52 Easy Christmas Eve Appetizers To Welcome Your Holiday Guests

By

Kimberly Holland

Updated on December 16, 2023

Cranberry Brie Bites — Photo: Southern Living

Put your family and friends in a festive mood before sitting down for a Christmas dinner or even opening a single present by serving a delicious appetizer.

You don't have to spend hours making a fabulous dish. We gathered our favorite easy-to-make Christmas Eve appetizers that don't require too much time in the kitchen, leaving you time to finish all your last-minute holiday tasks. Many of these recipes can be prepared a day or two in advance, , so you can assemble them quickly before any guest arrives.

Choose from classic snacks like spiced nuts, cheese balls, easy dips and spreads, meatballs, sausage balls, and more. Most of these recipes can easily be doubled or tripled if you host a large crowd. No matter what recipe you choose, these Christmas Eve appetizers look impressive. Whip these dishes up at the last minute with little to no effort—consider this our Christmas gift to you!

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Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Instead of grape jelly, we call on cranberry sauce for a festive take on the classic appetizer. Combine a mixture of pepper jelly and other flavorings, add meatballs, and cook in your trusty Dutch oven for this tasty treat. Make this Christmas Eve dish simpler by using frozen meatballs.

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Buttery Toasted Pecans

Butter Toasted Pecans - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Toasted pecans feel like Christmas, and the aroma of roasted nuts will fill your home as they bake. Bake these in an oven, or try a slow-cooker variety, but either way, you'll end up with a house filled with a nutty aroma. Welcome your guest with this festive fragrance that will add to everyone's holiday spirit.

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Veggie Tray

Vegetable Tray Veggie Tray - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

A few thoughtful steps can take a vegetable tray from good to great—and our recipe will show you how. It's easy to assemble and great for a hungry crowd that's eager to eat.

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Whipped Goat Cheese With Bacon Jam

Southern Living Bacon Jam on top of whipped goat cheese with crostini to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

This appetizer will go as fast as the gifts from under the tree. Creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with savory-sweet bacon jam. This will become your go-to appetizer for all types of parties.

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Pepper Jelly Meatballs

Southern Living Pepper Jelly Meatballs on a platter to serve — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

Feeling a little bored with other meatball options? This is a fresh idea—and every bit as Southern as anything else you've made. We swap the standard grape jelly mixture for pepper jelly, which still has that great spicy-sweet flavor.

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Two-Layer Pimiento And Cheese Dip

Two-Layer Pimiento And Cheese Dip With Smoked Almonds — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

Don't offer the basic pimiento cheese. Upgrade it with this two-layer dip for a more special holiday appetizer.

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Conecuh Sausage Pigs in Blanket

Southern Living Fancy Pigs in Blankets on a plate to serve with sauce — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Micah Morton; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch

Pigs in blankets are a go-to appetizer for many occasions, but for Christmas, step it up with smoky Conecuh. These will fly off the plate as guests wait for the main event to start.

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Christmas Charcuterie Board

Southern Living Christmas Charcuterie Wreath assembled and ready to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Prepare this beautiful charcuterie wreath for your guests, and they can mix and match the cheese, meats, and fruit while they chat with friends and family—and you finish up the holiday feast.

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Baked Brie In Puff Pastry

Baked Brie In Puff Pastry — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Frozen puff pastry: the hero of quick, easy appetizers. Grab it from the freezer, bake the Brie until gooey, and add classic pepper jelly.

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Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

These retro meatball appetizers are always a hit, whether you serve them at Christmas or a birthday party. Plus, the ingredients are easy to keep on hand since the sauce relies on several bottled sauces, and we use frozen meatballs (though you can feel free to use homemade).

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Bacon Bites

Bacon Bites — Molly Bolton / Southern Living

Bacon-wrapped crispy breadsticks? You might want to double the recipe because one won't be enough. This quick and fun snack with just three ingredients is perfect for the holidays.

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Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly

Chicken Liver Mousse Crostini with Pepper Jelly — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Your holiday guests won't be able to stop eating this smooth, velvety mousse topped with spicy-sweet pepper jelly. And you'll love it too because it's so easy to make in advance. Serve with pimiento cheese and toasted baguette slices for a bite-size snack.

