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15 Delicious Holiday Appetizer Recipes

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When it comes to finding delicious holiday appetizers, the options are endless — and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed deciding what to make! From creamy goat cheese bites to festive cheese balls, crostini, sliders, dips, and elegant charcuterie boards, there’s something here for every type of celebration.

The holidays are all about gathering around food, family, and laughter, so think about what flavors your guests love most. Do you prefer savory and cheesy, or light and refreshing? Maybe you’re hosting a cozy Christmas Eve get-together, a sparkling New Year’s Eve party, or a relaxed family game night — appetizers can set the tone for each occasion.

Below, you’ll find 15 incredible holiday appetizer recipes. Each one offers unique flavors and creative twists, perfect for adding to your seasonal menu. But before you start pinning your favorites, here are a few fun ways to make them even more special:

Crostini and deviled eggs on a platter

Creative Ways to Serve Holiday Appetizers

  • Create a Mini Appetizer Buffet: Offer bite-sized portions of 4–5 appetizers so guests can sample everything. Use tiered trays or wooden boards for a festive look.
  • Add a Signature Touch: Include your own homemade dip, a seasonal garnish like sugared cranberries, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
  • Theme Your Spread: Choose a color palette — red and green for Christmas, gold and silver for New Year’s — and coordinate napkins, garnishes, and serving trays.
  • Pair with Drinks: Match appetizers with festive beverages like my Hibiscus Green Tea Spritzer, hot apple cider, or sparkling mocktails for a beautiful pairing.
  • Make Ahead When Possible: Choose recipes that can be prepped early so you can enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

With a mix of classic favorites and creative ideas, these holiday appetizers will make your next celebration memorable and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a large party or an intimate evening by the fire, there’s something here to make everyone happy.

Holiday Appetizer Recipes

1
How to Make a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
This edible Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board combines the joy of decorating a Christmas tree with the irresistible flavors of charcuterie.
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2
Puff Pastry Appetizers with Chicken
These two bite-size savory appetizers will make a big statement at your next family get-together.
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3
Make this Cute Reindeer Cheese Ball for Your Holiday Gatherings
Add a little fun to your appetizer table with this reindeer cheese ball. Friends and family will love how cute it is and will enjoy every flavorful bite.
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4
Christmas Wreath Cheese Board
Surprise guests with a plate full of holiday flavors and your favorite cheeses with this festive Christmas wreath cheese board.
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5
Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
A popular holiday appetizer that you’ll find at just about every party, these meatballs with grape jelly and chili sauce are delicious.
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6
Christmas Pesto Tree Bread
An appetizer that is sure to impress, this Christmas pesto tree bread is easy to make and will be hit with everyone at the holiday party.
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7
Holiday Cheese Ball Trio
Not one cheese ball, but three, this delicious holiday trio will make the perfect holiday appetizer that guests can enjoy throughout the party.
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8
Cornucopia Salami Rollups with Cream Cheese
Salami is rolled and filled with a delicious cream cheese and herb filling to make this tasty holiday appetizer.
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9
Cheesy Apple Bites
Fresh apples are topped with a creamy mixture of cheese, honey, pomegranate seeds, and other spices to create a delicious holiday appetizer guests will love.
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10
Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini
Full of flavor and easy to make, this ricotta and roasted red pepper crostini is a delicious holiday appetizer guests will love.
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11
Christmas Deviled Eggs – Keto Holiday Appetizers
A festive holiday appetizer, these Christmas deviled eggs are decorated for the holidays and will be a delicious appetizer for guests to enjoy.
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12
Garlic Dill Cream Cheese Schmear – ‘Christmas Gift’
Super cute and fun for the holidays, this garlic dill cheese spread is shaped and decorated like Christmas gifts for the holidays!
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13
Whipped Feta Cranberry Dip
Perfect for the holidays, this whipped feta cranberry dip is a tart and sweet holiday appetizer that friends and family will love.
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14
Easy Baked Goat Cheese and Honey Appetizer
Easy to put together, these baked goat cheese and honey bites will be a crowd pleaser during the holiday festivities
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15
Marinated Mozzarella Balls [An Easy Appetizer]
If you are looking for an easy holiday appetizer that you can make ahead of time, these marinated mozzarella balls are a delicious choice.
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Before You Go…

If you loved this collection, make sure to save it to Pinterest so you can find these appetizer ideas later — perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any festive occasion!

I’d also love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me which appetizer you’re excited to try first, or share your own favorite holiday bite-size creation. Your ideas might even inspire my next post!

And if you’re planning a full holiday spread, you might also enjoy:

More Appetizers

About Candi Elm

Candi Elm is the recipe developer and food photographer at A Day In Candiland where she has been sharing Encouragement, Recipes, and Afternoon Tea Ideas since 2012. Candi currently lives in Southern California with her family and enjoying life to the fullest.