65 Christmas Snacks to Kick Off Your Holiday Celebrations
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023From Christmas dinner with family to holiday parties with friends or coworkers, these are the Christmas snacks that are sure to get everyone in a festive mood.
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Festive Guacamole Appetizers
For ages, my brother’s family and I have gotten together on Christmas Eve, and we always eat Christmas snacks while we open our presents. This Tex-Mex spin on classic appetizer pizza is one we have again and again. —Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
These Christmas Eve dinner ideas are the best way to round out your holiday meal.
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Ornament Cheese Balls
Three incredible cheese balls with the flavors of pesto, horseradish-bacon and Gorgonzola make a dazzling display at any get-together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Asparagus Pastry Puffs
When the first asparagus of the season appears, we serve it rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats. —Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
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Reindeer Snack Mix
Rudolph and his pals will be dashing, dancing and prancing to gobble up this savory snack mix. Humans also will enjoy the buttery, perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crunchy combination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cherry Cheese Logs
Our party guests flock to this holiday gem of an appetizer - cherry-studded cream cheese served with graham or water crackers and pears. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
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Santa Deviled Eggs
I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce
Living near the ocean, I have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster, or any firm white fish, such as halibut or even cod, would work equally as well. — Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California
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Cranberry Endive Appetizers
You can pack a lot of flavor into an elegant appetizer just by using the right combination of ingredients. I created this blue cheese filling for a holiday gathering and everyone loved it. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
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Baked Figs
Here's a nice change from the traditional savory offerings. To keep the flavorful figs warm during your party, serve them in a chafing dish.— Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Pesto Twists
Use pesto made straight from your garden if you make these in the summer or purchase it prepared from the grocery store to fill these easy appetizers. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Fried Cheese Ravioli
Be sure to make enough of these crispy fried cheese ravioli. They're bound to be the hit of your party. The golden brown pillows are easy to pick up and dip in tomato sauce. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
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Chicken Salad in Baskets
When I first made these cute little cups, they were a big hit. Now my husband often asks me to fix them for meetings and parties. —Gwendolyn Fae Trapp, Strongsville, Ohio
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Prosciutto Phyllo Roll-Ups
These elegant finger foods use delicate phyllo dough. With artichoke sauce on the side, the cheesy rolls make extra-special hors d'oeuvres.
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Creamy Cranberry Dip
You can use a variety of salty crackers to scoop up helpings of this slightly sweet cranberry dip. The recipe yields a lot so it’s great for large gatherings.—Joy McQuaid, Darlington, Wisconsin
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Terrific Tomato Tart
Signature Mediterranean ingredients—including basil, tomatoes, feta and phyllo—meld beautifully in this fresh and airy flatbread-like dish. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Cinnamon Praline Nuts
Take these crunchy bites anywhere! Serve them at your holiday party, wrap up a batch for your favorite hostess, or sneak some for a midnight snack. —Amy Miller, Holstein, IA
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Sesame Cheese Crackers
These tasty homemade crackers are irresistible! Enjoy them with soups, or munch on them all by themselves. Cayenne pepper adds a bit of a kick. —Margaret J. Inlow, Joliet, Illinois
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Toffee-Coated Peanuts
A handful is never enough when you serve these mouthwatering nuts, so be sure to make plenty! The sweet toffee coating is enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg. —Julia Spence, New Braunfels, Texas
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Pressure-Cooker Cherry Bourbon Ham Balls
In my book, meatballs and bourbon are must-haves at any gathering. These clever party bites combine the two favorites to kick up the fun and flavor of your buffet. My family members are big fans. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, MinnesotaIf you’re a new parent or grandparent, make sure you read up about what Elf on a Shelf is and how it works.
