100+ Christmas Party Food Ideas (Appetizers, Sides, Candy & More)

Planning food for a Christmas party doesn’t have to be stressful. These recipes are perfect for holiday gatherings because most of them can be made ahead, kept warm in the crockpot, or assembled quickly right before guests arrive. I’ve gathered all my favorites that work for everything from casual family get-togethers to bigger holiday parties.

Please note this is an image heavy post. Please be patient. You can use the table of contents to jump between sections.

Christmas Party Food Ideas

Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is always the first thing to disappear from the appetizer table. The salty bacon and tender asparagus make a perfect bite-sized party food. You can prep these ahead and bake them right before guests arrive.

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and stay warm in the slow cooker throughout your party. They’re easy to make with frozen meatballs and just two other ingredients. Keep toothpicks nearby for easy serving.

Mashed Potato Bites

Mashed Potato Bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. These are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes, and they’re substantial enough to keep guests satisfied. Top them with sour cream, bacon, and chives.

Appetizer Dips

Crock Pot Bacon Jalapeno Dip

Crock Pot Bacon Jalapeno Dip is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat. It stays warm in the slow cooker throughout your party. Serve it with tortilla chips or crackers.

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is a party essential that everyone expects to see. The slow cooker keeps it perfectly warm and creamy. It’s great with bread, chips, or vegetables.

Hot Corn Dip

Hot Corn Dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with corn. It’s easy to throw together and bakes in about 20 minutes. The jalapeños add just enough kick.

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip

Pineapple Cream Cheese Dip is sweet and savory at the same time. It’s perfect with crackers or vegetables. The green onions and bell peppers make it colorful on your party table.

Boat Dip

Boat Dip is a classic party dip that’s been around forever for a good reason. It’s creamy, savory, and people always ask for the recipe. Serve it with crackers or bread.

Baked Cream Cheese Onion Dip

Baked Cream Cheese Onion Dip is warm, cheesy, and so much better than the cold version. The baked top gets golden and bubbly. It’s perfect with chips or toasted baguette slices.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip is festive with its red color and tangy-sweet flavor. It’s perfect for using up leftover cranberry sauce. Serve it with crackers or graham crackers.

Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip

Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip is cool, creamy, and perfect with fresh vegetables. It’s one of those recipes that people always ask you to bring. You can make it the day before to let the flavors blend.

Ham Dip

Ham Dip is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham. It’s savory, creamy, and perfect with crackers or bread. Make it ahead and let it chill before serving.

Mediterranean Dip

Mediterranean Dip is loaded with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s lighter than some of the cream cheese-based dips. Serve it with pita chips or vegetables.

Whipped Feta Dip

Whipped Feta Dip is creamy, tangy, and feels a little fancy. It takes just minutes to whip up in a food processor. Drizzle it with olive oil and serve with crackers or vegetables.

Deviled Egg Dip

Deviled Egg Dip has all the flavors of deviled eggs without the fussy assembly. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect with crackers or chips. You can make it ahead and keep it chilled.

Fried Pickle Dip

Fried Pickle Dip tastes like fried pickles in dip form. It’s tangy, creamy, and always a conversation starter. Serve it with chips or crackers.

Side Dishes

Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and has a crispy top. It’s perfect for parties because it stays warm and can be made ahead. Everyone loves mac and cheese at holiday gatherings.

Cheesecake Factory Macaroni and Cheese

This Cheesecake Factory Macaroni and Cheese copycat recipe is ultra-creamy and rich. It tastes just like the restaurant version. Make it in a big batch for your party.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese stays warm and creamy throughout your party. The slow cooker keeps it at the perfect temperature. It’s one less thing to worry about during your gathering.

Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the classic creamy mac and cheese everyone loves. It comes together quickly and feeds a crowd. Keep it simple or jazz it up with mix-ins.

Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes free up your oven and stovetop for other dishes. They stay warm and fluffy in the slow cooker. The garlic flavor makes them extra special.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and always a hit. They’re essentially party potatoes that stay warm throughout your gathering. This is comfort food at its best.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes combine two favorite flavors. They’re easy to make in a casserole dish. The ranch seasoning makes them extra flavorful.

