Whether you’re the hostess or need easy things to make and take for a Christmas potluck or “bring-a-dish” type event, these appetizers are all really good, really easy and travel well.
Let me tell you the great appetizers I made last year and then show you appetizer recipes I plan to make this year.
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As the holiday season rolls around again, I can’t help but pat myself on the back (again haha!) about last year’s Christmas party and the delicious appetizers that made it such a hit.
It’s hard to believe it’s already that time of year again, but I’m excited to share the tasty bites that had everyone raving and that I absolutely plan to recreate this year!
Let’s start with the star of the show: my cheese platter.
I went all out with this one, featuring a delightful mix of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese.
I added some roasted nuts and seasonal fruits like figs and pomegranate seeds to give it that festive flair. The colors were stunning, and every time I glanced at it, I felt like I was hosting a fancy wine tasting!
Next up, I made stuffed mushrooms that everyone TOTALLY loved!
I stuffed them with a rich mix of cream cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, then topped them with crunchy breadcrumbs.
They were so good that I almost forgot to save some for myself! And oh MY at the yummy smell in my house while they baked!
And of COURSE I had to have some sort of homemade snack platter for everyone to munch on!
I went “charcuterie”style with meats and cheese and crackers and pickles – even some of my famous pinwheel rollups – they’re such an easy make ahead appetizer recipe!
It turned out nicely, if I can say that haha!
Did you see the cheese cut like stars?
The mini slices of my 3-ingredient banana bread?
And let’s not forget the crowd-pleaser: bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. Oh man, were these really GREAT!
The combination of the sweet dates, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon was nothing short of magical. I still remember the look on my friends’ faces when they took their first bites—it was priceless!
I couldn’t keep them on the table long enough, and you better believe I’ll be making a double batch this year.
Speaking of making double batches, these glazed pigs in a blanket were off the charts good!
Looking back, I also made some cute sweet treat snacks.
I prepared mini gingerbread cookies and a plate of chocolate-covered pretzels. They added a lovely touch of sweetness to the spread, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good cookie during the holidays?
Now, as I plan for this year’s gathering, I can’t help but get excited about recreating these beloved appetizers. The memories of laughter, clinking glasses, and satisfied munching are still fresh in my mind, and I can’t wait to do it all over again.
Here are some new Christmas party appetizer recipes I plan to try.
I’m not the *best* cook, so I need easy-enough recipes to throw together – extra points if I can make them ahead of time.
Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheel Bites
These Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups, are an easy Christmas appetizer that are always be a crowd favorite. They are made with crescent dough, ham, swiss cheese, and then topped with a delicious mustard glaze.
Christmas Tree Sandwich Bites
These mini Christmas tree sandwiches are the perfect finger food for any Christmas party or family gathering. Quick prep and easy assembling!
Caprese Snowman Bites
Since those Christmas tree sandwiches were so cute, I started looking for more cutesy little appetizer bites to put on the sandwich platter.
I came across these little Caprese Snowman Bites here – and if I’m feeling patient, I think I’m gonna try and make them.
Looks to be pretty self-explanatory – a ball of mozarella cheese with sliced cherry tomatoes and some garnishments.
Italian Chardonnay Sausage Bites
Looking for an easy appetizer? These Chardonnay Italian Sausage Bites are it! Italian sausage are cut into bite-size pieces, simmered in chardonnay and then quickly browned under your broiler. Plate and serve with a simple spicy mustard dip. Serves a crowd in under 1 hour.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Appetizer Dip
This is the easiest and most flavorful cream cheese dip ever! It’s perfect for any get together and is always gone by the end of the event. The combined flavors of fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and strawberry sauce over cream cheese is simply divine!
Sugar Cookie Dough Christmas Dip
Easy Holiday Cookie Dip for Christmas made with a Sugar Cookie Mix and Simple Ingredients! Perfect for a Crowd!
Christmas Pretzel Snacks
These Christmas Pretzel Snacks are a fun and easy snack to make for any holiday party. or this holiday season. Chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite treats and they’re great for holiday parties. The perfect mix of sweet and salty wrapped in a festive holiday package.
Puff Pastry Appetizers
I also think I’m going to make one or two appetizers using puff pastry.
Here are the 4 recipes I’m thinking about trying:
Here are the recipes (left/right top/bottom)
Mushroom Puff Pastry Appetizers
And I’m still trying to decide on some “cocktail party” style snack platters with fruit or veggies and dip (or both).
I like setting these types of little snack trays around the house when entertaining and have them displayed with Christmas-y signs and stuff.
I dunno, it’s fun and spreads the food throughout the house as opposed to EVERYONE being in the kitchen the whole time.
So, what about you? Did you serve any standout appetizers at your holiday parties last year? I’d love to hear your favorites and maybe get inspired for my next spread!
