43 Christmas Snacks for a Very Merry Holiday Season
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. You name it, and there will be a festive Southern snack showing up for it. (There's a reason why our waistbands always feel a little tighter after the holiday season, after all.) 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 you—and everyone around you—enjoy every last nibble of the season.
Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread with Orange-Cream Cheese Icing
Recipe: Cranberry Pull-Apart Bread with Orange-Cream Cheese Icing
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.
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Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
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).
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Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
Recipe: Spicy Sausage-and-Cheddar Kolaches
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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Sweet Potato-Cranberry Scones with Molasses-Orange Butter
Recipe: Sweet Potato-Cranberry Scones with Molasses-Orange Butter
These cranberry-speckled scones are filled with seasonal flavor. The sweet, citrus butter is the perfect complement for the not-too-sweet snack.
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Cracker Toffee
Recipe: Cracker Toffee
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 addictively tasty toffee snack.
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Baked Brie Bites
Recipe: Baked Brie Bites
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.
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Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip
Recipe: Warm Cheese-and-Spicy Pecan Dip
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.
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Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites
Christmas hasn't officially kicked off before 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.
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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Bacon and buttery crackers? Now that's an unstoppable duo. This two-ingredient appetizer will be your easiest snack of the season.
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Best-Ever Sticky Buns
Recipe: Best-Ever Sticky Buns
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.
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Triple-Chocolate-Covered Peanut Clusters
Recipe: Triple-Chocolate-Covered Peanut Clusters
Drop the ingredients in a slow-cooker, and you're already halfway finished. These chocolate clusters make the perfect bite-sized food gifts.
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Mini Mushroom-and-Goat Cheese Pot Pies
Recipe: Mini Mushroom-and-Goat Cheese Pot Pies
Filled with mushrooms, goat cheese, and a little dry sherry, these mini savory pies just feel right at Christmastime. Garnish with flaky salt and fresh thyme to really wow the crowd.
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Key Lime Tassies
Recipe: Key Lime Tassies
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.
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Pecan Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Pecan Bourbon Balls
Whether rolled in powdered sugar, dipped in chocolate, or coated in chopped pecans, these boozy bites never disappoint a Southern crowd during the holidays.
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Pecan Pralines
Recipe: Pecan Pralines
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.
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Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Bacon
Recipe: Sweet-and-Spicy Sheet Pan Bacon
This is a Christmas breakfast favorite, but we're also adding it to the holiday hostess' list when serving Bloody Marys (for garnishing) or pimiento cheese (for topping).
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Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Marble Bread
Recipe: Pumpkin Spice-Chocolate Marble Bread
That chocolate swirl has us swooning. Seasonal pumpkin bread deserves some love after Thanksgiving, especially when it has a decadent chocolate twist. The recipe makes enough for two loaves.
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Crack Crackers
Recipe: Crack Crackers
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.
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Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts
Recipe: Hot-and-Sweet Fried Peanuts
Cayenne pepper and chili powder on one side, brown sugar and powdered sugar on the other. The result? Delicious fried peanuts everyone will love.
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No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars
Recipe: No-Bake Fudge Toffee Bars
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.
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Maple-Bacon Smokies
Recipe: Maple-Bacon Smokies
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.
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Sausage Balls
Recipe: Sausage Balls
Everyone needs a go-to sausage ball recipe. This easy, three-ingredient choice is the one to make, especially when Christmas rolls around.
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Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Recipe: Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
These sweet and savory meatballs hit the spot.
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Chipotle Cheese Straws
Recipe: Chipotle Cheese Straws
Add a little spice to classic cheese straws.
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Cranberry Brie Bites
Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
These baked snacks are a wonderful pre-meal snack.
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Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Crackers
Who knew two ingredients could make one of the most satisfying dishes?
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Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Reindeer Pops
Recipe: Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Reindeer Pops
These adorable sweet treats will bring a smile to one and all.
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Puppy Chow Snack Mix
Recipe: Puppy Chow Snack Mix
This snack mix uses chocolate and peanut butter for a sweet treat.
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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Recipe: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Cookies that melt in your mouth in the most magical way.
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Candy Cane Cookies
Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies
Twist dough together to make these cute candy canes.
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Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Recipe: Homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Equal parts festive and delicious.
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Pecan Sandies
Recipe: Pecan Sandies
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.
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Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball
Recipe: Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball
It's just not Christmas without a cheese ball. A dash of horseradish gives this recipe the kick it needs to be a standout snack this season.
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Apricot-Almond Coffee Cake
Recipe: Apricot-Almond Coffee Cake
A coffee cake with apricot preserves, slivered almonds, and a vanilla glaze makes the perfect compliment to hours spent sipping coffee and catching up.
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Spicy-Sweet Pecans
Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Pecans
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.
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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball
Recipe: Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball
We're give 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.
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Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread
Recipe: Roasted Fennel-and-Prosciutto Flatbread
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.
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Cream Cheese Pastries
Recipe: Cream Cheese Pastries
This simple recipe makes four loaves of crispy, buttery, flaky cream cheese pastries. Need we say more?
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Spicy Cheddar Appetizer Cookies
Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Appetizer Cookies
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.
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Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
Recipe: Petite Sweet Potato Biscuits with Pulled Pork and Slaw
Give your guests something they haven't tasted before. With a touch of both sweet and savory, these bites hit all the right notes.
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Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
Recipe: Mini Chocolate Chess Tarts
Each of these chocolate tarts is positively cute as a button. Prep tip: Stack refrigerated piecrusts to cut multiple rounds in one turn.
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Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites
Recipe: Inside-Out Hot Brown Bites
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.
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Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread
Recipe: Cream Cheese-Banana-Nut Bread
Banana nut bread gets a creamy makover. This recipe lists four delicious variations of the original recipe, from toasted coconut to peanut butter streusel. Why not try them all this season?