I like to start every holiday gathering with delicious appetizers that bring everyone together. Appetizers are a great way to welcome guests and set a festive mood.

They’re easy to share, fun to eat, and perfect for mingling while everyone catches up. Whether it’s something savory, creamy, or a little fancy, appetizers are always a hit and make the party feel special.

This list has some of my favorite Christmas appetizers, each one offering a unique flavor and easy-to-follow recipe. From classics like shrimp cocktail and spinach artichoke dip to more festive options like cranberry brie bites and mini crab cakes, there’s something here for every taste. Each recipe is simple to make, yet full of flavor, so you can create a beautiful and delicious spread without too much fuss.

So, if you’re looking for tasty ideas to kick off your Christmas party, try these appetizers! They’re perfect for small family gatherings or big holiday parties and are sure to impress your guests. With a mix of warm, cold, cheesy, and savory options, these appetizers will make your holiday celebrations even more enjoyable.

1. Smoked Salmon Crostini

These smoked salmon crostini are elegant and easy, combining creamy cream cheese, fresh dill, and savory smoked salmon on toasted baguette slices. They’re a light yet flavorful appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Time: 15 mins | Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 4 oz smoked salmon, sliced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp capers
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the Baguette: Lightly toast baguette slices in a toaster oven or broil until golden.
2. Assemble the Crostini: Spread cream cheese on each baguette slice, then top with a piece of smoked salmon.
3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh dill, capers, and black pepper. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

2. Cranberry Brie Bites

These bite-sized cranberry brie bites are festive, warm, and gooey. With puff pastry, creamy brie, and sweet cranberry sauce, they’re an easy yet elegant appetizer.

Time: 20 mins | Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cut into 12 squares
• 12 small pieces of brie cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Assemble Bites: Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin, add a piece of brie, and top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
3. Bake and Garnish: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is golden. Garnish with rosemary for a festive touch.

3. Mini Caprese Skewers

These colorful mini Caprese skewers feature fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for a refreshing, easy-to-eat appetizer.

Time: 10 mins | Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 cherry tomatoes
• 16 fresh mozzarella balls
• 16 basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

1. Assemble Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each toothpick or small skewer.
2. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Arrange on a platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
3. Serve Fresh: Serve immediately for a light, refreshing appetizer.

4. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are filled with a creamy, garlicky cream cheese mixture and topped with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish. They’re savory, satisfying, and perfect for holiday parties.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 20 large mushrooms, stems removed
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stuff Mushrooms: Spoon filling into each mushroom cap, then top with breadcrumbs.
4. Bake and Serve: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until mushrooms are tender and the topping is golden.

5. Spinach Artichoke Dip

This warm, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip is rich, creamy, and perfect for dipping with chips, bread, or veggies. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite!

Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, chopped
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake and Serve: Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly. Serve warm with chips or bread.

6. Sausage Cheese Balls

These bite-sized sausage cheese balls are savory, cheesy, and easy to make. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and are sure to be a hit with guests.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups Bisquick mix
• ¼ cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sausage, cheddar cheese, Bisquick mix, and milk until fully combined.
3. Form and Bake: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

7. Pigs in a Blanket

Mini hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent dough make for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick and easy to make.

Time: 20 mins | Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 12 mini hot dogs or sausages
• 1 egg, beaten (optional for brushing)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap Hot Dogs: Cut the dough into strips and wrap each mini hot dog. Place them on a baking sheet.
3. Brush and Bake: Brush with beaten egg if desired for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

8. Shrimp Cocktail

This classic shrimp cocktail with a spicy, tangy cocktail sauce is refreshing and light, making it perfect for holiday parties.

Time: 15 mins | Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, cooked and peeled
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Cocktail Sauce: In a bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Serve with Shrimp: Arrange shrimp on a platter with the cocktail sauce in the center.
3. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes before serving to keep shrimp cold.

9. Mini Crab Cakes

These mini crab cakes are flavorful, crispy, and filled with delicious crab meat. They’re perfect for an elegant yet easy appetizer.

Time: 25 mins | Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 lb crab meat
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare Crab Cake Mixture: In a bowl, mix crab meat, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into small patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. Cook Crab Cakes: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry each patty for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

10. Parmesan Garlic Knots

These soft, fluffy garlic knots are brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan for a deliciously savory appetizer.

Time: 20 mins | Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Form Knots: Cut the pizza dough into strips, tie each strip into a knot, and place on a baking sheet.
3. Brush with Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with garlic and brush over each knot. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
4. Bake and Garnish: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, then garnish with fresh parsley.