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Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites — Southern Living

Cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese are a match made in holiday heaven, especially when baked in easy store-bought phyllo shells. Four ingredients, 20 minutes total, and you're there. This festive-colored dish matches your traditional red and green palette by topping off these bites with a few pistachios.

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Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese

Shrimp on Seasoned Crackers with Pepper Jelly and Cream Cheese — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Adding shrimp to an old-school appetizer makes it worthy of being served before Christmas Eve dinner. As award-winning chef of Birmingham's Automatic Seafood and Oysters, Adam Evans' favorite holiday snacks as a kid, pepper jelly and cream cheese, are practically Christmas staples. This recipe calls for skillet-cooked shrimp and seasoned crackers for an extra flavor boost.

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Cranberry-Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip — Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Cranberries aren't just for relish. Try them in this festive dip that uses cream cheese as the base. Adding jalapeños kicks this dish up by introducing spice into this spread. Serve with crackers or try it as a condiment for the main event.

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Oven-Roasted Oysters with Mushrooms and Watercress

Oven-Roasted Oysters with Mushrooms and Watercress — Peter Frank Edwards; Prop Styling and Floral Design: Sara York Grimshaw

Mix the stuffing for these oysters a few days in advance to make night-of preparation easy. Save shucking and roasting oysters for Christmas Eve and finish the dish with your previously prepared toppings. Using fresh herbs will lighten this appetizer as a refreshing and delightful seafood snack.

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Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Cranberry Baked Brie Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Cranberries and sage add festive colors to this bite-sized baked appetizer. Baked brie is a classic snack for any occasion, but this recipe calls for a homemade cranberry spread using orange zest and honey to make it extra special. Top with pecans to complete the traditional holiday presentation.

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Baked Brie with Pecans

Baked Brie with Pecans — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Serve this pretty pecan-topped warm Brie with plenty of baguette slices, apples, and crackers for dipping. You won't find a more impressive holiday appetizer that only requires six ingredients. In about 20 minutes, you'll have a cheese dip everyone cannot wait to try.

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Sparkling Cranberries

Sparkling Cranberries — Melina Hammer; Styling: Buffy Hargett

These pretty sugared berries from Marina Delio of Yummy Mummy Kitchen make an excellent addition to a cheese plate! Freeze this recipes for two days before the main event, leaving more time to prepare other dishes. Top any dessert with one of these sugar-sparkly cranberries for an instantly beautiful presentation.

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Warm Cheese Box Bites

Warm Cheese Box Bites — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

These warm, cheesy bites can be made ahead and stored in the freezer until you're ready to bake. The bite-sized snacks are perfect finger foods for a Christmas Eve appetizer. These savory morsels offer an air of elegance while providing comforting, cheesy goodness.

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Smoked-Fish Dip

Smoked-Fish Dip — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

This dip comes together in just 20 minutes but may disappear under that time frame once your guests arrive. A seafood dish prepared almost entirely in only one bowl sounds impossible, but this Christmas Eve appetizer delivers. Remember not to overmix your ingredients because your guests will want to capture the flavor of the smokey fish in this dip in one bite.

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Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls

Spicy Bisquick Sausage Balls — Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Everyone loves a sausage ball. That much we know to be true. This slightly spicier rendition jazzes the classic recipe up for any occasion. Mix and bake for a savory recipe that your guests won't be able to keep their hands off.

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Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

This dip gets the party going every time, guaranteed. Whip it up when you need a quick dip in a pinch. (Hint: Rotisserie chicken keeps it extra easy.) This recipe is a great jumping-off point, but the best part of buffalo chicken dip is customizing it to your preferences. Turn the heat up with more hot sauce or down by mixing in more cheese and ranch dressing.

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Deviled Eggs

Best Deviled Eggs — Southern Living

Always a welcomed appetizer, deviled eggs are a no-fail snack that belongs on every holiday menu. Eggs are not only for Easter, so whip up this easy mixture for your next Christmas party. Prepare these before guests arrive and bring them out once chilled to serve.

