15 Christmas Appetizers You Can Make the Day Before

Christmas entertaining is easier when you can get some of the cooking done ahead of time. These 15 Christmas appetizers can be prepared the day before, giving you more time to enjoy your guests instead of spending the holiday in the kitchen. From savory bites and cheesy dips to festive finger foods, you’ll find plenty of make-ahead options to keep your holiday table full and your party running smoothly.

Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs

These Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs take a classic party favorite and give it a holiday makeover that people will be talking about long after the last one disappears. Bright green basil and Parmesan filling piped into tiny swirled trees, dotted with red pepper “ornaments” and crowned with a little golden star, make these deviled eggs the cutest bite on your holiday table. Get the recipe

Christmas Bread Wreath

This Christmas Bread Wreath is the easiest showstopper you will ever bring to a holiday party. Golden, pull-apart dinner rolls brushed with garlic rosemary butter and warm, gooey brie topped with cranberry sauce. Finished with jewel-like pomegranate arils and sprigs of fresh rosemary, this holiday wreath looks like it belongs on the cover of a holiday magazine. Get the recipe

Whipped Feta Snow Dip

This Whipped Feta Snow Dip is the holiday appetizer you’ll want in your back pocket all season long. Salty feta and cream cheese whip up into a cloud-soft, swirly dip, then get a snowy dusting of Parmesan and a pile of sun-dried tomatoes right in the center. Get the recipe

Rosemary Parmesan Snowflake Cookies

These Rosemary Parmesan Snowflake Cookies are proof that holiday cookies don’t have to be sweet to be irresistible. These savory cookies are the unexpected holiday bite that disappears faster than anything on the dessert tray. Get the recipe

Christmas Dumpling Tree

This festive Christmas Dumpling Tree has bright red chili “ornaments,” fresh cilantro, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. A bowl of sweet and savory soy-sesame dipping sauce sits at the base like a present under the tree. Get the recipe

Chilled Crab Dip

This Chilled Crab Dip is the kind of appetizer that disappears the second you set it on the table. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with sweet lump crab, this chilled dip blends cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream with a kick of Old Bay, a splash of lemon, and fresh green onions in every scoop. Get the recipe

Mini Mushroom & Gruyère Vol au Vents

These Mini Mushroom & Gruyère Vol au Vents are the elegant little bites that make any party feel extra special. Buttery, flaky puff pastry cups filled with golden sautéed mushrooms in a rich, silky Gruyère cream sauce, then finished with more cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Get the recipe

Burrata with Cranberries & Pistachios

When it comes to appetizers that are both stunning and effortless, this Burrata with Cranberries & Pistachios is the perfect pick. Creamy, luscious burrata meets the sweet-tart flavors of cranberries, the crunch of pistachios, and a hint of citrus brightness. Paired with toasted baguette slices, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration with every bite. Get the recipe

Garlic & Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Garlic and brie pull-apart bread is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. A crusty round bread bowl is sliced into bite-sized pieces, stuffed with melty brie, and brushed with garlic herb butter, then baked until everything is warm, gooey, and ready to pull apart. Get the recipe

Crab Cakes with Remoulade

Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and full of sweet crab on the inside – these Crab Cakes with Remoulade are one of those restaurant-worthy dishes you can absolutely master at home. Paired with a creamy, tangy Dijon remoulade sauce, they make the perfect appetizer or light dinner. Get the recipe

Caramelized Pork Belly Rice Crackers

If you’re looking for a snack that’s a little fancy but still easy to make, these caramelized pork belly crackers are it. They’re crispy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent. Each bite gives you rich pork belly, fresh crunchy veggies, and a satisfying crackle from the rice cracker. It’s basically everything you want in a perfect party bite. Get the recipe

Lemon Salmon Skewers with Dill Sauce

These Salmon Skewers with Dill Sauce are a simple way to turn salmon into something extra special. They’re quick to make, packed with zesty lemon flavor, and finished with a herby, creamy dill sauce that ties it all together. Perfect for a holiday appetizer or as a light main course when you’re entertaining. Get the recipe

Spicy Firecracker Shrimp

This Firecracker Shrimp is spicy, crispy, and tossed in a sticky chili garlic sauce that packs serious flavor. Each bite delivers a crunch on the outside and juicy shrimp on the inside, making it impossible to stop at just one. It’s quick to make and perfect as a bold appetizer on your game day or holiday snack table. Get the recipe

Reindeer Crunch

Reindeer Crunch is the kind of sweet snack that disappears fast at holiday parties. It’s crunchy, salty, sweet, and packed with festive flavor thanks to the mix of brown sugar caramel, peanuts, raisins, and red and green M&Ms. Think of it like Christmas caramel corn, but with cereal. Get the recipe

Christmas Rice Krispies Treats

Christmas Rice Krispies Treats are the ultimate no-bake holiday dessert. They’re festive, colorful, and super easy to make. You get all the gooey marshmallow goodness of classic Rice Krispies treats, dressed up with holiday M&Ms, sprinkles, and a drizzle of white chocolate. Get the recipe