Get your holiday meal started right with these 60+ best Christmas starters that are easy, festive, and full of flavor. From warm appetizers and savory bites to refreshing salads and dips, these recipes are perfect for impressing guests without adding extra stress to your day.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or bringing a dish to a holiday party, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
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Easy Christmas Starters
Crispy Smashed Potatoes In Oven With Garlic Butter
These crispy smashed potatoes in oven are made with new baby potatoes - first boiled, then smashed, then brushed with garlic butter and then baked...it’s as easy as that!Using minimal ingredients and an incredibly easy cooking process, you can make ultra crispy potatoes loaded with garlic-butter flavor for brunch or as a dinner side dish in less than 30 minutes!
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Simple Charcuterie Board
Crafting this simple charcuterie board is a breeze and suits any gathering during any season! Brimming with delicious meat cuts, cheeses, fruit, and condiments, it's guaranteed to impress all your party attendees.
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5 Ingredient Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten Free)
Easy and quick cream cheese stuffed mushrooms are an incredibly tasty appetizer recipe for any occasion. Made with just a few ingredients, these mushrooms are oven baked to perfection and are soy-free, vegetarian, and gluten free. Only 5 ingredients!
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Quick Pickled Radishes and Onions
Quick-pickled radishes with red onions is a great way to turn an ordinary root vegetable into a delicious side dish for many dinner recipes. It’s a great crunchy snack to add to cheese plates and a charcuterie board, or as a topping on avocado toast!
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Roasted Cherry Tomato Confit
This easy tomato confit recipe uses cherry tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a rich, slow-roasted flavor. Perfect pasta, toast, or topping up whipped ricotta appetizer!
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Asparagus Puff Pastry Twists With Prosciutto Ham
Crispy Asparagus Puff Pastry Twists With Prosciutto are the perfect 25-minute appetizer. Easy, elegant, and packed with flavor.
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Greek Stuffed Mini Peppers With Spinach and Feta
These Greek Stuffed Mini Peppers are filled with a creamy spanakopita-inspired mixture of spinach, feta, herbs, and cheese. Perfect healthy appetizer or dinner!
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Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
There’s nothing better to enjoy this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip for Game Day! A perfect combination of Frank's Hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, Cheddar cheese, and tender shredded chicken. All these ingredients combined and baked make the best dip for a party night with family and friends. Making a double batch is highly recommended!
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Bacon Chicken Pinwheels (Skillet or Grill)
These Bacon Chicken Pinwheels are juicy, crispy, and brushed with garlic herb butter. A quick and easy dinner idea ready in just 25 minutes!
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Crispy Potato Salmon Blinis
Crispy Potato with Salmon is an easy breakfast or appetizer with crunchy potatoes, creamy yogurt sauce, cucumber, and savory salmon. Perfect for parties or busy weeknights!
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Cold Spinach Dip With Cream Cheese
Learn how to make the easiest cold spinach dip ever. Made with simple ingredients this creamy dip comes together in minutes, 5 minutes to be precise! Perfect for dunking vegetables in it.
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Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are bright and juicy, combining ripe summer tomatoes in a honey vinegar marinade that's infused with fresh herbs and seasoning!Â
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
This cranberry pecan cheese ball is an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear fast at your next party. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration, a game day spread, or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
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Crispy Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus In the Oven
Get ready to fall in love with our favorite crispy prosciutto-wrapped asparagus! It's an easy and delicious hors d'oeuvres dish that only needs four base ingredients and 10 minutes of baking time.
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Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip (Baked)
This easy-baked spinach artichoke dip is tangy, creamy, and cheesy. It’s the best warm dip appetizer to wow your guests for a party or Game Day. You can easily double up the recipe and serve for a crowd. Attention, there won't be any leftovers!
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Quick 3 Ingredient Pickled Daikon Radish
This quick and easy pickled daikon radish recipe requires only 3 main ingredients (not counting salt and water) and will be ready to eat in just one day. It’s sweet, tangy, delicious, and requires almost no prep! Top your soups, woks, banh mi sandwiches and tacos with this scrumptious crunchy pickled radish.