Crock Pot Baked Beans

Crock Pot Baked Beans are sweet, savory, and stay warm in the slow cooker. They’re perfect for casual gatherings. The bacon and brown sugar make them irresistible.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole is a holiday classic made easy. The slow cooker frees up your oven for other dishes. Top it with crispy onions right before serving.

Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers is creamy, cheesy, and has a buttery cracker topping. It’s a great way to get vegetables on the party table. The Ritz crackers make it special.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are sweet, buttery, and beautifully glazed. They add color to your party spread. These are so easy but look impressive.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey Roasted Carrots are caramelized and delicious. The honey brings out their natural sweetness. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for parties.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots have warm, cozy flavors perfect for winter parties. The maple syrup creates a beautiful glaze. They’re ready in about 20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots cook while you focus on other party prep. They stay warm and perfectly glazed in the crockpot. This frees up stovetop space for other dishes.

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots is a simple sheet pan side dish. Everything roasts together for easy cleanup. The vegetables get crispy and caramelized.

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole is sweet, creamy, and topped with pecans or marshmallows. The slow cooker method is foolproof. It’s a holiday classic that everyone expects.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are smooth, buttery, and naturally sweet. They’re a nice alternative to regular mashed potatoes. You can make them ahead and reheat before serving.

Crock Pot Corn Casserole

Crock Pot Corn Casserole is sweet, savory, and almost like cornbread. It stays warm and moist in the slow cooker. This is comfort food that everyone loves.

Crockpot Cheesy Corn

Crockpot Cheesy Corn is creamy, cheesy, and requires almost no effort. It’s perfect for parties because it stays warm throughout your gathering. The cream cheese makes it extra rich.

Breads & Rolls

7-Up Biscuits

7-Up Biscuits are light, fluffy, and use soda as the secret ingredient. They come together quickly and taste amazing. Serve them warm with butter.

Bisquick Biscuits

Bisquick Biscuits are easy, quick, and require just a few ingredients. They’re perfect when you need bread in a hurry. Brush them with melted butter right out of the oven.

Fluff Salads

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is sweet, creamy, and loaded with fruit and marshmallows. It’s a classic holiday side that feels nostalgic. Make it ahead and keep it chilled.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad is festive with its red color and tart-sweet flavor. It’s light and refreshing alongside heavier party foods. The pecans add nice crunch.

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange Fluff Salad is bright, citrusy, and light. The mandarin oranges make it festive. It’s one of those recipes that people always ask you to bring.

Pineapple Fluff

Pineapple Fluff is tropical, creamy, and refreshing. It’s a nice contrast to heavy holiday foods. The pineapple makes it feel a little fancy.

Pistachio Fluff Recipe

Pistachio Fluff Recipe has that classic green color that looks festive. It’s sweet, creamy, and takes just minutes to make. Kids and adults both love it.

Cherry Fluff

Cherry Fluff is sweet, fruity, and beautifully pink. The cherries make it feel special. It’s one of those recipes that disappears fast.

Strawberry Fluff Salad

Strawberry Fluff Salad is light, fruity, and perfect for parties. The strawberries add fresh flavor. Make it ahead so it has time to chill.

Dessert Dips

Christmas Cookie Dip

Christmas Cookie Dip tastes like sugar cookie dough. It’s sweet, festive, and perfect with cookies or fruit for dipping. The sprinkles make it look cheerful on the dessert table.

Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip

Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip has all those warm gingerbread spices. It’s creamy, smooth, and perfect with graham crackers or gingersnaps. It tastes like the holidays.

Hot Chocolate Dip

Hot Chocolate Dip tastes like your favorite hot cocoa. It’s rich, chocolatey, and perfect with marshmallows, cookies, or fruit. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Peppermint Dip

Peppermint Dip is minty, creamy, and festive. It’s perfect with chocolate cookies or pretzels. The peppermint flavor screams Christmas.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip

Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip combines two favorite flavors. It’s creamy, minty, and loaded with chocolate chips. Serve it with chocolate cookies or graham crackers.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

Cherry Cheesecake Dip tastes like cherry cheesecake in dip form. It’s sweet, fruity, and perfect with graham crackers. The red color looks festive.

Brownie Batter Dip

Brownie Batter Dip tastes like chocolate brownie batter. It’s rich, fudgy, and always a hit. Serve it with cookies, pretzels, or fruit.

