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Best Christmas Appetizers

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Wondering what appetizers to make for your next Christmas party? I've got you covered! Here is a collection of our best Christmas appetizers! These recipes are a great way to start off your holiday gatherings. Most are small and easy to eat, so they won't require much prep time and don't fill you up before the main course. From festive cheese balls to finger foods and delicious dips, I've gathered our top Christmas party appetizers in one place for you to try!

Christmas appetizers for the holiday season.

Holiday season is all about gatherings and enjoying each others company as well as delicious food! Today I'm sharing our top Christmas appetizer ideas! Make sure to check out our holiday main dishes and Christmas side dishes as well to plan a beautiful and delicious feast!

Table Of Contents:

Best Christmas Appetizers

Walnut Pomegranate Cheese Ball

Walnut Pomegranate Cheese Ball
Pomegranate Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for fall and winter parties. This delicious cheese ball is packed with nuts and herbs.
Check out this recipe
Pomegranate Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for fall and winter parties. This delicious cheese ball is packed with nuts and herbs.

Muhammara Recipe (Syrian Red Pepper Dip)

Muhammara Recipe (Syrian Red Pepper Dip)
Muhammara is a tasty roasted red pepper dip from Aleppo, Syria. This classic Muhammara recipe is made with roasted red peppers, walnuts and olive oil.
Check out this recipe
Muhammara is a tasty roasted red pepper dip from Aleppo, Syria. This classic Muhammara recipe is made with roasted red peppers, walnuts and olive oil.

Baked Feta Recipe with Honey And Zaatar

Baked Feta Recipe with Honey And Zaatar
This baked feta recipe is easy and makes a delicious appetizer. It's made with only five ingredients and is topped with honey and zaatar. 
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This baked feta recipe is easy and makes a delicious appetizer. It's made with only five ingredients and is topped with honey and zaatar.

Middle Eastern Eggplant Recipe

Middle Eastern Eggplant Recipe
This is a great Middle Eastern eggplant recipe to always keep on hand. Perfectly roasted eggplant is served with a stunning tahini yogurt sauce and pomegranate arils. It's perfect as a side dish or an impressive appetizer!
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This is a great Middle Eastern eggplant recipe to always keep on hand. Perfectly roasted eggplant is served with a stunning tahini yogurt sauce and pomegranate arils. It's perfect as a side dish or an impressive appetizer!

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe

The Best Baba Ganoush Recipe
Baba ganoush is a classic middle eastern eggplant recipe. Charred eggplant mixed with tahini makes a delicious dip that you can make in 30 minutes!
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Baba ganoush is a classic middle eastern eggplant recipe. Charred eggplant mixed with tahini makes a delicious dip that you can make in 30 minutes!

Easy Homemade Labneh Recipe

Easy Homemade Labneh Recipe
Labneh is a rich and creamy yogurt cheese from the Middle East. This easy recipe results in a tangy spread that you can top with extra virgin olive oil and serve with warm pita. 
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Labneh is a rich and creamy yogurt cheese from the Middle East. This easy recipe results in a tangy spread that you can top with extra virgin olive oil and serve with warm pita.

Fried Eggplant Recipe with Tomatoes

Fried Eggplant Recipe with Tomatoes
Fried eggplant with tomatoes are the easiest side dish. Fresh eggplant and tomatoes fried to perfection and are topped with crispy garlic.
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Fried eggplant with tomatoes are the easiest side dish. Fresh eggplant and tomatoes fried to perfection and are topped with crispy garlic.

Turkish Borek Recipe (Sigara Borek)

Turkish Borek Recipe (Sigara Borek)
Borek is a Turkish savory crunchy pastry filled with different fillings such as cheese or potatoes. Learn how to make Turkish borek recipe by watching our step-by-step video and tutorial. They are perfect as a midday snack or for breakfast and you can make them in advance and freeze them for later. 
Check out this recipe
Borek is a Turkish savory crunchy pastry filled with different fillings such as cheese or potatoes. Learn how to make Turkish borek recipe by watching our step-by-step video and tutorial. They are perfect as a midday snack or for breakfast and you can make them in advance and freeze them for later.

Persian Yogurt Beet Dip (Borani Laboo)

Persian Yogurt Beet Dip (Borani Laboo)
Persian beet dip is an eye-popping addition to any spread. The bright color and flavor makes this easy 10-minute yogurt-based dip extra fun. You can use store-bought cooked beets or cook them from scratch.
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Persian beet dip is an eye-popping addition to any spread. The bright color and flavor makes this easy 10-minute yogurt-based dip extra fun. You can use store-bought cooked beets or cook them from scratch.

