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I love making appetizers! They are always a hit and they are fun to make because usually you get to make more than one at a time. As someone who hoards recipes “for later” holidays are the perfect time to make a bunch of the recipes I’ve saved. And at Christmastime, the more festive the better!
Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering or attending a get together with friends and family, you are sure to love at least a few of these recipes. If you’re lucky you’ll have several dates to cook for and you’ll get to try several!
Should we get started? Let’s get our appetizer on!
No onion rings, though. Sorry. We’ll save those for Super Bowl Sunday. 😉
Festive Appetizers Perfect for Christmas & Holiday Parties
Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
Yellow Bliss Road is one of my “go to’s” for recipes. She puts together some amazing (and easy!) recipes that are always delicious. These spicy cranberry meatballs are sure to be a hit! If you’re using homemade meatballs make them in advance and freeze them to save time closer to your event date. Once you have the meatballs this recipe is TWO EASY INGREDIENTS! I *love* appetizers that are simple, but flavorful.
Yellow Bliss RoadCheese Wreath
Not everything has to be a production and this easy cheese wreath is proof of that. When my kids were little I liked to have recipes they could help make with little assistance. It gave them something productive to do to help get ready for guests and it occupied them for a little while. With cheese available pre-cubed, this easy appetizer would have definitely made the cut at our house! Kids would have so much fun putting this together & bragging about it.
KraftSpinach Dip Tree
This is so much fun! This spinach dip Christmas tree is a great twist on an old standby. Using refrigerated crust this is a lot easier than you’d think, too!
Caprese Wreath
This is another easy wreath idea and, again, something the kids could definitely help with. Since everyone loves fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, this caprese salad is a healthy & delicious appetizer your guests will love. 
Cafe Delites
Brie Bites
One of my favorite cheeses is brie, and I love it baked with a little fruit jam on it. It is always soooo good- no matter what jam you choose. Can you believe these cranberry brie bites have just 4 ingredients? They look way more involved than they are and your guests will definitely gobble these right up.
Kitchen SanctuaryCranberry Pecan Cheeseballs
I love goat cheese, but my husband and kids do not, so it’s definitely a “dinner out” treat or something I can make when we’re having company. These mini cranberry pecan goat cheese balls look so good! These are so festive for a holiday party, too! I like how the pretzel stick helps cut down on silverware, too. That’s always a win.
Mom on Time OutCranberry Pistachio Cheeseball
Did you know they make shelled, chopped pistachios now? No more having to open a million pistachios anymore! That makes this appetizer even more…appetizing. 😉 This cranberry pistachio cheese ball is the perfect appetizer to bring to a gathering.
Creme de la CremePull Apart Christmas Tree
This looks great! I love a nice, cheesy appetizer that can be served hot. Wouldn’t this pull apart Christmas tree bread be perfect for a crowd? It’s filled with ooey-gooey goodness and a side of marinara. What could be better?
DelishCranberry Dip
This Very Merry Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is super easy to make and can be served with simple crackers. It’s so festive it is sure to be a hit! This could easily be made in advance, too- especially helpful for Friday night gatherings with appetizers.
Gimme Some OvenCrostini
I love crostini. Usually I make it with goat cheese, walnuts and honey and it is to.die. for, but it’s not very festive. Country Living has compiled 12 crostini recipes, some more festive than others. Take a look at all 12 for inspiration, but I think the beet hummus and chickpea, spicy pea & feta, and proscuitto and tomato are the most festive appetizers.
Country LivingBoozy Cherry Log
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a “boozy” appetizer before…and this is going to the top of my list. This boozy cherry log serves 12-15 people and looks delish! This is another great appetizer to make in advance, too.
Good HousekeepingGuac
This is another super easy appetizer the kids can totally help with. Using Tostitos scoops and store bought guacamole, these guacamole bites appetizers will be gone in no time!
My Gluten Free KitchenSo many choices! If you have a favorite festive appetizer I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Bonus points for linking to the recipe!
If you would like more holiday ideas, be sure to take a look through our Gifts and Christmas boards on Pinterest! There are hundreds of ideas from other great bloggers.
Ready for more holiday inspiration?
Check out our Holiday and Seasons section on the blog for more ideas! You’ll find our 10 Christmas Mantles (+bonus decorating hacks!) post, our Winter decor post – Decor to Last the Whole Season and 10 Gorgeous (but easy) Christmas Tablescapes for the Perfect Table.
And don’t forget to start planning your dinner menu! These 10 side dishes are perfect for Christmas dinner AND you can make them ahead of time. ?
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