A Collection of Delicious Christmas Holiday Appetizer Recipes for the Whole Family

The holiday season is underway, and that means it's time to bring in the cheer and merriment with fun activities, gifts, and most importantly, delicious food. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or having a small family dinner, appetizers are a key component to making your event memorable and enjoyable for all. To help you out, we've rounded up our top Christmas Holiday Appetizer recipes for you to serve up during the festive season.

Classic Party Snacks

For those looking to stick to tried-and-true favorites, classic party snacks are always a hit. Cheese and crackers, vegetable trays, deviled eggs, and mini sandwiches are just a few classic appetizers that can be prepared ahead of time and served at a moments notice. If you're feeling creative, consider incorporating festive elements into these classic dishes such as adding winter-spiced nuts to cheese plates or making snowman shaped sandwiches on mini bagels.

Spiced Nuts

An easy and delicious appetizer to make for any holiday gathering are spiced nuts. This dish can be customized to your own personal tastes and dietary needs by choosing from a variety of spices, nuts, and seeds. Some flavors to consider when making spiced nuts are smoked paprika, rosemary, garlic, and lemon. For those who prefer a sweeter option, try adding cinnamon and sugar for a festive twist.

Cheese Ball

The perfect holiday appetizer can be found in the form of a cheese ball. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also allows you to customize it to fit your party's theme. For a more traditional option, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and herbs are the way to go. Alternatively, you can get creative and incorporate different fruits, nuts, and herbs to create something truly unique.

Antipasti Skewers

For a light yet satisfying appetizer, antipasti skewers are the way to go. Start by picking out an assortment of olives, cheese, vegetables, and cured meats, then layer them onto wooden skewers. Vary the colors and textures for a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle the entire dish with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano for added flavor. Serve up these mouth-watering skewers with some crusty bread for a complete appetizer.

Salmon Crostini

If you're looking for a more sophisticated appetizer, salmon crostini is ideal. Start by preparing a mixture of diced smoked salmon, capers, dill, and cream cheese. Spread the mixture onto thin slices of toasted baguette, then top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. This simple and flavorful appetizer is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Mini Quiches

Mini quiches are an excellent choice for any holiday party. They can be made in advance and served warm or cold. Start by making a basic egg and cream mixture and add in your choice of vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. Pour the mixture into pre-made tart shells and bake until golden brown. You can even make them ahead of time and freeze until ready to serve.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

No holiday party is complete without a sweet treat, and chocolate covered strawberries are the ideal option. Simply melt your favorite type of dark or white chocolate, dip fresh strawberries in the melted chocolate, then let cool until the chocolate has hardened. Place them on a plate and serve. This delicious dessert can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for larger gatherings.

The Ultimate Christmas Appetizers 12 Delicious Recipes