50 Christmas Appetizers to Get Your Holiday Party Started

Table Of Content
Source: Good Housekeeping
Category: Lifestyle
Originally Published: 2025-12-02
Curated: 2025-12-02 15:17
Our ideal Christmas appetizers toe the line between cozy and celebratory. From high-low dishes like potato chips and salmon roe to manchego-stuffed devils on horseback, these pre-dinner bites are meant to feel like something you’d only indulge in once a year—while still leaving plenty of room for the main event.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner with friends or a party of twenty or more, we’ve got plenty of soups, salads, breads, and other comforting (but not overly filling) appetizers for you to choose from. Quick but satisfying nibbles like a spiced snack mix or roasted nuts are perfect for your guests to grab while they wait for the main course, while heartier options like crab cakes and seared steak tartare are perfect for bigger appetites.
Planning a big celebration? Try taking some of the stress off your plate by prepping a few items in advance: a homemade hummus can be made up to two weeks ahead of time. Also, remember that you don’t have to make all of the appetizers from scratch: Several of the recipes on this list—such as the Snowman Cheese Board—are made almost entirely of store-bought ingredients (just make sure to add your own personal touch!).
This article was curated from Good Housekeeping. All rights belong to the original publisher.
