45+ Appetizer Ideas to Elevate Your Christmas Brunch
Christmas brunch is one of those special traditions that brings everyone together—a time to slow down, share laughs, and, of course, indulge in some amazing food. Serving finger food for Christmas brunch is a fantastic idea, as appetizers often steal the show. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a big family feast, having the right holiday brunch appetizers can set the tone for the entire meal.
In this roundup, I’ve gathered some of my favorite appetizer ideas that are not only delicious but also easy to make—perfect for impressing your guests without spending all morning in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and make your Christmas brunch extra magical!
Reindeer Cheese Ball
What’s more fun than food shaped like a reindeer? This delightful cheese ball will bring smiles to the faces of your guests, while also satisfying their taste buds. Creamy and savory, this snack is perfect when served with crackers, veggies, or pretzel sticks. It’s easy to make and even more fun to decorate with pretzel antlers and a cherry tomato for Rudolph’s nose!
Jalapeno Popper Cheeseball
Imagine the rich creaminess of a cheese ball but with the fiery, savory goodness of jalapeno poppers. Packed with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a punch of jalapenos, this appetizer is an irresistible blend of flavors that’ll have everyone hovering around the snack table.
Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites
Who wouldn’t love a bite-sized ball of creamy cheese, crunchy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, all topped with a pretzel stick for the perfect crunch? These Bites are the perfect appetizer!
Meatball Marinara Bites
These Meatball Marinara Bites with Mozzarella are exactly what your game day spread or holiday party needs! They’re packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and sure to disappear faster than the final whistle.
Cranberry Cocktail Sausage
These little smokies are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Best part? You only need three ingredients and your slow cooker does all the work — minimal prep, maximum flavor!
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
This recipe is super simple, but it packs a punch with juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and a caramelized touch of brown sugar.
Flaky Mini Piggies in a Blanket
No holiday party is complete without pigs in a blanket! These flaky mini versions are a fun twist on a classic appetizer that’s sure to be a hit.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These little bites are made with tart cranberries, creamy brie, and flaky pastry, making them the perfect balance of sweet and savory for the holidays.
Watermelon Feta Skewers
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and easy appetizer, look no further than these Watermelon Feta Skewers! They offer the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with juicy watermelon chunks and tangy crumbled feta cheese.
BLT Phyllo Party Bites
Take the classic BLT to the next level with these crispy phyllo bites. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy, salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce – all in a delightful pastry shell.
Bacon and Cheese Potato Slices
If you’re looking for a hearty appetizer, try these bacon and cheese potato slices. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they’re topped with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, making them the ultimate comfort food snack.
Pimento Cheese and Bacon Crostini
Crunchy crostini topped with rich pimento cheese and crispy bacon make for a satisfying savory bite that’s sure to be a hit. It’s an easy recipe with a big flavor payoff!
Ham and Cheese Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs get a holiday upgrade with the addition of ham and cheese. These little bites are creamy, salty, and full of festive flair. Perfect for popping!
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Celery
If you want something crunchy and satisfying, bacon and cheese stuffed celery is the answer. The creamy cheese filling combined with crispy bacon bits makes this a light but flavorful option.
Bacon-Topped BLT Crostini
Another BLT-inspired bite, but this time on crunchy crostini topped with plenty of cheese and bacon. It’s the perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy savory cravings.
Mini Baked Potato Bites
Who doesn’t love loaded potatoes? These mini baked potato bites are topped with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, giving all the classic loaded potato flavors in a single bite.
Luxurious Caprese Skewers
Keep it fresh with caprese skewers. These mini skewers feature juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze – a simple, yet elegant addition to your holiday table.
Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos
Irish nachos are a fun, cheesy alternative to the traditional variety. Made with thinly sliced potatoes instead of tortilla chips, they’re loaded with gooey cheese, bacon, and jalapenos – perfect for a holiday twist.
Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers
Looking for a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste? These mini peppers stuffed with cheesy bacon filling are just the ticket. They’re full of flavor without all the carbs.
Cheesy Tomato Focaccia Rolls
Focaccia bread gets a cheesy makeover in these tomato-filled rolls. They’re soft, warm, and bursting with cheesy goodness – a perfect addition to any holiday table.
Three Cheese Mini Quiches
Quiches are a classic appetizer, and these mini versions are made with three kinds of cheese for a savory, indulgent treat. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go holiday snack.
Buttery Ritz Ham Sandwiches
Simple yet satisfying, these buttery ham sandwiches are made with Ritz crackers for a fun twist on the usual sandwich. They’re buttery, salty, and perfect for a quick holiday bite.
These lists of wonton cups below are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic choice for any holiday celebration.
Pizza Wonton Cups
Pizza in a bite-sized cup? Yes, please! These pizza wonton cups combine all your favorite pizza flavors (think marinara, cheese, and pepperoni) in a crispy wonton shell. They’re as cute as they are tasty!
Loaded Tater Cups
Loaded with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, these tater cups are a bite-sized version of a baked potato. They’re warm, filling, and oh-so-satisfying!
Taco Wonton Cups
These taco wonton cups are packed with seasoned taco meat, cheese, and toppings, all in a crispy wonton shell. They’re the perfect size for snacking and bursting with flavor.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Wonton Cups
Another wonton cup recipe, but this time with cheesy ranch chicken! These are creamy, cheesy, and full of ranch flavor – a guaranteed hit at your holiday gathering.
Looking for sliders for an appetizer? These two below are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Packed with flavor and served in bite-sized portions, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests!
