Finger Food Ideas For Christmas In Under 30 Minutes
Christmas is coming and with it comes family get-togethers and parties. There’s no reason for buying store made appetizers when they’re so easy to make yourself! These finger food ideas can be used for appetizers, party snacks, a light lunch, the first course of a dinner, or just nibblies as you drink some fantastic wine.
We made sure to only include recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, and yes this includes the prep and cook time. Don’t waste any more time in the kitchen when you could be enjoying the party!
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1. Deviled Egg Bar
Deviled eggs are a crowd pleaser and are perfect for parties. But before you go and make your favorite deviled egg recipe, consider creating a deviled egg bar instead! A deviled egg bar will allow your guests to build their own with toppings they enjoy. Some great topping ideas are assorted meats, herbs, cheeses, pickles, and more! Be sure to set out small plates, forks and napkins to go alongside your display as well.
A deviled egg bar is a fun, interactive way to feed your guests and makes appetizers into a fun activity. Your guests will surely never forget this dream appetizer spread!
Shutterstock/MaraZe
2. Make Your Own Bruschetta Bar
Bruschetta is a classic Italian finger food that never goes out of style and is a foolproof crowd pleaser. Instead of preparing bruschetta yourself, create a bruschetta bar so that your guests can customize the toppings to suit their liking. This also helps alleviate the work for you making this a quick and easy recipe!
Simply dish out the toppings into serving bowls (which can be done ahead of time). Then all the work you have to do is grill the bread, set out the toppings and dig in! Your guests will love how delicious and interactive this appetizer is.
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3. Copycat Big Mac Bites
Surprise your friends with a platter of these delicious copycat Big Mac Bites at your next holiday gathering. The sliders feature a juicy beef patty and an authentic copycat Big Mac sauce that everyone will enjoy! These Big Mac Bites are absolutely drool-worthy and the Big Mac sauce is so spot on that your friends will be shocked that it didn’t come directly from the drive-thru!
These Big Mac Bites come together fairly quickly which makes them the perfect quick and easy appetizer to throw together for a crowd. You can also serve a keto-friendly option like these low-carb Big Mac bites!
4. Cobb Salad On A Stick
People may not be drawn to a bowl of a salad but they will surely be drawn to a platter of salad on a stick! These cobb salad sticks include all the best ingredients of a cobb salad, from a hard-boiled egg to crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. The benefit to serving cobb salad this way is that its a super easy app to grab and go while your guests are mingling.
Be sure to serve the cobbs with this delicious homemade avocado ranch dip that truly sets this appetizer over the top. As a bonus, this is also a keto-friendly recipe.
5. Caprese Christmas Wreath
Wreaths certainly have a place on your front door but this holiday season, make this delicious Caprese Christmas wreath and share it with friends and family. It’ll surely capture everyone’s attention too. Not only is it vibrant in festive red and green colors but it’s so delicious too.
You could take a few different approaches with this appetizer. You could transform the flavors of a Caprese salad into fun skewers, or simply lay out tomatoes, basil and mozzarella into the shape of a wreath in a more charcuterie-style fashion. This finger food is full of fresh flavors and is incredibly easy to put together!
Shutterstock/Mininoter
6. Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
This Christmas finger food idea is so easy you won’t even need a recipe! Finger foods can be as simple as whipping up a delicious cheese and cracker platter. They’re a timeless crowd favorite and an easy appetizer that your guests can eat casually throughout the evening.
For Christmas this year, get creative and transform your cheese platter into one that looks like a Christmas tree. Start by choosing your favorite cheeses, crackers and possibly a few grapes too. Arrange the platter by decreasing the length of each row and before you know you’ll have a delightful Christmas tree shape.
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7. Cranberry Brie Bites
These elegant cranberry and brie bites would be a stunning addition to your holiday table. They may look fancy and intimidating but they’re actually incredibly easy to make.
With 3 simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you’ll have this appetizer ready to eat in no time! Be sure to cook these cranberry brie bites in a muffin tin to turn this appetizer into the perfect finger food. While this recipe is so tasty on its own, you could also top with toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Also be sure to top with a small rosemary sprig as garnish for a festive touch.
