51 Christmas Snacks For A Very Merry Holiday Season

By

Kaitlyn Yarborough

Updated on October 18, 2023

Reindeer Food — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

In the South, season's greetings often come flanked with sweet bags of bourbon balls and pecan pralines, or savory ones of crack crackers and spiced nuts. These Christmas party snacks are the special bite-sized treats served up all season long at holiday parties, morning meetings, family festivities, and last-minute hosting alike.

Our favorites are served up year after year, but it's the innovative twists that bring welcome surprises each holiday season. Whether you're in need of grab-and-go treats to give as food gifts, staple snacks to have around the house, or festive bites to serve at your next holiday party, these Christmas snack ideas will help everyone enjoy every last nibble of the season.

01 of 51

Stuffed-Pepper Wreath

Stuffed-Pepper Wreath — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

To say your guests will be impressed by this appetizer is an understatement. This stuffed pepper wreath is as festive as it is delicious, and it can double as a centerpiece on your appetizer table.

02 of 51

Maple-Chipotle Almonds

Southern Living Chipotle-Maple Almonds in a bowl to serve — Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

If you're in need of a quick yet delectable snack that your guests will enjoy, these maple-chipotle almonds take just five minutes to make and add a nice kick to your appetizer table.

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Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

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

Soft, gooey Brie cheese inside of a warm, crispy puff pastry is an appetizer of dreams. Luckily, it's easy to make and can be served with whatever you see fit.

04 of 51

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapés

Smoked Salmon-Potato Chip Canapes — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This holiday appetizer is truly the perfect combination of fancy, casual, and simple. Put these together right before guests come over and have the perfect light bite.

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French Onion Deviled Eggs

Southern Living French Onion Deviled Eggs on a blue surface — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason

Deviled eggs are the classic Southern appetizer you'll find at any holiday gathering, so step them up with this French onion twist.

06 of 51

Reindeer Food

Reindeer Food — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We all know Santa gets his cookies, but don't forget about his trusty reindeer! This adorable and delicious snack is quick to throw together and will enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

07 of 51

Slow-Cooker Cranberry-Pear Butter

slow-cooker cranberry-pear butter — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Cranberries, pears, cider, and fall spices come together for the perfect homemade spread. Serve on bread, biscuits, or crackers, and package up any leftovers as a gift!

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Praline Pull-Apart Bread

Brunch for a Crowd Praline Pull-Apart Bread — Beth Hontzas

No one will complain about having this pull-apart bread around the house. Give this gorgeous loaf as a homemade gift to neighbors throughout the season.

09 of 51

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: Kellie Gerber Kelley

This recipe is a cross between a bourbon ball and chocolate truffle, and makes about two dozen (so you can send some home with guests).

10 of 51

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This savory Southern spin on the classic Czech pastry is filled with a combo of smoky Conecuh sausage and sharp Cheddar cheese.

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Buttermilk Breakfast Scones

Buttermilk Breakfast Scones — Southern Living

These currant-speckled scones are full of seasonal flavor. The sweet sugar-crusted tops and hint of citrus make the perfect pair for a not-too-sweet anytime snack.

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Cracker Toffee

Cracker Toffee — Abbi Wilt

We get excited about any easy Christmas treat that starts with a sleeve of crackers. Four more ingredients later and you're set with an incredibly tasty toffee snack.

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Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip

Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Cheese dip never fails in a Southerner's home during the holidays. Crunchy, cayenne-spiced nuts give a festive kick to this classic dip recipe.

14 of 51

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Christmas hasn't officially kicked off until a batch of sausage balls comes out of the oven. This recipe embraces a seasonal twist by incorporating spicy, peppery Mexican-style chorizo sausage and mashed sweet potatoes.

15 of 51

Bacon Bow Tie Crackers

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

Bacon and buttery crackers? Now that's an unstoppable duo. This two-ingredient appetizer will be your easiest snack of the season.

16 of 51

Best-Ever Sticky Buns

Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

We're keeping these ooey-gooey, pecan-topped cinnamon rolls on deck all season long. Give them a try, and you'll find that they live up to their name: Best-Ever.

17 of 51

Homemade Turtles

Homemade Turtles — Micah A. Leal

These chocolate clusters make the perfect bite-sized food gifts. They're the perfect combination of chewy caramel and crunchy pecans.

18 of 51

Cheese Dreams

Skewered Persimmon and Herb Bites — Photo: Johnny Miller; Styling: Sarah Smart

The easiest appetizer that'll disappear within minutes. Delicious any time of year, but their cozy appeal feels just right at Christmastime. Best of all, they're easy to stock your freezer with ahead of time to easily be everyone's favorite host throughout the holidays.

19 of 51

Key Lime Tassies

Key Lime Tassies — Iain Bagwell

It's Key lime pie in a bite. Our favorite part? You can make the tart shells and curd days, or even weeks, ahead, which means you can have it on hand in case of last-minute guests.

20 of 51

Pecan Bourbon Balls

Bourbon Balls — Iain Bagwell

Whether rolled in powdered sugar, dipped in chocolate, or coated in chopped pecans, these boozy bites never disappoint a Southern crowd during the holidays.

21 of 51

Pecan Pralines

Pecan Pralines — Southern Living

Pralines have a timeless Southern appeal that feels just a touch more festive during the holidays. Master this basic recipe for perfect pralines every time.

22 of 51

Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Bacon

Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Bacon Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Karin Olsen; Food Styling: William Smith

This is a Christmas breakfast favorite, but we're also adding it to the holiday hosts' list when serving Bloody Marys (for garnishing) or pimiento cheese (for topping).

