If you're wondering what appetizers to make this Christmas season, look no further than these Cold Christmas Appetizers. They can be made a few days ahead of time and don't need reheating.
The best way to alleviate stress during the holidays is to prepare ahead of time, ideally a day or two before the holiday dinner.
I do it with my cold Thanksgiving side dishes in the winter, and with cold vegan side dishes in the summer.
Whether you need a last-minute app, or one prepped 3 days ahead of time, we've got you covered with over 30 cold Christmas appetizers.
We have classics like deviled eggs and potato salad, and some fun ones like charcuterie cups, and Christmas tree platter. There's something here for everyone!
Why Serve Cold Appetizers?
- They can be made ahead of time. This is probably my favorite reason to serve cold appetizers at Christmas. You can make them two or three days ahead, and store them in the fridge. This means less stress, less effort, and more time to spend with your guests.
- No need to reheat. Let's be honest, there are SO many dishes to keep warm on Christmas Day. From mashed potatoes to vegan lentil pot pie, to vegan Beyond Meat meatloaf, the list goes on and on. But, by serving cold Christmas appetizers, you focus on reheating the main meal, which is the most important one.
- Easy to transport and travel with. If you're going to a Christmas party or a potluck, you know it takes a lot of effort to keep something warm on the way there. With these cold appetizers, you don't have to worry about that.
- They're great palate cleaners. Most of these recipes are veggie-heavy and rely on bright and zesty dressings or sauces. This makes them great palate cleaners so you can enjoy a heavier main dish like vegetarian lentil moussaka better.
The BEST Cold Christmas Appetizers
Readers Favorites
Before we dig into our list, check out these reader's favorites. They're popular around Christmas time and for a reason.
My personal favorite is the leek and kale tart.
Easy Salad Kabobs Recipe
Make these Easy Salad Kabobs for your next dinner party or an upcoming holiday! They are quick and simple to make, and so fun to eat! Your kids and family will love them!
Christmas Charcuterie Tree
The festive charcuterie tree is an adorable holiday app for your next party. This delightful creation is not only enjoyable to assemble, but it also serves as a stunning focal point on the table, adding a touch of elegance to the occasion.
Savory Fried Leeks & Kale Tart
The best healthy savory pie stuffed with veggies and creamy tofu filling. It is so easy to make, requiring simple and easy-to-find ingredients that you probably have at home!
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Serve Christmas Deviled Eggs as festive appetizers with bubbly Champagne or drinks at your holiday party. Whip these together in a matter of minutes for a perfect holiday appetizer or a first course. These can be made ahead of time and served with other scrumptious finger foods and canapes.
Caprese Christmas Wreath
This beautiful Caprese Christmas Wreath is a great addition to your festive table. Simple to prepare and so delicious, this can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or part of your Christmas feast.
Hearty Salads
While most of these salads can't be made ahead of time, this doesn't mean they will slow you down.
Simply prepare all the components the day before - washing the greens, making the dressing, etc. and combine everything right before serving.
Sweet Potato Beet Salad with Feta
This Sweet Potato Beet Salad is full of color, flavor, and texture! Feta cheese, crunchy walnuts, and caramelized onions take it to the next level, while the honey balsamic dressing brings it all together!
Mediterranean Risoni Salad with Spinach and Feta
This Mediterranean Risoni Salad is easy to make and comes together in less than 20 minutes. It's so versatile and is the perfect side to any family dinner!
Vegan Chicken Salad Recipe
This Vegan Chicken Salad Recipe is quick and easy to make, and ready in just 10 minutes! It's creamy, refreshing, and perfect for sandwiches or dipped with chips. You can make it 3 days ahead of time.
Creamy Potato Salad without Eggs
This Creamy Potato Salad without Eggs will be your new favorite holiday side or appetizer! All the classic flavors you love, but with a healthy twist! It can be prepared 3 days ahead of time, and it tastes even better this way!
Christmas Salad Recipe
This Christmas salad is a colorful blend of oranges, pomegranate and candied pecans, all tossed in a homemade dressing. A unique and delicious side dish!
Fall Chopped Kale Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette
A delicious fall salad made with kale as the base. It's hearty, nourishing, and will not get soggy. This salad screams fall with the pumpkin, sweet potato, and radishes.
Easy Dips
You're probably not surprised that dips make the list of the best cold Christmas appetizers. Anyone loves a creamy dip, especially during the holiday season.
You get to enjoy them with your favorite crackers or veggies, and they can be made 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Easy Hummus without Garlic
This Hummus without Garlic is bright, zesty, and easy to make! It comes together in just 5 minutes, and is naturally vegan and gluten-free!
Guacamole Without Cilantro
This Homemade Guacamole Without Cilantro is made with 5 ingredients and is ready in less than 10 minutes! It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with vibrant flavors. It makes for a delicious appetizer to enjoy alongside tortilla or pita chips.
White Bean Dip Recipe
This recipe for white bean dip comes together in just 10 minutes, requiring 10 ingredients and 1 bowl to prepare. This recipe is great for meal prep because it's so easy to make and will last for quite some time. It's vegan and gluten-free as well.
