50 Appetizers for a Christmas Potluck

~ These appetizers for Christmas potlucks and parties showcase lots of fun shapes, festive holiday colors, and all your favorite seasonal flavors. There’s a wide range from casual to upscale … classic to uniquely trendy. And, most of them can be made completely – or at least partially – ahead (yay … no last-minute stress)! ~

Collage of 4 recipe photos with text overlay

Got a Christmas potluck party on your schedule this holiday season? (Or maybe two or three … or five?!?) Yeah, me too!

Then we both need some really festive, celebration-worthy potluck appetizer ideas – and I’ve got some real {deck-the-halls} doozies!

Recipes that are extra: extra yummy, extra festive, extra fabulous. Because it’s the holidays, after all!

Christmas is the time to pull out all the stops, especially when you’re bringing a dish to share at a party where you want to win all those oooooohs and aaaaaahs and WOWs!

But that doesn’t have to be hard to do. I specifically picked extra easy appetizers for this collection. “WOW” can also be stress-free, I promise!

An Appetizer for Every Type of Holiday Party

Whether you’ve been asked to bring the appetizer starter for a Christmas potluck dinner, or you need a genius showstopper for an office party or cookie exchange or family celebration … there’s something here for every festive occasion!

  • Many of these are make-ahead recipes, or at least have a lot of make-ahead components, which is ideal for potluck situations.
  • There’s a mix of “cute” themed appetizers shaped like Christmas trees and wreaths and snowmen (Fa La La La Laaaaa) + others that dial back the overt “cute” factor in favor of a little sophistication.
  • I’ve also selected some that are casual, and some that are upscale … some that are dip-able, plus some that are individual, finger food nibbles.

So, no matter what type of holiday party you’re heading to, there’s a perfect appetizer here, just waiting for you!

50 Festive Appetizers for a Christmas Potluck Party

1

Easy Christmas Appetizer "Hummus Wreath"

This stunner only takes 10 minutes to create and can even be made completely ahead of time! Creamy hummus is studded with salty feta plus a little zing from green onions, and then topped with a tabouli-like layer of fresh-tasting parsley salad. It's a simple yet gorgeous focal point for any appetizer potluck or Christmas buffet ... and will definitely steal the show every time you make it!

2

Christmas Tree Dip

Surprise! Although this looks like you fussed for hours, it seriously takes just 10 minutes to make. The cream cheese dip base is slathered in herby, Christmas-green pesto, and decorated with a flourish of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, Kalamatas, and a sprinkling of feta cheese "snow." Who knew trimming a tree could be so easy … or so YUMMY?!?

3

Cranberry Salsa

Succulent pineapple adds an ingenious, sweet counterpoint and a tropical, salsa-y flair to highlight the Christmas cranberries. It's easy to scale up for bigger potluck parties, and can be made up to 3 days ahead!

4

Easy Candied Pecans (Just 5 Minutes and 4 Ingredients!)

Every good appetizer buffet needs a dish or two of gourmet nuts for nibbling. These hugely popular pecans are a snap to make ... and they'll disappear even faster!

5

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

Keep a variety of ingredients on hand throughout the Christmas season, and you can easily whip up this pretty appetizer in just a few minutes. Terrific for last-minute guests and impromptu parties! (Psssst ... and if you're looking for ways to keep things lighter, check out this handy guide to Making a "Skinny" Charcuterie Board!)

6

Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Pizza Bites

Photo Credit: www.watchwhatueat.com

Pizza is always a hit ... and this adorable presentation will be the smash hit of any Christmas party! Make it healthier by using whole wheat dough, and vary the filling and toppings in a variety of tasty ways.

7

5-Minute Avocado Ranch Dip with Greek Yogurt

Can't decide between making guacamole ... or making a typical, ranch-style veggie dip? You don't have to! This simple recipe is the best of both worlds. And its festive green color is über-Christmas-y surrounded by enticing red and green veggies!

8

Snowman Cheeseball

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Full of smoky gouda flavor and dressed up as a dashing little snowman, this cutie is sure to impress at any potluck party! To keep things on the healthy side, be sure to serve him with plenty of veggies and whole grain crackers.

9

Bruschetta with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

With 5 different festively-colored layers, this party appetizer is a pretty finger food that relies heavily on store-bought, pantry staple items. It comes together quickly, and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings!

10

Easy Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipe

This amazing pull-apart appetizer features pizza dough filled with an easy homemade spinach dip ... then cleverly shaped like a gorgeous Christmas tree! Simple but impressive, and you can even make it a little waistline-friendly by subbing in reduced-fat cream cheese.

