Now this is where we satisfy our creative itch! When the holiday season rolls around, one of my favorite things to do is host or attend Christmas potlucks. There’s just something magical about bringing people together with delicious and creatively laid out food, and I absolutely love putting together easy Christmas potluck appetizers. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that not only tastes amazing but looks like it was crafted by an artist?
Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a festive spread for your friends and family, these will definitely steal the show. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite holiday-themed appetizers that are sure to make your potluck memorable.
Sometimes it’s not what you serve, but how you serve it. Christmas is the perfect time to show your friends at the potluck just how creative you can be by bringing a festive themed appetizer. Let’s dive in!
1. Candy Cane Cheese Board
This festive cheese board is a true crowd-pleaser. Shaped like a candy cane, it’s an easy way to add a touch of holiday cheer to any table. I love using a variety of cheeses—soft brie, sharp cheddar, and creamy goat cheese—arranged in a way that mimics the curve of the candy cane. Add some, chorizo, crackers, grapes, and a few bits of rosemary for that extra holiday feel. As far as easy Christmas potluck appetizers go, this is it! It’s simple, yet always manages to bring a smile!
2. Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
When it comes to easy Christmas potluck appetizers, this charcuterie board takes the cake. I’m all about the presentation, and this one is just too fun! I arrange the meats, olives, and other small bites in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s impressive without requiring too much effort, and it’s a great way to showcase your love for delicious bites.
3. Snowman Crudite Board
Who says vegetables can’t be fun? This snowman-shaped crudite board is the perfect appetizer to serve with a creamy sour cream and onion dip. I use a mix of colorful veggies—carrot sticks, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. To create the snowman use a variety of white colored dips! Use olives for the buttons, black olives or blueberries for the eyes, red pepper cut to look like a hat, and of course – a carrot for the nose! Not only does this dish look adorable, but it’s also healthy, making it a great option for those who want a lighter bite during the holiday season. Plus, it’s guaranteed to WOW kids and adults alike!
4. Wreath Pizza
This wreath-shaped pizza is a huge hit at every potluck I attend. It’s just like a regular pizza, but instead of cutting it into slices, cut a hole out in the middle! I top it with fresh mozzarella, basil, and some cherry tomatoes for that Christmas-red touch. If you have access to some holly, you can strategically place it at the top to give it that amazing wreath look. It’s a great easy Christmas potluck appetizer that’s sure to wow friends, as presentation is always a showstopper.
Related: 15 Italian Christmas Appetizers to Try This Year
5. Caramel Pear
These caramel pears are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and they make for a sophisticated addition to any Christmas potluck to WOW the guest list. The caramel sauce adds a rich, velvety texture to the juicy pears, and a sprinkle of crushed nuts gives it a delightful crunch. It’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone asking for the recipe! You can buy these ready made, or be a boss and make them yourself by following these steps.
6. Mini Wreath Sausages
These little sausages shaped like wreaths are a perfect bite-sized treat for a holiday gathering. I love how the smoky flavor of the sausages blends with the herbs, making them both savory and festive. They’re simple to prepare but look incredibly impressive when arranged on a platter. Use a circular platter with a space for dip like this one to make it even easier.
7. Puff Pastry Garlic Prosciutto Trees
If you’re looking for something that screams “holiday elegance,” these puff pastry garlic prosciutto trees are an absolute showstopper. The garlic butter-soaked layers of puff pastry are rolled up with prosciutto, and then baked until golden. The final touch? Fold them into tree shapes! These trees are savory, buttery, and sure to impress your friends at any holiday gathering.
8. Strawberry Santas
These little guys are the cutest Christmas additions, and they’re always the first to disappear at any potluck! To make them, I simply slice the bottom of the strawberries top them with a dollop of whipped cream or white chocolate icing to create a mini Santa hat and between the two pieces for the face. Use poppy seeds for the eyes and more whipped cream or icing for the buttons. It’s a sweet treat that’s impressive, delicious, and totally Instagram-worthy! Use a icing pipe kit to create the same effect, like this one.
9. Chocolate Cupcakes with Christmas Tree Cupcakes
I love baking, but I don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen during the holiday season. These chocolate cupcakes with Christmas tree icing are the perfect solution. The cupcakes themselves are soft and moist, and the icing is piped on top to look like little Christmas trees. A sprinkle of edible glitter makes them sparkle like holiday magic. These will definitely impress at any holiday potluck! Use a icing pipe kit to create the same effect, like this one.
