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Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Bites for Your Christmas Party Spread
The holiday season is a time for family, festivities, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, attending a holiday party, or simply enjoying an evening with loved ones, appetizers are the perfect way to get everyone in the festive spirit. In 2024, we’re seeing a mix of time-tested holiday favorites alongside fresh and exciting new ideas to spice up your spread.
If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make, and Instagram-worthy appetizers to serve this year, look no further. Here are some of the best Christmas holiday appetizers that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
1. Crispy Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Baked brie is a classic holiday appetizer that never fails to impress, but for 2024, we’re giving it a festive twist with homemade cranberry sauce. The warm, melty cheese paired with the tart and sweet cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Puff pastry (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using puff pastry, wrap the Brie in it and bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For the cranberry sauce, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat until the berries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Serve the baked Brie with the cranberry sauce drizzled on top and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Why it’s perfect: The warm, gooey Brie pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy cranberry sauce, making it the ideal appetizer for Christmas.
Here’s a helpful video tutorial to help you make this awesome Christmas holiday party appetizer!
2. Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
These bite-sized caprese skewers are light, fresh, and full of flavor. They’re easy to assemble and give off a festive vibe thanks to the red and green colors of the tomatoes and basil.
Ingredients:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Thread a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf onto small skewers or toothpicks.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Why it’s perfect: Caprese skewers are simple yet elegant and provide a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy finish that guests will love.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms with Cream Cheese and Garlic
Stuffed mushrooms are a warm, savory appetizer that always disappears quickly at holiday gatherings. This year, we’re filling them with a rich cream cheese and garlic mixture, adding a touch of parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 24 large mushroom caps
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Why it’s perfect: These creamy, garlicky mushrooms are rich in flavor and make a satisfying bite-sized appetizer that guests can easily pop in their mouths.
4. Holiday Meat and Cheese Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are a fun, visually stunning way to serve a variety of appetizers. For a Christmas twist, add seasonal touches like cranberries, nuts, and fresh herbs for extra flair.
Ingredients:
- A variety of cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda, goat cheese)
- A selection of cured meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
- Fresh fruits (grapes, figs, apple slices)
- Dried fruits (apricots, cranberries)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Crackers and baguette slices
Instructions:
- Arrange cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers on a large platter or wooden board.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
Why it’s perfect: A charcuterie board is easy to put together, visually appealing, and offers a little something for everyone. The variety of flavors and textures makes it perfect for mingling and grazing.
5. Spinach and Artichoke Dip in a Bread Bowl
Spinach and artichoke dip is a holiday favorite that’s always a hit at parties. For 2024, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and festive twist that’s as delicious as it is interactive.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of round sourdough bread
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Hollow out the center of the sourdough loaf, leaving a thick border. Set aside the bread for dipping.
- In a bowl, mix the artichokes, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan, mozzarella, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the bread bowl and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve with bread pieces or crackers.
Why it’s perfect: This dip is warm, creamy, and comforting. The bread bowl adds an extra touch of creativity and encourages guests to dig in.
6. Cranberry Jalapeno Salsa with Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes are not only a holiday staple, but they also make a great base for a simple, elegant appetizer. Top them with a homemade cranberry salsa for a pop of color and tangy flavor.
7. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites
These light, refreshing bites are perfect for guests who prefer something a little less rich but still packed with flavor. The combination of cucumber, cream cheese, and smoked salmon is a timeless classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
- Capers (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the cream cheese with dill and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice.
- Top with a piece of smoked salmon and garnish with capers or extra dill.
Why it’s perfect: These refreshing bites are light yet packed with flavor. They’re an elegant, no-fuss appetizer that adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread.
This holiday season, make your Christmas gatherings extra special with these easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Whether you’re craving something warm and cheesy, light and fresh, or creative and fun, there’s an option here for every palate. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to treat your guests to some festive flavors—they’ll be talking about your appetizers long after the holidays are over!
With Love,
Mandy xo
