Get ready for stress-free holiday entertaining! This collection of make-ahead Christmas appetizers is designed to keep your kitchen calm and your guests delighted.
From savory bites to delightful treats, these recipes are perfect for prepping in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festive season..
Table of Contents
Flaky Chicken Sausage Rolls
These chicken sausage rolls are a lighter take on a classic appetizer, featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around a savory chicken filling.
They're incredibly easy to assemble and are a perfect make-ahead option for any holiday gathering, ensuring you have a crowd-pleasing bite ready to go..
Pro Tip: Construct these rolls up to two days in advance; simply brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Chicken Sausage Rolls
Quick Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
Craving a little heat and a lot of cheese? These jalapeno poppers are your answer.
Made with a shortcut using crumbled bacon, they're quick to whip up and deliver a satisfyingly spicy and creamy bite.
Perfect for game day or holiday parties!.
Pro Tip: Customize the heat by leaving seeds in for more spice or swapping for sweet mini peppers for a milder version.
Get the Recipe: Quick Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon
Portable Charcuterie Skewers
Take the beloved charcuterie board experience on the go with these delightful skewers.
Combining cured meats, cheeses, olives, and a touch of freshness, they're a perfectly portioned, grab-and-go appetizer ideal for any outing or party..
Pro Tip: Prep these skewers ahead of time and add fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Portable Charcuterie Skewers
Festive Santa Charcuterie Board
Bring a touch of holiday magic to your appetizer spread with this adorable Santa-shaped charcuterie board.
Made with familiar ingredients like pepperoni, cheese, and olives, it's a fun, edible craft that's as delightful to create as it is to eat..
Pro Tip: This board can be assembled ahead of time and kept chilled in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Festive Santa Charcuterie Board
Adorable Christmas Tree Sandwiches
These mini Christmas tree sandwiches are a playful and delicious finger food, perfect for little hands or as a charming addition to any party spread.
With just a few ingredients and a cookie cutter, you can transform simple sandwiches into festive edible trees..
Pro Tip: These can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 8 hours before serving for ultimate convenience.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Christmas Tree Sandwiches
Festive Holiday Cheese Balls
Elevate your appetizer game with these delightful holiday cheese balls, featuring four unique and festive flavor combinations.
They're quick to make, can be prepared in advance, and are perfect for rolling in various toppings for a truly show-stopping presentation..
Pro Tip: Roll the cheese balls in their toppings right before serving to ensure the best texture and visual appeal.
Get the Recipe: Festive Holiday Cheese Balls
Elegant Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Indulge in these impressive yet surprisingly simple bacon-wrapped scallops.
Coated in a sweet and savory glaze and broiled to perfection, they're a decadent bite that's perfect for making any occasion feel special..
Pro Tip: For a main course, serve these over creamy mashed potatoes or mushroom rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Classic Hot Spinach Dip
This hot spinach dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, featuring a creamy blend of three cheeses and tender spinach baked to bubbly perfection.
It's a make-ahead dream that's always the first to disappear from the party table..
Pro Tip: Assemble the dip up to 8 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hot Spinach Dip
Charming Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
Create a festive focal point with this easy and elegant Christmas tree cheese platter.
Layering colorful grapes and assorted cheeses with fresh herbs, it's a beautiful, edible centerpiece that's simple to assemble and utterly delightful to graze on..
Pro Tip: Assemble the cheese tree close to serving time, or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate if prepping ahead.
Get the Recipe: Charming Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
Savory Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
These bacon stuffed mushrooms are a flavor-packed appetizer that takes a classic to new heights.
The irresistible combination of crispy bacon, savory cheese, and aromatic herbs tucked into tender mushroom caps makes them perfect for any holiday spread..
Pro Tip: For a glossy finish and uniform color, brush the mushrooms with a little olive oil just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Flavorful Marinated Mozzarella Balls
These marinated mozzarella balls are a make-ahead marvel, infused with the bright flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.
Their festive red and green hues make them a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday gathering..
Pro Tip: Let the mozzarella balls marinate for at least an hour, but overnight will allow the flavors to permeate even better.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Easy & Delicious Crab Cakes
Don't be intimidated by crab cakes! These are remarkably easy to make, coming together in about half an hour.
Packed with delicious lump crab meat and served with a simple mustard aioli, they're a sophisticated appetizer that's surprisingly fuss-free..
