65 Cute Christmas Party Food Ideas That'll Delight Everyone
72 Christmas Party Food Ideas That'll Delight Everyone
The typical to-do list during the holiday season is enough to scare off even the most industrious among us. From shopping for unique gifts and wrapping presents to decorating the house and attending various social events, you're looking at one packed calendar. Add hosting duties into the mix, and chances are you're going to need an assist.
That's where we come in. We've rounded up a long list of the best Christmas party food ideas, so you can spend less time searching the internet and your arsenal of cookbooks for just the right thing. Whether you're hosting an open house with a buffet or a full-on dinner party for adults, these crowd-pleasing recipes will make your soiree one to remember.
There's no shortage of options from popular snacks, appetizers, and finger foods, to easy make-ahead main courses and sides, and of course desserts and cocktails. Hey, there's even a few options for those of you who get tasked with bringing treats to any school functions. Now, go indulge in a classic Christmas flick with all that extra time you'll have on your hands.
Hummus and Caramelized Onion Crostini
This simple finger food is vegan, so all of your guests can enjoy. Plus, it's easy to give it festive treatment—just top each one with a rosemary sprig.
Get the recipe at Wallflower Kitchen.
Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Is there anything more festive than cranberry? And who doesn't love melted Brie cheese?
Get the recipe at The Merry Thought.
Pomegranate Jeweled White Cheddar Cheese Ball
We never thought we'd say this, but, thanks to pomegranate arils, this cheese ball looks almost like a work of art.
Get the recipe at How Sweet Eats.
Christmas Cheese Tree
This herb-coated Christmas cheese ball tree is arguably too pretty to eat.
Get the recipe at The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels
Cranberries and feta wrapped in spinach tortillas make for easy finger food reminiscent of Christmas wreaths.
Get the recipe at The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Beet Cashew Hummus
Why make regular hummus when you can make a vibrant red version that's perfectly suited for the holiday?
Get the recipe at Snixy Kitchen.
Parmesan Puffs
Need something to keep snackers satisfied before the main meal? Try these make-ahead parmesan puffs—and be sure to make extra, they'll be gone in a flash.
Get the recipe at Love & Olive Oil.
Christmas Brie
Don't just plop the round of Brie on a plate and call it a day. A simple sprinkling or pomegranate arils, pistachios, and a cleverly placed rosemary sprig do wonders for aesthetics.
Get the recipe at Five Heart Home.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer requires just five main ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes—max!—to put together.
Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven.
Pear Pomegranate Salad
Whip up this simple salad for a side dish that has plenty of seasonal accouterments.
Get the recipe at Two Peas & Their Pod.
Holiday Cheese Board
Crafting a gorgeous cheese board doesn't have to be complicated. Follow this tutorial, and you'll be a pro in no time.
Get the recipe at The Beach House Kitchen.
Christmas Market-Style Mulled Wine
Warm your guests from the inside out with this traditional spiced wine. You'll love how easy it is to make a big batch for a crowd.
Get the recipe at Lauren Caris Cooks.
Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer
Kids will love helping to craft these adorable Rudolph-themed treats. Bonus: They can also be packaged in cellophane for grab-and-go options.
Get the recipe at Suburban Simplicity.
Crispy Rice Cone Christmas Trees
These adorable crispy rice treats double as decor for the dessert table, but don't be surprised how fast they disappear once it's time to dig in.
Get the tutorial at Lauren Caris Cooks.
Christmas Kiss Cookies
Give kiss cookies the Christmas treatment with peppermint chocolate and red, white, and green sprinkles.
Get the recipe at Sprinkle Bakes.
Christmas Tree Spinach Breadsticks
One thing is for sure: Once you put this Christmas version of gooey spinach and cheese pull-apart bread on the buffet, it'll be gone in a flash.
Hummus Wreath
Another themed appetizer that couldn't be easier to assemble. Just spread hummus into a crudite dish, then top it with a smattering of herbs, feta, and tomatoes.
Santa Board
If you're hosting a large group, put this cute Christmas appetizer board in the center of the coffee table, so everyone can admire your handiwork.
Baked Brie Puffs
Frozen phyllo dough makes quick work of these easy, cheesy little bites topped with sweet jam and crunchy pistachios.
Caprese Candy Cane Board
For a holiday spin on the traditional tomato and mozzarella appetizer, arrange slices into the shape of a candy cane.
Pomegranate Brie Crostini
Top slices of fresh baguette with melted Brie and ruby red pomegranate arils and a single sprig of rosemary to make an eye-catching holiday appetizer.
Spicy Roasted Cashews
For a snack that really satisfies, scatter a few bowls of these spiced nuts throughout your entertaining space.
Everything Bagel Chex Mix
For a little more variety, pepper in a few bowls of homemade Chex mix flavored with everyone's favorite seasoning—everything bagel.
Ricotta and Tomato Jam Jar
By now you might be missing some of that bright summer flavor, but this easy appetizer will bring you and your guests right back to longer, warmer days.
Olive Balls
This finger food is easy to make in large quantities, so you're sure to have enough starters for a crowd.
Christmas Tree Seven-Layer Dip
Though an easy make-ahead appetizer, this creatively-designed tree will make guests think you spent all day arranging it.
Baked Cranberry Brie
Though this simple party app requires just 15 minutes of prep time, it's sure to be a crowd favorite.
Mushroom Fontina Flatbread With Crispy Sage
Flatbread is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that works well on a buffet, since it's the perfect finger food.
Roasted Cauliflower and Parsnip Soup
Soup isn't off the table if you're not hosting a sit-down meal. Serve up the warm appetizer in mugs, so your guests can mingle while they enjoy the first course.
