45 Easy Christmas Eve Appetizers To Welcome Your Holiday Guests

By Southern Living Editors
Updated on August 13, 2022
Cranberry Brie Bites
Photo: Southern Living

Put your family and friends in a festive mood before sitting down for a Christmas dinner or even opening a single present by serving a delicious appetizer.

You don't have to spend hours making a fabulous dish. We gathered our favorite easy-to-make Christmas Eve appetizers that don't require too much time in the kitchen. Many of these recipes can be prepared a day or two in advance, leaving time to finish all your last-minute holiday tasks, so you can assemble them quickly before any guest arrives.

Choose from classic snacks like spiced nuts, cheese balls, easy dips and spreads, meatballs, sausage balls, and more. Most of these recipes can easily be doubled or tripled if you host a large crowd. No matter what recipe you choose, these Christmas Eve appetizers look impressive. Whip these dishes up at the last minute with little to no effort—consider this our Christmas gift to you!

01 of 45

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Instead of grape jelly, we call on cranberry sauce for a festive take on the classic appetizer. Combine a mixture of pepper jelly and other flavorings, add meatballs, and cook in your trusty Dutch oven for this tasty treat. Make this Christmas Eve dish simpler by using frozen meatballs.

Get the recipe.

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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Adding shrimp to an old-school appetizer makes it worthy of being served before Christmas Eve dinner. As award-winning chef of Birmingham's Automatic Seafood and Oysters , Adam Evans' favorite holiday snacks as a kid, pepper jelly and cream cheese, are practically Christmas staples. This recipe calls for skillet-cooked shrimp and seasoned crackers for an extra flavor boost.

Get the recipe.

03 of 45

Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Your holiday guests won't be able to stop eating this smooth, velvety mousse topped with spicy-sweet pepper jelly. And you'll love it too because it's so easy to make in advance. Serve with pimiento cheese and toasted baguette slices for a bite-size snack.

Get the recipe.

04 of 45

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites
Southern Living

Cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese are a match made in holiday heaven, especially when baked in easy store-bought phyllo shells. Four ingredients, 20 minutes total, and you're there. This festive-colored dish matches your traditional red and green palette by topping off these bites with a few pistachios.

Get the recipe.

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Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Cranberries aren't just for relish. Try them in this festive dip that uses cream cheese as the base. Adding jalapeños kicks this dish up by introducing spice into this spread. Serve with crackers or try it as a condiment for the main event.

Get the recipe.

06 of 45

Oven-Roasted Oysters with Mushrooms and Watercress

Oven-Roasted Oysters with Mushrooms and Watercress
Peter Frank Edwards; Prop Styling and Floral Design: Sara York Grimshaw

Mix the stuffing for these oysters a few days in advance, helping night-of preparation easy. Save shucking and roasting oysters for Christmas Eve, and finish the dish with your previously prepared toppings. Using fresh herbs will lighten this appetizer as a refreshing and delightful seafood snack.

Get the recipe.

07 of 45

Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Cranberries and sage add festive colors to this bite-sized baked appetizer. Baked brie is a classic snack for any occasion, but this recipe calls for a homemade cranberry spread using orange zest and honey, making it extra special. Add pecans for a topping, which completes this traditional holiday presentation.

Get the recipe.

08 of 45

Baked Brie with Pecans

Baked Brie with Pecans
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Serve this pretty pecan-topped warm Brie with plenty of baguette slices, apples, and crackers for dipping. You won't find a holiday appetizer more impressive that only requires six ingredients. In about 20 minutes, you'll have a cheese dish everyone cannot wait to try.

Get the recipe.

09 of 45

Sparkling Cranberries

Sparkling Cranberries
Melina Hammer; Styling: Buffy Hargett

These pretty sugared berries make an excellent addition to a cheese plate. A recipe from Marina Delio of Yummy Mummy Kitchen will freeze for two days before the main event, leaving more time to prepare other dishes. Once frozen, add a sugar-sparkly cranberry to top any dessert for an instantly beautiful presentation.

Get the recipe.

10 of 45

Warm Cheese Box Bites

Warm Cheese Box Bites
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

These warm, cheesy bites can be made ahead and stored in the freezer until you're ready to bake. The bite-sized snacks are perfect finger foods for a Christmas Eve appetizer. These savory morsels offer an air of elegance while providing comforting, cheesy goodness.

Get the recipe.

11 of 45

Smoked-Fish Dip

Smoked-Fish Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

This dip comes together in just 20 minutes but may disappear under that time frame once your guests arrive. A seafood dish prepared almost entirely in only one bowl sounds impossible, but this Christmas Eve appetizer delivers. Remember not to overmix your ingredients because your guests will want to capture the flavor of the smokey fish in this dip in one bite (and more likely more than one bite).

Get the recipe.

12 of 45

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls
Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Everyone loves a sausage ball. That much we know to be true. This slightly spicier rendition jazzes the classic recipe up for any occasion. Mix and bake for a savory recipe that your guests won't be able to keep their hands off.

Get the recipe.

