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27 Festive and Yummy Christmas Appetizer Recipes for Kids to Try!

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Christmas is finally here, and we’ve covered the main course and sweets. It’s time for the first course. But this time it’s not about the grownups (though adults will appreciate these dishes just as much as children), it’s about getting your children to join you at the table for Christmas dinner and share more than just the turkey.

These meals are easy to create and use items you can count on your fingers. Your children can help you cook delicious appetizers.

So, if you are Are you looking for a festive method to make appetizers for your Christmas party? Here is an article with 27 Christmas appetizer recipes for both children and adults.

It contains a lot of amusing recipes with easy-to-make shapes like the Grinch and penguins.

So, what are you holding out for? Bring your child alongside you and allow them to choose some of these appetizers with you to make it an enjoyable holiday that you can share with your children.

Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Mac & Cheese Bites, cooked in a little muffin tray, are a kid-friendly dinner or appetizer. These appetizers are ideal for a gathering and may be totally prepared the day before.

Preheat the oven to 375°F, spray two mini-muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray, cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, drain and put aside to cool, then whisk in the Grand Cru until melted. Allow 5-10 minutes for the bites to cool before removing them from the muffin cups and serving.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow
  • 2T unsalted butter
  • 2-tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic
  • 1/2 tsp mustard
  • salt
  • 1 ¼ cups 2% milk

Get the recipe here.

Spaghetti and Meatball Cups Recipe

This spaghetti and meatball cup recipe is a fun way to offer a nutritious lunch to your children. It’s also simple and inexpensive to produce. This recipe has only six ingredients, and you don’t even have to create the meatballs.

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions, drain, rinse with cool water, and stir with eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, and 1 cup marinara. Serve with a touch of sauce and a meatball in each spaghetti cup.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti
  • 2 eggs
  • 2-cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 24 meatballs

Get the recipe here.

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Pepperoni Pizza Twists Recipe

If you want to incorporate pizza into your Christmas lunch in some way, you’ve come to the correct place. These Pepperoni Pizza Twists will undoubtedly become new family favorites. They’re simple, cheesy, and delicious. They’ll be the ideal complement to your holiday meal.

Pizza twists are constructed using rolled-out dough that has been coated with garlic powder, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes before being folded over to cover the filling. Bake the pizza twists until golden brown, then serve with marinara or ranch dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound room-temperature pizza dough
  • 2 tsp garlic
  • 2 tsp parsley
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 6 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, more if desired!
  • 3 TB olive oil
  • pepperoni
  • 4-ounce mozzarella

Get the recipe here.

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies are an excellent appetizer for Christmas and other holiday gatherings. They’re slightly sweet and deliciously poppable, and they’re sure to please any crowd!

Wrap each third of the bacon around a hotdog and fasten with a toothpick. Pour the brown sugar over the top of the hotdogs in a big storage container, moving it around to coat. Refrigerate for several hours overnight.

Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with any remaining brown sugar from the bottom of the storage container. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Serve the weenies with the BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, and honey mixture.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Homemade Dunkaroo Dip Recipe

This simple cake batter dip dish is a festive favorite, especially at Christmas.

Begin by whisking together the Cool Whip and vanilla yogurt in a large mixing basin until smooth. Incorporate the vanilla extract. Mix in the cake mix until completely combined. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If desired, add additional sprinkles.

Refrigerate for at least two hours, covered with plastic wrap. The greatest texture comes from chilling it overnight. Serve with animal crackers, pretzels, fruit, and other dippers of your choice.

Ingredients

  • Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix, 15.25 ounces
  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
  • 1 cup sprinkles

Get the recipe here.

Spinach Roll Appetizers Recipe

This is the simplest, easiest, and most delicious spinach crescent roll appetizer recipe you’ll find. It’s nutritious and flavorful, making it the ideal Christmas side dish.

Unroll the crescent dough and cut each triangle in half, resulting in two triangles. Place the spinach mixture in the center of each one.

Fold the crescent dough corners up around the spinach filling to form a “package” and pinch to seal. Put on a baking pan. After you’ve completed all of your small packets, brush each one with egg white. Bake for 12-15 minutes before serving.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces thawed, squeezed-dry chopped spinach.
  • half-cup mozzarella
  • 1/4-cup Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1 can KRAFT crescent rolls
  • 1/2″ garlic powder
  • 1 egg white, beaten
  • 1/2″ onion powder

Get the recipe here.

Zucchini Fries Recipe

These simple Baked Zucchini Fries with Parmesan and Panko taste just like fried fries but have a quarter of the calories! A nutritious and kid-friendly side dish or appetizer.

