This holiday season, trade in the usual sliced cheese and salami for Christmas snacks like prosciutto phyllo roll-ups, fried ravioli and Santa Claus deviled eggs.
64 Christmas Snacks for Your Holiday Celebration
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
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Festive Guacamole Appetizers
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Refrigerated crescent dough, guacamole, pretzel sticks, bell peppers
Level: Intermediate
Merry Christmas, Tex-Mex style! Alternate sliced rainbow peppers for a colorful snack that works just as well on a movie snack plate as it does on an elegant party platter.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Laurie Pester, Colstrip, Montana
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3-in-1 Cheese Ball
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, bacon, Gorgonzola cheese
Level: Intermediate
Your guests will rave about these fun cheese balls that taste just as good as they look. Serve with water crackers and raw veggies.
“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
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh asparagus, frozen puff pastry, cream cheese
Level: Intermediate
Elevate store-bought puff pastry by stuffing it with asparagus, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mustard and lemon juice. Your guests will swear you bought these little puffs at a local bakery! It’s one of the more time-intensive recipes on this list, but it’s well worth it.
“We love to serve asparagus rolled inside puff pastry with a yummy cheese filling. Our guests always compliment these lovely treats.” —Recipe contributor Cindy Jamieson, Tonawanda, New York
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Reindeer Chow
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Bugles, Corn Chex, maple syrup, pretzel sticks
Level: Easy
Leave this crunchy mix for Rudolph and company to enjoy on Christmas Eve. Something tells us the entire bowl will disappear by morning.
“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
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, maraschino cherries, pecans
Level: Easy
It’s not the holidays without a cheese log, and this sweet and spiced version is ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it on the table where you’d like the guests to gather.
“Our party guests flock to this holiday gem of an appetizer – cherry-studded cream cheese served with graham or water crackers and pears.” —Recipe contributor Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
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Santa Deviled Eggs
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish
Level: Intermediate
These adorable snacks will be the talk of the party. If this is your first time using a piping bag, there’s a bit of a learning curve. You might want to make a few extra eggs to practice with…and treat yourself to the practice ones, of course.
“I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them.” —Recipe contributor Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Mayonnaise, bay scallops, salmon fillet
Level: Intermediate
These seafood showstoppers are about to become a holiday tradition. They’re fried and baked, so you’ll spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen, but the final result speaks for itself.
“I live near the ocean and 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 whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally as well.” —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California
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Cranberry Endive Appetizers
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, Belgian endive, apple jelly
Level: Easy
They’re light and fresh, with only 40 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving. Apple jelly can be bought at the grocery store or farmers market—it lends so much sweetness to the dish.
“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!” —Recipe contributor Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
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Crunchy Chocolate Clusters
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Semisweet chocolate chips, pretzels, pine nuts, instant coffee granules
Level: Easy
Toss odds ‘n ends from the pantry together to make clusters that are almost too easy to eat. Store the ready-to-eat clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator and pull some out whenever guests arrive.
“This easy candy has a south-of-the-border flavor with cinnamon, chocolate and coffee. Sweet, salty and crunchy, it’s a great no-bake treat.” —Recipe contributor Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Pesto Twists
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, prepared pesto, shredded Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy
Sure, you could swing by the bakery for breadsticks. Or you could whip up your own using store-bought puff pastry, a jar of pesto, and some shredded Parmesan cheese.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Toasted Ravioli
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Beef ravioli, marinara sauce, seasoned bread crumbs
Level: Easy
Looking for a conversation-worthy appetizer for your next party? Try toasted ravioli, a famous St. Louis fried treat that’s served with warm marinara.
“While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close.” —Recipe contributor Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Chicken Salad in Baskets
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cooked chicken, sliced bread, bacon, mayonnaise
Level: Easy
Our favorite sandwich filling gets a holly jolly makeover. Believe it or not, the “baskets” are just slices of bread cut with a cookie cutter and pressed into a mini muffin cup.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Gwendolyn Fae Trapp, Strongsville, Ohio
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Prosciutto Phyllo Roll-Ups
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Phyllo dough, prosciutto, fresh asparagus, fresh green beans
Level: Intermediate
While it might be tempting to serve these cute roll-ups with store-bought sauce, take the extra time to make artichoke sauce from scratch. Blend sour cream, lemon juice and marinated artichoke hearts for a sauce you’ll want to slather on everything.