13 of 45

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This dip gets the party going every time, guaranteed. Whip it up when you need a quick dip in a pinch. (Hint: Rotisserie chicken keeps it extra easy.) This recipe is a great jumping-off point, but the best part of buffalo chicken dip is customizing it to your preferences. Turn the heat up with more hot sauce or down by mixing in more cheese and ranch dressing.

Get the recipe.

14 of 45

Deviled Eggs

Best Deviled Eggs
Southern Living

Always a welcomed appetizer, deviled eggs are a no-fail snack that belongs on every holiday menu. Eggs are not only for Easter, so whip up this easy mixture for your next Christmas party. Prepare these before guests arrive and bring them out once chilled to serve.

Get the recipe.

15 of 45

Beer-Cheese Fondue

Creamy Feta Phyllo Bites
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You can never go wrong with melted cheese...ever. This retro fondue-inspired appetizer takes a page from Kentucky's beloved beer cheese, served with roasted veggies and sliced sausage. Plus, fondue is always a great conversation starter for a party.

Get the recipe.

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Buttery Toasted Pecans

Buttery Toasted Pecans
Iain Bagwell

Toasted pecans feel like Christmas, and the aromas of roasted nuts will fill your home as they bake. Bake these in an oven, or try a slow-cooker variety, but either way, you'll end up with a house filled with a nutty aroma. Welcome your guest with this festive fragrance that will add to everyone's holiday spirit.

Get the recipe.

17 of 45

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

These last-minute bites use store-bought phyllo shells filled with mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Since this appetizer only takes five minutes to bake, you can have it on hand for any event. Prepare the mixture earlier in the day and delight your guests with this effortless bite to eat.

Get the recipe.

18 of 45

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders
Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Hawaiian rolls brushed with honey mustard serve as the basis for these to-die-for sliders. Fill the buns with ham, cheese, and an indulgent homemade béchamel sauce for the perfect flavor combination. Top the sliders with even more Gruyère cheese and butter before baking.

Get the recipe.

19 of 45

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Sometimes, two ingredients are all you need for a crowd-pleasing snack your family and friends can grab and go. When one of those ingredients is bacon, you know you have a winning Christmas Eve appetizer. Bacon-wrapped crackers are an old-school Southern snack, but it's timeless for a reason.

Get the recipe.

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Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Cream cheese makes this warm crowd-pleasing dip super smooth, while a layer of pepper jelly adds a tangy flavor. You can prepare the goat cheese mixture a day in advance, so this spread is a quick solution to your appetizer menu requirements. When prepared, serve with your favorite bread, crackers, or crudité.

Get the recipe.

21 of 45

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

It's hard to go wrong with a crab dip. On a spread, this super melty dip features extra texture and oomph by adding artichoke hearts. After softening the cream cheese, combine the remaining ingredients in a dish before placing the whole thing in the oven. Simple and delicious.

Get the recipe.

22 of 45

Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Everyone loves a cheese ball, and this one, covered in bright green parsley and scallions, looks especially festive for the holidays. For Christmas Eve, combine feta cheese, olives, and flavorings into a yule log that your guests will appreciate. This decadent dish, filled with cheese, will pair nicely with vegetables like cucumber.

Get the recipe.

23 of 45

Smoky Field Pea Hummus

Smoky Field Pea Hummus
Iain Bagwell

To people's surprise, homemade hummus is as easy as adding a few ingredients to your food processor. This recipe with field peas and crispy smoked ham is a serious upgrade from the store-bought stuff. Serve this dip alongside traditional crackers or chips, or add it to your dinner table for a light topping.

Get the recipe.

24 of 45

Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls

Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls
Beau Gustafson; Styling: Sissy Lamberton

You're just five ingredients from the easiest sidekick to any spinach dip, charcuterie plate, or cream cheese spread. As the name suggests, these ingredients can mix, rise, and bake quickly. Plus, these rolls can freeze for up to two months, then warm to room temperature and crisp up again in under 10 minutes.

Get the recipe.

25 of 45

Pimiento Cheese

Basic Pimiento Cheese
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

No matter the holiday, you can never go wrong serving up classic pimiento cheese. Use this dip as a topping, dip, or entirely on its own. This pimiento cheese recipe, when prepared smoothly, pairs nicely as a sandwich spread but can be left thicker for dips.

Get the recipe.

26 of 45

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Video Still
Southern Living

Pull together this kid-friendly appetizer in just 25 minutes. Plus, it will be a hit with the adults too. Simplify your holiday preparation using store-bought dough and marinara sauce because Christmas is a time for celebration, not stress.

Get the recipe.

27 of 45

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham
Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Who wouldn't love classic spinach dip with a Southern twist? Add sweet onions and diced country ham to upgrade any appetizer. Pair with pita chips or French bread slices.

Get the recipe.

28 of 45

Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites
Oxmoor House

Bacon-wrapped crispy breadsticks? You might want to double the recipe because one won't be enough. This quick and fun snack with just three ingredients is perfect for the holidays.

Get the recipe.

