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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6

Hot Double-Onion Dip

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 to bring for finger food? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
May 20, 2024

How do I host an appetizer only party? ›

Planning Your Appetizer Party Menu

Bruschetta, breadsticks, crackers, and rolls are also mainstays. Protein: Serve meat or fish dishes, such as meatballs, chicken wings, or sushi, to give your guests protein. You could also make an egg, cheese, or tofu appetizer. Try these grilled appetizer recipes.

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.

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

What dishes should you bring to a party?
  • Party vol-au-vents. Despite the trend for mini burgers, individual bowls of stew and other such bijou party food, retro vol-au-vents are a timeless classic. ...
  • Pies. ...
  • Salads and sides. ...
  • Terrine and pâté ...
  • Infused vodka. ...
  • Pulled pork. ...
  • Pastry bites. ...
  • Big dishes.

How many appetizers do I need for 75 guests? ›

Caterers often plan a minimum of 4 different choices for groups of 25-100 or more, adding an additional choice for each 25 people. A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

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.

How many hors d'oeuvres for 80 people? ›

For an event during mealtime, plan on 12-15 total pieces per guest so that they're appetite is satisfied. If the event occurs between standard mealtimes, allocate 8 – 10 pieces per person for nibbling. Finally, for longer parties lasting longer than 4 hours, allocate 2 additional pieces per person, per hour.

What are some good finger food appetizers? ›

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy. They are easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients, then cooked on the grill. Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser.

What are the 7 types of appetizers? ›

Classification of Appetizers
  • co*cktails.
  • Hors d' oeuvres.
  • Canape.
  • Relishes/Crudite.
  • Salads.
  • Soup & Consommé
  • Chips & DIps.
Jul 14, 2023

What's the difference between appetizers and hors d'oeuvres? ›

Time Eaten: Hors d'oeuvres are typically served before the meal even begins, while appetizers tend to indicate the beginning of the meal. An hors d'oeuvre isn't considered to be part of the meal, but appetizers are usually chosen specifically to complement the following courses.

How to plan appetizers for a crowd? ›

I usually figure about 1.5 of each appetizer per person. This number can vary a little, depending on number of total appetizers and time of the party. If the party is scheduled over the dinner hour, figure more pieces per person or add an additional appetizer to the menu.

What food can I bring for my coworkers? ›

Healthy Snacks for Work
  • Apples and Nut Butter.
  • Cheese and Crackers.
  • Chocolate Milk.
  • Dark Chocolate.
  • Dried Fruit and Nuts.
  • Pita Chips and Hummus Pack.
  • Tuna Pouch.
May 16, 2022

Do you bring a gift to a work Christmas party? ›

Alison Green: So etiquette says no on the gift. The etiquette rule is supposed to be that, at work, gifts should flow downward, not upward, meaning that your manager can give a gift to you, but you should not give a gift upward. And the reason is the power dynamics in the relationship.

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