23 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers for Stress-Free Hosting

Hosting during the holidays is easier when the appetizers are already handled. These make-ahead Christmas bites are designed to be prepped early so you can focus on guests instead of last-minute cooking. Many can be chilled, frozen, or partially cooked ahead of time, then finished just before serving. They are sturdy, festive, and perfect for holiday gatherings of any size. From creamy dips to savory finger foods, these appetizers help you create a welcoming spread without the stress, keeping the celebration relaxed and enjoyable.

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza
Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Flaky crescent-crust topped with creamy ranch spread and fresh vegetables creates a cold veggie pizza that is always the first thing to go at parties.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

Classic New Orleans Shrimp Remoulade

Classic New Orleans Shrimp Remoulade
Classic New Orleans Shrimp Remoulade. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Chilled shrimp served with a creamy tangy remoulade delivers authentic New Orleans flavor perfect for elegant appetizers or light meals.
Get the Recipe: Classic New Orleans Shrimp Remoulade

Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups with Ranch Dressing

Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups with Ranch Dressing
Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups with Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Savory sausage and melty cheese baked in crisp cups create bite-sized appetizers that are easy to serve and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage Phyllo Cups with Ranch Dressing

Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers with Mushrooms

Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers with Mushrooms
Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Flaky crescent dough filled with herbed cream cheese and mushrooms bakes into a warm savory finger food perfect for parties.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers with Mushrooms

Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel

Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel
Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These bite-sized ham and cheese sandwiches, topped with creamy béchamel, bake until golden for a refined yet approachable party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Mini Croque Monsieur with Béchamel

Easy Ham and Cheese Tortilla Pinwheels

Easy Ham and Cheese Tortilla Pinwheels
Easy Ham and Cheese Tortilla Pinwheels. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Make ahead pinwheels with ham, cream cheese, spinach, and a hint of horseradish create an easy crowd-pleasing party snack.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Tortilla Pinwheels

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Crispy air-fried cauliflower tossed in bold buffalo sauce delivers spicy, satisfying flavor in a quick vegetarian appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe
Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These crunchy cream cheese rangoons recreate the popular takeout favorite with crisp shells and creamy centers.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Cream Cheese Rangoon Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This make ahead cheese ball packs creamy cheese smoky bacon jalapenos and ranch flavor into one appetizer that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Ultimate Hamburger Dip

Ultimate Hamburger Dip
Ultimate Hamburger Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savory ground beef, beans, and tomatoes come together in a hearty dip that is always a hit at parties and game day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Hamburger Dip

Creamy Avocado Bacon Dip

Creamy Avocado Bacon Dip
Creamy Avocado Bacon Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and crispy bacon blend into a crave-worthy dip that keeps chips and veggies dipping nonstop.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Bacon Dip

Bourbon Meatballs

Bourbon Meatballs
Bourbon Meatballs. Photo credit: Game Day Eats.

Slow cooker meatballs simmered in sweet, tangy bourbon glaze create an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer with big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Meatballs

Blue Cheese Balls

Blue Cheese Balls
Blue Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Life Currents.

Creamy blue cheese rolled in fruit and nuts creates a bold savory appetizer perfect for entertaining and game day snacking.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Balls

Pepperoni Rolls

Pepperoni rolls
Pepperoni Rolls. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Warm cheesy pepperoni rolls bake up soft and satisfying making them perfect for sharing and dipping in marinara.
Get the Recipe: Pepperoni Rolls

Bold and Buttery Homemade Chex Mix

Bold and Buttery Homemade Chex Mix
Bold and Buttery Homemade Chex Mix. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Crunchy cereal pretzels and nuts coated in buttery seasoning create an addictive snack that is easy to customize for any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bold and Buttery Homemade Chex Mix

Mississippi Sin Dip

Mississippi Sin Dip
Mississippi Sin Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamy ham and cheese dip baked in a bread bowl delivers a rich, comforting flavor that guests always gather around.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Sin Dip

The Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue

The Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue
The Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Classic Swiss fondue made with Gruyere and Emmenthaler melts into a smooth rich dip perfect for entertaining without special equipment.
Get the Recipe: The Melting Pot Traditional Swiss Fondue

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in crispy bacon cook quickly in the air fryer for a spicy appetizer everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Slow Cooker Chilis Skillet Queso

Slow Cooker Chilis Skillet Queso
Slow Cooker Chilis Skillet Queso. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This easy slow cooker queso recreates Chili’s favorite and stays warm for hours, making it ideal for parties.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chilis Skillet Queso

Crispy Arancini

Crispy Arancini
Crispy Arancini. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Golden Italian rice balls filled with cheese and cured meats create a unique appetizer that feels special and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Arancini

Houston’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

Houston’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
Houston’s Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Warm creamy spinach artichoke dip delivers classic flavor that works for everything from casual parties to game day.
Get the Recipe: Houston’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sharp cheddar and pecans paired with sweet strawberry preserves create a no-bake Southern cheese ring perfect for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Cheddar Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

The Ultimate Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip

The Ultimate Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip: An Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizer
The Ultimate Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This three-ingredient smoked Gouda dip melts into a creamy, rich appetizer that comes together fast and feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Smoked Gouda Cheese Dip

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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