Whether you're throwing a full-fledged party or just having a few friends over, these 10-minute Holiday Appetizers will keep your mouth full and your stomach happy.
Browse this list of 36 quick and easy appetizers to find something tasty to make for your holiday gathering or Christmas day snacking. And it will only take 10 minutes!
Small plate appetizers are one of my favorite food groups. My family loves to do a movie night in with a meal of small bites.
And when it comes to having people over near the holidays, it's a great way to entertain without having to make a full meal.
While you can search any list to find great appetizers (like my Dinner Party Appetizers or Football Appetizers), this list is full of 10 minutes appetizers is perfectly suited for this time of year.
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Why These Recipes Work
With so many reasons to celebrate during the holiday season, your calendar is probably filled with parties.
Whether you’re hosting or need a dish to bring to a get-together, there’s no reason to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious menu item.
With the help of these 10-minute holiday appetizers, you can whip up a tasty treat for your next party in a matter of minutes!
But just because these low-prep recipes are quick and easy to make in 10 minutes doesn’t mean they don’t look and taste amazing.
From no-bake snacks perfect for a party to yummy appetizer recipes made with a handful of ingredients, each of these quick recipes are perfect for any get-together.
Your guests will have no idea they only took 10 minutes to prepare! For sure these are the best appetizers for the holidays.
Serve these appetizers at your Wine and Oil Parties, an Open House Wine Tasting or even a virtual Wine Tasting.
10-Minute Holiday Appetizers
This list of the best holiday appetizers are easy to make and can be made in just 10 minutes!
Just wait until you try the flavors of this goat cheese appetizer. The rose petals and sumac are insane! It's a totally unique idea that your guests will love the flavor of.
It's just not a holiday party unless you wrap dates and bacon. This is a classic appetizer recipe that is full of flavor and are really easy to make ahead of time.
Load up the bacon and get to dipping with this easy dip dish! It's a great dish to round out finger food recipes and can be eaten with crackers or even fresh veggies.
The pairing of the salty ham and the sweet melon pair perfectly with the cheese. This easy mini skewer idea is a great one to serve at room temperature and can be made ahead in just 10 minutes.
If you love the flavor of dill pickles, you have to try this dip! With chopped pickles and garlic pepper, this easy dip with a sour cream and cream cheese base is super quick to make.
This simple cheese ball recipe pairs perfectly with chips, dips, and veggies. The dried beef makes it salty and flavorful.
Talk about a fast and simple appetizer. This one is loaded with great flavor and looks super pretty! This is a unique appetizer recipe you'll love.
Who says that you can't start out with a sweet fruit dip? With a hint of orange flavor, this marshmallow fluff dip is a delicious way to welcome guests.
The creaminess of the whipped feta makes every bite perfect. Inspired by Greek recipes, this tasty dip is great with pita chips and veggies.
These chips are low carb and delicious and PERFECT for dipping or eating as is. When baked, the salami crisps up making them a fun twist for a charcuterie board.
This goat cheese cranberry log is the perfect starter recipe. With just four ingredients, this sweet and crunchy spread is always a family favorite.
In just 5 minutes of time, you'll love this simple appetizer. Just grab some toothpicks and add on fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. YUM!
This simple stuffed celery recipe is a great way to feed your guests. The kids will love it, too! It's a nostalgic snack that everyone will reach for.
Gorgeous figs and salty Proscuitto make a perfect pairing in this crostini recipe. It's perfect for holiday snacking.
Everyone will love these tomato pops because they can just grab and go! The tomatoes are sweet and pair perfectly with the creamy filling.
This Roasted Pepper Salsa recipe is extremely easy to make and a tasty twist on a classic recipe. Serve it with chips, crackers and more!
These bite-sized phyllo cups with roasted peppers and creamy cheese are literally the perfect holiday appetizer. The crunchy cup makes it a great finger food that you can make ahead and are easy for guests to serve themselves.
How cute are these? Perfect for kids and adults who are kids at heart! With just a little prep work, you can make a fun holiday-ready skewer that will put a smile to every guest's face.
The smoked salmon flavor is absolutely delicious! It's an elevated party snack to make for any of your holiday get-togethers.
Show your creative side with these fun meat roses! Jazz up your charcuterie boards with Meat Roses! This post will show you how easy it is to do it.
Use the air fryer to make a delicious garlic bread for an appetizer. Serve as is or with some simple toppings, this recipe has a delicious flavor.
This simple cheese board styled as a holiday wreath is as much fun to make as it is to serve. This is a show-stopping appetizer that you may make into a new tradition.
A little bit of sweet and spicy is appetizer perfection. Tart cranberry and earthy jalapeno are a great topping on this cold dip.
A Green Olive Tapenade is a super simple, make-ahead appetizer that is full of flavor. The salty brine makes a delicious topping for crusty bread.
Hummus is one of my favorite go-to appetizer recipes for entertaining. And this layered veggie version is even more flavorful.
Whether you serve this at the start of the party or near the end during dessert, everyone will enjoy Apple Nachos! Topped with caramel and chocolate this is a treat that is easy to make and delicious to eat.
This salsa recipe is light and refreshing and would be perfect with crackers or chips. And that red and green color makes it holiday party perfect.
Shrimp just makes people happy, doesn't it? And these crispy shrimp don't disappoint. Serve with a quick cocktail sauce to add another elevated selection to your appetizer table.
Goat cheese and cranberries were just meant to be. And this easy cracker appetizer is one that the kids can even help you put together.