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Curried Cranberry Snack Mix
Pack this easy-to-make munchie in a sleek glass or acrylic canister adorned with cotton yarn, and it'll be ready to put under the tree. Get that candy-cane brightness by winding yarn in shades of red and pink around the canister before topping with a homemade pompom. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Bruschetta with Prosciutto
A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory-tasting recipe is perfect for get-togethers. —Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Antipasto Platter
We entertain often, and an antipasto platter is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
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Parmesan-Coated Brie
This is such a wonderful appetizer! Your guests will be impressed. A golden exterior gives way to warm, melty cheese, making this perfect for sliced French bread or crackers. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
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Crumb-Topped Clams
In my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They're easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
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Potatoes Lyonnaise
I learned how to make this classic dish in culinary school. It’s comforting and simple to prepare. I like to switch up the herbs to give it a different flavor every time. The side is fantastic for casual dinners but also elegant enough for any holiday. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
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Favorite Marinated Mushrooms
This is a nice way to serve mushrooms as an appetizer, and it also makes a great side dish for any type of meat. Sometimes I add these marinated mushrooms to salads for extra flavor, too. —Brenda Snyder, Hesston, Pennsylvania
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Nuts and Bolts
When I was a child, we made buckets of this mix for our family and friends each Christmas. These days I fix it for just about any occasion. —TaNauna Bunch, Grand Centre, Alberta
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Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
Ever since I found this recipe in a magazine years ago, these seafood-stuffed mushrooms have been making my family and friends merry every Christmas. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
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Easy Egg Rolls
I've always loved egg rolls, but every recipe seemed too complicated. I decided to start with a packaged coleslaw mix. Now I can make these yummy treats at a moment's notice. —Samantha Dunn, Leesville, Louisiana
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Smoked Trout & Hearts of Palm Bites
I've had great luck finding hearts of palm in the canned vegetable section at the grocery store. In a pinch, you can use quartered artichoke hearts in place of the the hearts of palms and still end up with a great tasting dish. —Lori Stefanishion, Drumheller, Alberta
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Pimiento Cheese Ball
This rich and creamy pimiento cheese ball looks so festive with flecks of green onion and red pimiento dotting with cheddar cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser at any party. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Asparagus Wraps
Asparagus makes lovely finger food, especially wrapped in pastry and tasty filling. Easily assembled, it’s perfect for weeknight noshing or something a little fancier for entertaining. —Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia
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Cheesy Meatballs
Can meatballs be lucky? My guys think so, and they want them for game time. My beef, sausage and cheese recipe has a big fan following. —Jill Hill, Dixon, Illinois
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Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush (also spelled baba ghanoush or baba ghanouj) is a Lebanese dip made with roasted eggplant. It's typically served as a starter with pita bread or fresh vegetables. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama
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Honey-Kissed Savory Shortbread Crackers
It may seem like a lot of work to make homemade crackers. However, after you’ve tasted these sweet and savory crackers, I think you’ll admit that it’s worth every minute. They’re crispy, cheesy, salty and have a lovely honey finish. They are basically cracker perfection. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini
The blend of flavors in the crostini makes an absolutely scrumptious appetizer. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Marinated Sausage Kabobs
These flavorful and colorful appetizers are so fun they'll be the talk of the party. And they're so easy: Simply assemble the day before and forget about them! —Joanne Boone, Danville, Ohio
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Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Our family's holiday dinners include a giant antipasto, and my mom's anchovy stuffed peppers are always the star dish. There isn't a holiday that we don't make them in her honor. Serve warm or cold with a nice loaf of Italian bread and a glass of wine. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
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Slow-Cooked Crab Dip
Dips made in the slow cooker are ideal for entertaining since they free up the oven. Leftovers of this one are incredible the next day scooped over a baked potato. —Susan D’Amore, West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Butternut Thyme Tartlets
A great teaser for what's to come, this light and crunchy appetizer is filled with my favorite late-fall flavors. Make the creamy filling a few days early, then fill the phyllo cups right before guests arrive. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
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Mushroom Pastry Pinwheels
Pinwheels make a pretty addition to any appetizer buffet, and when I serve them they disappear in a snap. These use purchased puff pastry, so they are very easy to make.—Mary Bettuchy, Columbia, South Carolina
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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups
Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
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Candy Snack Mix
Chock-full of raisins, peanuts and M& M's, this crunchy salty-sweet mix stays fresh for weeks. I keep it on hand to serve to unexpected guests or to fill decorative containers to give as last-minute gifts. —Mary Newsom, Grand Ridge, FloridaDon’t forget about dinner! These Christmas casserole recipes will make good use of your 13×9 pans.
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Holiday Salsa
When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around the serving dish until it’s scraped clean. —Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
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Cinnamon Toasted Almonds
Crunchy, cinnamon almonds are a spectacular treat to bring to a party or gathering. “They taste just like the cinnamon roasted almonds you get at the fair,” says Janice Thompson from Stacy, Minnesota.
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Bacon Cheese Wreath
My grandmother makes this smoky bacon and Parmesan spread for parties and holiday get-togethers. For a pretty yuletide presentation, decorate the cream cheese wreath with green parsley and red pimientos. —Lisa Carter, Warren, Indiana
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Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps! —Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Crab Crescents
This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent! —Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
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Candied Pecans
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
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Chicken Crescent Wreath
Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
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Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Pomegranate seeds intrigue me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese, and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Spicy Almonds
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
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Smoky Bacon Wraps
These cute little sausage and bacon bites are finger-licking good. They have a sweet and salty taste that's fun for breakfast or as an appetizer. —Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
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Brie Puff Pastry
My husband was in the Air Force, so we've entertained guests all over the United States. I acquired this recipe while in California. It's one of my favorite special appetizers. —Sandra Twait, Tampa, FloridaLooking for more inspiration? Don’t miss the easy Christmas appetizers everyone will love.
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Holiday Appetizer Meatballs
These beefy meatballs are a perennial favorite at our holiday parties. You won’t believe how easy these holiday appetizers are to make. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
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Warm Spiced Nuts
I like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
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Striped Chocolate Popcorn
For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
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Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
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Baked Crab Dip
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
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Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
If you love gingerbread, you won’t be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, VirginiaSpeaking of gingerbread, check out these adorable gingerbread house ideas.
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Chive Biscuit Ornaments
Ring in the holiday season with these tender bell-shaped bites. They used cookie cutters and whole chive "hangers" to form the warm and appetizing ornaments, which get a slight kick from red pepper flakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
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Sweet & Salty Snowmen
My son and I made these pretzel snowmen using different candies. They make fun table decorations when set in glasses of coconut “snow.” —Carol Berndt, Avon, South Dakota
Originally Published: December 21, 2021