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Beer-Cheese Fondue

Creamy Feta Phyllo Bites — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

You can never go wrong with melted cheese...ever. This retro fondue-inspired appetizer takes a page from Kentucky's beloved beer cheese, served with roasted veggies and sliced sausage. Plus, fondue is always a great conversation starter for a party.

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese — Laurey W. Glenn

Fan out the endive leaves for a wreath-shaped presentation of this Christmas Eve appetizer. In 15 minutes, this recipe is a simple, sophisticated, and refreshing way to add a light dish to your holiday menu. Customize this dish with your favorite herbs.

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

These last-minute bites use store-bought phyllo shells filled with mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Since this appetizer only takes five minutes to bake, you can have it on hand for any event. Prepare the mixture earlier in the day and delight your guests with this effortless bite to eat.

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Ham-And-Cheese Sliders

Ham-And-Cheese Sliders — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Hawaiian rolls brushed with honey mustard serve as the basis for these to-die-for sliders. Fill the buns with ham, cheese, and an indulgent homemade béchamel sauce for the perfect flavor combination. Top the sliders with even more Gruyère cheese and butter before baking.

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Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly

Baked Goat Cheese Spread with Pepper Jelly — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Cream cheese makes this warm crowd-pleasing dip super smooth, while a layer of pepper jelly adds a tangy flavor. You can prepare the goat cheese mixture a day in advance, so this spread is a quick solution to your appetizer menu requirements. When prepared, serve with your favorite bread, crackers, or crudité.

30 of 52

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Tami Hardeman

Sometimes, two ingredients are all you need for a crowd-pleasing snack your family and friends can grab and go. When one of those ingredients is bacon, you know you have a winning Christmas Eve appetizer. Bacon-wrapped crackers are an old-school Southern snack, but it's timeless for a reason.

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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Video Still — Southern Living

Pull together this kid-friendly appetizer in just 25 minutes. Plus, it will be a hit with the adults too. Simplify your holiday preparation using store-bought dough and marinara sauce because Christmas is a time for celebration, not stress.

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Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip

Hot Crab-and-Artichoke Dip — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey

It's hard to go wrong with a crab dip. On a spread, this super melty dip features extra texture and oomph by adding artichoke hearts. After softening the cream cheese, combine the remaining ingredients in a dish before placing the whole thing in the oven. Simple and delicious.

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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Everyone loves a cheese ball, and this one, covered in bright green parsley and scallions, looks especially festive for the holidays. For Christmas Eve, combine feta cheese, olives, and flavorings into a yule log that your guests will appreciate. This decadent dish, filled with cheese, will pair nicely with vegetables like cucumber.

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Smoky Field Pea Hummus

Smoky Field Pea Hummus — Iain Bagwell

To people's surprise, homemade hummus is as easy as adding a few ingredients to your food processor. This recipe with field peas and crispy smoked ham is a serious upgrade from the store-bought stuff. Serve this dip alongside traditional crackers or chips, or add it to your dinner table for a light topping.

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Pimiento Cheese

Basic Pimiento Cheese — Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

No matter the holiday, you can never go wrong serving up classic pimiento cheese. Use this dip as a topping, dip, or entirely on its own. This pimiento cheese recipe, when prepared smoothly, pairs nicely as a sandwich spread but can be left thicker for dips.

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Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls

Hurry-Up Homemade Crescent Rolls — Beau Gustafson; Styling: Sissy Lamberton

You're just five ingredients from the easiest sidekick to any spinach dip, charcuterie plate, or cream cheese spread. As the name suggests, these ingredients can mix, rise, and bake quickly. Plus, these rolls can freeze for up to two months, then warm to room temperature and crisp up again in under 10 minutes.

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Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Warm Spinach-Sweet Onion Dip with Country Ham

Who wouldn't love classic spinach dip with a Southern twist? Add sweet onions and diced country ham to upgrade any appetizer. Pair with pita chips or French bread slices.

