53 Easy Christmas Finger Food Appetizers

Updated: Feb. 13, 2024

Say, "Merry Christmas!" with these festive, fuss-free Christmas finger foods. Here are some of our best finger food ideas to share this holiday season.

Before dishing out plates of assorted side dishes and roasted meats, treat your holiday guests to these Christmas finger foods. From cheesy dips to little smokies and make-ahead options, you’re sure to find a festive appetizer that fits your menu. Match an app with a specialty cocktail or wine paring to kick your Christmas party off right.

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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
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Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are the perfect Christmas finger food. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
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Easy Spanakopita Appetizers

I love having Christmas finger foods on hand in the freezer. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they’re easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
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Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

We all know almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it’s made in an air fryer, this Christmas finger food is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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Swiss Cherry Bruschetta

This recipe is a spinoff a cherry chicken main dish my husband adores. The combination of sweet, tart and salty flavors provides a contrast that’s hard to resist. —Shelley Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
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Air Fryer Tortellini with Prosciutto

This is my take on fried tortellini. Air-fryer Italian street food recipes, like this one, are crunchy, gooey good. For the sauce, use the best quality tomatoes you can find. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
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Savory Cucumber Sandwiches

Italian salad dressing easily flavors this delicious cucumber sandwich recipe. Serve this Christmas finger food for your holiday get-together. —Carol K Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
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Cold Chicken-Cheese Kabobs

These appealing kabobs will add pizazz to any get-together—and you don’t even have to get out the grill! —Sherine Gilmour, Brooklyn, New York
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Slim Deviled Eggs with Herbs

If you need to make an appetizer in a cinch, try this easy Christmas finger food recipe. These deviled eggs are simple and easy to make, so they’re perfect for any holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Air-Fryer Mushroom Roll-Ups

This Christmas finger food was inspired by a dish I saw on an episode of Top Chef. I simplified it a little and tweaked the flavors a bit. These mushroom roll-ups can be made ahead and reheated in a 250° oven for 10 minutes. —Lillian Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Cranberry sauce isn’t just for turkey anymore! Combined with a few other ingredients, the holiday staple makes a perfect meatball topper. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
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Easy Cheese-Stuffed Jalapenos

A few years ago, I saw a man in the grocery store buying a big bag full of jalapeno peppers. I asked him what he intended to do with them, and he shared this finger food recipe for stuffed jalapenos with me right there in the store! —Janice Montiverdi, Sugar Land, Texas
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Air-Fryer Ravioli

While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and I think this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Marinated Cheese

This special Christmas finger food always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear at the buffet table. It’s attractive, delicious—and easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
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Cheesy Meatball Sliders

These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Swiss Cheese Chicken Puffs

My neighborhood has a progressive dinner before the holidays each year, and every house provides a course. These delightful Christmas finger foods were served one year to everyone’s enjoyment. The cheesy flavor and creamy texture of the chicken salad mixture is wonderful inside the tender puffs. —Donna Kittredge, Westborough, Massachusetts
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Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings

My neighbor once shared these slow-cooker sticky chicken wings with me at a potluck, and they have been a family favorite ever since. —Jo Vanderwolf, Lillooet, British Columbia
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Inside-Out Veggie Dip

Kids have fun eating these bite-sized Christmas finger foods. Change up the seasonings in the dip to fit your family’s tastes. —Judie Thurstenson, Colcord, Oklahoma
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Crisp Caraway Twists

This Christmas finger food is always a hit when I serve it. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
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Focaccia Barese

This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most-requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
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Air-Fryer Beef Wellington Wontons

These tasty appetizers scale down classic beef Wellington to an ideal finger food size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
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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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Beef & Onion Piroshki

When I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite places was a small stand that sold piroshki—Russian stuffed pocket sandwiches. Whenever I’m missing my former town, I make my own batch. —julie merriman, Seattle, Washington
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Party Franks

These tiny, tangy finger foods have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They’re convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
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Mamma’s Caponata

Great as a Christmas finger food, but you can easily turn this into a meal. Instead of topping bread, serve over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders

I’m always searching for sandwich ideas, since that’s my favorite food. I started experimenting and came up with these chicken cordon bleu sliders. My family loves them, too! —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio
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Mushroom Bundles

My guests rely on me to come up with yummy finger foods like these crispy mushroom appetizers I made for a New Year’s party. They vanish before your eyes. —Tina Coopman, Toronto, Ontario
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Spicy Beef Satay

Spices and flavors of North Africa make these ground beef finger foods a great way to start off a gathering. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Party Shrimp

The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won’t even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this Christmas finger food. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
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Calzone Pinwheels

Once you try these mini-sized calzones, you may never go back to the large ones. Not only do these pretty finger food bites take advantage of convenient refrigerator crescent rolls, but they can be made ahead and popped in the oven right before company arrives. No one can eat just one and people love the cheesy, fresh taste! —Lisa Smith, Bryan, Ohio
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Buffet Meatballs

I need only five ingredients to fix these easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every gathering. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada
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Stuffed Pizza Bites

After trying a similar dish at a local restaurant, I came up with my own version of pizza bites. This delicious recipe is easy and fun for gatherings. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
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Pepper Poppers

These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most popular finger food I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
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Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations. —Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
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Air-Fryer Egg Rolls

My mom taught me how to make egg rolls, and since she has passed away I think of her every time I make them. These air-fryer egg rolls taste so good, you’ll never want a fast-food egg roll again. —Jenniffer Love, South Waltham, Massachusetts
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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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Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
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Bacon-Wrapped Smokies

These cute little bacon-wrapped smokies 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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Eggplant Parmesan Sliders

I wanted something that was easy for guests to grab, and vegetarian friendly. The lemon ricotta spread really adds a level of flavor to these delicious bites. Be sure not to rush the eggplant; it’s important to cook it until it’s buttery and tender. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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Shrimp Tartlets

Fill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a fantastic finger food, and several make a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
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Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas

My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the table! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
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Salmon Mousse Cups

I make these tempting little tarts frequently for parties. They disappear at an astonishing speed, so I usually double or triple the recipe. The salmon-cream cheese filling and flaky crust will melt in your mouth. —Fran Rowland, Phoenix, Arizona
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Marinated Mozzarella

I always come home with an empty container when I bring this finger food to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Garlic Bread Bites

These garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time. Return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado
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Appetizer Wreath

I have lots of fun with this festive Christmas finger food wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center. —Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota
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Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

I first tried these bubbly finger food treats at my sister-in-law’s house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It’s hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri
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Almond Cheddar Appetizers

I always try to have a supply of these finger foods on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a Christmas eve snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario
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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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Easy Coconut Shrimp

Guests are always impressed when I serve these restaurant-quality shrimp. A selection of sauces served alongside adds the perfect touch. —Tacy Holliday Germantown, Maryland
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Champion Chicken Puffs

My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on Champion Chicken Puffs. This tender Christmas finger food is made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream-cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
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Mediterranean Apricot Phyllo Bites

Apricot and almonds make these flaky little bites a delicious ending to a meal or a special evening snack. Try the tropical filling for another sensational treat.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Apricot Wraps

I accumulated a large recipe collection from around the world while my husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. This mouthwatering Christmas finger food is one of our favorites, and we enjoy sharing it with friends. —Jane Ashworth, Beavercreek, Ohio. While you’re at it, check out our collection of New Year’s Eve finger foods.

Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our easy Christmas appetizers everyone will love.