'Tis the season for snacking. Here's how to make a gorgeous holiday cheese board.
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How to Make the Most Impressive Holiday Cheese Board
Updated on Jan. 17, 2023
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or cozying up for a Christmas movie marathon, a beautiful cheese board is always a welcome addition to the festivities. This delightful snack—or party platter—can be customized to feed a few people or a houseful of grazing guests. Here’s everything you need to make your own holiday cheese board.
Tools for Creating a Holiday Cheese Board
How to Make a Holiday Cheese Board
Foods to include
Cheese: The key to a delicious cheese board is, well, the cheese! Aim for variety—a good rule is to include one cheese from each of the following categories: soft, semi-soft, firm, blue and aged.
On our holiday cheese board, we included a wheel of Brie and wedges of Manchego and Comté. For an extra festive touch, we sliced provolone into snowflake shapes using a cookie cutter and made a colorful (and delicious) bacon, cheddar and Swiss cheese ball that ties together classic, warm Christmas colors.
Fruit: Citrus is the name of the game when it comes to winter fruit. We included kumquats, pomegranates and oranges on our holiday cheese board, but you could also consider other wintry fruits like pears, apples, tangerines and figs.
Meat: You can’t forget meat on a holiday cheese board! Summer sausage is a classic option that can be eaten alone, but also pairs nicely with any cracker. Aged salami is a sophisticated choice that you can still find at most grocery stores, and if you really want to impress your guests, splurge on some roasted pancetta. For more ideas, here are some of the best meats for your charcuterie board.
Crackers and crunchies: Crackers and nuts are key elements on a holiday cheese board. They provide some necessary crunch to balance out softer foods and serve as a vessel for everything else on the board.
Store-bought star-shaped crackers or other shapes like snowflake Ritz crackers and snowman crackers are especially festive, while homemade candied pecans are the perfect touch of sweet on a holiday cheese board. There’s something for everyone in a handful of mixed nuts, or you could go for a single variety like cashews or almonds.
Spreads: Dips, jellies and jams can be the highlights of your holiday cheese board. A scoop or swipe of spread will enhance any of the meats or cheeses, and you can add visual interest to the board by using bowls and jars in different sizes, colors and shapes. Wild plum jelly or other fruity spreads will emulate Christmas’s iconic red on your board. For a savory crowd-pleaser, go for whiskey bacon jam.
Garnishes: Add greenery, like rosemary springs, thyme, and bay leaves, alongside decorative cranberries and red currants to give your holiday cheese board a Christmas color palate. An orange with whole cloves poked into it will look stunning on the board and smell fantastic, too.
How to build your holiday cheese board
Step 1: Arrange the orange, kumquats and pomegranates
Begin by arranging a decorative corner of the holiday cheese board. Taste of Home food stylist Josh Rink knew he wanted eye-catching citrus elements to anchor the board, so he worked on those first.
Poke cloves into a whole orange. Then, nestle together quartered and whole orange slices, halved kumquats and a split pomegranate and sprinkle on some pomegranate seeds.
Step 2: Place the bowls and cheese ball on the board
The cheese ball and the bowls you’ll use for your candied pecans, mixed nuts, and spreads will need a good amount of space on your holiday cheese board. Using bowls of different sizes scattered across the board will draw your guests’ eyes from one side to the other, so they don’t miss any of the delicious options.
Step 3: Cut snowflakes from provolone slices and arrange
Now’s the time to whip out your cookie cutter! Stylist Josh used a snowflake cookie cutter to make shapes in cheese slices before layering them on the board. Other wintry shapes work well, too.
Step 4: Add more cheese
After you decide where to place the wheel of Brie on your holiday cheese board, cut small wedges from it and lay some on their side and some upright. Then, cut a few slices from the Manchego and Comté and find places for those as well. (Always cut the first slice or two of a block of cheese on your board! It encourages guests to dig in.)
Step 5: Slice and add meat
Folded roasted pancetta looks especially appealing tucked up against the quartered slices of orange because of the repeated triangle shapes. The rounds of salami and summer sausage will be right at home near the Brie for the same reason.
Step 6: Fill in the gaps with crackers
Place different kinds of crackers near the foods they pair best with. Josh put star-shaped crackers near the jelly and round crackers near the aged salami. Don’t shy away from adding add more than you think you need—crackers go fast!
Step 7: Add ornamental touches
After you’ve got all of the edible items on the board, decorate with your red and green garnishes. When paired with cranberries and red currants, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus and bay leaves emulate garlands, mistletoe and holly.
Step 8: Serve!