Pro Tip: You can make and shape these crab cakes ahead of time, storing them in the fridge for 2-3 days before cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Delicious Crab Cakes
Caprese Tortellini Skewers
Combine classic Caprese flavors with satisfying tortellini on these fun and festive skewers.
This no-bake appetizer is incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect make-ahead option for parties, potlucks, or even a delightful lunch..
Pro Tip: These skewers can be made the night before or the morning of your event, ensuring they're ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Tortellini Skewers
Convenient Charcuterie Jars
For perfectly portioned and portable appetizers, look no further than these charcuterie jars.
Filled with a delightful mix of cheese, fruit, nuts, and meat, they’re a creative and convenient way to serve snacks that minimize mess and maximize appeal..
Pro Tip: Use jars with wide mouths to make filling and eating easier, and consider adding personalized tags for a special touch.
Get the Recipe: Convenient Charcuterie Jars
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites
Get ready for game day or holiday parties with these addictive Buffalo chicken pretzel bites! Using convenient store-bought dinner rolls stuffed with creamy, tangy chicken filling and baked for a pretzel-like finish, they're the ultimate handheld appetizer..
Pro Tip: The chicken filling can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pretzel Bites
Pepperoni Pinwheels
These fun and flavorful pepperoni pinwheels are like mini pizzas in a bite-sized package.
Made with pizza dough, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, they're incredibly easy to whip up and always a hit with both kids and adults.
They bake up to a golden perfection and are perfect for snacking or serving at parties..
Pro Tip: Make a batch ahead and freeze them; reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Pinwheels
Holiday Antipasto Spread
Bring the best of an antipasto platter to a creamy, dippable spread! This flavorful creation combines cream cheese with Italian favorites like salami, olives, roasted red peppers, and herbs, all topped with sun-dried tomatoes.
It's a delicious and visually appealing appetizer that's perfect for any holiday gathering and tastes even better made a day ahead..
Pro Tip: Finely chop the ingredients or pulse them in a food processor for the best texture and easiest assembly.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Antipasto Spread
Mini Mushroom Pies with Thyme
These adorable mini mushroom pies are bursting with earthy mushroom flavor enhanced by thyme and red wine.
Encased in a flaky pastry, they offer a sophisticated yet simple bite that's perfect as an appetizer.
You can make these ahead and bake them when guests arrive for a warm, comforting treat..
Pro Tip: Chill or freeze the assembled pies before baking to help them hold their shape.
Get the Recipe: Mini Mushroom Pies with Thyme
Scallion Olive Party Dip Cheese Wreath
This creamy and savory scallion and olive dip is a classic for a reason.
It's surprisingly simple to make, with a delightful combination of cream cheese, butter, green onions, and olives.
The real magic happens when you shape it into an impressive Christmas wreath, making it a festive and delicious centerpiece for any party..
Pro Tip: Chill the dip for at least 2 hours before shaping into a wreath to allow flavors to meld and firm up.
Get the Recipe: Scallion Olive Party Dip Cheese Wreath
Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Get all the deliciousness of spinach artichoke dip in a convenient, bite-sized pinwheel! These appetizers use flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture, baked to golden perfection.
They're perfect for parties, picnics, or even as a satisfying snack..
Pro Tip: These can be made ahead and frozen, then baked from frozen for an easy party solution.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Layered BLT Dip
Enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT in a delicious, creamy dip! This layered appetizer features a savory cream cheese base topped with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes.
It's keto-friendly and perfect for game days or any casual get-together..
Pro Tip: Prepare the base and toppings separately, and assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Get the Recipe: Layered BLT Dip
Charcuterie Tree
Elevate your holiday appetizer spread with a stunning charcuterie tree! This festive centerpiece is made by artfully arranging a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, and other savory bites around a cone.
It's a fun, interactive, and visually impressive way to serve appetizers that guests will talk about..
Pro Tip: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Tree
Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates
These irresistible bacon-wrapped dates are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Plump Medjool dates are stuffed with a creamy chorizo and cheese filling, then wrapped in crispy bacon.
They're incredibly easy to make ahead and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion..
Pro Tip: Assemble the dates completely, then refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates
Antipasto Wreath Appetizer
Create a festive and flavorful centerpiece with this Antipasto Wreath! Skewers packed with Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and tomatoes are artfully arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a holiday wreath.