11

Cranberry Jalapeño Party Dip

Photo Credit: www.peelwithzeal.com

Just a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet ... but a whole lot of delicious! Bright and colorful, this potluck dip can be made ahead of time, takes less than 10 minutes, and requires no cooking! To keep it lighter, be sure to note the suggestion to swap in Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese.

12

No-Bake Pinwheel Christmas Tree Appetizer

Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

Green tortillas, red peppers, green olives, bright red cherry tomatoes and vibrant green herbs definitely highlight the festive colors of Christmas! Roll up the filled tortillas ahead of time for an easy last-minute appetizer. Includes ideas for pretty garnishes and ways to add extra pops of red and green, plus tips to make it healthier with light cream cheese or make it gluten free.

13

5-Minute Pomegranate Salsa

This delicious salsa looks like Christmas in a bowl, with glistening holiday colors! It’s a unique but super-simple party appetizer that wins raves every single time – everybody asks for this recipe! Bonus for last-minute potlucks: you can make this crowd-pleasing appetizer ahead of time, too! 

14

Toasted Pecan Brie Brussels Sprout Bites

Photo Credit: www.callmepmc.com

With ingredients like Everything Seasoning, crunchy pecans, creamy brie cheese, honey, hot sauce, and paprika, these little Brussels sprouts appetizer bites are perfectly flavored with texture galore! Easy to double or even triple for larger potlucks and appetizer parties.

15

Cute Christmas Tree Appetizers

Photo Credit: www.lovefromtheoven.com

Darling and fun to assemble! Plus, there are great ideas to make these light and healthy by using wheat bread and swapping in ingredients like cucumbers and bell peppers.

16

Savory Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

Photo Credit: www.walderwellness.com

These stuffed dates are topped with pistachios, walnuts, thyme, and honey. They’re such a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer recipe, and just happen to be both vegetarian and gluten free. Need a vegan option? Try this one!

17

15-Minute Cranberry Brie Bites

These simple appetizer cups are so easy to prep, but look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Includes handy tips and shortcut ideas, and you can even make these up and freeze them for the ultimate prep-ahead party munchie you can whip out at a moment's notice!

18

Mini Caprese Skewers

Photo Credit: bellyfull.net

The perfect Christmas party color scheme! This recipe elevates typical caprese skewers by marinating the mozzarella in flavorful seasonings. But no worries if you're short on time – just leverage the tip to buy already-marinated cheese at the store! For more holiday fun with the caprese idea, try this easy wreath, these caprese bites nestled in phyllo cups, or even this elegantly deconstructed version served in stem glasses.

19

Christmas Fruit Salad

No need for a fruit platter with fruit dip ... this beautiful recipe has it all! Holiday favorites like pomegranates, dried cranberries and pistachios, along with apples and grapes, plus a luscious dressing and crunchy topping. It's so much more special than typical fruit recipes … yet it takes hardly any extra time at all (and can be prepped ahead)!

20

Juicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Super juicy ground turkey meatballs are accented by a holiday cranberry sauce that's wonderfully tangy and sweet, and complements these meatballs to perfection! A great make-ahead recipe, these can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

21

Sweet and Spicy Cream Cheese Dip

Cream cheese dips like this are potluck classics because they're so crazy quick and easy, and always really popular. This one is ideal for Christmas gatherings because of its seasonal red, gold and flecks of green. If you wanna take it upscale, note the tips for pivoting this to individual, finger food appetizers instead. Fantastic either way!

22

Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers

These are healthy, easy, light and delicious! You can prepare them up to a day in advance for an easy potluck win during the busy Christmas season. And these festive green and red nibbles just happen to be vegetarian, low carb, keto and gluten free, so they're ideal for a big party where guests may have differing dietary needs.

23

Deck the Halls Christmas Charcuterie Board

Photo Credit: www.troprockin.com

This helpful guide has specific instructions for making a salami rose, carving a lovely brie Christmas tree focal point, and swapping and subbing ingredients. It even features handy infographics to guide your layout!

24

Roasted Shrimp with Gremolata Dressing

Photo Credit: twokooksinthekitchen.com

Give that tired-out shrimp cocktail routine a rest! Plump, roasted shrimp are tossed with a zesty gremolata dressing of fresh parsley, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It's great for potlucks since it's delicious both hot from the oven or at room temperature. Offer toothpicks or little appetizer forks, and watch this disappear!

25

Antipasto Wreath

Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

Dress up traditional antipasto into a festive wreath for Christmas! Mix and match ingredients so your guests have plenty of yummy options, and add some fresh herbs to make it extra-pretty. You can make the skewers and assemble the wreath a day ahead of your potluck party – great for stress-free entertaining!

