18 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers for Easy Holiday Entertaining

Planning your holiday party menu just got easier with these festive appetizers you can prepare in advance. These crowd-pleasing recipes let you enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen all night.

From creamy dips to crispy bites, each recipe is designed to taste even better after sitting overnight, making your party prep stress-free and delicious.

01. Cranberry Walnut Whipped Feta Spread

Creamy whipped feta cheese studded with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. This colorful spread brings festive flavors to any holiday gathering and gets better overnight.

Ingredients: 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, crackers for serving.

How To Make Cranberry Walnut Whipped Feta Spread

1. Add crumbled feta and softened cream cheese to your food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and ribbons start forming around the blade, ensuring no grainy texture remains in your spread.

2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates the perfect creamy consistency that holds its shape when spread.

3. Transfer the whipped mixture to a serving bowl and fold in dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves using a rubber spatula. Drizzle honey over the top and let flavors meld for at least 30 minutes before serving with your favorite crackers.

02. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Tender chicken meatballs packed with vegetables and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. These crowd-pleasers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day after the flavors develop.

Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup diced celery, ¼ cup minced mushrooms, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced celery, minced mushrooms, and garlic for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your meatballs.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and the cooled sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, then mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

3. Roll the mixture into 20-24 evenly sized meatballs using a small ice cream scoop for consistency. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Toss the hot meatballs with buffalo sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, or refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

03. Honey Pomegranate Whipped Feta

Silky whipped feta topped with jewel-like pomegranate seeds and crunchy pistachios. The honey drizzle adds sweetness that perfectly balances the salty cheese for an elegant appetizer.

Ingredients: 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ½ cup chopped pistachios, 3 tablespoons honey, pinch of red pepper flakes, pita chips for serving.

How To Make Honey Pomegranate Whipped Feta

1. Process crumbled feta and cream cheese in a food processor for 3-4 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally, until the mixture is completely smooth and forms ribbons when the blade spins.

2. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil through the feed tube until the mixture becomes light and airy. The final texture should be smooth enough to spread easily but thick enough to hold its shape.

3. Transfer to your serving bowl and create a shallow well in the center using the back of a spoon. Fill with pomegranate seeds and sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges for a beautiful presentation.

4. Just before serving, drizzle honey over the entire surface and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the sweet honey perfectly.

04. Fresh Lovage Herb Pesto

Aromatic pesto made with lovage, an herb that tastes like a cross between celery and cardamom. This unique spread keeps for weeks in the refrigerator and makes ordinary crackers extraordinary.

Ingredients: 1 cup fresh lovage leaves, ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, ½ cup celery leaves, ½ cup pine nuts, 3 cloves garlic, ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt to taste.

How To Make Fresh Lovage Herb Pesto

1. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool completely before using to prevent the pesto from becoming oily.

2. Add lovage leaves, basil, celery leaves, and garlic to your food processor. Pulse 10-12 times until roughly chopped, then add the cooled pine nuts and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until you achieve a smooth paste consistency. Add grated Parmesan and pulse just until combined, then season with salt to taste.

4. Transfer to a jar and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.

05. Protein-Packed Spinach Dip

Creamy spinach dip made with cottage cheese and feta for extra protein and less saturated fat. This healthier version tastes just as indulgent as the classic but keeps you satisfied longer.

Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed and drained), ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ¼ cup chopped green onions, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Protein-Packed Spinach Dip

1. Squeeze thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for preventing a watery dip that won’t hold together properly when serving.

2. Combine cottage cheese, crumbled feta, and mayonnaise in a food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, creating a rich base that rivals traditional cream cheese dips.

3. Add the well-drained spinach, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and onion powder to the cheese mixture. Pulse 8-10 times until spinach is evenly distributed but still has some texture for visual appeal.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a cohesive, delicious dip.

06. Smoky Chicken Poblano Dip

Rich and creamy dip featuring tender shredded chicken and roasted poblano peppers. The smoky heat from the poblanos creates depth of flavor that improves after chilling overnight.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded), 2 poblano peppers, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Smoky Chicken Poblano Dip

1. Roast poblano peppers directly over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning frequently, until skin is charred and blistered all over. Place in a plastic bag for 10 minutes to steam, making the skins easier to remove.

2. Peel away the charred skin, remove seeds and stems, then dice the poblanos finely. The smoky flavor from charring is essential for the authentic taste of this dip.

3. Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken, diced poblanos, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and minced garlic until evenly combined.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, or warm in a 350°F oven for 12 minutes with extra cheese on top for a hot version.

07. Creamy Scallion-Salmon Spread

Smooth cream cheese spread studded with flaky salmon and fresh scallions. This elegant appetizer tastes like an upscale bagel shop creation and uses leftover salmon beautifully.

Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup cooked salmon (flaked), ¼ cup chopped scallions, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon capers (chopped), 1 teaspoon fresh dill, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, bagel chips for serving.

