One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is the appetizers because it’s the first chance you get to set the tone for your party and impress your guests.
When it comes to my Christmas parties, I love having a mix of easy appetizers on hand that feel just a little bit fancy but are still simple to make.
Here’s a list of my favorite Christmas appetizers that are perfect for both when you’re entertaining or just bringing them to a party.
From flaky puff pastry pinwheels to elegant crostini and fresh, healthier cucumber bites, you’ll find the best holiday bites and platters to serve this season.
Don’t forget to save your favorites to make again next year!
Surimi Vol Au Vent Appetizers
These elegant little vol-au-vent bites are made with crisp puff pastry shells and filled with a creamy surimi salad made from cucumber and mayonnaise, then topped with a delicate piece of smoked salmon and fresh chives.
These appetizer bites are light yet rich at the same time, and perfect for serving on a silver tray with cocktails or bubbly on Christmas Eve.
Cranberry Brie Bites in Mini Toast Cups
If you’re looking for a Christmas appetizer that is totally foolproof, these cranberry brie bites are always a winner.
Mini toast cups made from white bread are filled with creamy, melty brie, then topped with cranberry jam and crushed walnuts for that sweet-salty crunch. They’re quick to put together and have all the classic holiday flavors packed into one pretty (and cheap!) little appetizer.
Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini Appetizers
Juicy pears and tangy blue cheese work incredibly well together, and these crostini appetizers make the most of this delicious flavor combo.
Each slice of toasted French bread in this recipe is layered with fresh pear, creamy cheese, a handful of arugula, and a drizzle of maple syrup, finished with crushed walnuts for texture.
Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer With Puff Pastry
This puff pastry appetizer is bursting with flavor thanks to sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of pesto. A sprinkle of shredded fresh basil on top adds a bright pop of green, so the whole thing is full of festive colors.
This appetizer feels totally gourmet but comes together easily, making it perfect for a holiday gathering.
Apple and Brie Crostini Appetizers
These apple and brie crostini are another great option for a Christmas Eve appetizer spread. They’re warm, sweet and savory at the same time, and totally indulgent.
Crisp apple slices, creamy brie, and serrano ham all sit atop toasted crostini, with arugula and crushed walnuts adding a bit of color and crunch. A drizzle of maple syrup ties it all together beautifully.
Mini Italian Sausage Rolls With Puff Pastry
These mini sausage rolls are always the first thing to disappear at my holiday parties!
They’re made with Italian-style sausage wrapped in puff pastry that is topped with parmesan and filled with a zesty sauce of mustard, salsa, and balsamic vinegar. They’re quite filling, full of flavors, and easy to prep ahead if you need a quick and low-effort party bite.
Bruschetta Cucumber Bites
These bruschetta cucumber bites are as fresh as they are festive. Sliced cucumber rounds are topped with a classic bruschetta mix, mini mozzarella balls, and a decorative slice of olive to make things a little bit fancy.
They’re light, refreshing, and a great no-bake option to balance out richer dishes on your Christmas table.
Cranberry Brie Pinwheel Bites With Puff Pastry
These flaky cranberry brie pinwheel bites are one of my go-to Christmas party starters. Puff pastry gets filled with creamy brie, tart homemade cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, then baked until golden and puffed.
These pinwheels are festive, buttery, and perfectly bite-sized, great for serving on a holiday platter or as a warm, melty treat fresh from the oven.
