For me, Christmas is all about spending time with family and friends and making food they love. I like to serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers so there’s something for everyone.
I’ve served quite a few vegetarian appetizers over the years, and I wanted to share some of my favorites here. You’ll find everything from crispy potato bites and cheesy snacks to simple sandwiches and dips. Most of these recipes take less than 30 minutes to make.
Creamy Cucumber Boats
These cucumber boats are a nice change from all the fried snacks at Christmas. They’re fresh, light, and take less than 20 minutes to make.
Crispy Korean Potato Balls
These Korean potato balls are flavored with garlic and soy sauce. They’re made with boiled potatoes and a few basic spices, and you can serve them with any dipping sauce you like.
Cheesy Pizza Wraps
These cheesy pizza wraps are perfect for kids and pizza lovers. They’re filled with chopped vegetables, cheese, and dried herbs. You can add grilled chicken or pepperoni if you prefer meat, or throw in some extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Herb Sandwiches
These herb sandwiches are quick and easy to make, even when you’re feeding a crowd. The creamy spread gives them plenty of flavor, and you can make them in under 20 minutes.
Cinnamon Apple Crescents
With just three ingredients, these Cinnamon Apple Crescents are simple to prepare for a holiday gathering. Their sweet-and-savory flavor makes a nice change from all the cheesy and spicy snacks on the table. You can prepare a dozen in under 30 minutes and let the oven do the work while you get on with the rest of the meal.
Creamy Cucumber Sandwiches
These sandwiches have a creamy cucumber filling tucked between slices of soft bread. You don’t need to cook anything, and you can prepare them ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Caramelized Onion Toast
The onion spread gives these toasts their flavor, with fresh coriander, herbs, and spices. You can make the spread ahead of time and put the toasts together just before serving. This keeps the bread crispy and saves you some time when guests arrive.
Spicy Cilantro Dip
Fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and spices give this dip a tangy flavor. I like serving it with crackers, cucumber sticks, and carrots. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until serving.
Everything Bagel Dip
You only need four ingredients and about 10 minutes to make this Everything Bagel Dip. It’s creamy and savory, with the same garlicky, herby flavor you’d expect from an everything bagel. Serve it with crackers, chips, or sliced vegetables for an easy snack.
Baked Broccoli Potato Cups
Think of these as little savory muffins made with potatoes, broccoli, and plenty of cheese. The potatoes make these cups filling, while the broccoli adds some color and a different texture. Serve these potato cups as an appetizer or alongside your main course for a change from regular potato dishes.
Japanese-Style Long Fries
If you’re tired of regular fries, give these Japanese-style long fries a try. They’re crispy, with Parmesan adding a nice cheesy flavor. Serve them with your main course or add them to your Christmas snack platter.
Crispy Potato Roses
Thinly sliced potatoes coated in butter and Parmesan turn golden and crispy around the edges. Despite their fancy look, these potato roses are surprisingly simple to make. Assemble them ahead of time and bake them just before serving for a warm, tender bite.
Crispy Potato Bites
These potato bites are a good option for a quick snack when friends drop by or when you’re putting together a Christmas Eve tea spread. They’re made with boiled potatoes, sandwich bread, herbs, and spices, then deep-fried until crisp. You can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Corn and Cheese Pops
These crispy corn and cheese pops have a surprise ingredient: raw banana. It gives them a different taste from the usual corn-and-cheese snacks. Serve them with BBQ sauce, classic ketchup, or your favorite dip. They’re easy to make in batches when you’re feeding a crowd.
Caramel Apple Pearls
These caramel apple pearls make a fun Christmas treat, and you can prepare them without turning on the stove. You only need three ingredients to make a batch of 30–40 of these little treats.
Crispy Bread Boats
These crispy bread boats are a fun snack for kids, with cheese and vegetables tucked inside slices of bread. They bring together familiar pizza flavors and are also quick to put together.
Potato Rice Crunchers
Have leftover rice in the fridge? Use it to make these potato rice crunchers. The rice and potatoes turn into crispy bites that you can serve as a snack or party appetizer. They take under 40 minutes to prepare.
Cheesy Rice Pops
These cheesy rice pops combine cooked rice, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and spices to make a crispy snack. You can shape them ahead of time and fry them just before serving, so they’re warm when everyone is ready to eat.
Cheesy Pizza Gems
Want pizza flavors without making an actual pizza? These little bites have a savory biscuit base topped with a cheesy spread. They’re perfect for those times when you need a quick snack.
Crispy Bread Parcels
These crispy bread parcels are filled with pizza-inspired flavors that kids and adults can enjoy. Serve them warm with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.