With holiday gatherings just around the corner, having quick and delicious appetizers on hand is essential.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or need something to bring to a potluck, these 10-minute Christmas appetizers will make you look like a pro without breaking a sweat.
Here are 15 easy, festive, and crowd-pleasing ideas to get you started!
1. Caprese Candy Cane Board

This festive twist on a caprese salad will be the star of your appetizer table.
Ingredients:
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
Arrange mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes in a candy cane shape on a platter. Alternate between mozzarella and tomato slices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve with crackers or breadsticks.
2. Charcuterie Christmas Tree
A fun and festive way to present a mini charcuterie board!

Ingredients:
- Salami slices
- Cheese cubes (cheddar, gouda)
- Olives (green and black)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Create a tree shape on a platter using alternating rows of salami, cheese cubes, olives, and tomatoes. Use fresh rosemary as “branches” for a pine tree look. Add a cheese star on top for a cute finishing touch.
3. Cranberry & Brie Crostini
A creamy and sweet bite-sized delight that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients:
- Sliced baguette
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions:
Top each baguette slice with a piece of Brie cheese and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve immediately.

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4. Pomegranate Guacamole
A festive dip with a burst of color and flavor!

Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mash avocados in a bowl, then mix in lime juice, red onion, and salt. Gently fold in the pomegranate seeds. Serve with tortilla chips.
5. Santa Hat Cheese Bites
Adorable and delicious finger food perfect for Christmas parties.
Ingredients:
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Place a basil leaf on a mozzarella ball, then top with a cherry tomato (cut side down) to create a “Santa hat.” Secure with a toothpick.
6. Peppermint Pretzel Bark
Sweet, salty, and crunchy — this treat is a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:
- Pretzel sticks
- White chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions:
Melt white chocolate in the microwave. Dip pretzel sticks halfway into the chocolate and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them set on parchment paper.
7. Reindeer Snack Mix
This no-cook, easy-to-assemble snack mix is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- Mini pretzels
- Chocolate-covered peanuts
- Red and green M&Ms
- Popcorn
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and serve in festive cups.
8. Holiday Hummus Platter
A healthy and colorful appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Ingredients:
- Store-bought hummus
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper strips
- Broccoli florets
- Pita chips
Instructions:
Spread hummus in a round serving dish. Create a “wreath” by arranging broccoli florets, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper strips around the edge. Surround it with a border of pita chips.
9. Cucumber Christmas Trees
Fresh, light, and a great option for healthy eaters.

Ingredients:
- Cucumber slices
- Cheese slices (cheddar or gouda)
- Pretzel sticks
Instructions:
Cut cheese into star shapes using a small cookie cutter. Place a cucumber slice on a pretzel stick, and top with a cheese star.
10. Snowman Cheese Balls
Cute, cheesy, and a fun treat for kids!

Ingredients:
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Black olives
- Carrot sticks
Instructions:
Stack two mozzarella balls on a toothpick. Use small pieces of olive for eyes and buttons, and a tiny carrot stick for the nose.
11. Mini Caprese Skewers
A simple yet elegant appetizer that looks great on a holiday platter.

Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
Thread a tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf onto a toothpick. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
12. Stuffed Endive Boats
Elegant and light, these boats are perfect for a fancy Christmas gathering.

Ingredients:
- Endive leaves
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Chopped walnuts
- Honey
Instructions:
Fill each endive leaf with blue cheese crumbles and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with honey before serving.
13. Cranberry Goat Cheese Pops
A creamy, sweet, and tart spread that’s the perfect finger food appetizer.

Ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped pecans
- Minced basil
- Pretzel sticks
Instructions:
Roll the goat cheese into small balls. Place a pretzel stick in the center of each cheese ball. Roll in a mixture of chopped cranberries, pecans, minced basil. Drizzle with honey, if desired.
14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears
A sweet and savory bite that’s both elegant and easy.

Ingredients:
- Fresh pear slices
- Thinly sliced prosciutto
- Arugula leaves
Instructions:
Wrap each pear slice with a strip of prosciutto, adding a small arugula leaf for a pop of color.
15. Christmas Deviled Eggs
A classic party staple with a festive twist.

Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and scoop out the yolks. Mix yolks with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Fill the egg whites with the mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Garnish with chopped chives for a festive touch.
We hope you enjoy these 10-minute Christmas appetizers, and experience stress-free holiday entertaining this year!
The endive with cheese walnuts and honey just sounds yummy. I would change the cheese to feta or farmers cheese because I am not a fan of blue cheese. And I would love to make and try the cucumber Christmas trees. All the recipes look yummy!!!
Great idea to swap out the cheese!