29 of 45

Spicy-Sweet Pecans

Spicy-Sweet Pecans
Helen Norman

Spiced pecans are a Southern party staple for a reason. These pecans are easy to make. You can make them in advance, and they are impossible to stop eating. We love this version with rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and ground red pepper.

Get the recipe.

30 of 45

Maple Bacon Smokies

Maple Bacon Smokies
Southern Living

You're four ingredients away from total holiday joy in the form of sweet and salty bacon-wrapped little smokies. Smokies, a pre-made cocktail sausage, are always welcomed at any event. Insert the toothpick sideways to prevent the bacon from unrolling while cooking.

Get the recipe.

31 of 45

Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeño Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Slow-cooker dips can be a time (and life) savor during the holidays. Mix the ingredients early in the day and enjoy the savory smells filling your home all day while you prepare for your guest. Stir occasionally and add the bacon around halfway through your cook time.

Get the recipe.

32 of 45

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese
Laurey W. Glenn

Fan out the endive leaves for a wreath-shaped presentation of this Christmas Eve appetizer. In 15 minutes, this recipe is a simple, sophisticated, and refreshing way to add a light dish to your holiday menu. Customize this dish with your favorite herbs.

Get the recipe.

33 of 45

Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles

Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles
Ralph Lee Anderson

Roll up a mixture of roast beef, vegetables, and herb-and-garlic spread for an almost no-bake appetizer. The only cooking required is blanching the asparagus. Tie together with chives for an extra special arrangement, or stick with the traditionally roll-up.

Get the recipe.

34 of 45

Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear

Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear
Ralph Anderson

Salty and sweet? It's a perfect appetizer combination. Add some festive green to your display with this pear-based dish. Top with pancetta, goat cheese, and honey for a flavorful snack.

Get the recipe.

35 of 45

Mini Caprese Bites

Mini Caprese Bites
William Dickey

Red and green bite-sized snacks are the ultimate Christmas Eve appetizer. Use wooden skewers to alternate mozzarella cheese and grape tomatoes for a colorful arrangement. Add some balsamic dressing and fresh basil to complete this festive color palette.

Get the recipe.

36 of 45

Lump Crab Mornay

Lump Crab Mornay
Iain Bagwell

A crab dip in under 20 minutes? This appetizer is a Christmas wish come true. A creamy, cheesy rendition of Bayou Cuisine by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Indianola, Mississippi, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe.

37 of 45

Sweet Potato Tartlets

Sweet Potato Tartlets
Alison Miksch

Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday food. Make this miniature version of sweet potato casserole the day before your Christmas party or dinner and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Brown sugar pecans top off this wonderful bite-sized treat.

Get the recipe.

38 of 45

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread
Hector Sanchez

Hands-on time for this flatbread clocks in around half an hour, which leaves plenty of time to serve and enjoy. Use store-bought dough and let the prosciutto, red pepper, fontina cheese, balsamic glaze, and herbs be the dish's leading stars. Slice into individual, sample-size pieces to share with your guests.

Get the recipe.

39 of 45

Orange-Basil Baked Brie

Orange-Basil Baked Brie
Alison Miksch

Buttery and flaky phyllo pastry makes for a mouth-watering appetizer. Combine this dough with sweet orange marmalade, sliced almonds, and fresh basil for a sweet and decadent appetizer. Serve warm and allow guest to cut their piece—they'll probably go back for seconds.

Get the recipe.

40 of 45

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Take this classic party food and roll it in a flaky pastry. Use your favorite buffalo chicken recipe and roll the pastry tight, making sure to pinch the seams. These pinwheels are great for entertaining because you can serve them warm or cold.

Get the recipe.

41 of 45

Cherry-Pecan Brie

Cherry-Pecan Brie
Jim Franco

Add some classic red to classic holiday food. Mix cherry preserves with balsamic vinegar to drizzle over warm brie. Complete this festive Christmas dish with pecans.

Get the recipe.

42 of 45

Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches

Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches
Photo: Charles Walton IV

Prepare for your holiday events early by freezing some of these bite-sized sandwiches. The recipe calls for walnuts, peach preserves, mustard-mayonnaise, Havarti cheese, and roast beef, a unique combination your guests won't easily forget. Make these sandwiches, freeze for up to a month in advance, and bake right before guests arrive.

Get the recipe.

43 of 45

Butternut-Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Butternut-Goat Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
Photo: Hector Sanchez

Create the butternut squash and goat cheese mixture before Christmas Eve, so you only need to worry about stuffing the mushroom the day of your event. The breadcrumb topping will make this appetizer a crispy delight.

Get the recipe.

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Tiny Tomato Tarts

Tiny Tomato Tarts
Jennifer Davick

Start with store-bought pie crust for a straightforward tart recipe. The red tomatoes and green basil help make this appetizer an extra holiday treat. To add some spare lead time to your food preparations, bake the pastry shells up to three days early and store them in an airtight container.

Get the recipe.

45 of 45

Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins
Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

With only five ingredients, this recipe couldn't be more straightforward. These mini potato skins are bite-size delights that your guests will love. Cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives just belong together.

Get the recipe.

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