“These elegant finger foods use delicate phyllo dough. With artichoke sauce on the side, the cheesy rolls make extra-special hors d’oeuvres.” —Recipe contributor Michaela Rosenthal, Woodland Hills, California
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Christmas Brownies
Total Time: 55 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unsweetened chocolate, chocolate frosting, candy eyeballs, miniature pretzels
Level: Intermediate
Round out a table of Christmas snacks with this adorable treat. The cute faces are made with candy eyes, Red Hots and pretzels.
“My son, Jeremy, is 36 but acts as if he’s 5 when he sees these brownies—I’ve been making them for over 30 years! My daughter, Jayme, and my four grandchildren love them, too. If you’re short on time, a boxed mix works just fine.” —Recipe contributor Jeannine Schneider, Fremont, California
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Millionaire Candy
Total Time: 1 hour + standingMain Ingredients: Milk chocolate candy coating, pecans, brown sugar, evaporated milk
Level: Intermediate
This recipe for millionaire clusters is similar to millionaire shortbread, except it has nuts instead of a shortbread cookie base. Each bite of buttery, pecan-studded caramel is covered with milk chocolate.
“Of the 35 kinds of candy I make each Christmas, this is by far the favorite of family and friends. These treats taste like a million bucks!” —Recipe contributor Theda Andres, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Gingerbread Scones
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground ginger, ground cinnamon, molasses
Level: Easy
This is the perfect snack to share over a cup of coffee as the holidays approach. Top it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream to make it a real treat.
“These moist scones’ gingerbread flavor make them just right for serving around Christmastime. They are a scrumptious treat with tea or coffee.” —Recipe contributor David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
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Pigs in a Blanket
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Crescent rolls, hot dogs, egg, caraway seeds
Level: Easy
No party snack is more perfect than pigs in a blanket! For a bite-size option, use cocktail wieners instead of hot dogs. You can cut each crescent roll dough segment into three smaller-sized triangles.
“These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard.” —Recipe contributor Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
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Creamy Cranberry Dip
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Sour cream, whole-berry cranberry sauce, sliced almonds, cream cheese
Level: Easy
This cheery dip hits all the best flavor profiles: crunchy, sweet and tangy. It’s bound to be one of the most popular snacks at the party, so it’s good that the recipe makes enough to serve a big crowd.
“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 ideal for large gatherings.” —Recipe contributor Joy McQuaid, Darlington, Wisconsin
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Tomato Tart
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Phyllo dough, tomatoes, pesto, feta cheese, basil
Level: Easy
Pesto, feta, tomatoes and basil are baked on top of crispy phyllo dough to make this terrific tart. It’s fantastic for a party, but you could also eat it for dinner any night of the week.
“Signature Mediterranean ingredients—including basil, tomatoes, feta and phyllo—meld beautifully in this fresh and airy flatbread-like dish.” —Recipe contributor Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Cinnamon Praline Nuts
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, pecan halves, walnut halves
Level: Easy
Make these nuts in advance, then store them in an airtight container on the counter until you’re ready to serve them. Or if you bake them right before company arrives, your entire house will smell like Christmas.
“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. They’ll get gobbled up so quickly that you’ll want to make several batches!” —Recipe contributor Amy Miller, Holstein, Iowa
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Sesame Cheese Crackers
Total Time: 40 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, shredded cheddar cheese, sesame seeds, soy sauce, cayenne pepper
Level: Intermediate
If you want to go all out this holiday season, make these cheesy crackers from scratch. They only take about 40 minutes to make.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Margaret J. Inlow, Joliet, Illinois
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Toffee-Coated Peanuts
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unsalted dry roasted peanuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, corn syrup
Level: Easy
Here’s a thoughtful touch: Make an extra batch of this cozy spiced nut mix and pour it into individual bags for your guests to take home. If you end up with extras, pair the nuts with granola or cereal for breakfast.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Julia Spence, New Braunfels, Texas
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Bruschetta with Prosciutto
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: French bread baguettes, prosciutto, plum tomatoes, fresh basil
Level: Easy
Dry-cured ham is a welcome addition to this classic Italian-inspired appetizer. Spoon the tomato topping over the baguette slices right before you’re ready to serve so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
“A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this savory appetizer is perfect for get-togethers.” —Recipe contributor Debbie Manno, Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Antipasto Platter
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Pepperoncini, garbanzo beans, provolone cheese, pepperoni
Level: Easy
If you have picky eaters, an antipasto platter is a must. With provolone cheese, olives, pepperoni, chickpeas and tons of fresh veggies, there’s something for everyone.