Cheeseburger Sliders
Mini cheeseburgers, but make them festive! These sliders are juicy, cheesy, and easy to assemble, making them a great option for feeding a crowd.
Sloppy Joe Enchilada Sliders
These Tex-Mex sliders combine the flavors of sloppy joes and enchiladas in one delicious bite. They’re bold, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer and the below recipes are one of the best!
Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
This turkey cranberry pinwheel is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, sweet, and crunchy, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The best part? You can whip them up in just 15 minutes (and then let the fridge do the rest).
Crack Chicken Pinwheels
Creamy chicken, cheese, and bacon wrapped up in a tortilla – what’s not to love? These pinwheels are perfect for grazing and bursting with flavor. You can even make them ahead of time, which is a holiday hosting win!
Southwest Chicken Pinwheels
If you like a little spice, these Southwest chicken pinwheels will be a hit. With tangy flavors from salsa and a hint of lime, they’re a zesty addition to your Christmas table.
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
For a touch of elegance, smoked salmon pinwheels are the way to go. The combination of cream cheese, fresh dill, and thinly sliced salmon rolled into bite-sized morsels will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Jalapeno Popper Pinwheels
For those who like a little heat, jalapeno popper pinwheels bring the perfect amount of spice. Cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon are rolled up for a flavorful, bite-sized appetizer that will light up your holiday spread.
Big Mac Pinwheels
Get ready for a flavor-packed bite with these Big Mac-inspired pinwheels. With ground beef, pickles, cheese, and that famous sauce, they’re a fun take on a classic burger.
Dips—I bet you’re looking for this one too! They make the perfect appetizer, offering a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that pairs well with just about anything. A great dip can elevate your Christmas brunch spread, whether served with fresh veggies, crispy crackers, or warm bread.
Veggie Pizza Dip
This Veggie Pizza Dip is a creamy, no-crust twist on the classic veggie pizza. Serve chilled with your favorite crackers or veggies for a fresh and flavorful snack.
Cheesy Texas Trash Dip
This dip takes Tex-Mex flavors, loaded with refried beans, tangy cream cheese, green chiles, and plenty of gooey melted cheese.
Caramelized Onion Dip
This creamy and savory Caramelized Onion Dip is perfect for any gathering! With sweet, golden caramelized onions blended into a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, this dip is a crowd favorite.
Whipped Feta Dip
A creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy Whipped Feta Dip that you can whip up in just five minutes. One bite and this dip will become your go-to favorite!
Hot Cheesy Bacon Bean Dip
Nothing warms the heart (and stomach) like a rich, cheesy dip! This hot cheesy bacon bean dip is the ultimate comfort food with creamy beans, melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Serve with chips or bread, and watch it disappear fast!
Flavorful Viral TikTok Boat Dip
This viral sensation isn’t just for summer – the boat dip is perfect for holiday parties, too! Loaded with creamy cheese, salsa, and spices, it’s an appetizer that keeps guests coming back for more.
Everything Bagel Dip
Bring the flavors of a classic everything bagel to your Christmas party with this tasty dip. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or even veggies for an unexpected holiday twist.
Creamy Spinach Dip
Creamy spinach dip is always a crowd favorite. Serve it warm with a variety of bread, crackers, or veggies, and watch as it quickly becomes the go-to dip of the evening.
Soft Pretzel Bites with Cheesy Dip
Who can resist soft, salty pretzels? Pair them with a gooey cheese dip, and you have a winning appetizer that’s perfect for snacking during the holidays.
Cheesy Buffalo Spicy Chicken Dip
This bold, cheesy chicken dip brings the heat with its spicy flavor profile. It’s a creamy, cheesy dip with just enough kick to warm up any winter evening.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Slow cookers make holiday hosting a breeze, and this spinach artichoke dip is no exception. Creamy, cheesy, and full of veggies, it’s a dip everyone will love.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Creamy, smoky, and full of flavor, this smoked salmon dip is a luxurious addition to your Christmas spread. Serve with crackers or bread for a fancy yet effortless snack.
We all love making charcuterie boards, especially during the holiday season, because they are quick and easy to make! The recipes below are perfect!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
If you’re going for wow factor, the Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board is your go-to appetizer. With layers of delicious meats, cheeses, and accompaniments arranged to look like a Christmas tree, this appetizer will steal the show.
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board on a Grazing Table
For larger holiday gatherings, a grazing table is always a great idea. But to make it feel even more special, shape a section of your charcuterie spread into a Christmas tree. With meats, cheeses, bread, and an array of dipping sauces, this is perfect for guests who love to sample a little bit of everything. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your holiday table look festive and inviting!
Festive Wreath Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are always a hit, but when they’re arranged in the shape of a Christmas wreath, they become a stunning edible centrepiece! Pile on your favorite cured meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts, then garnish with fresh rosemary for that festive wreath look. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that offers something for everyone.
Want more Christmas board inspiration? These 10 Creative Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas are the answer!
No Christmas brunch is complete without a spread of mouthwatering appetizers that bring everyone together. Whether you choose savory bites, creamy dips, or festive finger foods, these ideas are sure to make your holiday celebration unforgettable. So gather your loved ones, savor every flavor, and enjoy the magic of the season—one delicious bite at a time. Happy holidays!
Looking for festive Christmas treats?
Check out these 20+ Christmas Treats not just to sweeten your holiday season but also makes a perfect gift! And don’t miss the adorable Reindeer Treats—they’re perfect for adding a dash of holiday cheer to your celebrations!