Spicy Alaska Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Spicy Alaska Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Spicy crab stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer! Juicy mushrooms filled with a spicy crab filling are so delicious and easy to make.
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Spicy crab stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer! Juicy mushrooms filled with a spicy crab filling are so delicious and easy to make.

Best Loaded Hummus Recipe

Best Loaded Hummus Recipe
This loaded hummus recipe with all the fixings is ready in 15 minutes! Creamy hummus is topped with delicious toppings and served with pita!
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This loaded hummus recipe with all the fixings is ready in 15 minutes! Creamy hummus is topped with delicious toppings and served with pita!

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers Appetizer
These caprese skewers are super easy, ready in 10 minutes and perfect for entertaining. Made with 4 ingredients including mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, this appetizer is crowd pleasing and tasty. 
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These caprese skewers are super easy, ready in 10 minutes and perfect for entertaining. Made with 4 ingredients including mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, this appetizer is crowd pleasing and tasty.

Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Al Ajillo)

Spanish Garlic Shrimp Recipe (Gambas Al Ajillo)
Gambas al ajillo, also known as garlic shrimp, is a classic Spanish tapa that's ready in 10 minutes. Delicious shrimp cooked in olive oil with a lot of garlic, it can’t get any better! 
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Gambas al ajillo, also known as garlic shrimp, is a classic Spanish tapa that's ready in 10 minutes. Delicious shrimp cooked in olive oil with a lot of garlic, it can’t get any better!

Authentic Dolma Recipe (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Dolma Recipe (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
An easy recipe for dolma or stuffed grape leaves that's healthy and hearty. Check out the video and tutorial on how to make stuffed grape leaves. 

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An easy recipe for dolma or stuffed grape leaves that's healthy and hearty. Check out the video and tutorial on how to make stuffed grape leaves.

Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)

Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!
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Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!

Green Goddess Salad Recipe

Green Goddess Salad Recipe
This viral TikTok green goddess salad is delicious! Ready in 15 minutes, this salad can be served as a side, dip or sandwich topping.
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This viral TikTok green goddess salad is delicious! Ready in 15 minutes, this salad can be served as a side, dip or sandwich topping.

Turkish Ezme

Turkish Ezme Recipe
Ezme is a classic Turkish sauce, condiment and appetizer that’s usually served on the side of kebabs with some fresh bread. It’s ready in 10 minutes and is so delicious thanks to tomatoes, peppers and herbs.
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Ezme is a classic Turkish sauce, condiment and appetizer that’s usually served on the side of kebabs with some fresh bread. It’s ready in 10 minutes and is so delicious thanks to tomatoes, peppers and herbs.

Mediterranean Mezze Platter

Mediterranean Mezze Platter
A tasty mezze platter is a cornerstone of any Mediterranean party. Learn how easy it is to build a Mediterranean mezze platter in just 10 minutes that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
Check out this recipe
A tasty mezze platter is a cornerstone of any Mediterranean party. Learn how easy it is to build a Mediterranean mezze platter in just 10 minutes that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!

Melitzanosalata Recipe (Greek Eggplant Dip)

Melitzanosalata is a Greek eggplant dip that's made with eggplant, garlic and lemon juice. You can serve this eggplant appetizer as a part of a mezze platter with some pita.

Best Homemade Hummus Recipe

Best Homemade Hummus Recipe
This is the ultimate homemade hummus recipe. It’s smooth and creamy with a bright flavor, and pairs perfectly with bread! Follow along for tip and tricks, a video tutorial and complete details!
Check out this recipe
This is the ultimate homemade hummus recipe. It’s smooth and creamy with a bright flavor, and pairs perfectly with bread! Follow along for tip and tricks, a video tutorial and complete details!

Eggplant Caponata Recipe

Eggplant Caponata Recipe
Eggplant caponata is an easy recipe that's full of flavor. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is made with fresh vegetables and is very simple to make. 
Check out this recipe
Eggplant caponata is an easy recipe that's full of flavor. This vegetarian eggplant recipe is made with fresh vegetables and is very simple to make.

Kibbeh Recipe (Video Tutorial)

Classic Kibbeh Recipe (Baked Or Fried)
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern meatball dish containing bulgur, ground beef and warm spices. A great kibbeh is characterized by a tender shell stuffed with delicious spiced filling. Learn how to perfect this classic of Middle Eastern cuisine with our step-by-step tutorial and video.
Check out this recipe
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern meatball dish containing bulgur, ground beef and warm spices. A great kibbeh is characterized by a tender shell stuffed with delicious spiced filling. Learn how to perfect this classic of Middle Eastern cuisine with our step-by-step tutorial and video.