Don’t forget to set out cheese knives and spoons, as well as appetizer plates, napkins and glasses for whatever drink you choose to serve with your holiday cheese board. We’re partial to festive sangria recipes and champagne cocktails.
Tips for Arranging a Holiday Cheese Board
How do you pick the best cheeses for a cheese board?
Keep your cheese board interesting by including different types of cheeses, such as soft, semi-soft and firm. You don’t need to stop at a specialty cheese shop or join a cheese of the month club—stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods usually have associates available to help guide you through the cheese selection. You can also pick cheeses based on your family’s preferences. If kids or picky eaters will be snacking, there’s nothing wrong with keeping your selection familiar.
If you’re looking for more ideas, learn how to make a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
What other foods can you include on a Christmas cheese board?
Along with different combinations of meat, cheese, crackers, fruit and spreads, consider adding olives, pickles, and other veggies to your festive cheese board. You can even squeeze in a sweet or two, like homemade Christmas candy or decorated Christmas cookies. Think about what your guests like, and go from there! Find more inspiration with these cheese board ideas.
Can you make a cheese board ahead of time?
We recommend that you take your cheeses out of the refrigerator about an hour ahead of time in order to let them reach room temperature before your guests arrive, which allows them to hit their peak flavor. However, don’t let your foods sit out for too much longer than that to avoid stale crackers and overly warm spreads.
How else can you arrange a holiday cheese board?
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few festive options to consider.
- O’ Christmas tree: Shape your cheese and charcuterie into a glorious beacon of the holiday season. Cut your cheeses into bite-sized cubes, then layer with grapes, berries, nuts, small crackers or salami chunks to form a Christmas tree charcuterie board. Here are more Christmas tree-inspired recipes.
- Savory snowman: Turn a few circles of brie into a snowman cheese board!
- Edible wreath: For a party-ready Christmas cheese plate, arrange herbs in a ring shape (rosemary is a particularly good choice). Then layer in other ingredients to create a gorgeous Christmas charcuterie board in the shape of a wreath.
- Candy cane chic: Savory gets inspired by sweet when you layer red and white charcuterie into a candy cane shape. Try fresh mozzarella with tomato slices, Swiss cheese chunks with summer sausage or goat cheese with red grapes.
- Red and green: Celebrate the colors of the season with a Christmas cheese board decked out in red and green. At the store, keep an eye out for cheeses encased in a colorful rind, as well as Sage Derby cheese, which has a naturally green hue. For accompaniments, consider beet crackers, cherry tomatoes, grapes, olives, pomegranate seeds and gherkins.
- Charcuterie chalet: If you love both gingerbread houses and cheese boards, a charcuterie chalet is the perfect combination. Instead of covering a gingerbread house in frosting and sweets galore, make a house structure with long breadsticks or pretzel rods instead of gingerbread and use your favorite meats and cheese for decor.
- Special shapes: Take your seasonal cheese board a step further by picking out a themed serving board. An ornament-shaped board or a Christmas tree design will make your holiday cheese board festive even before you choose what to put on it! These cheese board gift ideas are worth checking out, too—and these charcuterie board books are sure to inspire your next holiday cheese board.
Up Next: Easy Holiday Appetizers
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Vol-au-VentTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Puff pastry, bacon strips, rotisserie chicken
Level: Easy
Creamy chicken pastry cups may look fancy, but this Christmas appetizer is easy to assemble and bake. The trick is using frozen puff pastry and store-bought rotisserie chicken, which cuts time in the kitchen.
"My friends and I have been getting together for "ladies' lunches" for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries." —Recipe contributor Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Cranberry Sauce MeatballsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cranberry sauce, chili sauce, meatballs
Level: Easy
Don’t put that cranberry sauce away yet! Combined with a few other ingredients, the traditional Thanksgiving condiment makes a perfect meatball topper for this Christmas appetizer. Use premade beef or vegetarian meatballs, smother them in sauce and serve.
"Using packaged meatballs helps save time in the kitchen and they are just as tasty as homemade. My friends look forward to enjoying these meatballs at our holiday gatherings and there are no leftovers! The sauce is tangy yet sweet, and the festive color is perfect for any party." —Recipe contributor Amy Scamerhorn, Indianapolis, Indiana
Air-Fryer Steak BitesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sirloin steak, garlic powder, garlic
Level: Easy
This recipe is good for holiday gatherings because it can be made in the air fryer, freeing up space in the oven. The bite-sized pieces of steak are smothered in a delicious garlic butter sauce, so serve them with toothpicks to keep your fingers clean.