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15 Minute Greek Rice Bowl With Turkey Meatballs
Enjoy this healthy Greek Rice Bowl with tzatziki sauce, packed with vibrant Mediterranean taste! Perfect for meal prep, these bowls offer a week of clean, nutritious eating with fresh ingredients.
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Creamy Salmon Cucumber Rolls With Avocado
Looking for a healthy and flavorful snack? Try these easy-to-make avocado salmon cucumber rolls, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. You'll fall in love the the cream cheese filling.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold buffalo flavor! Just 5 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick snack!
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Crispy Potato Bites
Crispy Smashed Potato Bites are the perfect blend of crunchy and fluffy! Easy to make, these bite-sized delights are a family favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Air Fryer Potato Skins With Cheese and Bacon
Create these scrumptious crispy Air Fryer Potato Skins from scratch in under 10 minutes using pre-cooked potatoes. Fill them with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a delightful game day or party appetizer treat. Enjoy the easy preparation and deliciousness
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Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
This traditional recipe is the staple of many households during holiday season. Level up your game by making these Million Dollar Deviled Eggs that are a creamy and buttery version of the classic recipe. Whether you are making classic deviled eggs or a little different Avocado devield eggs, this delicious savory appetizer is for sure favorite of many and there are hardly any leftovers as these are usually gone in seconds.
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Air fryer jalapeño poppers are filled with a rich cream cheese mixture, seasoned perfectly, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips. Ready in just 6 minutes per batch, they’re a healthier, high-quality alternative to deep-frying.
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Deli Style Cold Roast Beef Sandwiches With Amazing Sauce
Cold Roast Beef Sandwich is a delicious and easy meal consisting of sliced baguettes loaded with layers of creamy mayonnaise, arugula, truffle oil, thinly sliced roast beef, shaved Parmesan, and chopped nuts.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Easy Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
1-bowl vegan stuffed mushrooms are a crowd favorite! Tender mushroom caps are filled with a cheesy Italian filling. Simple prep! Also gluten-free and nut-free.
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Photo credit: myquietkitchen.com
Jalapeno Popper Dip (Crock Pot)
Enjoy this creamy Jalapeno Popper Dip made in your slow cooker! It's cheesy and full of flavor, featuring jalapeno peppers and crispy bacon. Perfect for parties, this easy Crock Pot Jalapeno Popper Dip is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers!
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Mini Wonton Taco Cups
Learn how to make wonton mini tacos for the perfect simple appetizer! Make these taco cups for tailgating, game day celebrations, Cinco de Mayo or fun finger foods for parties!
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip
Jalapeño popper dip is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for parties. Made with cream cheese, yogurt, cheese, and jalapeños, serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for a healthier option.
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Easy Baba Ganoush
This homemade baba ganoush is the best creamy dip made from roasted aubergine. No tahini required, no food processor needed, and perfect for any mezze platter!
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Bacon Wrapped Smokies With Brown Sugar and Butter
Enjoy the ultimate taste experience with these Bacon-Wrapped Smokies infused with a perfect mix of sweet brown sugar, savory bacon, and a touch of smoky goodness.
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Pigs In A Blanket - Cookrita
Forgo the fancy finger foods and make these classic Pigs in a Blanket. Savory sausages wrapped in puff pastry are everyone’s favorite and a take of these savory and scrumptious little smokies.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Ninja Air Fryer Chestnuts: Quick Roasted Holiday Snack!
Open fire, air fryer—sounds close enough to me! This year, I’m making Ninja air fryer chestnuts, a classic holiday treat that's incredibly easy to prepare and takes only about a few minutes. Enjoy the delicious, warm flavors of roasted chestnuts without the fuss!