Marinated Feta

Best Marinated Feta Recipe
Marinated feta takes only 5 minutes to make and is the perfect appetizer. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Cubes of creamy feta are coated with olive oil, spices, herbs and lemon peel, making this the ultimate Mediterranean snack!
Check out this recipe
Marinated feta takes only 5 minutes to make and is the perfect appetizer. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. Cubes of creamy feta are coated with olive oil, spices, herbs and lemon peel, making this the ultimate Mediterranean snack!

Salmon Croquette Mediterranean Style

Salmon Croquette Recipe Mediterranean Style
Salmon croquettes may sound fancy but they're so easy to make. This salmon croquettes recipe is an easy way to use up leftover salmon and make it into a delicious appetizer or light dinner. 
Check out this recipe
Salmon croquettes may sound fancy but they're so easy to make. This salmon croquettes recipe is an easy way to use up leftover salmon and make it into a delicious appetizer or light dinner.

Turkish Lentil Balls (Vegan)

Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs (Mercimek Köftesi)
These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs. 
Check out this recipe
Vegan Turkish lentil meatballs are usually served with lettuce.
These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs.

Homemade Falafel Recipe

Homemade Falafel Recipe
This homemade falafel recipe is easy to follow and makes delicious falafels that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Learn how to make this staple of Middle Eastern cuisine at home and ditch the take out.
Check out this recipe
This homemade falafel recipe is easy to follow and makes delicious falafels that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Learn how to make this staple of Middle Eastern cuisine at home and ditch the take out.

Best Whipped Feta

Best Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Ready in 10 minutes, this creamy whipped feta dip is super easy and tasty. Top with walnuts and serve with pita for a unique mezze at any gathering! Follow along to learn about which feta to select and how to make the best feta dip ever!
Check out this recipe
dip with feta in a bowl topped with walnuts on a blue platter.

Mutabal (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)

Mutabal Recipe (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)
Mutabal is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip with a nice smoky flavor. It's different from baba ganoush and can be served with fresh pita bread as an appetizer or on a mezze platter for a tasty feast!
Check out this recipe
Mutabal is a Middle Eastern eggplant dip with a nice smoky flavor. It's different from baba ganoush and can be served with fresh pita bread as an appetizer or on a mezze platter for a tasty feast!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
Roasted red pepper hummus is easy and has a nice flavor. The sweetness of roasted red peppers combined with tahini, chickpeas and lemon juice makes a tasty hummus that's perfect for a mezze spread.
Check out this recipe
Roasted red pepper hummus is easy and has a nice flavor. The sweetness of roasted red peppers combined with tahini, chickpeas and lemon juice makes a tasty hummus that's perfect for a mezze spread.

Easy Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes)

Easy Greek Meatballs Recipe (Keftedes)
Keftedes are Greek meatballs that are juicy, delicious and easy to make. Serve them with some pita, salad and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean meal!
Check out this recipe
Keftedes are Greek meatballs that are juicy, delicious and easy to make. Serve them with some pita, salad and tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean meal!

Frequently asked questions

How many appetizers should I make for Christmas?

This depends entirely on the size of your party and what other dishes your serving are. I recommend going with 3 to 4 different appetizers, preferably a combination of warm and cold ones. You might need to double or triple the recipe for larger parties.

Can I make Christmas appetizers ahead of time?

Many of the recipes mentioned here can be made ahead of time and either reheated or served cold. Check out each recipe for full details and instructions.

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Best Christmas Appetizers

Shadi HasanzadeNemati
Wondering what appetizers to make for your next Christmas party? I've got you covered! Here is a collection of our best Christmas appetizers! These recipes are a great way to start off your holiday meal.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean, middle eastern
Servings 6
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Check out each recipe for complete list of ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Check out each recipe for detailed instructions.
  • Make ahead: You can make most of these appetizers ahead of time and either reheat them or serve them cold depending on the instructions.
  • Plan: To save time and have things go smoothly, its best to plan your menu a couple of weeks in advance and start prepping.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal
Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria

    5 stars
    Love your recipes!!

    Reply

  2. Dannii

    5 stars
    So much incredible choice. That cheese ball looks amazing.

    Reply

  3. kushigalu

    5 stars
    Amazing collection of appetizers. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  4. Toni

    5 stars
    Oh, I wish I could try all these!! They all look amazing!

    Reply

  5. Sara Welch

    5 stars
    Such a great round up of appetizers for Christmas; adding a lot of these to my holiday menu, indeed!

    Reply

  6. Tayler

    5 stars
    These recipes all look so amazing! I especially can't wait to try the fried eggplant with tomato- my family will love it!

    Reply

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