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Spicy-Sweet Pecans

Spicy-Sweet Pecans — Helen Norman

Spiced pecans are a Southern party staple for a reason. These pecans are easy to make. You can make them in advance, and they are impossible to stop eating. We love this version with rosemary, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and ground red pepper.

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Maple Bacon Smokies

Maple Bacon Smokies — Southern Living

You're four ingredients away from total holiday joy in the form of sweet and salty bacon-wrapped little smokies. Smokies, a pre-made cocktail sausage, are always welcomed at any event. Insert the toothpick sideways to prevent the bacon from unrolling while cooking.

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Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeño Dip — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Slow-cooker dips can be a time (and life) savor during the holidays. Mix the ingredients early in the day and enjoy the savory smells filling your home all day while you prepare for your guest. Stir occasionally and add the bacon around halfway through your cook time.

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Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles

Beef-and-Asparagus Bundles — Ralph Lee Anderson

Roll up a mixture of roast beef, vegetables, and herb-and-garlic spread for an almost no-bake appetizer. The only cooking required is blanching the asparagus. Tie together with chives for an extra special arrangement, or stick with the traditionally roll-up.

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Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear

Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Pear — Ralph Anderson

Salty and sweet? It's a perfect appetizer combination. Add some festive green to your display with this pear-based dish. Top with pancetta, goat cheese, and honey for a flavorful snack.

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Mini Caprese Bites

Mini Caprese Bites — William Dickey

Red and green bite-sized snacks are the ultimate Christmas Eve appetizer. Use wooden skewers to alternate mozzarella cheese and grape tomatoes for a colorful arrangement. Add some balsamic dressing and fresh basil to complete this festive color palette.

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Lump Crab Mornay

Lump Crab Mornay — Iain Bagwell

A crab dip in under 20 minutes? This appetizer is a Christmas wish come true. A creamy, cheesy rendition of Bayou Cuisine by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Indianola, Mississippi, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.

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Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread — Hector Sanchez

Hands-on time for this flatbread clocks in around half an hour, which leaves plenty of time to serve and enjoy. Use store-bought dough and let the prosciutto, red pepper, fontina cheese, balsamic glaze, and herbs be the dish's leading stars. Slice into individual, sample-size pieces to share with your guests.

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Orange-Basil Baked Brie

Orange-Basil Baked Brie — Alison Miksch

Buttery and flaky phyllo pastry makes for a mouth-watering appetizer. Combine this dough with sweet orange marmalade, sliced almonds, and fresh basil for a sweet and decadent appetizer. Serve warm and allow guest to cut their piece—they'll probably go back for seconds.

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Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Take this classic party food and roll it in a flaky pastry. Use your favorite buffalo chicken recipe and roll the pastry tight, making sure to pinch the seams. These pinwheels are great for entertaining because you can serve them warm or cold.

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Cherry-Pecan Brie

Cherry-Pecan Brie — Jim Franco

Add some classic red to classic holiday food. Mix cherry preserves with balsamic vinegar to drizzle over warm brie. Complete this festive Christmas dish with pecans.

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Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches

Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches — Photo: Charles Walton IV

Prepare for your holiday events early by freezing some of these bite-sized sandwiches. The recipe calls for walnuts, peach preserves, mustard-mayonnaise, Havarti cheese, and roast beef, a unique combination your guests won't easily forget. Make these sandwiches, freeze for up to a month in advance, and bake right before guests arrive.

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Mini Potato Skins

Mini Potato Skins — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop styling: Claire Spollen; Food styling: Chelsea Zimmer

With only five ingredients, this recipe couldn't be more straightforward. These mini potato skins are bite-size delights that your guests will love. Cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives just belong together.

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No-Stuff Deviled Eggs

No-Stuff Deviled Eggs — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

These handsome devils, which consist of sliced hard-boiled eggs atop buttery crackers, will give you all the flavor and aesthetic appeal of regular deviled eggs without the hassle of piping yolk.

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Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites

Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites — Hector Sanchez

No flavor profile is neglected in these bite-sized sandwich knockoffs. Just substitute the bread for a parmesan crust and you've got a savory, subtly sweet appetizer for the entire Christmas Eve crowd.

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