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Photo credit: dinnersdonequick.com
BBQ Chicken Sliders
The barbecue chicken sliders is a simple recipe with so much flavor from the barbecue sauce, cheese, tangy red onions, and a garlic butter topping. If you are searching for an easy dinner or an appetizer for your next gathering you are going to love this recipe.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
One Pan Caramelized Onion Pasta
This one-pan caramelized onion pasta is a game-changer for busy nights when you crave big flavor without the hassle. With no need to stand over a hot stove, the onions slowly caramelize, creating a deliciously rich sauce that’s easy to prepare!
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Photo credit: sunglowkitchen.com
Savory Tomato and Mozzarella Galette (Caprese Galette)
With its tender, flaky crust, garnished with basil, topped with roasted tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, this tomato mozzarella galette is not only great as a side dish but can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Pear Tarts
These easy puff pastry tarts are made with fresh pears, tangy blue cheese, and sweet fig jam sitting on top of buttery puff pastry that comes together in minutes. These mini pear tarts are made with just a few simple ingredients for a mouthful of flavor.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Creamy Oyster Mushroom Soup With Thyme
This Creamy Oyster Mushroom Soup is an easy and quick dinner or lunch that comes together in 1 pot and 35 minutes! Vegan and gluten-free.
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Photo credit: sunglowkitchen.com
Christmas Fruit Wreath
This Christmas fruit wreath is the perfect healthy and festive appetizer or snack for your holiday party. Can be made in less than 30 minutes!
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Photo credit: hauteandhealthyliving.com
Caramelized Onion Tart With Puff Pastry
This caramelized onion tart recipe is a savory tart made with juicy caramelized sweet onions, crumbled feta, sweet fig jam, and flaky puff pastry. Whether you serve this puff pastry tart as a dinner party appetizer or light main meal with a simple salad, it’s sure to impress!
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples & Pecans
This shaved brussels sprouts salad is the ultimate fall side dish! It’s easy to make and drizzled with a tasty homemade mustard dressing.
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Photo credit: fannetasticfood.com
Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad
Made with garden-fresh tomatoes, spicy red onions, and sweet basil, this Tomato Basil Salad is dressed with a simple three-ingredient balsamic vinaigrette and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb side for your favorite main courses!
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Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Spice up your gathering with these delicious Spicy Deviled Eggs! These deviled eggs are made with perfectly boiled eggs, filled with a creamy and velvety yolk filling with gherkins and spiced up with a smoky element to make this festive appetizer even more special. Sprinkle with paprika and a touch of parsley for finished look.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Baked Feta Dip
With tomatoes, pepperoncini, olive and garlic, this spicy baked feta dip is a simple but flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining!
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Photo credit: jamjarkitchen.com
Cranberry Crostini With Whipped Goat Cheese With Thyme
Cranberry crostini are an easy and elegant appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas. These crostini appetizers use homemade cranberry sauce.
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Photo credit: ourlovelanguageisfood.com
New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board
This New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board is an elegant charcuterie board that’s perfect for any party! Made with a variety of cheeses, meat, crackers, fruits, spreads, nuts, and as well as a fun sweet addition.
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Photo credit: ourlovelanguageisfood.com
Whipped Goat Cheese
Whipped Goat Cheese is filled with cranberries, almonds and rosemary. Top the dip with honey and serve it with crostini, veggies or crackers.
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Photo credit: hellofrozenbananas.com
Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs
Roasted Garlic Deviled Eggs are full of complex flavours in a bite-sized package. Perfect for potlucks, or a side dish, or just as a high-protein snack.
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Photo credit: garlicallday.com
Easy Baked Rosemary Chicken
Rosemary Chicken is a delicious and healthy baked dish. Get the easy recipe and learn how to make the best rosemary chicken for dinner.
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Photo credit: copykat.com
10-Minute Tomato Carpaccio
No-cook Tomato Carpaccio, guaranteed to effortlessly impress your guests in just 10 minutes! It’s quick, looks and tastes delicious, and is so easy to make!