To prepare the fries, Coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray, then spread the sliced zucchini out onto paper towels or a damp kitchen towel and wipe dry. Combine the Panko, flour, Parmesan, salt, onion powder, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Arrange the zucchini on a baking sheet, lightly cover with cooking spray, and bake for 10 minutes to make zucchini fries. Remove from the oven and continue baking for 10 minutes more.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini. Star vegetable. Insides of zucchini spears stay tender and moist while outsides turn crispy. Zucchini is full of antioxidants and fiber (second helpings?). Or Zoodles?).
  • Panko + Parmesan. Crisps up the fries’ exterior.
  • Flour. Helps zucchini absorb Panko and Parmesan. White whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour work (I used white whole wheat).
  • Spices. These fries are seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
  • Yolks. The secret ingredient that helps fries crisp.

Get the recipe here.

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Cheesy Taco Sticks Recipe

These easy Cheesy Taco Sticks are buttery breadsticks stuffed with taco meat and cheese!

After cooking the ground beef in a skillet with the taco seasoning packet and allowing it to cool, spread the pizza dough out on a flat surface, cut it into 10 rectangles, and place the ground beef in the center.

The pizza dough is then rolled up and topped with cheese sticks. 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately with your preferred taco toppings!

Ingredients

  • 1lb beef
  • 1 taco seasoning packet or homemade
  • Pillsbury Pizza Dough
  • 5 colby jack and cheddar cheese sticks, halved
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp parsley

Get the recipe here.

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Recipe

Who doesn’t enjoy a stuffed tater tot? These fun-loaded tater tot skewers are creamy and delicious, making them ideal for any dinner.

Begin by cooking your tater tots according to package guidelines until golden brown. Place the tater on the skewers and on the pan. Pour ranch dressing over each tater tot. After that, top with the bacon and cheese.

Return the skillet to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and brown in color. Finally, take the dish out of the oven and serve.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Broccoli Bites Recipe

Baked Broccoli Bites are a deliciously healthy lunch that is suitable for both toddlers and older children.

Finely slice the boiling broccoli. Then, in a mixing dish, combine the broccoli, cheese, chopped spring onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and black pepper.

Grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil, then roll the broccoli mixture into small balls. Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through. Serve hot or cold.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Hot Dog Nuggets Recipe

Hot Dog Nuggets take only TWO ingredients and are ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer! These small bites will appeal to both children and adults.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cut your hot dogs into tiny slices. Place aside. Roll out your crescent dough and seal the seams. Cut the dough into 8 strips.

Then cut into 8 more strips lengthwise. Wrap the hot dogs in the crescent dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 8 to 9 minutes in the oven. Serve hot. Bon appetite! 

Ingredients

  • Crescent-roll 
  • hot dogs

Get the recipe here.

Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crispy, Homemade Air Fryer Onion Rings are created with a seasoned buttermilk batter, a Vidalia onion, and breadcrumbs. You can replace the breadcrumbs with pork rinds and the flour with almond flour.

Cooking oil should be sprayed into the air fryer basket, and the onion should be chopped into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Dredge the onion rings in the flour, buttermilk, egg, and panko mixture and bake for 10-12 minutes at 370°F. If necessary, flip the coin. Serve with your preferred sauce.

Ingredients

  • Vidalia onion (peeled) 12oz.
  • 1/2 cup panko
  • buttermilk (cup)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • Cup flour
  • smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
  • 1tsp garlic powder
  • S&P to taste Without salt, breading is bland. Spike.
  • Olive oil spray

Optional Sauce

  • 30% mayo
  • 1 1/2-2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup
  • 1-2 Tbsp horseradish 2 tablespoons horseradish for fans. Taste and adjust as needed.
  • smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano pepper to taste

Get the recipe here.

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Classic Pickle Ham Roll-ups Recipe

This is a traditional recipe for pickle, ham, and cream cheese tortilla roll-ups that will become your new go-to snack for any holiday gathering.

Spread softened cream cheese on one soft wheat tortilla and season with salt. Add a layer of thinly sliced deli ham on top.

Spread pickles on one edge of the tortilla. Wrap the tortilla around the row of pickles and roll it all the way to the other end. Make slices of the roll. Place on a serving tray and continue until all of the ingredients are used. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Ranch Pretzels Recipe

Ranch Pretzels are store-bought pretzels that have been covered in melted butter and ranch dressing mix.

Preheat the oven to 200°F. In a large mixing basin, combine the pretzels. In a 1 cup measuring cup, combine the butter or oil, ranch dressing mix, and garlic powder. Pour over pretzels after whisking together.