10. Santa Hat Brownie Bites
These brownie bites are simple yet so festive. I bake bite-sized brownies and top each one with a little dollop of whipped cream and a strawberry to resemble Santa’s hat. It’s a fun twist on traditional brownies, and they’re always a hit. These are the kind of sweet treat that guests can pop in their mouths and immediately feel the holiday spirit. Let’s be honest, no potluck is complete without SOMEONE bringing brownies. Use an icing pipe kit to create the same effect, like this one.
11. Reindeer Pretzels
These chocolate-covered reindeer pretzels are a fun and interactive addition to the table that everyone can enjoy making. Dip your pretzels rods in milk or white chocolate and use candy eyes and a red candy like M&M to create reindeer faces. The combination of sweet chocolate and salty pretzels is a hit at every party, and they’re definitely easy! You can get pretzel sticks here and candy eyes here.
12. Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
These raspberry cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic. I swap out raisins for fresh raspberries to give them a burst of tartness, while the cinnamon sugar swirl adds that comforting holiday flavor. Drizzle them with a little glaze and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s both festive and delicious. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet, easy Christmas potluck appetizers for your friends.
13. Cheesy Christmas Tree Bread
This cheesy Christmas tree-shaped bread is everything I love in an appetizer—warm, cheesy, and easy to share. I bake the dough balls into a tree shape, add layers of mozzarella cheese, and brush the whole thing with garlic butter. The result is a golden, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will WOW over when it hits the table.
Related: 17+ Easy Christmas Punch Recipes Guaranteed To Be A Crowd-Pleaser
14. Maple Caramel Bacon Crack Bites
Who doesn’t love bacon during the holidays? These maple caramel bacon crack bites are the ultimate indulgence. The sweet maple syrup pairs perfectly with the salty bacon, and the caramel adds a touch of richness that makes these bites totally irresistible. If you’re looking for a salty-sweet treat to serve, these are a must-try.
15. Christmas Donut Tree
Don’t be scared – this is easier to make than it looks! This donut Christmas tree is another one of my favorite holiday appetizers to make. I stack mini donuts in the shape of a Christmas tree, a styrofoam cone (like this) and toothpicks. Then, you can decorate the tree however you want. With little candy decorations for example, making it a fun and sweet centerpiece for any gathering. It’s a playful and impressive dessert that’s always a conversation starter.
16. Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These cranberry turkey sliders are a delicious twist on the classic turkey sandwich. I love making them for potlucks because they’re quick, flavorful, and always a hit. To make them, simply layer slices of turkey, cranberry sauce, and your favorite cheese (mine is brie, especially at Christmas!) on soft slider buns. You can even add a touch of honey mustard for a little extra zing. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake until golden. The result? A warm, savory bite with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. These sliders are truly amazing—they’re flavorful, festive, and sure to be a crowd favorite!
17. Christmas Tree Brownies
These Christmas tree-shaped brownies are a delightful way to serve everyone’s favorite dessert in a holiday-friendly form. I bake my brownies in a sheet pan, cut into triangles, use icing a candy decorations. Or you could use a Christmas tree cookie cutter (like this one) to create the shapes. The addition of green icing and sprinkles makes them look festive and adds that extra touch of holiday magic!
Related: 25+ No Bake Christmas Treats To Make Ahead
18. Christmas Tree Deviled Eggs
These Christmas tree shaped devilled eggs are a creative twist on a holiday favorite. To make them, I simply prepare the devilled egg filling as usual with mayonnaise, mustard, a little seasoning and some green food coloring. Then, instead of keeping the eggs in their typical half-shape, I pipe the filling into the egg whites in the shape of a Christmas tree. Top each tree with a tiny piece of yellow pepper for a star and a sprinkle of herbs to mimic garland. If you’re feeling especially creative you could try it with guacamole too! The result is a delicious and festive and easy Christmas potluck appetizers that will definitely impress. These are not only bound to WOW your friends and family, but they also look so cute on the table!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have these easy Christmas potluck appetizers, it’s time to start planning your next holiday gathering. Whether you’re throwing something small for family or a big potluck with friends, these dishes will definitely add a fun and festive touch to the celebration. Trust me, each one of these appetizers is not only simple to make, but they’re sure to WOW your guests and have everyone talking. So go ahead, let your creativity shine, and enjoy the holiday season with delicious food and great company!
