12 salty and savory Christmas snacks

Holiday flatbread appetizer with cranberries and cheese, overhead scene
Photo credit: jenifoto/Getty Images

There’s an overabundance of sweet foods around the holidays but not a ton of salty and savory Christmas snacks. Everywhere you look there are cookies and pastries and cocktails galore! But it’s also important to keep hearty, savory foods around–we need to keep those bellies happy and satisfied.

Here is a list of crowd-pleasing holiday snacks that range from crisp and chilled to hot and cheesy, fruity and crunchy to creamy and rich.

1. Cranberry and feta pinwheels

With just five ingredients you can whip up this festive red, green and white Christmas appetizer in no time. Cranberry and feta pinwheels from The Girl Who Ate Everything are the perfect savory and semi-sweet finger food for your holiday get-together! And the kids will love them, too.


2. Slow cooker parmesan ranch oyster crackers

I know what you’re thinking: something that looks so simple can’t possibly be that good. But trust me, these are totally addicting and delicious! Slow cooker parmesan ranch oyster crackers from Damn Delicious are the most convenient snacking food for a large crowds during the holidays.


3. Incredible savory monkey bread

I love this recipe because it kind of looks like a holiday wreath! With parsley, poppy seeds, pine nuts, dried cranberries, cracked black pepper, Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, this Incredible savory monkey bread from Good Dinner Mom will not disappoint.


4. Roasted cranberry and goat cheese flatbreads

If I had to pick one food as a last meal, I’m not ashamed to admit that it would be a log of goat cheese. But, this recipe for Roasted cranberry and goat cheese flatbreads from Healthy Seasonal Recipes sounds even better. Apparently, cranberries and soft cheeses is the combination of the season!


5. Hot ham and cheese crescent rolls

Sometimes a little protein is needed to help keep you from getting “hangry” during this stressful and busy season. These Hot ham and cheese crescent rolls from Plain Chicken are flavorful, filling and the perfect party appetizer.


6. Bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes

Gluten-free, and dairy-free, these Bacon-wrapped sweet potatoes from Officially Gluten Free are served with a creamy balsamic dip and completely irresistible. Plus, with only four ingredients, they’re a budget-friendly snack for kids and adults alike.


7. “Joy” veggie tray for Christmas

This “Joy” veggie tray for Christmas from Modern Parents Messy Kids is not only adorable, but also a great way to get the kids to eat their vegetables. The holidays are so packed with rich and fattening foods–not that we’re complaining–but it’s nice to have a healthy option, too.


8. Classic deviled eggs with a holiday twist

These Classic deviled eggs with a holiday twist from Sober Julie may be red and green, but they taste like the traditional deviled egg recipe you’re used to. They just look much more fun and festive!


9. Sesame chicken skillet eggrolls

We love the idea of serving Asian food around the holidays! It reminds us of the movie “A Christmas Story” when Ralphie’s family ends up in a Chinese restaurant for dinner. These Sesame chicken skillet eggrolls from Carlsbad Cravings add a much-needed break from all the typical holiday fare.


10. Best Swedish meatballs

Not much is better than a hearty, piping hot snack after coming in from the cold. If that’s what you’re looking for, turn to this recipe for the Best Swedish meatballs from The Recipe Critic. You can serve over egg noodles or dump into a slow cooker and serve as hors d’oeuvres.


11. Guacamole bruschetta

If I’m going to order an appetizer at a restaurant I usually pick between two things: bruschetta or guacamole. Well, this recipe for Guacamole bruschetta from Healing Tomato combines the two! And bonus: the red and green together makes it very festive!


12. Cranberry chicken salad on apples

How light and fresh does this recipe for Cranberry chicken salad on apples from Yummy Addiction look? Sure, this crunchy, creamy finger food is packed with flavor and perfect for snacking, but with chicken, fruit and nuts, it could also make a tasty lunch!

Looking for something a little more diet friendly? Try this our low-carb coffee cake recipe!