Gently stir until the pretzels are coated. Pour onto a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 1 hour in the oven and gently toss every 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 Tbsp parsley
  • 1TB onion powder
  • chives, 2 tsp
  • 2 tsp garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dill
  • salt 1 tsp
  • pepper

Get the recipe here.

String Cheese Snowman Caprese Salad Appetizer Recipe

These little Caprese salads on a stick are easy to make and taste just like a full Caprese salad. The best thing is that your children can help you make these.

Begin by inserting a toothpick into the string cheese before creating the string cheese snowman Caprese salad appetizer. To build basil leaf snowmen, tear the leaves in half, fold the other end slightly, and slide it onto a toothpick.

Finally, cut the grape tomatoes in half lengthwise, dab the open end to remove leftover juices, and put one piece onto the toothpick, wide end down.

Ingredients

  • Toothpicks
  • String mozzarella
  • Culinary basil
  • Try multi-colored grape tomatoes
  • Edible black and orange markers

Get the recipe here.

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Recipe

These crockpot meatballs grape jelly require only three pantry staples and two minutes to prepare. They’re ideal for a Christmas lunch appetizer or a hearty comfort food supper.

Place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir in the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and onion powder. Cook for 2-3 hours on high with the lid on.

If you intend to use the stovetop, In a saucepan, combine the frozen meatballs. Mix in the grape jelly, barbeque sauce, and onion powder.

Cover and cook over medium-low heat until the meatballs are defrosted and warmed through and the grape jelly sauce is hot.

Ingredients

  • Meatballs – This recipe uses frozen meatballs from Costco, Trader Joe’s, or your favorite store. You can also use cooked frozen meatballs
  • BBQ sauce – Use store-bought or homemade sauce
  • Grape jelly – It makes these crockpot meatballs great

Get the recipe here.

Cucumber Hummus Bites Recipe

Cucumber Hummus Bites are the ideal finger food and appetizer for a holiday party or get-together.

Cut the cucumber into thin rounds and arrange them on serving dishes. Spoon a little quantity of the roasted red pepper hummus onto each cucumber slice using a small teaspoon. Top with half of a cherry tomato, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.

Serve chilled or keep in an airtight container until ready to serve. These go well with a wide range of vegetables. Hummus flavors include Lemon Twist, Roasted Pine Nut, and Rosemary Sea Salt.

Ingredients

Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheese Ball Recipe

Cookie with Chocolate Chips The best dessert cheese ball recipe with graham crackers and cookies is Dough Cheese Ball. It’s like eating spreadable chocolate chip cookies during a party!

Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla should be combined in a large mixing basin. Mix in the chocolate chips. Form the mixture into a ball and place it on some plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least four hours and up to one week.

Add more chocolate chips to a small shallow bowl. Roll the cheese ball in the chocolate chips until completely covered. With graham crackers or cookies, serve.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese (do not use fat free)
  • Softened 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4-tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups semisweet chips

Get the recipe here.

Cream Cheese Penguins Recipe

Imagine having lovely edible penguins made out of olives, cream, and carrots to add some cuteness to your Christmas dinner.

Slit the side of each large olive from top to bottom, lengthwise. Place a small amount of cream cheese into each olive. Cut the carrot into eighteen rounds; make a small notch in the center of each carrot slice to form feet. To make the beak, save the cutout piece and press it into the center of a small olive.

Before inserting the beak, make a small slit in each olive. Place a large olive, huge hole side up, on a carrot slice. Then, place a little olive on top of the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest, and carrot slice notch all lineup. 

Ingredients

  • 18 pitted jumbo black olives 
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • 18 olives
  • Carrot

Get the recipe here.

Garlic Chicken Puffs Recipe

A rich creamy garlic chicken combination is cooked inside a croissant to make delicious puffs. A major hit with the crowd and ideal for parties!

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic, and shredded chicken. Cut each crescent roll triangle into two triangles. Fill each crescent triangle with one spoonful of the chicken mixture. Fold over the chicken mixture and place on the prepared pan. 11-14 minutes in the oven.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1tsp garlic powder
  • salt
  • 2 cans fridge crescent rolls

Get the recipe here.

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Christmas Tree Appetizers Recipe

Try these Christmas tree appetizers for the perfect side dish for both your kids and adults.

To make delightful puffs, a rich creamy garlic chicken is baked with a croissant. A big success with the crowd and perfect for events!

Combine cream cheese, garlic, and shredded chicken in a medium mixing basin. Each crescent roll triangle should be cut into two triangles. One tablespoon of the chicken mixture should be placed in each crescent triangle. Fold the chicken mixture over and place it on the prepared pan. Oven time: 11-14 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag RFG Sea Salt Crispy cauli-chips
  • guacamole, 1 cup
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 chili
  • 1 green pepper
  • Half-pretzels

Get the recipe here.

