Christmas Eve Appetizers
Christmas Eve calls for food that feels a little magical. Before the main feast begins, these appetizers set the tone for a cosy, joyful night filled with sparkle and delicious bites. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a relaxed gathering by the fire, these recipes make it easy to impress your guests with beautiful, flavorful starters that capture the spirit of the season.
This collection celebrates the best of holiday indulgence. Think creamy cheeses paired with sweet cranberries, rich smoked salmon, and savoury bites that are impossible to resist. From delicate pinwheels and warm crostini to stuffed mushrooms and festive meatballs glazed in cranberry sauce. Each dish brings a mix of comfort and sophistication to your table.
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Serve them with a glass of bubbly or a holiday cocktail, and you’ve got the perfect start to your Christmas Eve celebration. Simple to prepare yet full of festive flair, these appetizers will have everyone reaching for seconds before the night has even begun.
Essential Tools to Prepare Christmas Eve Appetizers
Make your festive appetisers look and taste their best with the right tools on hand. These kitchen essentials will help you prep, bake, and serve your Christmas Eve starters smoothly and stylishly.
- Serving Platters: Perfect for presenting appetisers beautifully and keeping your table looking festive.
- Small Baking Sheets: Ideal for baking crostini, pinwheels, or bite-sized pastries evenly.
- Pastry Brush: Helps you glaze or butter pastry tops for a golden finish and professional touch.
- Mini Muffin Tin: Great for baking small tartlets, brie bites, or other individual starters.
- Paring Knife: Handy for fine slicing, trimming, or preparing garnishes with precision.
- Small Mixing Bowls: Useful for mixing spreads, marinades, and fillings without cluttering your workspace.
Christmas Eve Appetizers
These Christmas Eve appetizers set the mood for a night of laughter, sparkle and good company. From cheesy nibbles to savory bites and festive finger foods, each one is perfect for sharing and kicking off the holiday feast in style.
Brie and Cranberry Toastie
A simple yet festive toastie combining warm melty brie with sweet‑tart cranberries; the rich cheese and fruity cranberries create a 'divine' combination perfect for a Christmassy nibble.
Smoked Salmon Crackers
These canapés layer cream cheese and smoked salmon on crackers; they’re delicious, quick to assemble and always a hit at gatherings, making them a perfect make‑ahead Christmas Eve appetizer.
Prosciutto wrapped dates (with goats cheese)
Plump dates stuffed with tangy goat’s cheese and wrapped in salty prosciutto offer a sweet‑savory bite; bake until the cheese melts for gooey indulgence, or serve cold as a perfect pre‑dinner nibble.
Blue Cheese Pinwheels
Roquefort, mascarpone, honey and walnuts rolled in a tortilla create an elegant swirl of creamy, sweet and crunchy flavours; these pinwheels can be made ahead and taste even better once the flavours meld.
Cheese Sables Recipe
Crumbly savoury biscuits made with sharp cheese; a family favourite served before Christmas dinner, they offer a moreish, melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture and are perfect to nibble with drinks.
Caprese Skewers
Mini mozzarella balls, basil and cherry tomatoes are threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a tangy‑sweet balsamic reduction; the fresh, healthy bites are quick to make and popular at parties.
Quick & Easy 3-Ingredient Everything But the Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Cocktail sausages wrapped in puff pastry create an addictive spin on pigs in a blanket, making them an upgraded finger food you’ll want to double up.
Merry Little Christmas Deviled Eggs
Classic deviled eggs topped with pomegranate seeds and parsley to resemble holly; these cute, festive bites are deliciously creamy and easy to whip up for Christmas.
Best Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Warm, cheesy dip packed with spinach and artichokes; it’s ready in 30 minutes, can be made up to two days ahead, and is baked until hot and bubbly — a crowd‑pleaser at any gathering.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Juicy scallops wrapped in bacon and brushed lemon; these decadent bites are broiled to perfection and make a simple yet elegant appetiser
Stuffed Mushrooms (Easy Holiday Appetizer)
Tender mushroom caps filled with a cheesy, herby filling with sautéed onions and crunchy pecans; they’re baked until golden and are an easy, naturally gluten‑free holiday appetiser.
Ruby Red Cranberry-Glazed Meatballs Taste as Good as They Look
Lean turkey meatballs flavoured with herbs and ricotta are coated in a glaze made from cranberries, orange zest, ginger and cayenne; the result is sweet, sour, spicy and savoury in a single festive bite.
Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe ~ Barley & Sage
Lean turkey meatballs flavoured with herbs and ricotta are coated in a glaze made from cranberries, orange zest, ginger and cayenne; the result is sweet, sour, spicy and savoury in a single festive bite.