Shutterstock/Elena Shashkina
8. Crockpot Drunken Bourbon Whisky Meatballs
Meatballs make great appetizers, especially for parties! They’re easy to grab and go and the perfect bite size snack before the main course. So set it and forget it this holiday season and make a batch of these drunken bourbon whiskey meatballs. This recipe is made in a Crockpot and only require 2 to 3 hours in comparison to other recipes that need 5 to 8 hours.
A package of frozen meatballs is smothered in a drunken bourbon whiskey sauce and then is cooked low and slow. Your friends and family will take one bite and will be back for seconds and thirds!
9. Pigs In A Blanket
These miniature pigs in a blanket are delicious and come together in under 30 minutes. Topped with everything bagel seasoning, they’ll surely excite your taste buds.There’s no better way to start off a holiday meal than with a few delicious appetizers, and these savory pigs in a blanket will be sure to impress your guests.
If you can’t find the popular Trader Joes Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, this recipe provides instructions on how to make your own. You can also make the delicious homemade dipping sauce recipe — made with sour cream, mustard, and mayo — that pairs perfectly with this appetizer.
Shutterstock/Pixel-Shot
10. Cake Batter Dessert Hummus
It may seem odd to enjoy a sweet flavored hummus, but we assure you that this cake batter dessert hummus is a game-changer! In only 5 minutes, you can create a dessert hummus at home using a food processor. This protein-rich appetizer will quench any sweet tooth craving yet is still packed with all the benefits and nutrients of traditional hummus.
To make this dessert hummus festive simply swap the rainbow sprinkles for red and green or any festive sprinkles that you like! Serve with wafers, cookies or fresh fruit. As a bonus, this is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly recipe.
11. Instant Pot Artichoke and Spinach Dip
Prepare a bowl of ooey-gooey artichoke and spinach dip in a hurry this holiday season by using an Instant Pot! The delicious flavors of this dip are provided by ingredients like alfredo sauce mix, loads of cheese, and garlic powder!
By pressure cooking the dip you’ll be able to have it ready to eat very quickly! Spinach and artichoke dip is a crowd pleaser and once you discover how easy it is to make using the Instant Pot, you’ll want to make this for every occasion. Once cooked, serve the dip in a bread bowl or with your favorite chips.
12. No-Bake Lemon Meringue Pie Dip
Who says you have to save dessert for last? Serve this lemon meringue pie dip as an appetizer and watch it disappear quickly! This dip is full of zesty flavors of lemon and sweet condensed milk. Plus, with only seven common ingredients, it’s inexpensive to feed the crowd you’re hosting!
Another bonus is that this recipe is also super light which will ensure your guests won’t get too full for when the heavy foods like turkey and stuffing are served. Top the dip with a beautiful homemade meringue and you could even add a few festive sprinkles on top too.
13. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Roasting chicken in the oven may take a while but if you cook it in your Instant Pot it can be done incredibly quickly! This quick and easy Instant Pot buffalo chicken slider recipe will definitely be a hit this holiday season. They’re easy to serve up to a large crowd and are almost guaranteed to be enjoyed by all, no matter a person’s tastes or aversions.
Best of all? This recipe only requires 8 simple ingredients that you likely already have at home! Tender shredded chicken is smothered in the most creamy buffalo sauce. Top the sliders with ranch and garnish with a pickle!
14. Tuna Pickle Boats
Tuna pickle boats are about to rock your world! This simple appetizer scoops tuna salad into a dill pickle. They’re the perfect salty snack to serve to a large group and they’re friendly to multiple different lifestyles. They’re dairy free, gluten free and this recipe is also keto-friendly.
The best part is that these pickle boats can come together in just 5 minutes and require 5 simple ingredients: 5-6 dill pickles, 1 can of light flaked tuna, 1/4 cup of light mayo, 1 tbsp of fresh dill and salt & pepper to taste! Prep will take you 5 minutes and this app will be ready to enjoy!
15. Quick and Easy Charcuterie Kabobs
Charcuterie boards are a growing trend, especially for parties since they’re perfect for grazing! What’s better than a delicious spread of meat, cheese, jam, and fruit? While you could serve a traditional charcuterie board at your next holiday get together, we highly encourage that you try making these charcuterie kabobs!