"Sirloin steak is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper then tossed in the air fryer until perfectly cooked. After that, it gets a nice slather of garlic butter for a juicy, flavorful bite." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Spinach Artichoke DipTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese
Level: Easy
No one can resist this rich, cheesy dip! Serve it on a platter with triangles of pita bread, tortilla chips or carrot and celery sticks. You'll want to scoop up every last bite of this restaurant-quality dip.
"One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking." —Recipe contributor Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Bacon Cheese WreathTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon strips, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy
Transform this cheesy dip into a festive treat with just a few simple steps. Invert a small bowl in the center of a serving platter, then add the cream cheese mixture. Once the bowl is removed, garnish with fresh Italian parsley leaves and pimientos for a vibrant green-and-red touch that’s perfect for the holidays.
"My grandmother makes this smoky bacon and Parmesan spread for parties and holiday get-togethers. For a pretty yuletide presentation, decorate the cream cheese wreath with green parsley and red pimientos." —Recipe contributor Lisa Carter, Warren, Indiana
Sweet Potato SaladTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, walnuts, dried cherries
Level: Easy
Roast the sweet potatoes the night before a party to save time on the day of, then toss everything together when you're ready to eat. Serve this roasted sweet potato salad warm or cold.
"Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures." —Recipe contributor Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
BruschettaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garlic, tomatoes, French bread
Level: Intermediate
The word bruschetta comes from the Italian word bruscare, which means “to roast over hot coals.” No hot coals are needed for this recipe—but keep a careful eye on the crostini as you toast them under the broiler.
"I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree." —Recipe contributor Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Cranberry FluffTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, marshmallows, apples
Level: Easy
Toss the cranberries in the food processor, then refrigerate them until you're ready to assemble the fluff. This ruby-red salad will look beautiful on the table with other Christmas appetizers (or holiday desserts)!
"This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other 'fluffs.' I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad." —Recipe contributor Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Savory Cucumber SandwichesTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, cucumber, snack rye bread
Level: Easy
One way to balance the food-filled holiday season is to make light and refreshing appetizers for cocktail parties and family gatherings. The surprise ingredient here is Italian salad dressing, which adds just enough flavor and acid to the cream cheese spread. Thinly sliced cucumber and fresh dill make picture-perfect toppings.
"Italian salad dressing easily flavors this simple snack. You can also omit the bread and serve the spread as a dip with cucumbers or other veggies." —Recipe contributor Carol Henderson, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Roasted Chicken and Brie Holly Mini BitesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: French bread baguette, deli chicken, spinach
Level: Easy
These tasty little chicken and brie bites are ready to eat in less than 30 minutes but taste like they took hours to prepare. Fig, roasted apple, melted brie and tangy garlic mayo are like a sweet-and-savory symphony.
"I got the idea for these appetizers from my favorite sandwich at a local restaurant. I re-created this delectable combination in a quick appetizer with bright red cranberries and green spinach to give it a holiday twist." —Recipe contributor Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
Cheese-Stuffed Cherry TomatoesTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, onion
Level: Easy
Colorful and bright, these feta-stuffed cherry tomatoes will make you think of Christmas tree ornaments. Serve this easy one-bite holiday snack as an hors d’oeuvre on the appetizer or dinner table.
"They're easy to fix as an appetizer or salad. It's impossible to eat just one." —Recipe contributor Mary Lou Robison, Greensboro, North Carolina
Deviled EggsTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, dill, paprika
Level: Intermediate
With all the celebrations during the Christmas season, it's a good idea to keep appetizers light and bright. These deviled eggs look festive with dill and paprika, but you can add other red and green ingredients like red bell peppers, cilantro or avocado.
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Recipe contributor Jesse-Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Baked OystersTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Oysters, jalapeno peppers, bread crumbs
Level: Easy
Something about oysters feels extra celebratory. Buying pre-shucked oysters means no fussing with shells (and oyster knives!) for this easy Christmas appetizer. The jalapeno dipping sauce adds just the right amount of heat.
"I entered this recipe for breaded and baked oysters with a zippy jalapeno mayonnaise in a seafood contest and took first place in the hors d'oeuvres category. These oven-fried oysters make an interesting appetizer for entertaining." —Recipe contributor Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Simmered Smoked LinksTotal Time: 4 hours, 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Smoked sausage links, brown sugar, ketchup, horseradish
Level: Easy
No Christmas appetizer spread is complete without bite-sized sausages! With pantry staples like brown sugar and ketchup, smoked sausage links simmer away in a slow cooker for a nearly hands-off cooking process.
"No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They are so effortless to prepare, and they make a perfect party nibbler. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy." —Recipe contributor Maxine Cenker, Weirton, West Virginia
Butternut Thyme TartletsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Phyllo tart shells, butternut squash, thyme
Level: Intermediate
This light and crunchy appetizer is filled with the ultimate fall flavors. Premade phyllo tart shells make this appetizer super easy, so all you have to do is make the creamy butternut squash and goat cheese filling.
"A great teaser for what's to come, this light and crunchy appetizer is filled with my favorite late-fall flavors. Make the creamy filling a few days early, then fill the phyllo cups right before guests arrive." —Recipe contributor Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus with Raspberry SauceTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, asparagus, raspberry jam, balsamic vinegar
Level: Easy
Nothing says fancy like asparagus spears wrapped with prosciutto. Grill or roast them in the oven for 10 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy and the asparagus is tender. Serve them with a fruity sauce for dipping to meld sweet and savory flavors.
"Grilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this appetizer a salty crunch that's perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it!" —Recipe contributor Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Air-Fryer Crab au Gratin SpreadTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Crabmeat, mushroom stems and pieces, cheddar cheese
Level: Easy
Using canned crab means this cozy appetizer is super easy to make, and the air fryer means you'll spend less time standing around the oven. Serve the dip with your favorite crackers and crisp vegetables.
"I love to serve this warm, comforting appetizer any time we have a get-together with family or friends. It's easy to whip up with convenient canned crab." —Recipe contributor Suzanne Zick, Maiden, North Carolina
Sausage Cheese BallsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, pork sausage
Level: Easy
Make a big batch of these bite-size meatballs and freeze them so you’ll be ready to whip up this appetizer whenever you're expecting guests. They’re completely adaptable, too. Try swapping out the cheddar cheese with another favorite cheese, add a little heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper, or infuse them with smokiness with some smoked paprika.
"These bite-sized sausage balls are a favorite of mine. Feel free to swap in different cheese for the cheddar. You can also serve the cheesy meatballs with Dijon mustard instead of the barbecue and sweet-and-sour sauces." —Recipe contributor Anna Damon, Bozeman, Montana
Easy Pimiento CheeseTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pimiento strips, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese
Level: Easy
Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. This classic dish has only a few ingredients, comes together in minutes and makes a wonderful spread for crackers, toasted bread, breadsticks and more. No celebration, big or small, should be without it.
"It's wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers." —Recipe contributor Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Party Appetizer MeatballsTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Apple jelly, currant jelly, ground beef
Level: Easy
A few surprise ingredients (apple and currant jelly) ensure these meatballs will be the hit of the Christmas appetizer table. For the best flavor, make your own beef, turkey or vegetarian meatballs. Of course, frozen meatballs are completely acceptable—and a real time-saver during the busy holiday season.
"These are a favorite at parties and gatherings. The recipe is easy, and the meatballs can be made well ahead of time and frozen until needed. I think what makes them taste so good is the sauce." —Recipe contributor Nathalie Guest, Caledon, Ontario
Smoked Salmon Bites with Shallot SauceTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Puff pastry, shallots, smoked salmon
Level: Easy
These elegant bite-size pastry puffs are a delightful way to welcome guests during the holidays. The tangy Dijon sauce adds just enough zip, while the peppery bite of fresh arugula pairs perfectly with thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty Asiago cheese.
"Tangy mayonnaise-Dijon sauce adds zip to flaky pastry and layers of crisp arugula, thinly sliced smoked salmon and nutty-flavored Asiago cheese." —Recipe contributor Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Bourbon Bacon JamTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon strips, bourbon or whiskey, shallots
Level: Easy
Bacon makes everything better, especially when it’s mixed with brown sugar and spices. This jam can be served on its own with crackers, but it’s truly a Christmas cheese board’s best friend. Freeze the bacon first for easy prep.
"You can slather this smoky bacon jam on pretty much anything. It lasts only a week in the fridge, so I freeze small amounts for a quick snack with crackers." —Recipe contributor Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Brie with AlmondsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brie cheese, almonds, butter
Level: Easy
Talk about an effortless Christmas appetizer. This nut-topped baked cheese is perfectly elegant and comes together in a snap. Prepare it in a cast-iron skillet or pretty baking dish, and it can go directly from the oven to the table.
"This nut-topped cheese is elegant and impressive for holiday occasions. No one will guess that the recipe is actually a snap to prepare." —Recipe contributor Mildred Aydt, Chanhassen, Minnesota
Crisp Caraway TwistsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Puff pastry, caraway seeds, Swiss cheese
Level: Easy
These flaky cheese-filled twists are made with frozen puff pastry and baked until crispy and golden brown. Double up the batch for big family get-togethers because they’ll disappear before you know it.