Roasted Butternut Squash French Breads
Think of this easy holiday appetizer as a loaded vegetable pizza. To serve a crowd, just cut your baguette into individual slices.
Black Pepper and Lemon Asiago Dip
Take advantage of peak citrus season with this zesty lemon dip. It tastes great served with dippers of all kinds, from pita chips to veggie sticks.
Christmas Ornament Cheese Balls
Bring cheer to your holiday cheese spread with this highly customizable themed appetizer.
Holiday Cheese Wreath
If you're serving a large group, make sure to have a diverse array of cheese, since it's a great grab and go snack.
Cheesy Artichoke Crostini
Top crisp, buttery rounds with an irresistible spread reminiscent of your favorite spinach and artichoke dip.
Sugared Cranberries
This three-ingredient treat makes a great holiday snack, or an impressive garnish for Christmas cocktails.
Pear Salad
Make sure to have something nice and fresh to serve—like this salad studded with seasonal fruit—with the hearty main meal.
Christmas Salad Wreath
A little artful arranging can turn an ordinary side salad into a real work of art suitable for the holiday dinner table.
Chicken Cobb “Christmas Tree” Holiday Salad
Alternatively, arrange romaine slices so they look like the branches of a Christmas tree. Then, "decorate" your tree with all of the fixings—shredded chicken, tomatoes, blue cheese, onions, and some cleverly cut bell peppers.
Herb and Butter Roasted Beef Tenderloin
When your mission is to impress, beef tenderloin is the way to go. This cut of meat cooks up perfectly with brush of brown butter and herbs.
Porchetta Pork Tenderloin
For a meal not nearly as costly as beef tenderloin, but just as impressive, turn to this bacon-wrapped, herb-infused pork tenderloin.
Glazed Ham
Of course, spiraled ham is another suitable option for your Christmas dinner party, since it easily feeds a large group.
Deep-Fried Turkey
Thinking about serving turkey, but want a way to differentiate it from your Thanksgiving meal? Try your hand at deep frying the bird.
Oven Roasted Branzino
If you're hosting the Feast of the Seven Fishes, this whole-roasted Branzino is a main course stunner that fits right in amongst the rest of the spread.
Lentil Roast With Balsamic Onion Gravy
Don't forget about your vegetarian dinner guests. This easy, but satisfying loaf is a great way to ensure anyone with special dietary considerations gets enough to eat.
Red Wine Bucatini With Pancetta and Parmesan
Make pasta worthy of a spot on your Christmas party buffet by cooking it in red wine. It gives the dish a brilliant burgundy shade, plus a bunch of unexpected flavor.
Horseradish Cauliflower Au Gratin
A zesty, flavorful (and comforting) side that pairs well with nearly any main, from beef tenderloin to ham.
Roasted Kabocha Squash With Pomegranate Pepita Relish
Seasonal squash gets a festive upgrade, thanks to some red and green garnishes, including pomegranate arils and pumpkin seeds.
Garlic Herb Parker House Rolls
No holiday meal is complete without a tray of these soft, buttery dinner rolls.
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche is a popular choice for daytime celebrations, since it can be made ahead of time, frozen, and warmed just before mealtime.
Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Another great make-ahead brunch option that's bursting with seasonal flavors, like apples and warm spices.
Matcha Marshmallows With Fresh Mint Hot Cocoa
Don't forget to have something on hand for your guests to sip. On a chilly winter's night, this peppermint-spiked hot cocoa will hit the spot.
Christmas Punch
For a lighter non-alcoholic beverage, whip up this festive punch. It gets its ruby red hue from pomegranate and cranberry juices.
Pear Manhattan
Think your guests might prefer something a little, well, boozier? Try this Manhattan. Thanks to the addition of fresh pear, it has a seasonal spin that makes it worthy of the occasion.
Toffee Sticky Buns
If you're hosting a holiday open house in lieu of a Christmas dinner party, make sure to have a buffet full of finger foods. This brunch classic is sure to be among the first to go.
Eggnog Bundt Cake
Put this on the list, too. Each slice of the eggnog-infused cake is rich, moist, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, who could resist a sweet rum glaze?
Christmas Crunch Mix
The kids will go crazy for this sugar explosion. To make it a school-friendly snack for classroom parties, simply omit the peanuts.
M&M Christmas Sugar Cookies
If piping icing isn't your forte, try these easy-to-decorate alternatives. They're just as tasty and attractive, but much less complex.
Saltine Toffee
There's a reason this sweet and salty dessert is so popular: It's hard to eat just one. Put a platter on your dessert buffet, or send guests home with a bundle as a party favor.
Brownie Christmas Trees
Create these cute handheld desserts with just a single tray of brownies, some frosting, and holiday candies.
Holly Cookie Cups
These perfectly poppable treats get a little Christmas flair from shaped melted chocolate and red M&Ms.
Dark Chocolate Honey Fig Walnut Truffles
When everyone's so full from the main course that they can barely move, these poppable snacks provide just the right finishing touch.
No-Bake Double Chocolate Cheesecake Pie
Can't bear the thought of turning on the oven one more time? Opt for this no-bake dessert. It pairs a quintessential combo—chocolate and peppermint—for a tasty and show-stopping dessert.
Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
For a formal, adults-only Christmas dinner party, try your hand at this ultra chic dessert. Your guests will definitely wonder what bakery window you plucked these from.
Christmas Cookie Dough Dip
Another great option for a crowd, since you can leave the platter on a coffee table and let guests graze at their leisure.
Champagne Jelly Shots
For one last hurrah before guests call it a night, have a special Christmas toast with these gorgeous—and very tasty—unique make-ahead Champagne treats.
Put a little holiday magic on your table.