You and your friends will get to indulge in all the same ingredients you love about charcuterie but the kabobs make it easy to grab, go, and enjoy! We recommend serving the kabobs with delicious dips such as balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, olive oil, or any dipping sauce you enjoy!
16. Speedy Tzatziki Sauce
Add in a little Greek to your holiday table this year! Tzatziki sauce can be enjoyed on salads, wraps and more but it also makes a great dip too. Thankfully, this recipe not only requires simple ingredients but it comes together in just 12 minutes.
This homemade sauce tastes so fresh and pairs so well with a variety of breads and vegetables. The base of this tzatziki sauce is Greek yogurt and it is seasoned with fragrant dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Finally, serve the dip with pita bread and fresh veggies. This recipe also keeps well in the fridge for leftovers.
Shutterstock/Stephanie Frey
17. Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These bacon-wrapped scallops look gourmet but they’re actually incredibly easy to make. Your guests will be so impressed when they see this appetizer at your holiday dinner. Better yet, this recipe comes together quickly too as the scallops can be ready to eat in just 20 minutes!
With a few simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and garlic you’ll be able to achieve an impressive flavor! The recipe provides several helpful tips to ensure the scallops are cooked to perfection. The brown sugar brings a unique sweet flavor which pairs perfectly with the savory bacon and salty scallops. Serve and enjoy!
Shutterstock/Africa Studio
18. Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls
Forget the frozen sausage rolls this holiday season because this impressive recipe is so easy to make! Made with store-bought puff pastry, sausage and a few seasonings you’ll have this delicious sausage roll appetizer ready in just 25 minutes.
These little bites are full of flavor thanks to seasonings like basil, oregano, and thyme. They’re so savory and delicious — everyone will be back for seconds! You could also easily do variations of this recipe by adding different toppings such as bell peppers, onion, or cheese. Be sure to serve with a few dipping sauces including classic ketchup, spicy ketchup, honey mustard, and spicy mayo.
Shutterstock/Monkey Business Images
19. Apple Goat Cheese Crostini
Crostini are a great appetizer option because you can top them with whatever creative toppings you can think of. This recipe combines sharp goat cheese and sweet apple to create an unforgettable appetizer that will be perfect to serve at your next holiday gathering.
These apple goat cheese crostinis come together in just 20 minutes and only require a handful of ingredients. Ingredients like lemon zest and juice, fresh tyme, and ground black pepper provide even more delicious flavor. The recipe uses a broiling technique to give the crostini a golden, crunchy finish that is so satisfying. Serve and enjoy!
Shutterstock/Irina Rostokina
20. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Considering it’s a crowd favorite you’ll want to add it to the appetizer menu. While garlic bread is obviously delicious as its own classic recipe, why not change things up a little for the holiday season? This cheesy garlic pull apart bread is truly an experience.
This isn’t any ordinary garlic bread recipe, it’s ooey-gooey cheesy and the pull-apart pieces make it an easy grab and go treat. To create the pull-apart pieces simply make generous slices throughout the bread and then fill with loads of cheese and garlic. This will be a foolproof hit!
Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker
21. Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Pastries
Would you believe that an impressive appetizer like these smoked salmon and cream cheese pastries only takes20 minutes to make? This recipe proves that it can be done, and better yet, it only requires 4 simple store-bought ingredients.
You’ll need 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, cream cheese spread, a package of smoked salmon and fresh toppings. Be sure to keep an eye on the pastry as it bakes so that they don’t puff up too much, however, if they do this recipe provides a tip on what to do next! These appetizers look gourmet but are so simple to make.
Shutterstock/Kolpakova Svetlana
22. Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Everything you love about classic loaded baked potatoes can now be enjoyed in a delectable bite-sized appetizer. This delicious recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and will be an instant hit with your friends and family of all ages.
Simply bake the potato slices until they’re tender and golden and then top with ooey-gooey cheese. After the cheese has become bubbly you’ll want to allow the potatoes to cool slightly before adding the delicious toppings. The recipe suggests topping with grated chopped bacon, green onions or chives and a dollop of sour cream. These are both tasty and simple!