"These appetizers are always a hit when I serve them on holidays or special occasions. The flaky cheese-filled twists (made with convenient puff pastry) bake to a crispy golden brown. When our big family gets together, I make two batches." —Recipe contributor Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
Christmas Party PinwheelsTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, ranch salad dressing mix, flour tortillas
Level: Easy
Studded with pimentos, celery and onions, these pinwheels taste delicious, look festive and easily feed a crowd. And with such a simple recipe, you’ll have more time to focus on the Christmas punch, a must for any holiday party.
"'Tis the season for easy make-ahead appetizers like these. They look so special and pretty that folks can't resist them! The refreshing flavor of ranch dressing and crisp, colorful vegetables makes these pinwheels a pleasure to serve." —Recipe contributor Janis Plourde, Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario
Salmon Dip with Cream CheeseTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, canned salmon, mayonnaise
Level: Easy
A touch of curry gives this creamy salmon dip a terrific flavor. Serve it with lots of crackers, bread slices and vegetables for dipping.
"This salmon dip is a delightful hors d'oeuvre that's excellent for any occasion." —Recipe contributor Raymonde Hebert Bernier, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Mini Cheese BallsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese
Level: Easy
When you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas finger foods, these super quick mini cheese balls should top the list. Simply roll the cheese balls in your favorite topping, like fresh rosemary, sesame seeds or paprika. Serve topped with a halved rye crisp, pretzel or cracker for easy one-bite servings.
"These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor." —Recipe contributor J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina
Favorite Marinated MushroomsTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Italian salad dressing mix, olive oil
Level: Easy
Serve these tangy marinated mushrooms with a toothpick to use them as a tasty appetizer. They need to marinate overnight, so make sure to plan ahead.
"Here's a great way to prepare mushrooms. I'll serve them as a side dish, an appetizer on their own, as part of an antipasto platter or add them to salads for a tangy flavor." —Recipe contributor Brenda Snyder, Hesston, Pennsylvania
Crudite DipTotal Time: 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions
Level: Easy
This creamy herb-filled dip is simple to make and a delicious fresh bite alongside some of the more decadent Christmas appetizers.
"To bring out the crudite dip’s tangy flavor, chill it before serving. This will allow the flavors time to blend." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Antipasto Skewers Total Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cheese tortellini, olives, pepperoni, salami
Level: Intermediate
Anything on a toothpick is perfect for a holiday cocktail party! You can use any type of deli meat, so feel free to customize these bites based on your guests' preferences.
"My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit." —Recipe contributor Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Shrimp Salad AppetizersTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, crabmeat, Belgian endive leaves
Level: Easy
Endive leaves make fancy-looking handheld edible cups for this refreshing shrimp and crab salad. Make the salad hours before the party starts and scoop it into the lettuce cups right before serving to ensure the leaves stay crisp and cool.
"This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together." —Recipe contributor Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Cranberry Cream Cheese SpreadTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, dried cranberries, dried apricots
Level: Easy
This easy cream cheese spread has a hint of sweetness and a savory backbone. It comes together super quickly, but you can also make it ahead and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
"This festive dip is a snap to make, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up." —Recipe contributor Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
Ham & Brie PastriesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Puff pastry, deli ham, Brie cheese
Level: Easy
Stuff frozen puff pastry with ham and brie to create this easy, elegant Christmas appetizer. A swipe of apricot preserves inside adds a lovely sweet contrast to the rich and buttery filling.
"Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time." —Recipe contributor Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Vegetarian Stuffed MushroomsTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, vegetarian meat crumbles, bread crumbs
Level: Easy
For a vegetarian option, mix soy crumbles with herbs and bread crumbs for a quick and savory mushroom filling. Every holiday party could use a few more plant-based appetizer options, and these are so good that even meat-eaters will love them.
"Mixed with a blend of parsley, basil, oregano and bread crumbs, soy crumbles make a delightful addition to these savory vegetarian stuffed mushrooms." —Recipe contributor Arline Aaron of Brooklyn, New York
Chipped Beef Cheese BallTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dried beef, cream cheese, sweet onion
Level: Easy
For this savory Christmas appetizer, thin dried beef is pulsed into a coarse crumb and added to cream cheese with Worcestershire sauce to create a delicious cheese ball. Save extra chipped beef for the outside coating, and serve the chilled ball with plenty of crackers.
