Make-ahead Christmas appetizers that are so good, they will blow your mind away. Can you believe December is only a few weeks away which can only mean one thing holiday season is upon us. It’s possible to pay so much to Christmas dinners, Christmas cookies, holiday decor, and Christmas desserts and end up forgetting about appetizers.
If we are honest with ourselves, we know that appetizers can either make or break Christmas dinner. I know we tend to focus more on the dinner but appetizers are what the guests taste first. These Make-ahead Christmas appetizers are a big lifesaver, they will save the day.
To make everyone remember those delicious bites they had below is a wide range of make-ahead holiday appetizers you can choose from to spice up your holiday parties. From dips, puffy pastry treats, savory to sweet, and in between. There is something for everyone and for sure there is no better way to complement your holiday meals.
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Let’s dive in and enjoy these amazing make-ahead Christmas appetizers
Hummus wreath
Who doesn’t love make-ahead Christmas appetizers? This wreath is so pretty which makes it even hard to dive in because you don’t want to mess up the beautiful presentation. You can be assured it tastes as good as it looks. The best part is that it takes only 10 minutes to put together. This will for sure impress everyone at your holiday party. It’s vegetarian and gluten-free. Source two healthy kitchens
Sauteed shrimp cocktail
Sauteed shrimp cocktail is a classic holiday appetizer that is always a big hit with everyone. You can give it lots of amazing flavors by including mustard, mayonnaise, turmeric, and maple syrup. Source Womans day
Chicken crescent wreath
A great make-ahead Christmas recipe that is loaded with colorful veggies and it tastes so heavenly. The red peppers and green broccoli make it so festive. The best part is that it’s freezable which means not only can it be made prior but the leafovers can be eaten later. Source Taste of home
Cranberry feta pinwheels
Pinwheels are so big on holidays simply because they are crowd-pleasers and so festive. These cranberry feta pinwheels are perfect as Christmas appetizers or as holiday snacks. They are going to be a big hit. The recipe is a creamy filling with feta cheese and sweet dried cranberries rolled in tortillas and sliced. You can prep 24 hours prior and the flavors will still be on point. Source spend with pennies
5 Minute Million dollar dip
All you need for this recipe is only 5 ingredients. It’s so deliciously addicting. Once you try it you won’t resist making it over and over this holiday season. It’s made with mayonnaise, green onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. You properly combine everything, chill, and enjoy with your favorite crackers. Source the recipe critic
Slow cooker cocktail meatballs
There is no better way to kick off your party dinners than with these delicious meatballs. They are super easy to make as this recipe uses ready-made turkey meatballs but with the delicious BBQ glaze, no one will be able to tell they aren’t homemade. The BBQ sauce is everything, it’s perfectly sweet, savory, and smoky. Source Damn Delicious
Tangy cranberry meatball
It’s most likely that you have extra cranberry sauce, this recipe gives you an easy way to make use of it. How about using it on store-bought meatballs to make them the most delicious holiday appetizers ever? Source Womans day
Bacon wrapped dates
Everyone will be asking you for the recipe after they try these bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese. Soft, sweet Medjool dates stuffed with creamy, tangy goat cheese wrapped in salty, smoky bacon and baked to crispy-soft perfection. What more can one ask for a holiday appetizer? Source Pinch of Yum
Sweet potato bites
Looking for that appetizer recipe that people will talk about many months down the line? This is it. The sweet potato bites are easy to make and extremely delicious. They will be gone even before you notice it which means you are better off making a double batch. The sweet potatoes are sliced into discs and topped with toasted marshmallows. Source Delish
Creamy cranberry salsa dip
These are going to be a big hit at parties. They are creamy, sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. Tortilla chips are the best to pair with these dip but any other cracker is good as well. You and your guests won’t be disappointed. Source Veggie inspired
Roasted cranberry and orange crostini
So scrumptious and inviting. Make-ahead Christmas appetizers are simply the best. For this recipe, you can make it 5 days ahead which gives you more time to cook the rest of the food. Which is a big bonus especially if you are hosting. Source Tastes lovely
Pig in a Blanket wreath
A perfect festive display. This is a setup everyone will remember many months down the line. Source Delish
Ham and cheese pinwheels
These appetizers will be gone even without you knowing. They are so good even the picky eaters will love and enjoy every bite. Crispy brown rolls filled with smoky ham and melted cheese, then doused in butter. Simply delicious. Savory party appetizers that will keep your guests full and happy. Source Dinner at the zoo
Baked zucchini fries
Who doesn’t love zucchini fries? They are so delicious, easy to make, healthy, and crispy. Source Pinch of Yum
Garlic knots
One of the best make-ahead Christmas appetizers. Soft, buttery, and the perfect holiday appetizer to make at home. Great served with marinara or pizza sauce. They are great with salad, a bowl of soup, or just enjoyed as a snack. To prevent them from getting stuck simply spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze on a shelf for the first couple of hours then gather them as soon as the knots are frozen hard put them in a freezer bag so they take up less space. Source two peas and their pod
Cranberry brie pinwheels
Pinwheels are so easy to make and fun and this recipe is no exception. They are bursting with savory goodness. You can make it faster by using ready-made pastry. Source taste of home
Christmas tree olive cheese ball appetizer
Simply a show-stopper. How beautiful and festive is this holiday appetizer? So inviting and yummy. It’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, chives, and seasonings on the inside. How about an edible Christmas tree for the holidays? Source Cafe delites
Instant pot cranberry cornbread bites
It’s time to dust off that instant pot and make use of it this holiday season. These cranberry cornbread bites are shaped like Christmas jingle bells and paired with a bite of sweet and tart spiced cranberries is simply perfection. The best part is that you can use homemade cornbread or store-bought especially if you are short of time. Source this old gal.
Keto sausage balls
These sausage balls are great appetizers for anyone in the low-carb keto diet. All you need is 6 ingredients and 20 minutes to bake them. They are not only great for holidays but can be enjoyed throughout the year. They are extremely delicious even the non-keto family won’t know they are low-carb. Full recipe Jennifer Banz
Make ahead Christmas appetizers: Olive tree
What a show-stopper. I love the setup and the olives look so good. This is a nice way to add that special touch to your holiday parties. Serve it with an assortment of crackers. Source Cooking on the front burner
I hope you have enjoyed going through these 19 make-ahead Christmas appetizers and that you have found something to make this year. Easy holiday appetizers fit for a crowd. It’s time to wow everyone. Not only will these Christmas appetizers give you that extra sparkle but they will make your life easier and manageable especially if you are hosting any parties.
These all look delicious! Perfect for any holiday party!