15 Easy Christmas Eve Appetisers for When You Need One More Dish

ByMandy

Finding something quick and easy to start off your Christmas Eve can be a welcome relief when plans start changing. With 15 simple appetizer ideas to choose from, there’s always a way to bring a little extra to the spread whenever you need it. These fit both big celebrations and quiet, cozy nights. Sometimes one more dish helps everyone settle in and relax.

Close-up of sliced cheese coated with mixed herbs and chopped nuts on parchment paper, resembling charming Christmas cheese trees.
Festive Christmas Cheese Trees. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Round baked brie cheese topped with walnuts, fresh thyme, and drizzled honey, served in a wooden container.
Warm and Gooey Baked Brie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Melted cheese always calls out for a celebration, and this Warm and Gooey Baked Brie brings so much joy to the table. Friends gather around for a taste, and you can sense the excitement as everyone leans in. I never worry about leftovers with this special starter. A cozy holiday mood sneaks in with every bit of creamy, golden goodness.
Get the Recipe: Warm and Gooey Baked Brie

Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Someone pulling a mozzarella stick apart and showing the stretchy cheese.
Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunch and fun are always in the air when I serve these Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks at Christmas Eve parties. People reach for them again and again, sharing smiles across the table. Kids feel included, but grown-ups enjoy them just as much. The crunch factor alone can turn any gathering into a lively hangout.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Homemade Mozzarella Sticks

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Festive appetizers set the holiday mood, especially when you put out these Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Guests start curious and end up looking for more before dinner even begins. I love how something this simple can become the talk of the room. Everyone always asks what’s inside after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Retro foods always have a way of making holiday memories stronger, so these Classic Deviled Eggs get a spot on my table every year. People remember past gatherings and instantly start reminiscing once they see this dish. Each platter empties quickly because nostalgia tastes even better during the holidays. A few extra never go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Beautiful Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Beautiful Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheese boards can set the scene for the entire night, and this Beautiful Charcuterie Board always draws people over. Every guest finds something they love with so many choices all in one place. I notice that the mingling starts as soon as the board comes out. Friendly vibes begin before the main meal even gets underway.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board

Crispy Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together.
Crispy Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Munching on these Crispy Party Crostini while chatting makes Christmas Eve feel lively. Different toppings mix up the flavors, pulling people in for just one more piece. I set out at least two types because the platter disappears fast. No one feels left out when there’s something crunchy to go around.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dips have a way of getting everyone talking, so this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread just belongs on a holiday spread. Guests usually try it out of curiosity first and then start coming back for scoops. I usually notice new fans every year. Sharing bold, fresh flavors makes the holidays extra memorable.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic dips like this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip keep people coming back for more. The first bite hooks everyone without fail, drawing both new and longtime fans in. Warm, creamy bites quiet the chatter just a little as the bowl gets passed around. Such dependable comfort makes the night more relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Potatoes take on a whole new meaning during the holidays with these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. The golden edges and soft centers always spark a happy reaction. I notice people trying to sneak extra servings when they think no one is looking. These crowd-pleasers never disappoint, no matter how many guests show up.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it.
Festive Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday themes on appetizer plates can spark plenty of joy, and this Festive Caprese Candy Cane gets lots of attention. The colors nod to the season, making everyone stop and smile. Conversation flows faster when something playful is in the center of the table. I love how the layout alone puts everyone in a holiday state of mind.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Getting a break from heavier foods feels good, which is why I rely on these Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites at parties. The bright bites invite guests to try something light before the next course. Compliments pile up each year because it’s hard to resist fresh traditions. Everyone leaves room for dinner when these appear.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Colorful Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over.
Colorful Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Color and fun become part of the evening with these Colorful Caprese Skewers. Groups hover nearby, hoping for a chance at the last one on each tray. I like offering a few platters so everyone feels included. The playful look makes guests pause, but the flavor always wins them over in the end.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Caprese Skewers

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Unwrapping this Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread feels almost as exciting as opening presents. Each piece vanishes fast because gooey cheese and sweet cranberry call out to everyone. I make sure to save myself a nibble before it all disappears. Togetherness comes easy when people crowd around a warm platter.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Classic Party Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a cutting board with crackers.
Classic Party Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nostalgia plays a big role in the success of this Classic Party Cheese Ball at holiday gatherings. Friends chat and sneak pieces even as they pass by the snack table. I serve it for the comfort it brings to the group. No Christmas Eve is complete without at least one cheese ball for guests to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Classic Party Cheese Ball

Festive Christmas Cheese Trees

Close-up of sliced cheese coated with mixed herbs and chopped nuts on parchment paper, resembling charming Christmas cheese trees.
Festive Christmas Cheese Trees. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whimsy and fun show up front and center with these Festive Christmas Cheese Trees. Guests laugh and snap photos before anyone dares to break into the display. Bite-sized portions make sharing easy, and no one misses out. Holiday spirit comes to life as people admire and then enjoy such a playful dish.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Cheese Trees

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