vegetarians.
17. Crispy Chicken Tenders with Sweet Chili Dip
A kid-friendly and adult-approved appetizer.
Serve a big platter with festive dips like cranberry-sweet chili or garlic aioli.
18. Antipasto Skewers
Cured meats, olives, mozzarella, and artichokes on skewers make a fun, no-cook appetizer option that’s easy to scale up for crowds.
19. Mini Crab Cakes
Crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Serve with lemon aioli or tartar sauce for an elegant seafood choice.
20. Christmas Veggie Platter
Turn vegetables into a festive tree or wreath.
Serve with ranch or hummus to keep things light and refreshing among heavier holiday dishes.