"This delicious appetizer is near and dear to our family. It is a symbol of our family's Christmas and New Year's celebrations. My mom made this cheese ball for more than 30 years." —Recipe contributor Molly Sumner, Creve Coeur, Missouri
Apricot Kielbasa SlicesTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Kielbasa, apricot preserves, lemon juice
Level: Easy
Apricot preserves and a hint of ginger create a sweet glaze for smoky kielbasa sausage slices. You can make this recipe a few hours before serving and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
"This easy-to-fix kielbasa appetizer is coated in a thick, zesty sauce with just the right amount of sweetness." —Recipe contributor Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Garlic-Parmesan Cheese BallTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic
Level: Easy
Walnuts add just enough crunch to this garlic and Parmesan cheese ball. It pairs well with crackers, bread sticks and crisp vegetables.
"This is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes." —Recipe contributor Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic HummusTotal Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beets, garlic, garbanzo beans
Level: Intermediate
Roasted beets add wonderful color to traditional hummus. Served with fresh veggies and crisp crackers, it adds a festive flair to any holiday table.
"This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week." —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Spicy Crab Salad TapasTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lump crabmeat, mayonnaise, puff pastry
Level: Intermediate
These delicious morsels have a crispy, flaky exterior and a creamy, sweet crab filling with a pleasantly spicy kick. Use scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut the pastry for a decorative effect.
"I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter." —Recipe contributor Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese DipTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, bacon, dried cranberries, Swiss cheese
Level: Easy
Savory and rich, this make-ahead dip can go directly from the oven to the table in about 30 minutes. The dried cranberries are like little jewels hidden in a delicious cheesy, bacon-y landscape. Serve thin, crunchy slices of toasted bread alongside it for an indulgent appetizer.
"This warm, rich and creamy Swiss cheese dip is guaranteed to please family and friends alike. Served with thin, crunchy slices of French bread, it makes the perfect appetizer—especially since it can be prepared ahead, put in the fridge, and then baked just before you want to serve it." —Recipe contributor Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Calamari SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Calamari, white wine, celery
Level: Easy
Whether you host a Feast of the Seven Fishes menu at Christmastime or not, this delicious seafood salad is a winner for the holiday table. It can be served warm or, after refrigeration, cold.
"This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmastime. It is easy to make and quite delicious! The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks." —Recipe contributor Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Brie Pecan PinwheelsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brie cheese, puff pastry, cranberry sauce, pecans
Level: Easy
If you want the entire house to smell amazing, this twist on baked brie combines all the best elements of the classic appetizer: warm gooey cheese, sweet fruit and toasted nuts wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. Bake them to a golden brown.
"This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these during the holidays. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing!" —Recipe contributor Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana
Fruit Compote with BrieTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brie cheese, golden raisins and cherries, apple juice
Level: Easy
Whip up this easy fruit compote with raisins and cherry preserves and serve it over baked brie with crackers. It's the perfect sweet-savory combination.
"What a special, versatile recipe! I stir leftover compote into yogurt or serve it over cheesecake, ice cream, blintzes and crepes." —Recipe contributor Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Dill Pickle DipTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, dill pickles, sour cream
Level: Easy
Your guests will go wild for this creamy dill pickle dip. The easy dip is made by adding dill pickle juice and chopped pickles to cream cheese and sour cream. We love it with ridged potato chips, but anything crunchy for dipping will do.
"My love for pickles led me to create this dill pickle dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned...it's addicting!" —Recipe contributor April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Pomegranate Guacamole with Feta CheeseTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Avocados, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds
Level: Easy
This classic guacamole looks so festive and bright! Since feta can be quite salty, try serving it with reduced-sodium chips for a more balanced bite.
"Want to add a little festive flair to your bowl of guac? Top it off with chunks of feta and fresh pomegranate seeds." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Santa Deviled EggsTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Dijon mustard, deli ham
Level: Intermediate
A clever Christmas appetizer, these cute deviled eggs will bring a smile to everyone’s face at your holiday gathering. They have capers for eyes and cubes of ham for a pink nose, and they’re perfect for a festive Christmas Eve snack.
"I love creating special deviled eggs for parties. These little Santas are easier to make than they look, and everyone raves over them." —Recipe contributor Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Hot Spinach Spread with Pita ChipsTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, pita bread, cream cheese
Level: Intermediate
This cheesy spinach dip is a potluck favorite. Toasted pita chips are a great pivot from your usual tortilla chips.
"Warm and cheesy, this spread is absolutely scrumptious served on toasted pita wedges. Its colorful appearance makes a stunning addition to any buffet." —Recipe contributor Teresa Emanuel, Smithville, Missouri
Snow Pea Holiday WreathTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Snow peas, cream cheese, grape tomatoes
Level: Easy
This pretty-as-a-picture wreath is an ideal finger food for any holiday appetizer spread. The colors fit right in with Christmas, and the fresh vegetables offer a nice balance to the heavier appetizers on the table.
