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Christmas Eve is one of my favorite times to gather with family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, having family over before Christmas Day, or putting together a table of snacks to enjoy while watching Christmas movies, having plenty of easy appetizers makes the evening feel special.
Instead of preparing a big dinner, why not put together a Christmas Eve appetizer spread? A few warm dips, savory meatballs, festive cheeseballs, and bite-sized snacks are all you need for a delicious evening.
I’ve gathered 15 Christmas Eve appetizers and party foods that are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Many can be made ahead of time, and several use the slow cooker so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday.
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15 Christmas Eve Appetizers and Party Foods
Bacon Ranch Cheeseball
A bacon ranch cheeseball is always a hit at holiday gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory bacon and ranch flavor.
Serve it with crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables for an easy appetizer everyone can enjoy.
This is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time so it’s ready to serve when guests arrive.
Get the Bacon Ranch Cheeseball Recipe
Pinecone Cheeseball
If you want something that looks especially festive on your Christmas Eve appetizer table, try this pinecone cheeseball. Whole almonds are arranged on the outside to make it look like a real pinecone.
It’s a fun holiday centerpiece and tastes delicious served with crackers. You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and add the almond decoration before serving.
Get 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 fresh herbs are rolled inside soft tortillas and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
They’re a wonderful make-ahead appetizer for Christmas Eve. Arrange them on a platter for an easy finger food guests can grab as they visit.
Get the Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Make-Ahead Christmas 7-Layer Dip
Seven-layer dip is a party favorite that works for just about any gathering.
Layers of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, tomatoes, and other toppings make a colorful appetizer that’s perfect with tortilla chips.
Prepare it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until your guests arrive.
Get 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 the evening. Serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Get the Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Crock Pot Hot Crab Dip
If you want something a little different for your Christmas Eve gathering, try this crock pot hot 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 everyone helps themselves.
Get the Crock Pot Hot Crab Dip Recipe
Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a great choice for guests who enjoy something savory with a little kick. These slow cooker buffalo wings are easy to prepare and make a delicious addition to a casual Christmas Eve party.
Serve them with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and plenty of napkins.
Get the Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings Recipe
Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
These cranberry meatballs are especially fitting for Christmas Eve. The cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce create a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with savory meatballs.
Keep them warm in the slow cooker and serve with toothpicks so guests can easily help themselves.
Get 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.
Get the Classic Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian meatballs bring a little sweet and tangy flavor to your appetizer table. Pineapple and barbecue sauce create a flavorful glaze that makes these meatballs a fun alternative to traditional cocktail meatballs.
Serve them with toothpicks as a party appetizer or over rice if you’re serving a more substantial meal.
Get the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs Recipe
Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs
These teriyaki meatballs are coated in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic and ginger. They’re easy to prepare in the slow cooker and make a delicious addition to a Christmas Eve appetizer buffet.
The Asian-inspired flavor adds a little variety to a table filled with traditional holiday party foods.
Get the Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
Slow Cooker Mongolian Meatballs
For something a little different, try these Mongolian meatballs. Their savory garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauce adds plenty of flavor to a holiday spread.
Serve them with toothpicks as a warm appetizer or offer them alongside rice for a more filling party dish.
Get the Slow Cooker 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 Christmas Eve because you can keep them warm in the slow cooker throughout the evening.
Get 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 evening.
Set out a big bowl alongside your dips and other appetizers. It’s also a fun snack to enjoy while watching Christmas movies.
Get the Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Ham and Swiss sliders are a heartier appetizer that can also double as an easy Christmas Eve meal.
Soft rolls filled with ham and Swiss cheese are topped with a buttery glaze and baked until warm and delicious.
Cut them into smaller portions for a party platter, or serve them alongside a few dips and snacks for an easy holiday dinner.
Get the Ham and Swiss Sliders Recipe
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Eve Appetizer Menu
You don’t need to prepare all 15 appetizers to have a wonderful Christmas Eve gathering. A few well-chosen recipes can make a beautiful spread.
Here are a few ways to make holiday entertaining easier:
- Choose a variety of foods. 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 everyone enjoys the evening.
- Prepare ahead of time. Cheeseballs, pinwheels, and dips can often be made ahead, leaving you less work on Christmas Eve.
- 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.
Christmas Eve doesn’t have to mean preparing another big holiday meal. Sometimes a table full of appetizers, a few favorite snacks, and time spent with family are exactly what makes the evening special.
Whether you choose a festive cheeseball, warm slow cooker meatballs, creamy dips, or ham and Swiss sliders, these Christmas Eve appetizers make it easy to put together a delicious holiday spread.
I hope you find a few new favorites to add to your Christmas Eve traditions!
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