26

Cranberry Dip Crostini

This is a delightfully healthy appetizer that takes virtually no time to make (and you can even prep it mostly ahead). Serve it sprinkled with goat cheese and piled beautifully on crostini, or offer it as a casual dip with crackers alongside. Either way, it's irresistibly sweet-tart and creamy!

27

Baked Spiral "Hawaiian Roll" Sliders

These are a great, heartier potluck option and a fun riff on the always-popular baked party sandwiches. They're ideal to make ahead, super adaptable, and {surprise!} so much healthier, too! With three different variations for you to try, you can mix and match and let party guests choose their fave.

28

Honey Goat Cheese Balls

Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com

For these simple, scrumptious little appetizers, each cheese ball is rolled in a mixture of honey, apricot preserves, and crunchy pecans. Push in a pretzel stick or decorative toothpick so they're easy to grab. You can switch up the nuts and preserves to create different flavor combinations and make these again and again throughout the Christmas season!

29

Mediterranean Deviled Eggs

These Mediterranean-inspired deviled eggs sport pops of holiday red and green ... and an unexpected flavor twist. The egg yolk filling is blended with creamy roasted red pepper hummus before they're topped with a pretty, flavor-elevating combination of pepper strips, basil, green onions, and paprika. Fast enough to serve at last-minute potlucks, yet stunning enough to headline at swankier events, too. Maybe best of all: you can make them ahead!

30

Christmas Wreath Guacamole Appetizer

Guacamole is always a crowd pleaser, and it's Christmas-perfect when you shape it into an enticing holiday wreath. Super easy, but with big WOW factor!

31

Outrageously Good Spinach Artichoke Dip

Photo Credit: rainbowplantlife.com

Ah, yes! Couldn't leave out the quintessential holiday bread bowl party dip! This version is an inspired vegan take: it’s creamy, cheesy, and just as indulgent as the classic without the heaviness of dairy. But, if you'd prefer a "traditional" {aka NON-vegan} option, try this version (and notice that you can lighten it by subbing Greek yogurt for the sour cream).

32

Easy Cucumber Hummus Bite Appetizers

Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

These festive little bites feel fancy but only take a few minutes to make. Crisp cucumber and flavorful roasted red peppers add Christmas-colored flair to the creamy hummus base, and will have everyone reaching for seconds!

33

Christmas Tree Shaped Vegetable Platter

Photo Credit: www.melaniecooks.com

A pretty potluck appetizer in 5 minutes flat ... no cooking required! Serve this great idea for fresh vegetables along with your favorite dips for a fun and healthy appetizer option everyone will enjoy!

34

Broiled (or Grilled) Polenta with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Tomatoes

Warm polenta rounds are topped with melty, creamy mozzarella, then sprinkled with sweet tomatoes in a delightful balsamic dressing with fresh basil. It’s totally amazing. A holiday-colored finger food that's both cozy and fresh ... light yet satisfying!

35

Pear & Brie Cheese Salad Skewers

Photo Credit: www.walderwellness.com

Pears and brie are a classic holiday flavor combination, made party-perfect with arugula, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar glaze. And all you need are 5 ingredients and about 20 minutes of time!

36

Easy Christmas Fruit Kabobs

These adorable fruit Santas and strawberry-grape Santa hats will turn that same-old-same-old fruit tray into a blockbuster holiday showstopper! Make an entire platter full of these, or simply create a few as decorative accents to a fresh fruit dish.

37

Edamame Hummus

Inspired by the edamame hummus at Trader Joe’s, this delicious and healthy recipe is so easy and so yummy! It takes only a few minutes to make, and its Christmas-y green hue is wonderful for holiday entertaining situations (especially if you surround it with red and green veggies along with the standard pita chips).

38

Cooked Seafood Platter (Fruits de Mer)

Photo Credit: flawlessfood.co.uk

Crazy-impressive! This luxurious, upscale appetizer platter is a jaw-dropping showstopper! With loads of tips for what seafood to include, plus substitutions, variations, and suggested accompaniments like sauces and even wines.

39

Homemade Bruschetta Christmas Appetizer

Photo Credit: tastyoven.com

While the colors absolutely scream "CHRISTMAS!" the fresh, crisp flavors and textures will be a welcome change from the heavier, wintery options at the party. Bonus for the busy holiday season: with just a few, simple ingredients, this quick appetizer can be ready in 15 minutes, and made up to 3 days ahead of time!

40

Healthier Reuben Dip (Oven, Microwave or Crock-Pot)

Everybody loves a great Reuben dip, but what makes this one so terrific for potlucks is that you can choose to serve it in a little slow cooker so it stays hot throughout the party. An absolute classic that's a crowd favorite every time!