Whipped Ricotta Recipe with Olive Oil and Honey
Looking for a quick and easy appetizer for your next dinner party? This creamy whipped ricotta recipe features ricotta cheese, olive oil, cream, and a touch of honey blitzed together in a food processor until smooth, fluffy, and light. It's incredibly simple and comes together in less than 10 minutes!
Cold Spinach Dip In Bread Bowl
Cold spinach dip recipe that’s super easy to make! Just 5 ingredients and tastes amazing in a bread bowl or served with crackers!!
Olive Oil Bread Dip
Making your own olive oil bread dip is incredibly easy. This bread dipping oil recipe is made with just a few flavorful ingredients like balsamic vinegar and garlic, and it can be on the table in minutes. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite pasta dish.
Chestnut Hummus
Easy, quick, and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dip made with roasted or cooked chestnuts, tahini, lemon, and garlic.
Layered Greek Dip
Your guests will love this Layered Greek Dip that mixes all of your favorite Greek ingredients. Greek yogurt, hummus, layers of fresh vegetables, and feta cheese are finished off with fresh herbs and served with pita chips. This is the perfect dip for a get-together!
Roasted Beet Hummus
If you are looking for a colorful, healthy, and delicious appetizer, look no further, we have the perfect dish for you, beetroot hummus, made with roasted beetroots.
Charcuterie Boards & Platters
I love serving a charcuterie board for Christmas because it's a great way to feed the crowd, and it keeps everyone occupied while I warm the main dishes.
You can make a charcuterie board or a platter using pretty much anything you have on hand - veggies, cheese, olives, dips, crackers, etc. I love adding air fryer roasted pecans to mine!
Vegetable Charcuterie Board (Veggie Board)
This Vegetable Charcuterie Board is the perfect healthy appetizer to serve to a crowd! It's packed with colorful veggies and delicious dips and is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Try this veggie tray today!
Christmas Tree Fruit & Cheese Platter
An adorably festive fruit and cheese tray, made in the shape of a Christmas tree that's amazing for holiday parties! It can be served cold, or at room temperature, and you can assemble it in less than 20 minutes.
Christmas Charcuterie Cups
If you're looking for a fun Christmas appetizer for your Holiday party, then these easy charcuterie finger food appetizers are for you! Serve them cold and let your guests enjoy these treats without having to share.
Mediterranean Mezze Board
Let’s build a healthy mezze board together! This Mediterranean mezze platter is perfect for entertaining a large crowd for a light meal, or an entire meal for the family. Not only are they beautiful, but this version is also nourishing and super simple to put together!
More Veggie Appetizers
The following recipes are a great way to add vegetables to the table, without necessarily making a salad.
They're fun, creative, and healthy, and still pack a variety of flavors and textures.
Vegan Zucchini Boats with Lentils
Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats are an easy summer dinner that the whole family will enjoy! Stuffed with lentils, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, and topped off with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan!
Stuffed Mini Peppers
Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers make the best quick appetizer, with endless options! Just 10 minutes and 3 ingredients for the basic version.
Eggplant Rolls with Walnuts
These Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are a delightfully simple, healthy vegan appetizer. Three ingredients, some artfully chosen spices, and less than an hour and you have a vegan treat for the t!
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
These Glazed Carrots with butter and thyme are one of my top side dishes/appetizers ever. The carrots' sugars are enhanced by the sweet glaze, and it is without a doubt DELICIOUS.
Caprese Zucchini Cups
These Caprese stuffed zucchini cups are THE appetizer you've been looking for: they are delicious, bursting with fresh Italian flavors, easy and fun to make, plus super versatile. They come in Christmas colors: red, green, and white (with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella!) and can be served either hot or cold.
Bread & Crostini
And last, but not least, we have bread and crostini. This section is all about simple, yet delicious recipes that can be served as cold Christmas appetizers, or any-day snacks.
Air Fryer Pita Chips
This Air Fryer Pita Chips recipe is healthy, ultra-crispy, and customizable! It's easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Brie and Fig Crostini
Brie and Fig Crostini are simple, quick, and delicious! Sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy all in one bite. Perfect for all the holiday gatherings.
Tomato Bruschetta Recipe
Fresh juicy tomatoes are diced and tossed with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. It's all spooned over garlic-rubbed crostini. Perfection!
Flaky Puff Pastry Bites With Gouda & Spiced Cranberry Sauce
These little bite-sized snacks are made with store-bought puff pastry, gouda cheese, and cranberry sauce. They're are a quick and easy appetizer that can be made ahead of time, and served either hot or cold.
Broccoli & Cheese Pinwheels
These broccoli and cheese pinwheels can be made 2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. When the time comes, you can serve them as part of your cold Christmas appetizers before the main dish.
Pistachio, Feta and Pomegranate Crostini
These easy to make Pistachio, Feta, and Pomegranate Crostinis are a great way to bring some Christmas color and taste to your table.
Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese
These cranberry and cream cheese crostini are elegant and so easy to prepare! They are a great festive Christmas appetizer.
If you try any of these cold Christmas appetizers, let me know in the comments below! I'm curious to know which one is your favorite. 🤩
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