10 Festive Finger Food Appetizer Recipes for Christmas
Finger foods make holiday gatherings super fun and easy! These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for festive occasions, allowing friends and family to mingle while enjoying delicious treats. Here are some tasty finger food appetizer recipes that will elevate your Christmas celebration without much fuss!
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
Caprese skewers are a delightful finger food that perfectly captures the freshness of summer flavors, making them an ideal appetizer for your Christmas gatherings. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, each bite offers a burst of taste that balances sweetness and savory notes. Plus, they are incredibly simple to prepare, so you can whip them up in no time and impress your guests without breaking a sweat.
The addition of a balsamic drizzle elevates these skewers, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for a quick snack, these Caprese skewers are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf, and then a mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is filled, leaving some space at the ends for easy handling.
- Once all the skewers are assembled, drizzle them with balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and enjoy this fresh and festive appetizer!
Cranberry Brie Bites with Walnut Topping
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the creamy richness of brie cheese with the tartness of cranberry. These little bites are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them an ideal choice for your holiday gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures creates a wonderful taste experience that everyone will love.
These bites are perfect finger foods for your Christmas celebrations. With a buttery pastry base, topped with warm, melted brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts, they offer a satisfying crunch that enhances every savory bite. Plus, they can be prepared in advance, so you can focus on enjoying the festivities!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares (about 3×3 inches).
- Place each square on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Put a piece of brie in the center of each pastry square, followed by a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the cranberry sauce.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a small pocket, and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Stuffed Mini Peppers with Cream Cheese
Stuffed mini peppers with cream cheese make for a delightful finger food that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These vibrant little bites are not only visually appealing but also packed with creamy flavor. The sweetness of the peppers pairs wonderfully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese, making each bite a mouthful of joy.
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time. They can be assembled in advance, making them a convenient choice for busy hosts. Plus, they fit right in with the festive spirit of finger foods appetizer recipes for Christmas!
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers (various colors)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (chives or parsley), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds carefully.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheese, fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each half of the mini peppers, filling them generously.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
- Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your colorful and delicious stuffed mini peppers!
Savory Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites
These delightful spinach and feta puff pastry bites are a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings. With their flaky, golden crust and savory filling, they bring a burst of flavor to any finger foods appetizer recipes Christmas spread. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests!
The combination of fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese creates a deliciously rich filling that pairs beautifully with the light, airy pastry. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these bites are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and cut it into squares (about 3 inches each).
- Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden color when baked.
- Place the prepared bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty bites at your next holiday party!
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus bundles are a delightful finger food that combines the crispness of fresh asparagus with the savory richness of prosciutto. This dish is not only tasty but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors, with the saltiness of the prosciutto enhancing the natural earthiness of the asparagus. These bundles are sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your appetizer spread this Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 8 ounces prosciutto, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Take a slice of prosciutto and wrap it around each asparagus spear, starting from the bottom and spiraling upwards.
- Place the wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy these delicious finger foods at your Christmas gathering!
Mini Quiches with Seasonal Veggies
Mini quiches are the perfect finger food for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures. These bite-sized treats are filled with seasonal vegetables, making them not only tasty but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your appetizer spread.
They’re simple to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies or cheeses. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or bringing a dish to a gathering, these mini quiches are sure to impress your guests with their deliciousness and festive presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin and set aside.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut it into small circles to fit into the muffin tin. Press the dough into each cup.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place a mix of the sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into each crust. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each mini quiche.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the egg is set and the tops are golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your festive finger foods appetizer for Christmas!
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a delightful finger food that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with tender shrimp, creating a savory bite that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s simple to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, making it a great choice for busy hosts during the festive season.
The shrimp are roasted to perfection, allowing them to soak up all the delicious garlic and cheese flavors. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness, and they pair beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon. This dish is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a fantastic addition to your finger foods appetizer recipes for Christmas!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the mixture.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado Cream
Sweet potato rounds topped with a creamy avocado mixture are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes and a rich, creamy texture from the avocado cream. These bites are not only visually appealing but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for finger foods appetizer recipes Christmas.
With their vibrant colors and fresh flavors, these sweet potato rounds will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Plus, they are healthy and satisfying, pleasing those looking for lighter options during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the rounds are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the avocado cream. In a bowl, mash the avocado and mix in lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Once the sweet potato rounds are done, let them cool slightly. Top each round with a generous dollop of avocado cream.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy these tasty bites at your next holiday gathering!
Mini Taco Cups with Spicy Salsa
Mini taco cups are a fun and tasty twist on traditional tacos, perfect for holiday gatherings. These bite-sized delights pack a punch of flavor with a spicy salsa that complements the savory filling. They’re easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
The combination of crunchy taco cups and zesty salsa creates a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite. These finger foods are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering, making them a must-try addition to your appetizer lineup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 24 mini tortilla cups (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (spicy or mild, to your preference)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
- Place the mini tortilla cups on a baking tray. Fill each cup with the seasoned meat mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Top each mini taco cup with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your mini taco cups with a kick!
Savory Meatballs in Cranberry Glaze
These savory meatballs in cranberry glaze are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering. The sweet and tangy glaze perfectly complements the tender meatballs, creating a flavor that’s both comforting and festive. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to prepare, making them a great choice for your holiday finger foods appetizer recipes Christmas.
Perfect for dipping or serving on toothpicks, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a tasty treat, these meatballs will bring joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are fully cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, mix cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, toss them in the cranberry glaze until well coated. Serve warm, and enjoy!