35 Christmas Appetizers & Dip Recipes

This year, go wild with simple Christmas appetizers that can be done in under 30 minutes – I have more than 25 ideas for you that have been tested over the years by very picky guests 😉

From Grinch charcuterie board to champagne grapes and classic warm dips – this list has it all. I made sure to include cheap and quick recipes that are always a hit, and a few holiday-themed apps that are SO festive and pretty, they can make an easy centerpiece.

Wreath Charcuterie Board

Nothing beats holiday-themed charcuterie boards for me – they are SO simple and SO stunning! You can have the same cheeses and meats, but simply arrange them in a wreath and add some Christmas details, cut out star shapes in cheese and add rosemary sprigs, and that’s literally it!

Get the recipe: Wreath Charcuterie Board

Seared Scallops

Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant-level appetizer or main course for Christmas and New Year’s dinner is, hands down, seared scallops! These beauties are ready in 15 minutes and are so delicate and delicious!

Get the recipe: Seared Scallops

Hot Cocoa Dip

How about something sweet? This dessert dip is made with marshmallow fluff, cocoa, and whipped topping for a fluffy, chocolatey treat. Super simple. Everyone loves it and asks for the recipe over and over again. It takes just 10 minutes to mix together and pairs well with graham crackers or fruit. It will work as an appetizer or a dessert!

Get the recipe: Hot Cocoa Dip

Baked Brie and Preserves

This elegant appetizer is a timeless classic for parties – warm, melty brie topped with your favorite fruit preserves and nuts. It bakes up gooey and gorgeous in just 20 minutes. Works amazingly for romantic nights, too!

Get the recipe: Baked Brie and Preserves

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Fresh cranberries, jalapeño, and cilantro come together in a sweet-spicy salsa layered over cream cheese. Serve it with crackers for a beautiful, flavor-packed bite. A holiday-ready appetizer with amazing, bold flavors.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Champagne Grapes

An effortless appetizer for New Year’s and Christmas night – juicy grapes infused with champagne and sweetened with sugar. They are PERFECT for a romantic celebration for just the two of you.

Get the recipe: Champagne Grapes

Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

My friends love these smokies not just for game nights, but for holidays, too! And I am happy to please – they take 10 minutes of prep time, and off they go in the oven. BBQ rub with brown sugar caramelizes till sweet and savory perfection. I LOVE it.

Get the recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Restaurant-level dippers just like at Olive Garden! These breadsticks are buttery, soft, and garlicky – simply perfect for all the dips or as an add-on for charcuterie boards this Christmas.

Get the recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks

Baked Meatballs in Oven

Meatball appetizers are huge during Christmas, and this is one of my favorite recipes to make a quick appetizer when I don’t have time. I just grab frozen meatballs and 2 more ingredients, and in 30 minutes, I serve them for my holiday crowd. Everyone is happy!

Get the recipe: Baked Meatballs in Oven

Grinch Charcuterie Board

Do you rewatch Grinch movies every year? I confess, I often do. And I absolutely love all Grinch-themed food for Christmas, so I made this fun charcuterie spread.

Get the recipe: Grinch Charcuterie Board

Mini Bacon Onion Ranch Cheese Balls

These bite-sized cheese balls are always a hit at parties! Packed with bacon, cream cheese, parsley, ranch seasoning, and rolled in more crunchy goodness. Served on pretzel sticks, they make such a genius finger food for a crowd!

Get the recipe: Mini Bacon Onion Ranch Cheese Balls

Cookie Dough Dip

Want something sweet but quick for your Christmas party? Easy! Make edible cookie dough. My go-to recipe is the classic chocolate chip cookie dough that takes just 5 minutes to prep.

Get the recipe: Cookie Dough Dip

Reindeer Chow

This sweet chocolate Reindeer puppy chow mix is perfect for snacking and will keep guests of any age occupied. For hosts, it means no cooking and minimal prep time – exactly what we love most, right?

Get the recipe: Reindeer Chow

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

These mini sandwiches layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and melty cheese on soft rolls. They’re sweet, salty, and crowd-ready. A great appetizer for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, or an idea to use leftover turkey the next day.

Get the recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Smoked Cream Cheese

Smoked cream cheese is so underrated! It is one of my favorite appetizers, far beyond game days – it is so amazing for a Christmas party! Seasoned with chili and paprika, smoked low and slow – this cream cheese is so good, you’ll eat it as a dip or spread on crackers.

Get the recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese

Crockpot Jalapeno Popper Dip

For cheese lovers, this crockpot dip will be something to crave. It has 4 types of cheese, bacon, and a little spicy kick. Rich, melty, warm dip, oh my goodness! Needless to say, it is meant for scooping and dipping.

