The Best Christmas Appetizer Recipes

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Christmas wreath of festive snacks. Cheese canapes with vegetables and ham. Christmas food wreath. Christmas Appetizers from The Old Farmer's Almanac
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A simple charcuterie board in the shape of a wreath (with rosemary accents!), is an easy way to bring a festive feel to your holiday celebrations.

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Nina Firsova/Shutterstock

12 Festive Appetizers for Christmas Parties and Dinners

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Ho, ho, ho! Here are 12 of our favorite Christmas appetizer recipes. Whether it’s classic deviled eggs or shrimp cocktail, find some great ideas that range from tasty plates to elegant hors d’oeuvres.

We’ve listed small dishes that could serve as an appetizer or starter or hors d’oeuvres for a Christmas meal. Whether you’re sitting down for a multi-course feast or attending a holiday potluck, we hope you find something delicious to enjoy!

12 Christmas Appetizers

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Traditionally, many families start Christmas dinner with a seafood plate. The classic shrimp cocktail is an easy one. We’ll show you how to perfectly poach your shrimp, plus make a tangy dipping sauce.

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Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus 

This is essentially a two-ingredient dish, and it is always a hit. If you do have any leftovers, serve it chilled in a salad.

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Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus 

Polpettini on Spoons (Meatballs)

Mini meatballs served with tomato sauce and fresh parsley. What’s not to love?

Meatballs on spoons. Photo by Sma Jones/Quinn Brein
Polpettini on Spoons (Meatballs)
Photo Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein.

Individual Party Quiches 

These delicious quiches are highly customizable, making them the perfect addition to any holiday party. 

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Individual Party Quiches 
Photo Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock

Caprese Bruschetta

This red and green Caprese Bruschetta appetizer is so simple. The layers of bread, mozzarella, tomato, and basil stack up for one tasty morsel! 
 

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Caprese Bruschetta
Credit: Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pass a tray of these at your next party and watch them disappear. Stuffed mushrooms are great to make ahead and reheat just before serving. 

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Stuffed Mushrooms
Photo by Sam Jones/Quinn Brein

Best-Ever Cheese Ball

No holiday party is complete without a giant cheese ball! It will disappear before your eyes. Note: The cheese ball tastes even better when made a day ahead.

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Best-Ever Cheese Ball
Photo by Sam Jones of Quinn/Brein.

Cranberry Chutney

Slather our cranberry chutney over melted brie on crackers, crostini—or a baked round of brie. This chutney’s best if you make it in advance (at least the day before). 

(The chutney is also an excellent condiment with roasted pork or poultry.)

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Cranberry Chutney

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Salty bacon wrapped around sweet scallops is a luscious appetizer. They may look fancy, but they’re easy to make.

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Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Photo by Matt Antonino

Spiced Nuts 

Ever had homemade spiced nuts? The authentic spices mixed with sweetness taste amazing. These spiced nuts are easy to make and addictive!

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Spiced Nuts 
Photo Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.

Classic Deviled Eggs 

You can’t go wrong with classic deviled eggs. Prepared in as little as 20 minutes, these savory treats are packed with protein, too.

Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo by Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.
Classic Deviled Eggs 
Photo by Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

This Florentine Spinach Dip won first prize in The 2015 Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest!

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Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Photo by Becky Luigart-Stayner

More Christmas Recipe Collections

What are your favorite holiday appetizers? Let us know in the comments!

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
 

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