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Photo credit: thefruityjem.com
How To Make Savory Stuffed Dates
These savory stuffed dates are perfect for the holidays. These delicious appetizers have a satisfying balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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Photo credit: asweetalternative.com
Christmas Guacamole
Christmas guacamole is more than just a delicious dip; it’s a festive centerpiece and crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 5 minutes!
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Photo credit: lesswithlaur.com
Light & Buttery Copycat Popeyes Buttermilk Biscuits
With a soft interior and crispy, flaky exterior these super quick Copycat Popeyes Biscuits are buttery good. Ready to be dunked, dipped or smothered this biscuit recipe is a keeper.
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Baked Brie And Preserves
Level up your next gathering with a delicious crowd-pleasing baked brie and preserves appetizer. Guests will love the rich and indulgent cheese with a sweet jam and crunchy pistachios.
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Photo credit: twokooksinthekitchen.com
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
These cranberry turkey meatballs with cranberry sauce make a great dinner or appetizer. They are easy to make and have the best flavour. They are gluten free, dairy free and healthy!
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Photo credit: pureandsimplenourishment.com
15-Minute Vegan Beetroot Tartare
This no-cook vegan beetroot tartare is a healthy plant-based twist on the classic beef steak tartare. Quick, gourmet, and made with wholesome ingredients!
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Photo credit: thefruityjem.com
The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe
Quick and easy Cowboy Caviar recipe that’s flavorful and filling. This protein-packed Texas Caviar is vegan and gluten-free too!
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Photo credit: raepublic.com
Gluten Free Biscuits
Try this delicious Gluten-Free Biscuits Recipe—it's the best and so simple to make! You'll love these easy gluten-free drop biscuits that are perfect for any meal.
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Photo credit: eatingonadime.com
Copycat Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and loaded with flavor, these Copycat Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuits are the perfect replicate of the famous Red Lobster biscuits!
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Photo credit: cookrita.com
Salted Caramel Candied Walnuts With Rosemary
Enjoy these Salted Caramel Candied Walnuts with Rosemary as a delicious snack made with 5 ingredients, that also make a great Christmas gift!
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Photo credit: happykitchen.rocks
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms With Ricotta and Spinach
These vegan stuffed mushrooms are a delicious gluten-free appetizer, perfect for entertaining. Packed with umami flavor and plant-based protein, they're sure to impress your guests!
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Photo credit: happykitchen.rocks
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
These delicious bite-size Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are the best quick and easy appetizer, perfect for game day, holidays, and special occasions. Made with juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a sweet and spicy honey Cajun glaze.
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Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and loads of cheese. Everyone’s favorite game day appetizer, this easy and delicious buffalo chicken dip is baked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping.
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Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnuts
These Georgian Eggplant Rolls with Walnut Filling are a delightfully simple and healthy vegan appetizer. Made with just 3 ingredients and some spices, they're packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
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Photo credit: happykitchen.rocks
Outrageously Good Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and just as indulgent as the classic, this Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is sure to be the most popular appetizer at the party!
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Photo credit: rainbowplantlife.com
Tips for Making Christmas Starters
- Mix warm and cold dishes – Offer variety with hot appetizers like baked brie and lighter options like shrimp salad or bruschetta.
- Prep ahead – Choose starters you can make in advance so you can actually enjoy your party!
- Add color and texture – Pomegranate, herbs, and roasted nuts instantly make starters look festive.
- Keep it bite-sized – Finger foods make mingling easier and keep cleanup simple.
- Balance the menu – Pair richer bites (like cheesy or creamy starters) with fresh, lighter ones.
- Serve on pretty platters – Presentation matters! Use a mix of wooden boards, ceramic plates, and festive bowls.
- Label allergens – If you have gluten-free or dairy-free dishes, label them clearly—it’s a thoughtful touch.
- Add something sweet – A few fruit-based starters or sweet-savory combos round out your spread nicely.
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