Get the recipe: Crockpot Jalapeno Popper Dip

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

These bite-sized sausage balls combine biscuit mix, cheddar, and savory spices for a warm, cheesy snack that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce for extra fun. A crowd-pleaser among holiday appetizers that works for any occasion, from game day to New Year’s Eve party!

Get the recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Santa Charcuterie Board

This cute Santa charcuterie board idea for a Christmas party brings together sweet fresh fruit, delicious dip, crackers, deli meats, and veggies. Super easy to whip up right before the party.

Get the recipe: Santa Charcuterie Board

Dill Pickle Dip

Fresh, light, creamy dip with acidic notes from pickles and crunchy red onions. With crackers, it is the best dip to have on your table!

Get the recipe: Dill Pickle Dip

Garlic Parmesan Clam Stuffed Mushrooms

Delicious bite-sized appetizer idea with mushrooms, cheese, and clams will be great for New Year’s Eve. It is super fragrant and packed with flavor, but comes together in 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Clam Stuffed Mushrooms

Veggie Dip Recipe

Nothing fancy – classic party dip you can make with just 4 ingredients and 5 min of prep. It has guacomole and vegetable flavor and will go great with celery and veggie sticks, pretzel rods, and crackers.

Get the recipe: Veggie Dip Recipe

Crab Cakes

These crispy, yummy, golden crab cakes are a great way to start a holiday party. They are always a big hit around Christmas and super easy to make.

Get the recipe: Crab Cakes

Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

A healthier version of classic fried crab rangoons you can make at home in just 20 minutes! With cream cheese, crab meat, and sweet chili sauce on the side, these wonton appetizers are so good, they will disappear first, trust me!

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Crab Rangoon

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Beautiful spread of fresh veggies, fruit, berries, and snacks for hosting a Christmas-themed party. Super easy to customize with our favorite ingredients and requires no cooking skills.

Get the recipe: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Crab Rangoon Dip

If you are going to make only one hot dip for this Christmas, make crab rangoon dip – it is delicious! It is the perfect mix of crab meat, cheese, chili sauce, and creamy base.

Get the recipe: Crab Rangoon Dip

Stuffed Olives

Some nights call for something special and a bit more fancy, that’s when it is the best time to make these olives that are filled with a creamy cheese and bacon mixture. Perfect for charcuterie boards and incredibly yummy!

Get the recipe: Stuffed Olives

Hot Crab Dip

Cheap, comforting, over-the-top dip with seafood flavor is amazing for game days and any party, for that matter. It is also cheesy, hot, and goes well with any chips, veggies, or bread.

Get the recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Cute, sweet dip idea for a Christmas dessert tray, Little Debbie Christmas Tree dip has lots of cream cheese, whipped cream, sprinkles, and, of course, all-time favorite Christmas Tree cakes.

Get the recipe: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip

Cucumber Sandwiches

Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, these cucumber sandwiches make for the perfect Chrsitmas appetizer or afternoon snack, and they require zero cooking skills!

Get the recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches

Cheese Ball

Appetizer spread staple – a cheese ball! I have a few recipes on my blog, but this one is the basic one, with cheese, simple seasonings, and walnut-bacon coating.

Get the recipe: Cheese Ball

Cheddar Ranch Cruffins

Cheddar Ranch Cruffins are a savory twist on the classic cruffin recipe, combining flaky croissant dough with melted cheddar cheese and zesty ranch seasoning – yum!

Ready in under 30 minutes, these golden, cheesy rolls are perfect for holidays!

Get the recipe: Cheddar Ranch Cruffins

Christmas Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs recipe with just a little holiday touch. Deviled eggs are great for family gatherings as they are often crowd-favorites.

Get the recipe: Christmas Deviled Eggs

Antipasto Wreath

This wreath-shaped appetizer board is easy to make and pairs with all the seasonal favorites. Charcuterie boards are always a no-brainer for hosting, and this one adds a lot of colors and flavors to the table.

Get the recipe: Antipasto Wreath

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wonton Cups

Crispy wonton shells filled with creamy chicken, bacon, and ranch make for a flavorful appetizer, great for holiday events. Plus, super easy to whip up!

Get the recipe: Chicken Bacon Wonton Cups

Smoked Queso Dip

Fire up the smoker—this easy queso dip is loaded with cheese, smoky flavor, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and comes together fast, perfect for dunking chips or veggies on game day.

Get the recipe: Smoked Queso Dip

These 35 appetizer and dip recipes are easy, festive, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any holiday party.

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