"Santa himself might stop to sample this pretty-as-a-picture finger food! Crunchy green pea pods and juicy red tomatoes add a natural fresh, festive holiday note to my buffet table." —Recipe contributor Carol Schneck, Lodi, California
HummusTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo beans, lemon juice, garlic
Level: Intermediate
Lemon adds a lovely citrusy layer to traditional hummus. Serve this tasty dip with sliced radishes, carrots, celery, jicama, cucumbers and a basket of fresh pita.
"Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years, I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have." —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Pomegranate Pistachio CrostiniTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: French bread baguette, cream cheese, pistachios, pomegranate seeds
Level: Intermediate
This decadent crostini recipe features a sweet combination of cream cheese, honey and orange juice on top of toasty baguette slices. Topped with pomegranate seeds, pistachios and dark chocolate shavings, it’s not quite dessert but it's not quite savory, either. So it makes an all-around great party bite!
"Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate." —Recipe contributor Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Chicken Crescent WreathTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Crescent rolls, canned chicken, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Level: Easy
This edible holiday wreath looks impressive, but it's actually pretty easy to make. Spread a savory chicken and vegetable filling on top of refrigerated crescent dough, then strategically tuck in the points before baking. With broccoli and red peppers peeking out, it’s a colorful addition to the buffet table.
"Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch." —Recipe contributor Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Ham ‘n’ Cheese Biscuit StacksTotal Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flaky biscuits, deli ham, Swiss cheese
Level: Easy
Fresh-baked mini biscuits stuffed with ham, cheese and honey mustard look jolly with decorative olive-spiked toothpicks on top.
"These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties." —Recipe contributor Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Baked Crab DipTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Crabmeat, cream cheese, sour cream
Level: Easy
Make this creamy, decadent crab dip ahead of time by filling a bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Remember to remove the bowl from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, and serve hot just as your guests arrive.
"We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson's wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make." —Recipe contributor Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
Party Cheese BreadTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sourdough bread, Monterey Jack cheese, butter
Level: Intermediate
It’s like a blooming onion, but with bread! All you need is a round loaf of sourdough bread, butter, Monterey Jack cheese and green onion. Baked together, this tear-and-share becomes a delicious Christmas appetizer.
"You can't go wrong with this recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread, too." —Recipe contributor Karen Grant, Tulare, California
Turkey SlidersTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Hawaiian sweet rolls, cranberry sauce, turkey
Level: Intermediate
These turkey sliders get a boost of flavor from ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce. They're reminiscent of Thanksgiving but taste great for Christmas, too.
"Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents." —Recipe contributor Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan
Holiday SalsaTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, jalapeno pepper, cream cheese
Level: Easy
A sweet and spicy cranberry salsa turns an ordinary brick of cream cheese into a holiday appetizer that explodes with flavor. Serve it with tortilla chips or toasted flatbreads.
"When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around the serving dish until it’s scraped clean." —Recipe contributor Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
Bacon-Wrapped Apricot BitesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Maple-flavored bacon strips, dried apricots, honey barbecue sauce
Level: Easy
Wrapping bacon around dried fruit is one of the easiest snacks ever. This recipe calls for maple bacon but regular bacon will do. Don’t forget the sweet barbecue dipping sauce.
"I love bacon-wrapped recipes, and these sweet-smoky snacks are easy to make and fun to eat, so be prepared with an extra batch. For a change, sprinkle them with a bit of blue cheese or toasted almonds." —Recipe contributor Tammie Floyd, Plano, Texas
Almond-Bacon Cheese CrostiniTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: French bread baguette, Monterey Jack cheese, Bacon strips
Level: Intermediate
Get these cheesy bacon crostini ready a few hours before your guests arrive and put them in the oven just as everyone settles in for the festivities. Serve warm and crunchy straight from the oven.
"For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut." —Recipe contributor Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Smoked Salmon BitesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Smoked salmon, radishes, Greek yogurt
Level: Easy
Use crisp radish slices instead of crackers, or make a batch with half of each, for these one-bite appetizers. The bites are topped with creamy yogurt, thin slices of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of capers and onion.
"Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved." —Recipe contributor Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Cucumber-Stuffed Cherry TomatoesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, cream cheese, cucumber
Level: Easy
Bright red cherry tomatoes stuffed with a creamy cucumber mixture are a light alternative to richer holiday appetizers. Serve with cocktails or at the beginning of the meal.
"Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast." —Recipe contributor Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Sweet & Savory Pineapple Cheese BallTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cream cheese, canned pineapple, pecans
Level: Easy
Made with pineapple, green onion, green pepper and chopped pecans, this cheese ball hits every flavor note and texture. It’s an easy make-ahead Christmas appetizer everyone will ask for year after year.
"One of my favorite dishes in childhood was my mom's pineapple and green pepper cheese ball. Now I make it, and it’s always a hit." —Recipe contributor Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland
Brie Cherry Pastry CupsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Puff pastry, cherry preserves, Brie cheese, pecans
Level: Intermediate
These bite-sized treats are a great appetizer or Christmas dessert. Pecans on top add a nice crunch.
"Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert." —Recipe contributor Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
Marinated MozzarellaTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes
Level: Easy
This crowd-favorite appetizer can be assembled in minutes, leaving more time for the main meal. A quick marinade turns mozzarella into a festive holiday party treat.
"I always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look." —Recipe contributor Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Tuscan Sausage & Bean DipTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Italian sausage, cannellini beans, spinach
Level: Intermediate
This fun Italian take on a classic bean dip will be a hit at any party. Filled with Italian sausage (mild or hot), white beans, spinach and lots of cheese, it's a perfect match for crackers and toasted bread.
"This is a spinoff of a Mexican dip I had once. The original was wicked good, but since I was going through an 'I’m-so-over-Mexican-dip' phase, I decided to switch it up. Take it to a party—I'll bet you no one else will bring anything like it!" —Recipe contributor Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Stuffed MushroomsTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pork sausage, cream cheese, mushrooms
Level: Easy
This easy appetizer features mushrooms filled with sausage, herbs and cheese. Bake them to a golden brown for a simple, delicious party bite.
"At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat." —Recipe contributor Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
Italian Marinated OlivesTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pitted olives, pimiento-stuffed olives, celery
Level: Easy
Sometimes, you need a small bite to fill out your appetizer tray. These olives are simple to make and are the perfect one-bite salty snack.
"A friend shared this recipe with me more than 25 years ago, and I still get raves when I serve it as part of an antipasto platter." —Recipe contributor Jean Johnson, Reno, Nevada
Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese SpreadTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dried cranberries, jalapeno pepper, cream cheese
Level: Easy
A hint of five spice and jalapeno pepper adds some real pizzazz to this creamy holiday cheese spread. Pair it with hearty seeded crackers for more layered flavors.
"This easy spread is based on several different relishes and spreads I've tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors." —Recipe contributor Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Stuffed Mushrooms with CrabmeatTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, crabmeat, mayonnaise
Level: Easy
You can get a jump on appetizer prep by stuffing the mushrooms ahead of time and baking them right before guests arrive. The crab filling and toasted bread crumb topping turn a delicious golden brown, making these bites impossible to resist.
"These tender crab-stuffed mushrooms with their crispy golden topping are always popular at parties! The crab filling is a delicious special-occasion treat. Serve them while they're warm." —Recipe contributor Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia
Caprese SkewersTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, basil leaves
Level: Easy
Get the kids to help skewer cherry tomatoes, baby mozzarella balls and fresh basil. Even drizzled with a bit of balsamic vinegar, the red, white and green palette looks perfectly Christmas-y.
"Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family." —Recipe contributor Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Bacon-Wrapped Water ChestnutsTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Bacon, water chestnuts, ketchup, brown sugar
Level: Easy
You can pretty much put bacon around anything and it will be delicious. Here, strips of bacon are wrapped around water chestnuts and baked, then dipped in a sweet glaze before serving. Regular, maple or peppered bacon all work well.
"Whenever I attend a potluck, folks always ask me to make my bacon-wrapped water chestnut recipe—it's become my trademark. I especially like to prepare them for holiday gatherings." —Recipe contributor Debi Jellison, Jacksonville, Florida
Appetizer WreathTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Crescent rolls, cream cheese, broccoli florets, sweet red pepper
Level: Easy
Turn crescent roll dough into a tear-and-share wreath. Each piece is topped with a creamy herbed mixture plus vegetables like broccoli and red pepper.
"I have lots of fun with this festive appetizer wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center." —Recipe contributor Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota
Caliente Christmas Cheese CrispsTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, cumin, bacon
Level: Intermediate
Pack these crisp and savory homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and french-fried onion rings. To keep it seasonal, serve both green and red salsa for dunking.
"To fire up the crowd, I pack these homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and French-fried onion rings. Dunk them in picante sauce." —Recipe contributor Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