How To Make Creamy Scallion-Salmon Spread

1. Remove any skin and bones from cooked salmon, then flake into bite-sized pieces using a fork. Check carefully for any remaining bones to ensure a smooth eating experience for your guests.

2. Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates the perfect creamy base that will hold all the other ingredients without becoming dense.

3. Gently fold in flaked salmon, chopped scallions, lemon juice, capers, and fresh dill using a rubber spatula. Mix just until combined, being careful not to break up the salmon pieces too much.

4. Season with black pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the spread to firm up slightly for easy serving.

08. Bright Lemon-Mint White Bean Dip

Fresh and zesty dip made with creamy white beans, bright lemon, and aromatic mint. This healthy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Ingredients: 2 cans cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Bright Lemon-Mint White Bean Dip

1. Rinse cannellini beans thoroughly under cold water and drain completely. For an even smoother dip, remove the outer skins from the beans by gently rubbing them between your fingers under running water.

2. Add beans, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest to your food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to break down and become creamy, scraping down sides as needed.

3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until the dip reaches your desired consistency. Add fresh mint leaves and pulse 4-5 times until chopped and distributed throughout.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust lemon juice as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the mint to infuse its fresh flavor throughout the creamy beans.

09. Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs enhanced with creamy avocado and zesty lime juice. The avocado adds richness while keeping the filling from drying out, making these perfect for advance preparation.

Ingredients: 12 large eggs, 2 ripe avocados, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ cup pickled red onions (chopped), 2 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled), paprika for garnish.

How To Make Creamy Avocado Deviled Eggs

1. Place eggs in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 12 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks without any gray ring around the edges.

2. Transfer eggs immediately to an ice bath and let cool completely before peeling. This stops the cooking process and makes the shells easier to remove without damaging the smooth white exteriors.

3. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove yolks to a mixing bowl. Mash yolks with ripe avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

4. Spoon or pipe the avocado mixture back into egg white halves, creating attractive mounds. Top each with chopped pickled red onions and crumbled bacon, then dust lightly with paprika before serving.

10. Silky Double-Tahini Hummus

Ultra-smooth hummus made with extra tahini for incredible creaminess. Chilling the cooked chickpeas before blending creates the silkiest texture you’ve ever experienced in homemade hummus.

Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), ½ cup tahini, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons extra tahini, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ cup ice water, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, paprika for garnish.

How To Make Silky Double-Tahini Hummus

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until completely chilled. This temperature difference is key to achieving the incredibly smooth, non-oily texture that makes this hummus special.

2. Add chilled chickpeas and garlic to your food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, scraping down sides occasionally to ensure even processing throughout.

3. Add both amounts of tahini, lemon juice, and salt to the processor. With the machine running, slowly add ice water through the feed tube until the hummus becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes of continuous processing.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Create a well in the center with the back of a spoon, drizzle with olive oil, and dust with paprika for a beautiful presentation.

11. Everything Bagel Crispy Chickpeas

Crunchy roasted chickpeas coated in everything bagel seasoning for an addictive snack. These protein-packed bites stay crispy for days when stored properly, making them ideal for advance preparation.

Ingredients: 2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, paper towels for drying.

How To Make Everything Bagel Crispy Chickpeas

1. Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly, then spread on paper towels and pat completely dry. For extra crispiness, remove the loose skins by rubbing gently with the paper towels – this step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss dried chickpeas with olive oil in a large bowl, making sure every chickpea is evenly coated with oil.

3. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the oiled chickpeas. Toss thoroughly until the seasoning adheres evenly to all surfaces, creating a flavorful coating on every piece.

4. Spread chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden brown and crispy throughout.

5. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool, reaching the perfect crunchy texture that makes them so irresistible.

12. Bean-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Colorful mini bell peppers filled with creamy white bean mixture and topped with crunchy chickpeas. These bite-sized appetizers look elegant on any party platter and hold their shape beautifully overnight.

Ingredients: 12 mini bell peppers (halved and seeded), 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed), ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup crispy chickpeas, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Bean-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

1. Cut mini bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove all seeds and white membranes. If needed, trim a tiny slice from the bottom of each half so they sit flat without rolling over on your serving platter.

2. Mash white beans in a medium bowl with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined and creamy.

3. Season the bean mixture with salt and pepper, then spoon generously into each pepper half, mounding it slightly for an attractive presentation that showcases the colorful peppers underneath.

4. Top each stuffed pepper with a few crispy chickpeas for textural contrast. Arrange on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld while maintaining the peppers’ crisp texture.

13. Vibrant Roasted Beet Hummus

Stunning magenta-colored hummus made with sweet roasted beets and creamy chickpeas. This eye-catching dip tastes even better after the earthy beet flavors have time to develop overnight.

Ingredients: 2 medium beets (roasted and peeled), 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), ¼ cup tahini, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cumin, pita chips for serving.

How To Make Vibrant Roasted Beet Hummus

1. Wrap whole beets individually in aluminum foil and roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Let cool completely, then peel away the skin using paper towels to avoid staining your hands.