Easy Appetizer Meatballs Recipe

A fantastic spin on a familiar and favorite appetizer with only two ingredients. The liquid will turn into a bit of a glaze if these are cooked for a while before serving.

In a mixing dish, combine pig sausage and spicy pork sausage with your hands. Shape the ingredients into meatballs. Cook meatballs in a skillet until browned and cooked through. A thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Toss the meatballs in a large mixing bowl with the orange juice concentrate to coat. Place the meatballs in a slow cooker with the remaining orange juice concentrate; set to Low to keep warm before serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb pork sausage
  • 1 thawed 6-ounce can orange juice concentrate

Get the recipe here.

Christmas Chex Mix Recipe

Try this simple recipe for the greatest Chex mix. It will quickly disappear off the table.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the honey and sugar. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract until fully mixed. Toss the cereal with half of the butter mixture until well-coated.

Toss in the remaining butter mixture until evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until toasted and just beginning to dry out.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cereal squares (corn/rice) (such as Chex)
  • 2-cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup salted almonds
  • Salted butter, 4 tbsp
  • 1/4 honey 1/4 sugar
  • tsp cinnamon
  • vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup white chips
  • Coconut oil, 2 tbsp
  • Red and green M&Ms

Get the recipe here.

Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

These cranberry brie bites are the ideal bite-size party snack that everyone will enjoy all season.

Roll out crescent dough on a lightly floured board and pinch seams together. Cut the dough into 24 squares.

Fill muffin tin slots with squares. Place the brie in small pieces inside the crescent dough. Serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, and a sprig of rosemary. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crescent pastry is brown.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
  • Cooking spray, for pan
  • Flour, for surface
  • 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie
  • 1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 c. chopped pecans
  • 6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1″ pieces

Get the recipe here.

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath Recipe

On Christmas Day, this easy appetizer may outperform your main course. The pigs in a blanket wreath will be a hit with everyone.

Cut crescent rolls into thirds lengthwise. Dijon mustard should be applied all over. Roll up each triangle with a tiny hot dog on the thick end. Arrange the pigs in a blanket in a circle on the baking sheet, side by side.

Bake the crescents for 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown. Allow at least 20 minutes to cool. In order to serve, Arrange rosemary sprigs around the inside of the wreath, and in the center, place a small bowl filled with ketchup.

Ingredients

  • 1 tube crescent rolls
  • 24 Mini-hotdogs 
  • 1/4 cup Dijon
  • Poppy seeds
  • Egg wash
  • 2 tsp. poppy seeds
  • rosemary sprigs (for decoration)
  • Serving ketchup

Get the recipe here.

Grinch Kabobs Recipe

What is Christmas without everyone’s favorite Grinch? Include your favorite character and have fun with this recipe this holiday season.

These small skewers are easy to create and make an excellent addition to the appetizers at any Christmas celebration.

To imitate the Grinch’s head in his red hat, thread 1 grape, 1 banana slice, 1 strawberry (narrow end facing up), and 1 marshmallow onto 1 toothpick. Rep with the rest of the grapes, banana slices, strawberries, and marshmallows.

Ingredients

  • Grapes
  • 1 large banana, sliced 24 times
  • 24 hulled, tip-removed strawberries
  • 24 miniature marshmallows
  • 24 toothpicks

Get the recipe here.

Three-cheese Fondue Recipe

This dip is going to BLOW EVERYONE’S MIND. Impress your guests with this three-cheese fondue.

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally until shallots are soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes after adding the wine.

Combine heavy cream, cream cheese, Gruyère, and Emmenthaler in a mixing bowl. Cook, whisking constantly until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Increase the heat to medium-high and whisk until the mixture is steaming and pourable, 3 to 4 minutes.

Mix in the nutmeg and pepper. Serve alongside Cable-Knit Breadsticks, potatoes, Broccolini, green beans, grapes, apples, and pears in a fondue pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 minced shallots
  • 3/4 c. wine
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • 8 oz cheese
  • 8oz grated Gruyére (about 2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Emmenthaler
  • Grate nutmeg and pepper
  • Cable-knit breadsticks
  • Serve roasted potatoes, Broccolini, green beans, grapes, apples, and pears.

Get the recipe here.

Conclusion 

These 27 holiday appetizer ideas are appropriate for both adults and children.

These recipes are great for making because they are simple to prepare and will relieve the stress of deciding what to cook for Christmas side dishes.

Place your youngster next to you and decide on a recipe to make for Christmas.

festive and yummy christmas appetizer recipes for kids to try
27 christmas appetizer recipes for kids

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