41

Brie Sliders Recipe

Photo Credit: www.bonappeteach.com

A unique twist on mini sandwiches, the tiny buns are hollowed out and stuffed with brie, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes before being baked to warm, melty joy. A sprinkling of green parsley and snowy parmesan cheese makes for a festive final flourish on top of the red and green filling!

42

White Bean Cranberry Hummus

Photo Credit: foodwineandlove.com

This dip is Christmas-ready with surprising layers of flavor from rosemary and garlic-infused olive oil, seasonal pecans and dried cranberries, and a little zing of citrus-y orange juice. A celebration in every bite!

43

Uniquely Delicious Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy caviar is a must-have party dip, but it can get a bit boring when you've had it so many times. Try this fresh spin that combines traditional black beans, crunchy red peppers, juicy sweet corn, and trendy edamame and quinoa with a fabulous lemon-dijon vinaigrette. Its holiday colors will earn it a place at the potluck buffet ... but the flavors will steal the show!

    44

    Butternut Squash & Pomegranate Crostini with Whipped Feta and Honey

    Photo Credit: foxeslovelemons.com

    A lovely balance of sweet and savory, soft and crunchy! This medley of seasonal flavors showcases roasted squash and pops of juicy pomegranate, perched atop a cream cheese and feta schmear and crowned with honey and fresh mint. Festive Christmas colors that deliver big on both taste and presentation!

    45

    Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts

    Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks

    Georgian cuisine has absorbed the best culinary traditions of the Caucasus, Middle East and the Black Sea region, and the result is rich, savory, decadent flavors in luxurious, yet simple dishes. You can make these enticing eggplant rolls in your own home and share those same flavors with friends and family in this pretty, tasty appetizer!

    46

    Baked Hummus Dip with Easy Tabouli Topping

    The perfect combination of two favorites – a warm, creamy hummus layer meets a cool, fresh (gluten-free) tabouli-like topping that's bursting with flavor and Christmas-y colors. Luckily, this dip is also wonderful served chilled, or once the hummus has cooled back down after baking – so don't worry if you don't have access to an oven to warm (or rewarm) this dip during the party.

    47

    Christmas Wreath Fruit Tray

    Photo Credit: tikkido.com

    A refreshing fruit tray is always a welcome addition to the potluck buffet table! Serve this simple but darling wreath alongside your favorite dip (HINT: we love this Healthy Sugared-Vanilla Yogurt Fruit Dip).

    48

    Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts

    Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

    This easy, two-bite finger food is so pretty, and so easy to customize. Use part-skim ricotta to keep them lighter, swap maple syrup for honey to suit your mood, change up the nuts and herbs based on what you've got on hand ... even make them vegan if you'd like. Lots of options for these inventive sweet potatoes ... with no wrong answers here!

    49

    Chestnut Hummus

    Photo Credit: www.jcookingodyssey.com

    "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire ..." That quintessential Christmas ingredient makes an unexpected appearance in this gorgeous hummus recipe. While the post shows how to cook chestnuts yourself, it also mentions that you can simply purchase cooked chestnuts for a handy shortcut. This holiday appetizer can be made 2-3 days in advance of your party.

    50

    Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

    The iconic potluck appetizer! It's especially terrific since you can use a small slow cooker to keep it warm and dip-able all throughout the party. To make it more Christmas-y, surround it with some green and red bell pepper strips for dipping, as well as the standard green celery or tortilla chips and crackers!

    Need Even More Christmas Party Appetizer Recipes?

    Oh, don’t you worry … we’ve got ’em!

    • If you specifically want appetizer ideas that are full-on Christmas-y … as in, clearly shaped like reindeer and Christmas ornaments and snowmen and Christmas trees … then take a look at our collection of oh-so CUTE Christmas Appetizers for some additional ideas beyond the adorable ones showcased here!
    • If you mostly just need a FAST and SIMPLE recipe, then you definitely want to peek at our collection of Easy Christmas Appetizers, most of which can be made in 15 minutes or less!
    • Or, you can check out our always-popular showcase of Easy Party Food Appetizers. These aren’t as specifically holiday-focused, but there are some additional, really simple and tasty ideas, including some great ones you might like for after-Christmas parties or New Year’s bashes.
    Square collage of 4 recipes with text reading Collage of 4 recipe photos with text overlay

    Wishing you a most joyous, extra-fun, crazy-delicious holiday season!

    I hope these appetizer recipes give you some exciting new ideas to try. And I hope they win you lots of compliments at all your Christmas dinner parties, potlucks, cookie exchanges … alllllll the celebrations!

    Happy, happy holidays! 🙂

    The post 50 Appetizers for a Christmas Potluck appeared first on Two Healthy Kitchens.


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