2. Cut roasted beets into chunks and add to your food processor along with drained chickpeas and garlic. Process for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is finely chopped and starts to come together.

3. Add tahini, lemon juice, salt, and cumin to the processor. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until the hummus reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice for brightness or salt for depth. The vibrant color will deepen slightly as it sits, making it even more visually stunning for your party spread.

14. Herbed Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

Light and airy ricotta cheese whipped with fresh herbs and bright lemon zest. This versatile spread works as an appetizer with crackers or as a sophisticated sandwich spread that improves with time.

Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped), ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

How To Make Herbed Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

1. Drain ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes to remove excess liquid, which prevents the final spread from becoming watery and helps achieve the perfect fluffy texture.

2. Transfer drained ricotta to a large mixing bowl and whip with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and airy, creating a texture that’s much more elegant than regular ricotta.

3. With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add olive oil in a thin stream until fully incorporated. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme, and chopped chives, mixing just until evenly distributed.

4. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust herbs and lemon as desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the herb flavors to infuse throughout the creamy ricotta base.

15. Lightened French Onion Cottage Cheese Dip

Classic French onion dip made healthier with whipped cottage cheese instead of sour cream. The caramelized onions provide deep flavor while the cottage cheese adds protein and creamy texture.

Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese, 2 large onions (thinly sliced), 3 tablespoons butter, 1 packet onion soup mix, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh chives, 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Lightened French Onion Cottage Cheese Dip

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized. The slow cooking develops the sweet, complex flavor essential for authentic French onion taste.

2. Let caramelized onions cool completely while you prepare the base. Add cottage cheese to a food processor and whip for 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, transforming the texture into something resembling sour cream.

3. Transfer whipped cottage cheese to a large bowl and stir in cooled caramelized onions, onion soup mix, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce until evenly combined and well-seasoned throughout.

4. Fold in fresh chives and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld into a cohesive, delicious dip that rivals the original.

16. Festive Vegetable Wreath with Ranch

Stunning arrangement of colorful fresh vegetables shaped into a holiday wreath with creamy ranch dip. This showstopping appetizer brings healthy options to your party while creating an impressive centerpiece.

Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower (cut into florets), 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup snap peas, ½ cup Brussels sprouts (halved), 1 bunch kale leaves, 1 cup ranch dressing, red bell pepper strips for garnish.

How To Make Festive Vegetable Wreath with Ranch

1. Blanch broccoli florets and snap peas in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking and preserve the vibrant color and perfect texture.

2. Arrange kale leaves in a large circle on your serving platter to create the wreath base. The sturdy leaves will hold their shape and provide a beautiful backdrop for the colorful vegetables.

3. Place a small bowl of ranch dressing in the center of the kale circle. Arrange vegetables in concentric circles around the dip, alternating colors for maximum visual impact – white cauliflower, red tomatoes, green broccoli and snap peas.

4. Fill any gaps with halved Brussels sprouts and red bell pepper strips to complete the wreath shape. Cover with damp paper towels and refrigerate until serving, keeping vegetables crisp and fresh for hours.

17. Spiced Chickpeas over Whipped Feta

Creamy whipped feta topped with warm-spiced crispy chickpeas and fresh herbs. The contrast between smooth cheese and crunchy chickpeas creates an irresistible texture combination that’s perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients: 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, pita bread for serving.

How To Make Spiced Chickpeas over Whipped Feta

1. Process feta and cream cheese in a food processor for 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. The mixture should be light enough to spread easily but thick enough to support the chickpea topping without sinking.

2. Pat chickpeas completely dry with paper towels, then toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne until evenly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add spiced chickpeas. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

4. Spread whipped feta on your serving platter and top with warm spiced chickpeas. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with fresh oregano, and serve immediately with warm pita bread for the best textural contrast.

18. Sweet Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball

Elegant cheese ball combining sweet diced pears with sharp cheddar and crunchy pecans. This sophisticated appetizer balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly and actually improves after chilling overnight.

Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 1 large pear (diced small), 1 cup chopped pecans (divided), 2 tablespoons honey, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, crackers for serving.

How To Make Sweet Pear-Pecan Cheese Ball

1. Dice pear into small ¼-inch pieces and toss with honey and cinnamon in a small bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the fruit to release its juices and absorb the sweet spice flavors.

2. Beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese until well combined, creating a smooth base that holds together perfectly when shaped.

3. Fold in the honeyed pear mixture and ½ cup chopped pecans using a rubber spatula, being gentle to keep the pear pieces intact for bursts of sweetness in every bite.

4. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands, then roll in the remaining chopped pecans until completely coated. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm and easy to slice.

5. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Place on a serving board surrounded by an assortment of crackers, allowing guests to create their own perfect bite combinations.

Final Thoughts

These make-ahead appetizers prove that impressive party food doesn’t require last-minute stress. Each recipe develops deeper flavors overnight, making your advance preparation an advantage rather than a compromise.

Your guests will be amazed by the variety and quality, while you’ll enjoy the party knowing everything is perfectly prepared and ready to serve.