This is a great cheese ball recipe for the Christmas season! Mini cheese balls are transformed into reindeer with just a few ingredients. So cute!
Talk about the cutest little pita pockets, ever! Not too cute to eat! This is a fun twist on a classic slider that are sure to have your guests talking.
One bite and you'll be hooked. Sweet strawberries and cream cheese are the perfect balance and make for a delicious fruity bruschetta.
Who doesn't love Taco Dip? This easy recipe is a good snack to have out as the guests arrive. Just make sure you have plenty of tortilla chips.
The crunch of the cucumbers steal the show! The Buffalo chicken on top brings a little bit of heat that is perfectly mellowed out by the fresh vegetable. These are a must!
Giving everyone their own jar full of goodies is literally the best idea, ever! This idea is super easy to make ahead and makes serving even easier.
Deviled eggs that are low carb and spicy? Count me in time and time again! This is a classic appetizer that make people super happy.
Hint: Your appetizer menu will depend on what type of party you are hosting and how many people you invite.
How Many Appetizers Do I Need
If you are just hosting another family, you could get away with one batch of 2-3 holiday party apps. If you are hosting a larger party, you may need to do a little more calculating.
A good rule of thumb is if there will be dinner served, account for 6 pieces per person. If you are having a cocktail party, plan on 12 pieces per person.
You can fill in these appetizers with dips, and store-bought items like veggies trays, salads and a charcuterie board.
Holiday Appetizer Serving Tips
After you prepare these delicious Christmas party appetizers, you’re going to want to create an amazing display! I spent a few years in catering at a hotel and set up SO MANY appetizer tables.
With these simple tips, you can set up a beautiful food display for your Christmas party in minutes:
Pick the Right Plates
The key to creating an amazing holiday party display is to select the right serving dishes. Using solid colors, like white or silver, will help the food stand out. The plates don't need to match but should coordinate.
After that, try creating a more interesting display with plates in different shapes and sizes.
Most food looks better served on smaller plates where they take up more space and that includes serving. The table will look more full and decadent if there is less white space from the plates.
Set out appetizer plates for guests to use which will keep them from loading up and wasting food. They are always welcome to get another helping but you want to make sure they don't take too much at once.
Add Height
Another simple way to create a more visually interesting food display is to add height to your food table. Tiered serving trays are perfect for displaying appetizers.
Or use food risers to lift up some of your dishes and easily add some height to your display. An easy way to do this is to grab a sturdy box from your garage and wrap it in fabric or an extra tablecloth. (Or wrap it like a Christmas present!).
Then just set the serving platter on top of the box. Different levels are easy to achieve and a nice (and easy) visual look to the table.
Fill with Holiday Decor
After arranging your serving platters and trays on your table, use holiday decorations to fill in blank spots on the table.
Evergreen sprigs, a fun garland, colorful ornaments, and twinkle lights are all simple ways to quickly add a holiday look to your appetizer table.
You can fill jars with sugar and bottle brush Christmas trees to create fun wintery scenes.
Hang a DIY knotted garland on the wall behind the table (or laid on the table) for a super simple decoration that you can easily make beforehand.
If you want to keep things really simple, simply create a food station on the counter and have guests serve from there.
After all, entertaining should be about spending time together and not making things harder on yourself.
How Do You Keep Appetizers Warm
There’s nothing worse than biting into a cold appetizer when it’s supposed to be warm! Make sure your guests enjoy their food the way it’s intended with these quick tips:
Use the Oven
Set your oven to warm, then place all your hot appetizers on baking sheets. Cover the sheets with foil to keep the food from drying out, then store the appetizers in the warm oven until your guests arrive.
Use a Slow Cooker
Appetizers like dips and meatballs can be served in your slow cooker to ensure they stay warm for your guests. Set the slow cooker to warm, then add your appetizers, along with a serving spoon to make it easy for your guests to serve themselves.
A small size slow cooker works great for smaller portions like dip while you can make and heat tons of meatballs or little smokies in a larger one.
A Buffet Warming Tray also works like a slow cooker without taking hours to heat up.
Try Chafing Dishes
Another great way to keep your food warm for your guests is with the help of chafing dishes. These dishes are set over burning flames, helping keep the food inside warm for an extended period of time.
Chafing dip appetizers are especially great if you have a larger crowd to serve.
A Warming Plate is a good idea especially if you have a dip and it's not a huge portion. A Hot Plate will hold even more dishes.
Use Foil
Aluminum foil is a simple way to seal in the heat in your dishes until you’re ready to serve them. As you’re arranging your serving platters on your food table, cover each of the plates with foil.
The foil will help seal in the heat as you wait for your guests to arrive. Right before the party starts, remove the foil to display the best holiday appetizers.
Shop Appetizer Supplies
- Mini Tong Set in Gold (includes 6 tongs)
- This sectioned Condiment Tray would look great on any party table.
- 6-Inch Skewers are a great way to serve meatballs or other small bites that don't really need a fork.
- These Wood and Gold Food Stands are cute and are made to be seen.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Artichoke Dip Sliders are a fun twist on a classic party dip.
- A Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a great make-ahead appetizer that only takes a few minutes to prepare.
- Beer Cheese Dip is full of flavor and a great hearty warm dip to serve a crowd.
- Blue Cheese Potato Chips Nachos will have everyone fighting over the tray.
- Mediterranean Bites with Feta in phyllo shells are crunchy and full of flavor!
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