“We entertain often, and antipasto is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone.” —Recipe contributor Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
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Parmesan-Coated Brie
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg, seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Brie cheese
Level: Easy
The only thing better than gooey baked Brie is Brie crusted with crispy, salty Parmesan. This double-cheese extravaganza is perfectly decadent for the holidays and can be served directly in a small skillet.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Karen Grant, Tulare, California
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Crumb-Topped Clams
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh littleneck clams, dry bread crumbs, garlic cloves, dried oregano
Level: Intermediate
If you’re up for a challenge this Christmas, try shucking and baking some clams. After scrubbing the shell to remove sand and grit, soak the clams in cold salted water for about an hour, and they’ll begin to open on their own.
“In my family, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without baked clams. However, they make a special bite for any occasion and are easy to make and always a hit.” —Recipe contributor Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
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Potatoes Lyonnaise
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Russet potatoes, butter, onion, fresh rosemary
Level: Easy
While you can use any type of potato for this French-inspired dish, the starchier the potato, the better. We suggest Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, as red potatoes tend to be a bit too waxy.
“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.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Favorite Marinated Mushrooms
Total Time: 15 minutes + marinatingMain Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, Italian salad dressing mix, soy sauce, red pepper flakes
Level: Easy
We’ve never met a mushroom we didn’t like, but this tangy, saucy version has become a new favorite. Best of all, when stored in an airtight container, they’ll last in the fridge for several days, so you can serve them at multiple gatherings.
“Here’s a great way to prepare mushrooms. I’ll serve them as a side dish, an appetizer on their own, as part of an antipasto platter or add them to salads for a tangy flavor.” —Recipe contributor Brenda Snyder, Hesston, Pennsylvania
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Nuts and Bolts
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Cherrios, Shredded Wheat, pretzel sticks, salted peanuts
Level: Easy
If you have gluten-free guests, swap the Cheerios and Shredded Wheat for rice Chex. If you prefer a bit of extra sweetness, use Honey Nut Cheerios instead of regular.
“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.” —Recipe contributor TaNauna Bunch, Grand Centre, Alberta
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Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, crabmeat, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy
We recommend using white button mushrooms or baby portobello mushrooms for this recipe. Instead of submerging them in water, rub them gently with a damp paper towel or use a mushroom brush. Check out our handy guide to mushrooms to make sure you choose the best ones.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
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Easy Egg Rolls
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, egg roll wrappers, coleslaw mix, canola oil
Level: Intermediate
Store-bought egg roll wrappers and coleslaw mix make this typically time-consuming recipe lightning fast. Wrap and fry the egg rolls ahead of time, then refrigerate them in a single layer on a tray lined with paper towels. Reheat them for 10 minutes on each side on low heat.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Samantha Dunn, Leesville, Louisiana
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Pimiento Cheese Ball
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, pimientos
Level: Easy
The cheese ball needs to be refrigerated for several hours before serving, so it’s best to make this recipe the night before (or earlier). Store the cheese ball in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
“This rich, creamy spread looks so festive with flecks of green onion and red pimiento dotting with cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any party. —Recipe contributor Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana.
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Asparagus Wraps
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, crumbled feta cheese, prosciutto, fresh asparagus spears
Level: Easy
It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for company. The combination of feta, prosciutto and asparagus makes this appetizer unforgettable.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Linda Hall, Evington, Virginia
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Cheesy Meatballs
Total Time: 5 hoursMain Ingredients: Ground beef, bulk pork sausage, shredded Velveeta, condensed tomato soup
Level: Intermediate
Save precious oven space with this hearty and flavorful slow-cooker recipe. These juicy meatballs are just as tasty when eaten with a toothpick as they are when served with crusty homemade bread to mop up the sauce.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Jill Hill, Dixon, Illinois
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Baba Ganoush
Total Time: 35 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Eggplant, tahini, olive oil
Level: Easy
This Middle Eastern eggplant dip is delightfully sweet and smoky, thanks to tender, oven-roasted eggplant. Serve it alongside homemade hummus for the ultimate “wow” factor.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama
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Honey-Kissed Savory Shortbread Crackers
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: Honey, fresh parsley, unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese
Level: Intermediate
If you’re having a few get-togethers in one week, invest some time into making several batches of your own shortbread crackers. The time commitment is nearly an hour, but the raves from your guests will be well worth it.
“It may seem like a lot of work to make homemade crackers. However, after you’ve tasted these sweet and savory honey-kissed shortbread crackers, I think you’ll admit that it’s worth every minute you spent making them. They’re crispy, cheesy, salty, and have a lovely sweet honey finish. They are basically cracker perfection.” —Recipe contributor Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Cranberry-Fig Goat Cheese Crostini
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: French bread baguette, dried cranberries, dried figs, spreadable goat cheese
Level: Intermediate
Move over, bruschetta. This holiday-themed appetizer is equal parts sweet and tangy, thanks to dried cranberries, dried figs, balsamic vinegar, honey, Greek olives and goat cheese.
“The blend of flavors in the crostini makes an absolutely scrumptious appetizer.” —Recipe contributor Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Savory Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Pickled hot cherry peppers, anchovy fillets, pimiento-stuffed olives, capers
Level: Easy
These healthy-ish stuffed peppers are packed with flavor, so your guests won’t feel bad about polishing off the whole platter. Best of all, you can make them ahead and freeze until you’re ready to thaw for serving.
“Our family’s holiday dinners always include a giant antipasto, and the showpiece when we were growing up was Mom’s stuffed hot peppers on top of the display. Regardless of how spicy the peppers were, every year we would sneak into the refrigerator and steal one of those thrilling little flavor bombs! There isn’t a holiday that we don’t make them in her honor.” —Recipe contributor Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
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Butternut Thyme Tartlets
Total Time: 35 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Frozen miniature phyllo tart shells, frozen cubed butternut squash, fresh thyme
Level: Intermediate
Butternut squash is the quintessential winter veggie. But because this recipe calls for frozen instead of fresh, there’s no time-consuming chopping necessary.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot Sauce
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, shallots, smoked salmon
Level: Easy
Slightly sweet shallots instantly elevate any recipe, making these bites taste like the work of a professional caterer. If you can master a five-ingredient homemade sauce, the entire recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
“Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese.” —Recipe contributor Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
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Mushroom Pastry Pinwheels
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms, frozen puff pastry, dry red wine
Level: Intermediate
A few simple ingredients make this easy appetizer taste fantastic. And because the recipe calls for store-bought puff pastry, assembly is a breeze.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Mary Bettuchy, Columbia, South Carolina
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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen puff pastry, cherry preserves, Brie cheese, chopped pecans
Level: Intermediate
File this one under “fancy, easy and yummy.” With only five ingredients, the bright combination of Brie cheese, cherry preserves and chopped nuts really shines.
“Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert.” —Recipe contributor Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
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Candy Snack Mix
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Roasted peanuts, Golden Grahams cereal, creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Easy
It’s just not the holidays unless you’re snuggled up on the couch watching Christmas movies and munching on this decadent snack mix. Try swapping the peanut butter for your favorite nut butter if you prefer.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Mary Newsom, Grand Ridge, Florida
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Holiday Salsa
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Frozen cranberries, jalapeno peppers, cream cheese
Level: Easy
Depending on the type of pepper you use, this salsa can really pack a punch. Be sure to use gloves and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth while handling the pepper.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
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Cinnamon Toasted Almonds
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unblanched almonds, ground cinnamon, brown sugar
Level: Easy
They’re not just for the state fair anymore. With just seven ingredients and 35 minutes, you can make crunchy, cinnamon-and-sugar-coated almonds at home.
“Crunchy cinnamon almonds are a spectacular treat to take to a party or gathering. They taste just like the almonds you get at the county fair.” —Recipe contributor Janice Thompson, Stacy, Minnesota
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Bacon Cheese Wreath
Total Time: 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, bacon
Level: Easy
This stunning snack plate doubles as a dazzling centerpiece. No one will know that it only took 10 minutes to make.
“My grandmother makes this smoky bacon and Parmesan spread for parties and holiday get-togethers. For a pretty yuletide presentation, accent the cream cheese wreath with green parsley and red pimientos.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Carter, Warren, Indiana
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Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Garlic-herb spreadable cheese, frozen miniature phyllo tart shells, fresh parsley
Level: Easy
We’d eat eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner if we could, so these cute mini quiches are right up our alley. One reader suggests adding a sprinkle of feta cheese for added zing.
“Looking for a wonderful way to impress guests? You’ve got it—and you need only five ingredients to make these tasty apps!” —Recipe contributor Josephine Piro, Easton, Pennsylvania
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Crab Crescents
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh crabmeat, prepared pesto, refrigerated crescent rolls
Level: Easy
Fresh crab meat makes this three-ingredient recipe extra fancy, while store-bought crescent rolls make it quick and easy to pull off. Serve with arugula salad on the side.
“This recipe is so good, no one will guess how quickly you put it together. These little bites are delicious and decadent!” —Recipe contributor Stephanie Howard, Oakland, California
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Candied Pecans
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Pecan halves, sugar, ground cinnamon
Level: Intermediate
A touch of vanilla extract makes these candied nuts absolutely irresistible. But be warned, you won’t be able to stop at just one handful. Or two.
“I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with a 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!” —Recipe contributor Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
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Chicken Crescent Wreath
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Refrigerated crescent rolls, white chicken, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup
Level: Easy
Like most good Christmas snacks, this pastry wreath is comfort food. But it also packs in a surprising amount of veggies, including fresh broccoli, sweet red pepper and water chestnuts.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, dried cranberries, dried apricots
Level: Easy
Excuse us while we slather this addictive spread on absolutely everything this December. It’s fruity, it’s tangy, it’s creamy—and it’s about to disappear.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
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Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: French bread baguette, cream cheese, pomegranate seeds
Level: Intermediate
Pomegranate season lasts from September through the end of the year. This is the perfect time to incorporate the juicy seeds into all sorts of recipes.
“Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate.” —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Spicy Almonds
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Unblanched almonds, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, paprika
Level: Easy
Elegant and understated, these flavored nuts will instantly elevate any charcuterie platter or Christmas cheese board. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh until you’re ready to serve.
“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!” —Recipe contributor Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
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Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Bacon, miniature smoked sausage links, brown sugar
Level: Easy
Calling all super-organized hosts: This low-maintenance appetizer can be made and frozen up to three months in advance. Freeze the bacon-wrapped smokies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Cara Flora, Kokomo, Indiana
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Brie Puff Pastry
Total Time: 35 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Brie cheese, frozen puff pastry, blue cheese, apricot jam
Level: Easy
Why put out a plate of sliced cheese and crackers when you could impress your guests with this Brie delight? It’s complete with apricot jam, slivered almonds and blue cheese.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Sandra Twait, Tampa, Florida
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Cocktail Meatballs
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, soft bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce
Level: Easy
Your guests won’t stop guessing how you made this incredible sauce. They’ll think it’s magic (and you’ll know it’s just ketchup, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce).
“These beefy meatballs are a perennial favorite at our holiday parties. You won’t believe how easy these holiday appetizers are to make.” —Recipe contributor Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
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Warm Spiced Nuts
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Pecan halves, almonds, dry-roasted peanuts, chili powder
Level: Easy
We love this brilliant hosting hack: Transform boring, unflavored nuts into a homemade treat using butter and spices. In just 35 minutes, your whole house will smell divine.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
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Striped Chocolate Popcorn
Total Time: 15 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Popped popcorn, milk chocolate candy coating, miniature pretzels, pecan halves
Level: Easy
This sweet-and-salty popcorn is the ultimate midnight snack! It includes whole pretzels for added texture and crunch. The recipe makes 17 cups, so there’s plenty to share.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
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Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Total Time: 40 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped pecans
Level: Intermediate
You’ve tried slice-and-bake cookies, but slice-and-bake crackers take the concept to the next level. They’re a savory complement to all the sweets on your spread.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
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Baked Crab Dip
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Crabmeat, round loaves, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese
Level: Easy
Canned or imitation crab works in a pinch, but you can also elevate the recipe with fresh crab meat. Stir in a can of diced green chiles to add some heat.
“We enjoyed this exquisite crab dip at my grandson’s wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even fill the bread bowl early in the day and chill it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.” —Recipe contributor Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
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Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Air-popped popcorn, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, light corn syrup
Level: Intermediate
We love Christmas cookies, but sometimes, we’re in the mood for something a little crunchier and saltier. Enter gingerbread caramel crunch popcorn, which will satisfy every craving.
“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!” —Recipe contributor Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
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Spicy Peanuts
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, ground cumin, cayenne pepper
Level: Easy
Store these spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them to last longer, put them in a sealed freezer container. You can freeze them for up to three months.
“Liven up plain peanuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of flavors from sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper. You’ll want to double…or triple…the recipe!” —Recipe contributor Holly Kunkle, Walton, Kentucky
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Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Fully cooked bacon, refrigerated crescent rolls, apricot preserves
Level: Easy
We love a good shortcut, and store-bought crescent rolls and ready-to-serve bacon do a lot of the heavy lifting here. Just unroll the dough, add bacon and roll it up jelly-roll style. Then, spoon on the apricot preserves before baking.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
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Sweet & Salty Snowmen
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Pretzel rods, white baking chocolate, candy cane chocolate kisses, nonpareils
Level: Intermediate
If your get-together includes kids, these adorable pretzel rods will be the hit of the party. Provide decorations like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, decorating gel and fruit roll-ups and let the fun begin.
“My son and I made these pretzel snowmen using different candies. They make fun table decorations when set in glasses of coconut ‘snow.'” —Recipe contributor Carol Berndt, Avon, South Dakota