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23. Ham and Cheese Slider
These ham and cheese sliders may be a simple appetizer but they have a remarkable flavor. These neat and tidy sandwiches are packed with quality cheese and scrumptious ham. This classic combination is one that everyone loves, but may have never tried in the form of a slider.
If you want to make it a little more gourmet, you can add a slice of tomato or roasted red pepper. Sometimes though, basic is better! This is the perfect comfort food for your next holiday party! Be sure to serve these immediately because sliders are best warm and fresh. Your party guests will love these!
Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker
24. Simple Savory Christmas Trees
How adorable are these appetizer Christmas trees?! They present themselves so beautifully on a platter and are also really fun to create. Gather a few family members and make these fun Christmas trees as a family for your Christmas party. They’ll love how interactive this appetizer is but will be even more impressed with the final result!
All you need for this easy finger food is puff pastry, green olives, cheese, salami, and whipped cream cheese. The recipe outlines the technique for folding your creation into a perfect Christmas tree. Your guests won’t be able to get enough of this appetizer — and that’s a guarantee!
Shutterstock/Elena Hramova
25. Caprese Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread is one of those recipes that you don’t want to mess with because it’s so good already. Why fix something that isn’t broken, right? Well, think about this caprese recipe as garlic bread dressed up for Christmas.
This finger food is not only delicious and easy to eat, but it will be consistent with your Christmas decorations with the green basil and bright red tomatoes. Drizzle with a little balsamic reduction for the perfect tangy finish to this appetizer. These are so tasty and easy to make that your guests will beg you to make them every year!
Shutterstock/AS Food studio
26. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
You could buy store-bought jalapeno poppers but this homemade version is so much better! After all, there is something so satisfying about creating and indulging in something homemade. They taste so fresh and your guests will certainly appreciate the added effort.
Don’t be intimidated though! This recipe is very simple and in no time you’ll have an exciting finger food to add to your holiday table. All you need are 3 ingredients which include: jalapeno peppers, cream cheese and slices of bacon. In less than 30 minutes you’ll have the perfect savory and crispy appetizer ready to serve and enjoy!
Shutterstock/AS Food studio
27. Seven Layer Dip
Every party needs a delicious dip to kick off the evening. This seven-layer dip will not disappoint as its full of many enticing flavors. Your guests will love this dip because its warm and cheesy but also a great appetizer to graze on throughout the evening.
The first layer starts with refried beans followed by a layer that features sour cream, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. The dip is finished with a layer of salsa and loads of delicious topping such as lettuce, cherry tomatoes and black olives. Be sure to serve the dip with your favorite chips or pitas!
Shutterstock/Megan Betteridge
28. Turkey Cranberry Sliders
While turkey may be the main course at your Christmas dinner this year, these sliders would be a great way to get everyone’s appetites ready for the meal! These sliders contain slices of turkey deli meat, cheese, and cranberry sauce. They’re like a mini holiday dinner in a bite-sized bundle!
Sliders are excellent finger food because they’re filling enough to tide you over and they’re easy to put together. You’ll have this tasty treat ready to eat in just 25 minutes. These turkey sliders could also be a great option to use up leftovers that are inevitable with a big holiday feast.
Shutterstock/JeniFoto
29. Cheese Wontons
There’s no denying that one of the best things about the holidays is the food spread. It can range from healthy fruit trays to delectable chocolates and even exciting treats like cheese wontons. While this recipe may seem initimidating, it actually only requires a few key ingredients such as cream cheese, scallions and garlic powder.
With a creamy center and crispy exterior, you’ll be shocked at how quickly these disappear at your next holiday gathering. Better yet, this is a Panda Express Copycat recipe so prepare to see everyone’s amazement when they discover you made them yourself. Serve and enjoy!
Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker
30. Easy Red Salsa
If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a big bowl of salsa and tortilla chips for an appetizer this holiday season. While store bought salsa is obviously delicious, if you’re looking to impress this holiday season be sure to make a batch of this delicious homemade red salsa.
Making your own salsa is easier than you may think and it’s full of fresh and flavorful ingredients that you’re going to love. Simply toss the ingredients into a food processor, pulse to mix, and serve! A few of the key ingredients that give this salsa flavor include onion, cilantro, lime, garlic, and jalapeño.
Shutterstock/Timolina
