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Planning a Christmas party or looking for something delicious to take to a holiday gathering? Having a few easy appetizers ready to serve makes holiday entertaining so much easier.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas get-together, attending a family party, or bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, these Christmas appetizers are perfect for sharing.
From creamy cheeseballs and warm dips to savory meatballs and bite-sized finger foods, there’s something here for everyone.
One of my favorite things about serving appetizers is that you can prepare many of them ahead of time. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays with family and friends!
Here are 15 easy Christmas appetizers to add to your holiday party menu.
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15 Easy Christmas Appetizers
Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
A bacon ranch cheeseball is always a hit at holiday parties. Creamy, savory, and full of bacon ranch flavor, it’s delicious served with crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables.
You can make it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Pinecone Cheeseball
This festive pinecone cheeseball is almost too pretty to eat! Whole almonds are arranged on the outside to make it look like a real pinecone.
It’s a fun centerpiece for your Christmas appetizer table and tastes delicious served with crackers.
See the Pinecone Cheeseball recipe.
Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
These cranberry cream cheese pinwheels are colorful, festive, and easy to serve. Cream cheese, dried cranberries, and herbs are rolled up in tortillas and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
They’re a great make-ahead appetizer for Christmas parties.
See the Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels recipe.
Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip
Seven-layer dip is a party favorite that works for just about any gathering. Layers of beans, creamy toppings, salsa, and cheese make a colorful appetizer that’s perfect with tortilla chips.
Prepare it ahead of time and chill until your guests arrive.
See the Christmas 7-Layer Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Warm, creamy spinach artichoke dip is always a welcome addition to a holiday appetizer spread.
Making it in the slow cooker keeps preparation simple and makes it easy to serve warm throughout your party. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetables.
See the Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Crock Pot Hot Crab Dip
If you want something a little different for your Christmas party, try a warm crock pot crab dip.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and delicious served with crackers or toasted baguette slices. The slow cooker makes it easy to keep warm while guests help themselves.
Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
Crock pot buffalo wings are a great choice for guests who enjoy something savory with a little kick.
Serve them with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and plenty of napkins. They’re especially nice for casual Christmas gatherings and game-day parties.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
These cranberry meatballs are especially festive for Christmas entertaining. The cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce make a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with savory meatballs.
Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve with toothpicks.
See the Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs recipe.
Classic Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape jelly meatballs are an old-fashioned party favorite for a reason. The combination of grape jelly and chili sauce creates a sweet and savory sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.
They’re easy to prepare and perfect for serving straight from the slow cooker.
See the Classic Crock Pot Grape Jelly Meatballs recipe.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian meatballs bring a little sweet and tangy flavor to your appetizer table.
They’re a fun alternative to traditional cocktail meatballs and are easy to serve with toothpicks. Add them to your menu if you want a little variety.
See the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs recipe.
Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
These teriyaki meatballs are coated in a flavorful sweet and savory sauce. They’re easy to prepare in the slow cooker and make a delicious addition to a Christmas appetizer buffet.
See the Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs recipe.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Meatballs
For something a little different, try Mongolian meatballs. Their savory garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauce adds variety to a holiday spread filled with traditional party foods.
See the Crock Pot Mongolian Meatballs recipe.
Crock Pot Little Smokies
Little smokies are one of those classic party appetizers that disappear quickly. Simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, they’re easy to make and simple to serve with toothpicks.
They’re especially convenient for parties because you can keep them warm in the slow cooker.
See the Crock Pot Little Smokies recipe.
Crock Pot Chex Mix
Every appetizer table needs something crunchy! Homemade Chex Mix is easy to make in the slow cooker and is perfect for guests to snack on throughout the party.
Set out a big bowl alongside your dips and other appetizers.
See the Crock Pot Chex Mix recipe.
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss sliders are a hearty appetizer that can also double as an easy party meal. Soft rolls filled with ham and Swiss cheese are topped with a buttery, flavorful glaze and baked until warm and delicious.
Cut them into smaller portions for a party platter.
See the Ham and Swiss Sliders recipe.
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Appetizer Menu
You don’t need to prepare all 15 appetizers to have a wonderful holiday party. A few well-chosen recipes can make a beautiful spread.
Here are a few tips to make holiday entertaining easier:
- Choose a variety of appetizers. Include something warm, something cold, a dip, a cheeseball, and a few bite-sized foods.
- Use your slow cooker. Meatballs, dips, and little smokies can stay warm while guests enjoy the party.
- Prepare ahead of time. Cheeseballs, pinwheels, and dips can often be made ahead, leaving you less work on party day.
- Set out plenty of dippers. Crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, baguette slices, and fresh vegetables give guests plenty of choices.
- Don’t overdo it. Three or four appetizers with a little variety are often plenty for a small gathering.
Make Your Holiday Party Delicious and Easy
Christmas is such a fun time to gather with family and friends, but entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated.
With a few easy appetizers, you can put together a delicious holiday spread without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Whether you choose a festive cheeseball, warm slow cooker meatballs, or a creamy dip, these Christmas appetizers are sure to make your holiday gathering a little more special.
Happy holidays!
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