We’re well into the holiday season, so I wanted to share some inspiration for easy Christmas snacks and holiday appetizers that you can make and enjoy before the big day!
From sausage platters to sweet potato bites to spicy dips, these recipes are sure to help you and your loved ones celebrate the holidays in a delicious way.
This post focuses on vacation-friendly appetizers and snacks. So, if you need ideas for your holiday breakfast, check out the post for my favorite Christmas brunch recipes. For some tasty and healthy side dish inspiration, check out this list of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes that are also great for Christmas dinner!
Appetizers & snack ideas for the holiday
Whether you’re planning a big holiday extravaganza or keeping the celebrations small this year, any of these easy Christmas snacks and appetizers will be a huge hit!
There is a wide range of options including both sweet and savory ideas. Most of these are lighter than typical heavy holiday food, but they’re just as delicious and flavorful!
Let us do this. First:
Baked portobello mushrooms with feta
These portobello mushrooms are smothered in deliciousness (like spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese) and baked to golden perfection!
Swap out the full-size portobello mushrooms for baby bellas for the perfect bite-sized appetizer.
Simple little charcuterie appetizer board
I LOVE sausage boards – anyone else?
It’s such an easy way to up your appetizer game with a snazzy looking (but surprisingly easy to put together) charcuterie board! Make it holiday-inspired with fresh herbs, nuts, sliced apples, dried fruit, and fig or citrus jam.
Sausage boards are perfect as a snack or appetizer as they offer a wide range of flavors to suit every palate. Serve with scruffy crackers or crostini!
Check out the blog post for a step-by-step method of creating a beautiful and balanced sausage board that your guests will love.
Cranberry Peanut Butter Lucky Balls
Creamy peanut butter pairs with oatmeal and dried cranberries for a delicious, slightly sweet snack! These peanut butter bliss balls are sweetened with honey and are so easy to make.
Prepare a portion ahead of time, then serve as a snack or appetizer to keep your guests energized!
Avocado hummus with white beans
Dips are always a great choice for an appetizer spread, and this White Bean Hummus is a perfect choice! It’s extra creamy (thanks to the avocados) and full of bright flavor.
Serve with crackers and crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks or pepper strips.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Bursting with bright winter flavors, this healthier Cranberry Orange Bread makes a delicious Christmas snack or breakfast.
It’s delicious paired with coffee or spread with Greek yogurt or nut butter.
Gingerbread pots de creme
If you’re looking for a sweeter holiday snack or dessert, these Gingerbread Pots de Creme are delicious and festive.
Think creamy custard flavored with gingerbread spice and served in cute little pots or little glasses.
Mediterranean sweet potato bites with hummus
Similar to crostini but naturally gluten-free, these Baked Sweet Potato Bites are one of my favorite ways to add something unique to your appetizer spread. They make a delicious base for a hummus, tomato, basil, and feta topping!
It’s an easy to make appetizer and perfect finger food for holiday celebrations.
Hearty pumpkin dip
This creamy and hearty hummus is made with canned pumpkin puree and kidney beans—super nutritious and flavorful at the same time.
All you have to do is throw everything in a food processor and swirl until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips and crunchy veggies!
Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)
These crockpot turkey meatballs are coated in an Asian-inspired sticky honey sriracha sauce that’s both sweet and savory. They’re a little lighter than many classic meatball appetizers, but just as flavorful.
Serve these with toothpicks and they’ll be gone fast!
Goat cheese crostini with ham & pear
Golden roasted crostini are topped with a creamy combination of goat’s and cream cheese, along with salty ham, sweet and juicy slices of pear, and peppery arugula.
Perfect for any Christmas party, this fancy and festive finger food is easier to make than you think too!
Pickled watermelon peel
These pickled watermelon peels are a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for eating on their own or adding to a sausage spread!
This recipe features two flavors: spicy jalapeno or masala spice. They also make great edible Christmas gifts!
Gingerbread Pecan Butter
Speaking of edible Christmas gifts, homemade pecan butter is surprisingly easy to make in a food processor, and this gingerbread flavor is perfect for the holidays!
Spread it on crostini or serve it with a charcuterie board and put the goodies in cute glasses and let your guests take them home as Christmas gifts!
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I hope this list gives you inspiration for easy Christmas snacks and appetizers to enjoy and/or serve this holiday season. Happy Holidays to you and yours!