53 Classic Christmas Buffet Ideas

Read Time: 23 mins

53 Classic Christmas Buffet Ideas2/53 Appetizers & Small Plates: Festive Wreath 56 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 35 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I have lots of fun with this festive appetizer wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center. —Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 125 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. 3/53 Appetizers & Small Plates: Creole Scallop Cakes Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Creole Scallop

These seafood appetizers steal the spotlight

Cakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 20 scallop cakes (1-1/2 cups aioli) Go to Recipe Nutrition Facts: 1 scallop cake with 1 tablespoon aioli: 169 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein. These seafood appetizers steal the spotlight. 4/53 Turkey Sliders 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Festive Holiday Sliders Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I

keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents

keep them ready for get-togethers when we bake gifts and wrap presents. —Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 231 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein. We love these holiday slider recipes. 5/53 Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp Test Kitchen Approved Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 appetizers Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the

night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day

night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein. 6/53 Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam 4 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Steak & Blue Cheese Bruschetta with Onion & Roasted Tomato Jam Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 16 appetizers Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: An appetizer bursting with flavor from bleu cheese, caramelized onion,

jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry

jam and balsamic vinegar—tasty bites that vanish in a hurry. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 185 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. 7/53 Christmas Meatballs 21 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Christmas Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings about 3 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry sauce and brown sugar create a tangy glaze for moist meatballs that are good Christmas appetizers or Christmas dinner ideas. We love them so much, I prepare them year-round. —Joyce Bentley,

The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully

Redlands, California Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. 8/53 Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 16 appetizers Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 170 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. 9/53 Olives and Cheese 24 Reviews

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms 28 Reviews

Test Kitchen Approved Marinated Olive & Cheese Ring Recipe photo by Sarah Tramonte for Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We love to make meals into celebrations, and antipasto always kicks off the party for Italian dinners. This one is almost too pretty to eat, especially when sprinkled with pimientos, fresh basil and parsley. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without baguette): 168 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein. 10/53 Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms 28 Reviews

It’s hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are

Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings about 2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law’s house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It’s hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. 11/53 Ricotta Puffs 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of

Home Total Time 35 min Servings 1-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Roasted red peppers and ricotta cheese give these pastry puffs delicious flavor, while parsley and oregano add a little spark. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts Nutrition Facts: 1 puff: 150 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. 12/53 Mini Sausage Quiches 30 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Mini Sausage Quiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 4 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These bite-sized quiches are loaded with

sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough

sausage and cheese—and all nestled into easy crescent roll dough. Serve the cute muffinettes at any brunch or potluck gathering. —Jan Mead, Milford, Connecticut Nutrition Facts: 1 mini quiche: 66 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. 13/53 Shrimp in Phyllo Cups Test Kitchen Approved Shrimp in Phyllo Cups Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings about 3-1/2 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but

I knew they’d be a tasty hit

I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois 14/53 Goat Cheese & Onion Pastries 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Goat Cheese & Onion Pastries Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 1 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A flaky puff pastry crust holds sweet caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese for an easy yet upscale appetizer. The recipe

is a must on all our entertaining menus

is a must on all our entertaining menus. —Heidi Ellis, Monument, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 168 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. 15/53 Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble bread and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton,

Texas Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 140 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. 16/53 Spreads & Breads: Makeover Cheddar Biscuits 16 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Makeover Cheddar Biscuits Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 15 biscuits Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s our crack at the never-ending biscuits from Red Lobster. Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, they’re just as cheesy and buttery as the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 1 biscuit: 106 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat),

Serve with bread or chips

11mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. 17/53 Warm Feta Cheese Dip 7 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 2 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips and baguette slices): 155 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. 18/53

We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete

Mediterranean Eggplant Dip 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 4 cups Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love Mediterranean food, and the flavors in this dip are so vibrant. We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without optional ingredients): 77 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. 19/53 Buttermilk Rolls 18 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

📣 Join Our Community