It's a beautiful and delicious way to serve a variety of antipasti before your main meal..
Pro Tip: Assemble the skewers ahead of time and arrange the wreath just before serving to maintain freshness.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Wreath Appetizer
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Toss everything into the slow cooker for these incredibly easy and delicious Cranberry BBQ Meatballs.
The tangy cranberry sauce paired with smoky BBQ sauce creates a perfect sweet and savory coating for your favorite meatballs.
They're ideal for parties and can be made entirely ahead of time..
Pro Tip: If making your own meatballs, bake them first, then add them to the crockpot with the sauces.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Italian Sub Pinwheels
Capture the deliciousness of an Italian sub sandwich in a convenient pinwheel! These appetizers use tortillas filled with classic Italian sub ingredients like salami, cheese, and dressing, then rolled and sliced.
They're perfect for easy snacking and can be made ahead..
Pro Tip: Experiment with different flavored tortillas or swap them for gluten-free options to suit your preferences.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Make your appetizer table sparkle with this festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball! This delightful creation is shaped into a cone and decorated with herbs and nuts to resemble a Christmas tree.
It's a flavorful, make-ahead appetizer that's both beautiful and delicious, sure to impress your holiday guests..
Pro Tip: You can freeze the shaped cheese ball for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before decorating and serving.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Add a festive touch to your holiday spread with these Christmas deviled eggs! The creamy yolk filling is seasoned with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, then piped into the egg whites and garnished with rosemary and red bell pepper for a holiday look.
They're a classic appetizer made extra special for Christmas..
Pro Tip: Prepare the deviled egg filling separately and pipe it into the egg whites just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Deviled Eggs
Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese
These bacon-wrapped pickles with cream cheese, also known as pickle poppers, are an addictive appetizer that's both keto-friendly and incredibly easy to make.
The combination of crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible..
Pro Tip: Use regular-cut bacon for the best crispiness, or opt for pre-cooked bacon pieces for a faster prep time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese
Sausage Roll Wreath
This festive sausage roll wreath is a showstopping appetizer perfect for the holiday season.
Made with buttery puff pastry filled with juicy sausage, cranberries, and pecans, it's as visually appealing as it is delicious.
It's also incredibly easy to assemble, making holiday entertaining a breeze..
Pro Tip: Serve with your favorite cranberry sauce, relish, or chutney for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Roll Wreath
Festive Hummus Wreath
This vibrant hummus wreath is a showstopper that's as easy to make as it is beautiful.
Creamy hummus is topped with a fresh parsley salad, cherry tomatoes, and an optional red pepper bow, creating a festive and edible centerpiece.
It's perfect for a holiday gathering, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love..
Pro Tip: To prep ahead, make the hummus mixture and parsley salad separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble the wreath just before serving for the freshest look.
Get the Recipe: Festive Hummus Wreath
Mini Jalapeño Popper Bites
Capture the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers in these adorable mini cheese ball bites.
Packed with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, bacon, and a hint of jalapeño spice, these are perfect for popping into your mouth.
They offer a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy kick that's sure to be a hit at any party..
Pro Tip: Freeze these bites before rolling them in the outer cheese coating. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving and rolling.
Get the Recipe: Mini Jalapeño Popper Bites
Bubbly Buffalo Chicken Dip
This buffalo chicken dip is pure comfort in a dish, combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch, and hot sauce for a creamy, cheesy, and zesty delight.
Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for dipping with everything from crunchy chips to fresh veggies..
Pro Tip: While freezing this dip isn't recommended due to texture changes, you can prepare the entire mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
Get the Recipe: Bubbly Buffalo Chicken Dip
Retro Pineapple Cheese Ball
Take a trip down memory lane with this sweet and savory pineapple cheese ball, a true retro party classic.
The delightful combination of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, raisins, and dates, all coated in crunchy pecans, creates a unique flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and delicious..
Pro Tip: For a smoother coating, give the chopped pecans a quick pulse in a food processor before rolling the cheese ball. This helps them adhere better.
Get the Recipe: Retro Pineapple Cheese Ball
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These elegant bites are a perfect harmony of sweet and savory.
Tender dates are stuffed with creamy goat cheese and then wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
They’re simple to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast from any holiday spread..
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of sweetness and a touch of fancy, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over these dates just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates