10/31/2023
MY TOP 25 Favorite Christmas Appetizers
1. Cranberry Meatballs
2. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Shrimp
3. Baked Brie with Fig and Pistachio
4. Christmas Tree Cheese Board
5. Stuffed Mushroom Caps
6. Pesto Pinwheels
7. Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
8. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
9. Mini Quiches
10. Antipasto Skewers
11. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
12. Caprese Skewers
13. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip
14. Meat and Cheese Board
15. Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders
16. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
17. Bruschetta
18. Buffalo Chicken Dip
19. Pigs in a Blanket
20. Baked Goat Cheese with Honey and Pistachios
21. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
22. Deviled Eggs
23. Mushroom Puffs
24. BBQ Lil Smokies
25. Shrimp and Avocado Salad.
25 Amazing Christmas Appetizer Recipes
1. Cranberry Meatballs: juicy and flavorful, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and cranberries, they're perfect for holiday parties.
2. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Shrimp: these shrimp are baked in a savory garlic and Parmesan butter mixture, giving them a delicious crunch and a bold flavor.
3. Baked Brie with Fig and Pistachio: a classic appetizer for the holiday season, this baked brie is served warm with a sweet fig and nut topping.
4. Christmas Tree Cheese Board: perfect for a festive presentation, create a cheese board in the shape of a Christmas tree with a variety of cheeses, charcuterie and fruit.
5. Stuffed Mushroom Caps: made with cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, these mushroom caps are filled with a savory filling and baked until golden brown.
6. Pesto Pinwheels: buttery puff pastry filled with homemade pesto, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts - these pinwheels are a great appetizer for a holiday dinner or party.
7. Shrimp Cocktail Shooters: a classic appetizer that's easy to make. Cook the shrimp and serve them in shot glasses with cocktail sauce and a bit of fresh lemon juice.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: a sweet and savory appetizer, these bacon-wrapped dates are stuffed with a tangy goat cheese filling and drizzled with maple syrup.
9. Mini Quiches: these mini quiches are loaded with cheese, bacon, and spinach, making them a delicious appetizer for brunch or any other holiday gathering.
10. Antipasto Skewers: a colorful and tasty appetizer, these skewers are filled with various meats, cheese, olives, and peppers.
11. Spinach and Artichoke Dip: this classic dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Made with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, it's perfect for dipping crackers or vegetables.
12. Caprese Skewers: reminiscent of summer, these skewers are filled with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves, making them a colorful and refreshing appetizer.
13. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip: perfect for seafood lovers, this dip features smoked salmon mixed with cream cheese, green onions, and lemon juice.
14. Meat and Cheese Board: a classic appetizer that can be customized to your liking with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers.
15. Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders: easy to make and delicious, these sliders are filled with ham, Swiss cheese, and a sweet and tangy sauce.
16. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops: a decadent appetizer, these scallops are wrapped in bacon and broiled until crispy and delicious.
17. Bruschetta: a classic Italian appetizer that's easy to make. Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
18. Buffalo Chicken Dip: a spicy and creamy dip that's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or vegetables.
19. Pigs in a Blanket: a classic appetizer, these mini hot dogs are wrapped in crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown.
20. Baked Goat Cheese with Honey and Pistachios: tangy goat cheese is baked until warm and creamy, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pistachios for crunch.
21. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms: a savory appetizer, these stuffed mushrooms are filled with spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
22. Deviled Eggs: a classic appetizer that can be made in advance. Hard-boiled eggs filled with a creamy, spicy filling and sprinkled with paprika.
23. Mushroom Puffs: buttery puff pastry filled with sautéed mushrooms and herbs make for a delicious and easy appetizer.
24. BBQ Lil Smokies: a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these mini sausages are cooked in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
25. Shrimp and Avocado Salad: a refreshing and light appetizer, this salad features avocado and shrimp tossed in a tangy dressing and served in individual glasses.
25 Amazing Christmas Appetizer Recipes
1. Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Toothpicks, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, cranberries, milk, garlic, salt, black pepper, parsley, and egg until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Coat the meatballs in flour.
4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Serve with toothpicks.
2. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Shrimp
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
3. Baked Brie with Fig and Pistachio
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup diced figs
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Remove any rind from the top of the Brie cheese wheel.
3. Place the Brie wheel in a brie baker or on a baking dish.
4. Top the brie with diced figs and chopped pistachios.
5. Drizzle honey over the top of the brie.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
4. Christmas Tree Cheese Board
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses, cubed or sliced
- Assorted cured meats, sliced
- Assorted fruits, such as grapes and berries
- Assorted nuts, such as almonds and pecans
- Assorted crackers and bread, sliced
- Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme
- Assorted olives and pickled vegetables
Instructions:
1. Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, crackers, bread, herbs, olives, and pickled vegetables on a cheese board or platter in the shape of a Christmas tree.
2. Serve and enjoy!
5. Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushroom caps, stems removed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the mushroom caps.
4. Arrange the stuffed mushroom caps in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
6. Pesto Pinwheels
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
3. Spread the pesto over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts over the pesto.
5. Starting at the short end, roll the puff pastry into a tight log.
6. Cut the puff pastry log into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pinwheels are golden brown.
8. Serve and enjoy!
7. Shrimp Cocktail Shooters
Ingredients:
- 12 cooked large shrimp
- 1/2 cup cocktail sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 12 shot glasses
Instructions:
1. Peel the cooked shrimp, leaving the tails attached.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cocktail sauce, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
3. Spoon the sauce into shot glasses.
4. Place a cooked shrimp in each shot glass, tail side up.
5. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Toothpicks, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the goat cheese and maple syrup until well combined.
3. Stuff each pitted date with a spoonful of the goat cheese mixture.
4. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the dates are caramelized.
7. Serve with toothpicks.
9. Mini Quiches
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crust, room temperature
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll the refrigerated pie crust and cut it into 24 circles using a 2-inch biscuit cutter.
3. Press the pie crust circles into the cups of a mini cupcake pan.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, chopped spinach, salt, and black pepper.
6. Spoon the egg mixture into the pie crust cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the quiches are set.
8. Serve and enjoy!
10. Antipasto Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Sliced salami
- Sliced pepperoni
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced green olives
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
1. Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, salami, pepperoni, black olives, and green olives onto skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
11. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips or sliced bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon the dip into a small baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or sliced bread.
12. Caprese Skewers
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
1. Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves onto skewers.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
13. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Crackers or sliced cucumber, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh lemon juice, and chopped smoked salmon until well combined.
2. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Serve with crackers or sliced cucumber.
14. Meat and Cheese Board
Ingredients:
- Assorted cheeses, cubed or sliced
- Assorted cured meats, sliced
- Assorted fruits, such as grapes and berries
- Assorted nuts, such as almonds and pecans
- Assorted crackers and bread, sliced
- Fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme
- Assorted olives and pickled vegetables
Instructions:
1. Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, crackers, bread, herbs, olives, and pickled vegetables on a cheese board or platter.
2. Serve and enjoy!
15. Christmas Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns
- 12 slices ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally.
3. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on the bottom half of each slider bun.
4. Place the top half of the slider bun on top of the ham and cheese.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and poppy seeds.
6. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the slider buns are golden brown.
8. Serve and enjoy!
16. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Ingredients:
- 12 large sea scallops
- 6 strips bacon, cut in half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Season the scallops with salt and black pepper.
3. Wrap each scallop with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Arrange the bacon-wrapped scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the scallops are cooked through.
6. Serve with toothpicks.
17. Bruschetta
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, cut in half
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Rub each baguette slice with the cut side of the garlic.
5. In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the baguette slices.
7. Serve and enjoy!
18. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Tortilla chips or celery sticks, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded chicken until well combined.
3. Spoon the dip into a small baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is hot and bubbly.
5. Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
19. Pigs in a Blanket
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 12 cocktail sausages
- Ketchup and mustard, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it into 12 strips.
3. Roll each cocktail sausage in a strip of crescent roll dough.
4. Place the pigs in a blanket on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the sausages are cooked through.
6. Serve with ketchup and mustard.
20. Baked Goat Cheese with Honey and Pistachios
Ingredients:
- 1 log of goat cheese
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Slice the goat cheese log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Place the goat cheese rounds in a small baking dish.
4. Drizzle the honey over the top of the goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the honey.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is warm and creamy.
7. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.
21. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushroom caps, stems removed
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Spoon the spinach mixture into the mushroom caps.
4. Arrange the stuffed mushroom caps in a baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
22. Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Cover the saucepan and remove from the heat.
4. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for 12 minutes.
5. Drain the water and immediately run cold water over the eggs to cool them down.
6. Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
7. Scoop out the yolks into a bowl.
8. Add the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the egg yolks and stir until well combined.
9. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
10. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
23. Mushroom Puffs
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a skillet, cook the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic until tender and browned.
3. Season the mushroom mixture with salt and black pepper.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
5. Cut the puff pastry into 12 squares.
6. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
7. Top the mushroom mixture with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares up and over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal.
9. Place the mushroom puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
11. Serve and enjoy!
24. BBQ Lil Smokies
Ingredients:
- 1 package little smokies
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
3. Arrange the little smokies in a baking dish.
4. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the little smokies, tossing to coat.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the little smokies are hot and the sauce is bubbly.
6. Serve and enjoy!
25. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Spoon the shrimp and avocado salad into individual glasses.
3. Serve and enjoy!
