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Christmas parties are a lot more fun when the food is easy. You want bites that kids will actually eat, that grown ups will love too, and that do not keep you stuck in the kitchen all night.
These appetizers are simple and family friendly. Many can be made ahead, a few need no oven at all, and most use ingredients you can grab in one grocery trip.
Here are 15 easy Christmas appetizers the whole family will love, from cranberry brie bites to pull-apart pigs in a blanket.
The Best Christmas Appetizers
This article is all about the best Christmas appetizers.
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
What it is: Crescent roll dough pressed into a mini muffin pan, filled with a cube of brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a few chopped pecans, then baked for about 10 minutes.
There are only four main ingredients and the whole batch is done in 30 minutes. Little hands can help drop the brie and cranberry sauce into each cup. Tip: If your kids are not into rosemary, add it after baking as a garnish so it is easy to pick off.
2. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
What it is: Fresh cranberries pulsed with jalapenos, green onions, cilantro, sugar and lime juice, then spooned over a layer of whipped cream cheese.
It takes about 10 minutes of work and no oven. The cranberry mix needs to chill for at least an hour, and overnight is even better, so it is a great make ahead dip. Tip: Drain the cranberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer before you spoon it on so the dip does not get watery.
3. Bacon Wrapped Dates
What it is: Medjool dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in half a slice of bacon and baked at 400 degrees until the bacon is cooked.
Three ingredients and a sweet and salty bite that grown ups and older kids both grab. You can stuff and wrap them ahead and bake when guests arrive. Tip: Use thin bacon, which cooks through in the 18 to 22 minutes the dates need.
4. Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
What it is: Pieces of jalapeno cheddar smoked sausage wrapped in strips of crescent dough and baked standing up in a springform pan until puffed and golden.
It is made with just two ingredients, and kids love pulling off their own piece. Serve it with whatever dipping sauce your family likes. Tip: Set the springform pan on a parchment lined baking sheet to catch any drips while it bakes.
5. Sausage Pinwheels
What it is: Crescent dough spread with a warm mix of Italian sausage, cream cheese, candied jalapenos and picante sauce, rolled up, sliced and baked until golden.
These are easy to hold, so they work well for a crowd of kids and adults. Serve them with ranch for dipping. Tip: Slice the rolls with a serrated knife so the pinwheels keep their shape.
6. Cranberry Meatballs
What it is: Pork meatballs baked on a sheet pan, then stirred into a glossy sauce of cranberry sauce, ketchup, brown sugar and lemon juice.
The sauce is sweet and tangy, which kids usually love. Any leftovers make an easy dinner served over mashed potatoes. Tip: Use a small ice cream scoop to shape the meatballs so they are all the same size and bake evenly.
7. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
What it is: Green grapes, rosemary, cheeses, salami, kiwi, raspberries, pistachios and olives layered into the shape of a tree, with a cheese star on top and crackers underneath.
There is no cooking at all, and kids can help build each layer. It feeds a big group and looks festive on the table. Tip: Cut one block of cheese with a star cookie cutter for the top, and serve it within 2 hours since the food should not sit out longer than that.
8. Antipasto Christmas Wreath
What it is: A ring of fresh herbs topped with olives, sliced salami, marinated artichokes, red peppers, marinated mushrooms and almonds, with Parmesan and crackers on the side.
It comes together in about 20 minutes with jarred and store bought items. Kids can pick their favorite bites right off the wreath. Tip: If you make it ahead, use sturdy herbs like rosemary or bay leaves that will not wilt.
9. Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
What it is: Cream cheese, Parmesan, spinach, artichoke hearts and sauteed onion and garlic, topped with mozzarella and baked until hot and bubbly.
It is a creamy, cheesy dip that even veggie skeptics will scoop up. Serve it with tortilla chips, baguette crisps or veggies. Tip: Squeeze as much water as you can out of the thawed spinach so the dip stays thick.
10. Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
What it is: Cream cheese mixed with craisins, orange zest, orange juice and powdered sugar, then rolled in candied pecans, more craisins and orange zest.
It is a sweet, no bake cheese ball that kids like on crackers. You can make it and keep it in the fridge until the party. Tip: Set the cheese ball in the freezer for about 10 minutes before rolling it in the coating so it holds its shape.
11. Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms
What it is: Large mushrooms filled with pizza sauce, salami, red onion and olives, then topped with mozzarella and baked until the cheese melts.
Pizza flavors make mushrooms a lot more fun for kids. You can swap in whatever pizza toppings your family likes best. Tip: Cut a small cross in each mushroom cap so extra water drains out while it bakes.
12. Easy Deviled Eggs
What it is: Hard boiled egg yolks mashed with mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper, piped back into the whites and topped with paprika and bacon.
They take about 20 minutes and use simple ingredients you probably have. Deviled eggs are a holiday classic that kids and grandparents both love. Tip: Use a small cookie scoop or a piping bag to fill the egg whites quickly and neatly.
13. Sausage Balls
What it is: Ground pork sausage, baking mix, sharp cheddar, garlic powder and chopped pecans rolled into balls and baked for 18 to 22 minutes.
They are savory, cheesy and perfect for dipping. The jalapenos are optional, so leave them out for little ones. Tip: Bake them on a wire rack set over a foil lined pan so the grease drips away.
14. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
What it is: Baby bella mushroom caps filled with Italian turkey or chicken sausage, cream cheese, Parmesan, green onion, garlic and breadcrumbs, then baked until browned.
The filling is creamy and the recipe can be made in advance, which makes party day easier. They are good warm or at room temperature. Tip: Pick larger mushrooms, since they are much easier to stuff.
15. Turkey Cranberry Sliders
What it is: Hawaiian sweet rolls layered with provolone, turkey and cranberry sauce, brushed with a honey Dijon butter and baked until the cheese melts.
You can use leftover turkey or sliced deli turkey, and one pan makes 12 sliders. Kids love the soft sweet rolls. Tip: Bake them covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover for about 5 minutes so the tops get lightly browned.
Tips for Easy Christmas Appetizers
- Make some ahead. Dips, cheese balls and stuffed mushrooms can be prepped the day before so party day is calm.
- Mix hot and cold. Pair one or two oven bites with no bake boards and dips so your oven is not overloaded.
- Keep a few mild options. Leave the jalapenos out of a batch or set aside a plain portion for younger kids.
- Let kids help. Building a charcuterie tree or filling brie bites is a fun job for little helpers.
- Watch the clock. Do not leave cold foods out for more than 2 hours, and refill platters in smaller batches.
Pin this post to your Christmas or party board so you have these easy appetizers ready when the holiday invites start rolling in.