23 of 51

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

That crunchy, caramelized cinnamon sugar swirl has us swooning. You'll want to go ahead and double the recipe for two loaves: one for you, one for gifting.

24 of 51

Crack Crackers

Crack Crackers Recipe — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

Dress up store-bought crackers with ranch dressing mix, dried dill, and garlic powder. The result? An easy, pop-in-your-mouth snack that no one can stop munching on.

25 of 51

Baked Brie Bites

Baked Brie Bites — Laurey W. Glenn

These cheesy, pepper jelly-packed bites feel a little fancy, but only take five ingredients and 18 minutes of prep. When you need to pull a holiday hosting snack out of a hat, this recipe will do you proud.

26 of 51

Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts

Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts — oto: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Cayenne pepper and chili powder on one side, brown sugar and powdered sugar on the other. The result? Delicious fried peanuts everyone will love.

27 of 51

No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars

No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars — Iain Bagwell

The zinger is right there in the name: No. Bake. If you're in a pinch this holiday season, these layered fudgy bars are the way to go.

28 of 51

Maple-Bacon Smokies

Maple Bacon Smokies — Southern Living

Let it be known: This meat-on-meat snack is the first thing to disappear, no matter the occasion. Brown sugar and maple syrup caramelize on the bacon-wrapped smokies in a heavenly fashion.

29 of 51

Sausage Balls

Sausage Balls — Lee Harrelson

Everyone needs a go-to sausage ball recipe. This easy, three-ingredient choice is the one to make, especially when Christmas rolls around.

30 of 51

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

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

These sweet and savory meatballs hit the spot.

31 of 51

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites — Southern Living

These baked snacks are a wonderful pre-meal snack.

32 of 51

Spiced Apple-Pecan Swirl Bread

Spiced Apple-Pecan Swirl Bread — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner

This irresistible loaf is sure to impress even the toughest holiday crowd. It's the ideal treat to have on Christmas morning.

33 of 51

Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Reindeer Pops

Reindeer Marshmallow Pops — Southern Living

These adorable sweet treats will bring a smile to one and all.

34 of 51

Puppy Chow Snack Mix

Puppy Chow Snack Mix — bhofack2/Getty Images

This snack mix uses chocolate and peanut butter resulting in an irresistible sweet treat.

35 of 51

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies — Micah A. Leal

Cookies that melt in your mouth in the most magical way.

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Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies — Joy Howard

Twist dough together to make these cute candy canes.

37 of 51

Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes — Southern Living

Equal parts festive and delicious.

38 of 51

Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies — Micah A. Leal

This classic Southern cookie is always welcome in our home during the holiday season. The recipe makes two dozen cookies, but can be easily doubled. Trust us, these'll disappear quick.

39 of 51

Mama's Cheese Ball

Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball — Hector Manuel Sanchez

It's just not Christmas without a cheese ball. A dash of Worcestershire gives this recipe the kick it needs to be a standout snack this season.

40 of 51

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Coffee Cake — Antonis Achilleos

A coffee cake makes the perfect compliment to hours spent sipping coffee and catching up. It's one you should always have on hand, especially around the holidays.

41 of 51

Spicy-Sweet Pecans

Spicy-Sweet Pecans — Helen Norman

It's never a bad idea to have a batch of these spiced nuts hanging around the house. The spicy-sweet coating is a crowd-pleaser, making these pecans great for both serving drop-in guests and giving as holiday food gifts.

42 of 51

Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

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

We're giving the classic cheese ball a festive makeover. Feta, green olives, flat-leaf parsley, and green onions pack a flavorful punch that'll knock the socks off any guest.

43 of 51

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread

Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread — Hector Sanchez

Tasty roasted fennel, thin slices of prosciutto (or country ham), and a drizzle of balsamic glaze all come together in flavor-packed bites. Cut into skinny slices for party-friendly portions.

44 of 51

Cream Cheese Pastries

Brunch for a Crowd Cream Cheese Pastries — Alison Miksch

This simple recipe makes four loaves of crispy, buttery, flaky cream cheese pastries. Need we say more?

45 of 51

Spicy Cheddar Appetizer Cookies

Spicy Cheddar Appetizer Cookies — Jennifer Davick

Make cheese straws festive for the holidays by cutting the dough into shapes like twinkling stars and Christmas trees. Simple ingredients bring these party-perfect savory cookies to life.

46 of 51

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw

Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Give your guests something they haven't tasted before. With a touch of both sweet and savory, these bites hit all the right notes.

47 of 51

Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts

Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts — Photo: Alison Miksch

Each of these chocolate tarts is positively cute as a button. Prep tip: Stack refrigerated pie crusts to cut multiple rounds in one turn.

48 of 51

Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites

Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites — Hector Sanchez

Kentuckians, rejoice. We reimagined your signature sandwich of bacon, turkey, and cheese sauce by turning it into festive bite-size cups, perfect for holiday hosting.

49 of 51

Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread

Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Banana nut bread gets a creamy makeover. This recipe lists four delicious variations of the original recipe, from toasted coconut to peanut butter streusel. Why not try them all this season?

50 of 51

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

We're dressing up a classic appetizer duo, cream cheese and pepper jelly, for the Christmas season. We've turned it into a holiday-worthy dish with the addition of flavorful shrimp.

51 of 51

Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

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

Filled with mushrooms, Gruyère, and a little dry sherry, these mini savory pies are just the thing to serve at your Christmas party. Garnish with chopped chives and fresh thyme to really wow your crowd.

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