Chocolate Chip Dip

Chocolate Chip Dip is loaded with mini chocolate chips. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for parties. Everyone loves dunking cookies and fruit in it.

Funfetti Dip

Funfetti Dip is colorful, fun, and tastes like birthday cake. The sprinkles make it cheerful on the dessert table. Kids especially love this one.

Nutella Dip

Nutella Dip is rich, chocolatey, and hazelnutty. It’s perfect with fruit, pretzels, or cookies. This is one of those dips that people can’t stop eating.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dip

Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is fruity, creamy, and tastes like strawberry cheesecake. It’s perfect with graham crackers or fresh fruit. The pink color is pretty on the dessert table.

Chocolate Fruit Dip

Chocolate Fruit Dip is perfect for fresh fruit platters. It’s chocolatey without being too heavy. It makes fruit feel like dessert.

Baked Apple Pie Dip

Baked Apple Pie Dip tastes like warm apple pie. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfect with cinnamon sugar chips. Serve it warm for the best flavor.

Cookies

Santa’s Trash Cookies

Santa’s Trash Cookies are loaded with everything good. They’re fun, colorful, and always a conversation starter. Kids love all the different mix-ins.

Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies

These Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies are festive and easy. The crushed candy canes on top make them look special. They’re perfect for cookie trays.

Sugar Cookie Wreath

This Sugar Cookie Wreath makes a beautiful centerpiece. It uses refrigerated dough so it’s easier than it looks. Place it on a platter with frosting in the center for dipping.

Reindeer Gingersnap Cookies

These adorable Reindeer Gingersnap Cookies are no-bake. They’re cute, easy, and perfect for parties. Kids can help decorate them.

Christmas M&M Cookies

Christmas M&M Cookies are festive with red and green candies. They’re essentially chocolate chip cookies made holiday-ready. Make a big batch for your party.

Christmas Oreos

These Christmas Oreos are dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles. They look fancy but require no baking. Set up a decorating station at your party.

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies

Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies are buttery and melt-in-your-mouth. The powdered sugar coating looks like snow. They freeze well if you want to make them ahead.

Pecan Snowball Cookies

These classic Pecan Snowball Cookies are nutty and tender. They’re a holiday tradition for many families. The powdered sugar makes them look elegant.

Easiest Cranberry Cookies

The Easiest Cranberry Cookies are tart and sweet. They come together in one bowl with no chilling. The cranberries make them festive.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies are hearty and wholesome. The oats and cranberries make them feel a little healthier. They’re perfect with coffee or tea.

Lingonberry Thumbprint Cookies

These Lingonberry Thumbprint Cookies are buttery with jewel-toned jam centers. They look beautiful on cookie trays. You can use any jam you like.

Hungarian Cookies (aka Kiffles Cookies)

Hungarian Cookies are tender cream cheese pastries. They’re filled with jam, nuts, or poppy seed filling. These always disappear first at cookie exchanges.

Pumpkin Pie Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Pie Sugar Cookies bring pumpkin spice to your cookie tray. The cream cheese frosting makes them extra special. They’re soft and cake-like.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are soft and spiced. The chocolate chips balance the pumpkin flavor. They taste even better the next day.

3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies

These 3 Ingredient Sugar Cookies are simple and quick. They’re perfect when you need cookies fast. Cut them into holiday shapes.

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars are easier than rolling and cutting individual cookies. Just press the dough in a pan, bake, frost, and slice. Perfect for parties.

Sprinkle Cookies Recipe

These fun Sprinkle Cookies are colorful and festive. Use Christmas colors for your party. They’re soft, sweet, and covered in sprinkles.

Butterscotch Haystack Cookies

Butterscotch Haystack Cookies are no-bake and crunchy. The butterscotch and chow mein noodles make a unique combination. They’re always a conversation starter.

Twix Cookies

These Twix Cookies taste like the candy bar. They have shortbread, caramel, and chocolate layers. Cut them small since they’re rich.

Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies use Bisquick as a shortcut. They’re soft, chewy, and come together quickly. Perfect when you need cookies in a hurry.

Bisquick Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

These Bisquick Peanut Butter Cookies are easy and peanut buttery. They need just a few ingredients. Press them with a fork for the classic pattern.

Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies are soft and fudgy. The Cool Whip gives them amazing texture. Roll them in powdered sugar for a crackled look.

Sugar Cookie Brownies

Sugar Cookie Brownies combine two favorites. They’re part sugar cookie, part brownie. Cut them into small squares for the dessert table.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies have a mini peanut butter cup in the center. They’re soft, peanut buttery, and always popular. Bake them right before guests arrive.

Fudge, Bark & Candy

Peppermint Cool Whip Candy

Peppermint Cool Whip Candy is minty, creamy, and easy. It uses Cool Whip and melted chocolate. The peppermint makes it perfect for Christmas parties.

Homemade Butter Mints Recipe

Homemade Butter Mints are smooth and melt in your mouth. They look elegant in small candy cups on the dessert table. Make them ahead and store in the fridge.

Mint Oreo Fudge

Mint Oreo Fudge combines mint and Oreos perfectly. It’s creamy, minty, and loaded with cookie pieces. The green color looks festive.

Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge

Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge is one of the easiest candies you’ll ever make. It takes just minutes in the microwave. Peanut butter lovers will devour this.

Peanut Butter Balls Buckeye Recipe

Peanut Butter Balls are creamy peanut butter dipped in chocolate. They’re bite-sized and perfect for dessert trays. Make them ahead and keep them chilled.

Crockpot Candy

Crockpot Candy is made entirely in your slow cooker. It’s loaded with chocolate, peanuts, and peanut butter. This makes a huge batch perfect for parties.

Fantasy Fudge

This classic Fantasy Fudge is rich, creamy, and foolproof. The marshmallow creme makes it smooth every time. It’s a holiday tradition for many families.

Peppermint Fudge

Peppermint Fudge combines chocolate and peppermint beautifully. Top it with crushed candy canes for decoration. It tastes like the holidays.

Chocolate Caramel Fudge

Chocolate Caramel Fudge layers chocolate and caramel. It’s rich, decadent, and impressive. The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.

Easy Chocolate Fudge

This Easy Chocolate Fudge is simple and reliable. It uses just a few ingredients. Perfect for last-minute party needs.

Christmas Fudge

Christmas Fudge is decorated with festive red and green. It looks beautiful on holiday cookie trays. The colors make it instantly recognizable as Christmas candy.

White Chocolate Fudge

White Chocolate Fudge is creamy and sweet. Add cranberries or pistachios to make it festive. It’s perfect for people who don’t love dark chocolate.

Maple Fudge

Maple Fudge has warm, cozy flavors. The maple makes it feel special. Top it with pecans for extra flavor and crunch.

Sugar Cookie Fudge

Sugar Cookie Fudge tastes like your favorite cookies. The vanilla flavor and sprinkles make it festive. It’s colorful and fun on the dessert table.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

This classic Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a must-have. It layers dark and white chocolate with candy canes. Break it into pieces for easy serving.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark is sweet and salty perfection. The pretzels add great crunch. The sea salt makes it extra special.

Cookie Dough Bark

Cookie Dough Bark tastes like edible cookie dough. It’s sweet, rich, and always disappears fast. Kids go crazy for this one.

Cranberry Pistachio Bark

Cranberry Pistachio Bark is beautiful with red and green colors. The tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios are perfect together. It looks elegant on the dessert table.

Turtle Bark

Turtle Bark has chocolate, caramel, and pecans. It tastes like those classic turtle candies. Cut it into small pieces since it’s rich.

Reindeer Bark

Reindeer Bark is decorated with pretzel antlers and candy eyes. It’s adorable and fun to make with kids. Everyone loves how cute it looks.

Oreo Bark

Oreo Bark is loaded with crushed Oreos. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and addictive. Use holiday Oreos for extra festivity.

Chocolate Hazelnut Bark

Chocolate Hazelnut Bark tastes like your favorite hazelnut spread. The toasted hazelnuts add crunch. It feels fancy on the dessert table.

Pecan Pie Bark

Pecan Pie Bark captures pecan pie flavors. The buttery toffee and pecans are perfect with chocolate. It’s a Southern favorite.

