• Aug 3, 2025
• by Adrianna Luettgen
• Comments

5 Festive Christmas Appetizers to Wow Your Guests

Impress your holiday guests with these 5 unique and delicious Christmas appetizers! From cheesy wreaths to Grinch kabobs, these recipes are easy to make and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Get inspired and elevate your festive spread!

1. Cheese Twist Christmas Tree

Description: Elevate your festive gatherings with this stunning pull-apart Christmas tree, a symphony of flaky, golden-brown puff pastry, rich pesto, and savory Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve warm and watch your guests marvel at both its beauty and deliciousness.

Why You Should Try This: This visually stunning appetizer is a guaranteed conversation starter and offers a delightful balance of savory and flaky textures. It's relatively easy to assemble, making it perfect for even busy holiday schedules.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For best results, use high-quality puff pastry.
• 2. If the pastry becomes too soft while working, return it to the refrigerator to chill.
• 3. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina.
• 4. Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy dipping sauce for added flavor.

2. Cheesy Pesto Roll Wreath (Christmas Wreath Appetizer)

Description: A stunningly festive and savory centerpiece! This cheesy pesto roll wreath is the perfect appetizer to wow your guests during the holidays. The flaky crescent rolls, creamy cheese filling, and vibrant pesto create a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Add fresh rosemary and cherry tomatoes for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Why You Should Try This: Its beautiful wreath shape makes it a perfect centerpiece, while the combination of flavors is both comforting and festive. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to assemble.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, try using a blend of cheeses like Gruyere and Parmesan in addition to mozzarella.
• 2. If you don't have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used, but use sparingly as it has a stronger flavor.
• 3. Feel free to experiment with different pesto flavors, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.
• 4. To prevent the dough from browning too quickly, tent the wreath with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

3. Pigs In A Blanket Wreath

Description: Elevate your holiday gathering with this stunning Pigs in a Blanket Wreath! Flaky crescent dough embraces savory mini sausages and sharp cheddar, all crowned with everything bagel seasoning and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This festive centerpiece is surprisingly simple to create, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You Should Try This: This classic appetizer gets a festive upgrade with its wreath shape and everything bagel seasoning. It's a comforting and familiar flavor that everyone enjoys.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, use smoked sausages.
• 2. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or pepper jack.
• 3. If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, you can use a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
• 4. The honey mustard dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer

Description: A vibrant and flavorful appetizer that captures the essence of the holidays. This olive and cheese platter, artfully arranged with fragrant rosemary, transforms into a stunning edible wreath, perfect for impressing your guests.

Why You Should Try This: This visually appealing appetizer is quick and easy to assemble, requiring minimal cooking. It offers a delightful combination of salty, briny, and herbaceous flavors.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra touch of flavor, consider marinating the mozzarella balls in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before assembling the wreath.
• 2. If you can't find sugar plum tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are excellent substitutes.
• 3. Feel free to add other complementary ingredients such as artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
• 4. Prepare the wreath a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld and the rosemary to infuse its fragrance into the other ingredients.
• 5. Serve with a selection of toothpicks or small skewers for easy serving.

5. Grinch Kabobs

Description: Whimsical fruit skewers that capture the mischievous charm of the Grinch, transformed into a delightful Christmas appetizer. These vibrant kabobs are incredibly easy to assemble and bring a touch of festive fun to any holiday gathering.

Why You Should Try This: These fun and festive kabobs are perfect for a kid-friendly Christmas gathering, adding a touch of whimsy and sweetness to the appetizer spread. The bright colors are visually appealing and the flavors are refreshing.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a fun variation, dip the strawberry tips in melted green candy melts before adding the marshmallow.
• 2. If preparing ahead of time, lightly brush the banana slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• 3. Get the kids involved! This is a great recipe for little helpers, especially with the assembly.