Christmas gatherings are all about good food, time with family, and sharing delicious bites around the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a Christmas movie night, or looking for a few extra dishes to serve before dinner, easy snacks make everything more fun.
The good news is that you don’t need complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen to put together a festive spread. These 3 easy Christmas snacks are made with familiar ingredients, simple preparation, and plenty of flavor.
From creamy deviled eggs to crispy baked chicken wings and golden Parmesan Brussels sprouts, these crowd-pleasing snacks bring something different to your holiday table. They’re easy to share, delicious warm or chilled where appropriate, and perfect for entertaining.
1. Classic Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a timeless party favorite, and they’re just as welcome at Christmas as they are at any other celebration. With smooth, creamy yolk filling, a little Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh chives, they’re simple, flavorful, and easy to serve.
They’re also a great make-ahead option when you’re preparing several dishes for a holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love These Deviled Eggs
- Easy ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the eggs and filling in advance.
- Perfect party portions: Each egg half is easy to pick up and enjoy.
- Classic flavor: Creamy, tangy filling pairs beautifully with paprika and fresh herbs.
What You’ll Need
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- Smoked paprika, for garnish
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
How to Make Classic Deviled Eggs
- Place the eggs in a large pot in a single layer and cover them with cold water by about an inch.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the eggs sit for 11 to 12 minutes.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them cool completely before peeling.
- Slice each egg in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the filling into the egg whites.
- Finish with smoked paprika and chopped chives. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Christmas serving idea: Arrange the deviled eggs in a circular wreath shape on a large platter. Add a few small sprigs of fresh rosemary around the edges for a festive presentation.
Get the full recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs
2. Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
No holiday snack spread feels complete without something crispy and savory. These crispy baked chicken wings are golden on the outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor without needing a deep fryer.
The secret is a light coating of baking powder, which helps the skin become wonderfully crisp in the oven. Toss the finished wings in a simple buffalo sauce, or choose another favorite coating to suit your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Wings
- No deep frying: The oven does all the work.
- Extra crispy skin: A simple preparation trick helps create a crunchy finish.
- Easy to customize: Serve with buffalo, garlic Parmesan, honey BBQ, or lemon pepper flavors.
- Great for sharing: They’re ideal for holiday parties and casual gatherings.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the buffalo sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
For serving:
- Celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly coat the rack with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving crispy skin.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flip the wings, and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp. Check that they reach a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey.
- Toss the hot wings in the sauce just before serving.
Christmas serving idea: Arrange the wings on a large platter with celery sticks and a bowl of ranch dressing. A little chopped parsley can add a festive touch.
Helpful tip: For the crispiest results, dry the wings thoroughly and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Add the sauce right before serving so the skin stays crisp.
Get the full recipe: Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
3. Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts
If you want a vegetable snack that feels a little more special, these crispy Parmesan smashed Brussels sprouts are a delicious choice. They’re boiled until tender, gently flattened, and roasted with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan until the edges turn golden and crunchy.
The combination of crispy cheese, tender centers, and a little lemon makes them surprisingly addictive. They’re also a lovely addition to a Christmas snack table when you want something savory that isn’t another pastry or fried appetizer.
Why You’ll Love These Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy and cheesy: Parmesan creates delicious golden edges.
- Simple preparation: A few basic ingredients bring out plenty of flavor.
- Great for entertaining: Serve them on a platter with a dipping sauce if desired.
- A vegetable-forward option: They add some variety to a table full of rich holiday treats.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until just tender.
- Drain the sprouts and let them steam-dry for about 5 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry.
- Arrange the sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Gently flatten each one with the bottom of a glass.
- Mix the olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the sprouts.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Roast for 18 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Christmas serving idea: Transfer the sprouts to a serving platter and finish with a little extra Parmesan and lemon zest. Their golden edges look beautiful alongside other holiday appetizers.
Helpful tip: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are thoroughly dry before roasting. Too much moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy.
Get the full recipe: Crispy Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Tips for Putting Together an Easy Christmas Snack Table
You don’t need a huge menu to make a holiday gathering feel special. A few well-chosen snacks can create a spread everyone will enjoy.
Here are some simple ways to prepare these recipes for Christmas:
- Prepare the deviled eggs ahead: Boil and peel the eggs, and make the filling in advance. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and fill the whites closer to serving.
- Bake the chicken wings just before guests arrive: They’re at their best when freshly baked and tossed in sauce.
- Prep the Brussels sprouts early: Boil and dry them ahead of time, then flatten, season, and roast shortly before serving.
- Offer a variety of flavors: Include creamy, spicy, cheesy, and fresh elements so guests have plenty of choices.
- Use festive serving dishes: A wooden board, holiday platter, or simple greenery can make even everyday snacks look special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy snacks to serve at Christmas?
Deviled eggs, crispy chicken wings, and roasted vegetables are all easy options for a Christmas snack table. They’re simple to prepare, easy to share, and offer a nice mix of flavors and textures.
Can I prepare Christmas snacks ahead of time?
Yes. Deviled eggs can be prepared in stages and kept refrigerated. Brussels sprouts can be boiled and dried ahead, while chicken wings can be seasoned in advance and baked closer to serving.
What snacks are good for a Christmas party?
A combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory snacks works well. Deviled eggs offer a chilled appetizer, chicken wings bring a hearty option, and crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts add a vegetable-based bite.
How many snacks should I serve at a Christmas gathering?
It depends on the number of guests and whether you’re serving a full meal. For a small gathering, three different snack options can be a great starting point. If snacks are replacing dinner, plan for more generous portions and additional variety.
Make Your Christmas Gathering Delicious and Easy
A memorable Christmas spread doesn’t have to be complicated. These three easy Christmas snacks bring together creamy deviled eggs, crispy baked chicken wings, and golden Parmesan Brussels sprouts for a mix of flavors everyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, inviting friends over for a festive evening, or simply preparing something special for your family, these recipes make entertaining a little easier.
Save this roundup for your holiday planning, pick your favorites, and enjoy a delicious Christmas with less time in the kitchen.
Happy holidays from Once a Chef!