Little Debbie Christmas Cracker Toffee

Christmas Cracker Toffee uses saltines for the base. The buttery toffee and chocolate make it addictive. It’s ridiculously easy to make.

Ritz Cracker Candy

Ritz Cracker Candy sandwiches peanut butter between crackers. Then they’re dipped in chocolate. The sweet and salty combo is perfect.

Christmas Crack Recipe

This Christmas Crack gets its name because it’s addictive. The saltine base with toffee, chocolate, and sprinkles is irresistible. Make it in a sheet pan and break it into pieces.

Bars & Brownies

Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas Tree Brownies are decorated like Christmas trees. The green frosting and sprinkles make them festive. They’re always a hit at holiday parties.

Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake Bars are creamy and smooth. They’re easier than making a whole cheesecake. Cut them into small squares for dessert trays.

Apple Cheesecake Bars

Apple Cheesecake Bars combine apple pie and cheesecake. They’re sweet, spiced, and creamy. The crumb topping adds great texture.

Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars give you apple pie in easy squares. They’re simpler than making a whole pie. The crust stays crispy even after cutting.

Apple Blondies

Apple Blondies are chewy and loaded with apples. They’re like apple pie meets blondie. The cinnamon flavor makes them perfect for fall and winter.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars have all the pumpkin pie flavor. They’re easier to serve than pie at parties. The shortbread crust is perfect.

Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin Brownies combine pumpkin spice with chocolate. They’re fudgy, spiced, and perfect for holiday parties. The cream cheese frosting makes them extra special.

Party Snacks & Treats

Chex Mix Christmas Treats

Chex Mix Christmas Treats are crunchy, sweet, and addictive. The white chocolate and festive sprinkles make them holiday-ready. Put them in bowls around your party.

Puppy Chow

Puppy Chow is chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar perfection. It’s crunchy, sweet, and impossible to stop eating. Make a big batch because it goes fast.

Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans are sweet, crunchy, and perfect for snacking. They’re also great for gifting in small jars. The cinnamon sugar coating is irresistible.

Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows

Hot Chocolate Bombs are fun and impressive. Drop them in hot milk and watch them melt. They’re perfect for winter parties.

Christmas Tree Pretzels

Christmas Tree Pretzels are adorable and easy. Pretzel sticks are decorated to look like little trees. They’re fun to make with kids and look great on the dessert table.

Pies & Cakes

No Bake Pineapple Pie (Millionaire Pie)

This No Bake Pineapple Pie is light, creamy, and tropical. It’s a nice change from heavy holiday desserts. Make it ahead and keep it chilled.

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Chocolate Pudding Pie is rich, creamy, and chocolatey. It’s easy to make and always popular. The Oreo crust makes it extra special.

Red Velvet Sheet Cake

Red Velvet Sheet Cake is festive and feeds a crowd. The cream cheese frosting is perfect with the red velvet. Cut it into squares for easy serving.

Crack Cake (Wine Cake) Recipe

Crack Cake is ridiculously moist and delicious. It gets its name because people can’t stop eating it. Cut it into small squares for the dessert table.

Easy Peach Cobbler Cake

Easy Peach Cobbler Cake is simple and crowd-pleasing. It has cake and fruit in one pan. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

Microwave Christmas Pudding

Microwave Christmas Pudding is a traditional holiday treat made easy. The microwave makes it quick. It’s rich, spiced, and perfect for Christmas parties.

Apple Dump Cake

Apple Dump Cake is as easy as it sounds. Just dump the ingredients in a pan and bake. The cake topping gets crispy and golden.

Apple Slab Pie

Apple Slab Pie is apple pie for a crowd. It’s baked in a sheet pan and cuts into neat squares. The crust stays flaky and the filling is perfectly spiced.

Pumpkin Pie Crisp

Pumpkin Pie Crisp has all the pumpkin pie flavor with a crunchy topping. It’s easier than making pie and just as delicious. Serve it warm with whipped cream.

Pumpkin Custard Pie

Pumpkin Custard Pie is smooth, creamy, and spiced. It’s a classic holiday dessert. Cut it into small wedges for dessert trays.

Crazy Cake Recipe

This Crazy Cake requires no eggs, milk, or butter. It’s incredibly moist despite the unusual method. Cut it into squares for easy party serving.

More Christmas Recipes

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