Easy appetizers earn their spot during the holidays when timing matters most. These Christmas bites bring festive flavor, quick prep, and just enough fun to keep guests busy while dinner gets finished. We lean into simple ingredients that still feel special. The snack table stays full and the mood stays light.

A round baked brie cheese topped with cranberries, nuts, and herbs, served on a wooden board with crackers.
Smoked Brie. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sriracha and Bourbon Chicken Wings

Chicken wings coated in a spicy sriracha bourbon glaze.
Sriracha and Bourbon Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sticky heat meets smoky sweetness on crisp wings. The bourbon depth keeps them bold without going sugary.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha and Bourbon Chicken Wings

Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings

Sriracha honey wings coated in a sticky, glossy glaze.
Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sweet heat clings to every crackly bite. These get messy in the right way.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Sticky Wings

Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail served cold with a bold Bloody Mary style sauce.
Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chilled shrimp get dunked in spicy, savory cocktail sauce. It drinks like brunch and eats like a snack.
Get the Recipe: Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Chicken piccata meatballs in a bright lemon butter sauce.
Chicken Piccata Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Juicy meatballs soak up lemony, briny sauce. Bright, savory, and surprisingly addictive.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Meatballs

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Air fryer garlic parmesan wings with crispy skin and savory coating.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crisp wings coated in salty garlic punch. They donโ€™t need sauce to steal attention.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Bagna Cauda

Bagna cauda made with warm garlic anchovy oil served for dipping.
Bagna Cauda. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Warm anchovy-garlic dip hits deep umami. Everything dunked tastes better instantly.
Get the Recipe: Bagna Cauda

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon with charred edges.
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bacon crisps while the asparagus stays snappy. It balances smoky and fresh in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Easy Chorizo Cheese Dip

Chorizo cheese dip melted into a smooth, spicy, savory blend.
Easy Chorizo Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spicy sausage melts into rich cheese. It scoops heavy and holds heat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chorizo Cheese Dip

Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings

Air fryer pickle-brined chicken wings cooked crisp with tangy flavor.
Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pickle brine locks in juicy tang. The bite cuts through the crisp skin.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Wings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Lemon pepper chicken wings with crispy skin and bright seasoning.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sharp citrus and pepper hit clean and bold. Simple seasoning carries hard here.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Spicy deviled eggs with a smooth filling and a bold kick.
Spicy Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Creamy yolks bring heat with every bite. They disappear before the tray cools.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Deviled Eggs

Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon

Grilled scallops topped with parmesan and lemon, seared until golden.
Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Scallops sear fast with crisp edges. Lemon and cheese keep them bright and rich.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon

Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Smoked bacon-wrapped scallops with browned edges and tender centers.
Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bacon renders while the scallops stay tender. Smoke adds serious depth fast.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeรฑo Poppers

Bacon-wrapped jalapeรฑo poppers stuffed with chorizo and browned until crisp.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeรฑo Poppers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Jalapeรฑos bring heat under crisp bacon. Creamy filling keeps it balanced.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeรฑo Poppers

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked chicken wings with a dark bark and juicy meat.
Smoked Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke sinks deep into the skin and meat. These eat bold without sauce.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce

Crispy fritto misto with golden seafood and vegetables served with tartar sauce.
Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Light, crunchy seafood fries fast and hot. The tartar sauce pulls it all together.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fritto Misto with Lemon Dill Tartar Sauce

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Air fryer bang bang chicken bites with a crisp coating and creamy heat.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crispy chicken gets coated in creamy heat. Every bite hits sweet, spicy, and crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers cooked over high heat with light char.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Shrimp char quickly with smoky edges. Theyโ€™re juicy, fast, and gone in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Smoked Brie

A round baked brie cheese topped with cranberries, nuts, and herbs, served on a wooden board with crackers.
Smoked Brie. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Warm brie softens into a smoky, molten center. It scoops fast and disappears faster.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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