Nothing says holiday cheer like a festive spread of cold Christmas appetizers that look as beautiful as they taste! I first made these refreshing cucumber bites a few years ago when I needed something quick yet impressive for our neighborhood cookie exchange. Now they’re my go-to cold Christmas appetizers recipe – the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and herbaceous flavors that cut through all the rich holiday dishes. What I love most is how they come together in minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these little bites disappear faster than Santa’s cookies on Christmas Eve!
Why You’ll Love This Cold Christmas Appetizers Recipe
Oh my gosh, you guys – these cucumber bites are seriously addictive! Here’s why they’re always the first appetizer to disappear at my holiday parties:
- Super quick – I can whip up a batch in 15 minutes flat (perfect when you’re juggling a million holiday tasks!)
- Refreshing change – The cool cucumber cuts through all those heavy holiday foods
- Easy to assemble – No fancy skills needed, just spread and stack
- Crowd-pleaser – Works for vegetarians and everyone loves the creamy/herb flavors
My favorite part? You can make them ahead – one less thing to stress about when guests arrive!
Ingredients for Cold Christmas Appetizers
Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients! You’ll need:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (go full-fat here – trust me, it makes all the difference in texture!)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (this adds the perfect tangy creaminess)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (the star herb that makes these taste like Christmas to me)
- 1/4 cup chopped chives (for that lovely mild onion flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder (my secret flavor boosters)
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 tsp each and adjust)
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (I prefer English cucumbers for their fewer seeds)
- Smoked salmon slices (optional but divine – I always grab the pre-sliced kind for convenience)
That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together magically. I bet you have half these things in your fridge already!
How to Make Cold Christmas Appetizers
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these adorable little bites! Here’s my foolproof method:
- Mix that dreamy spread first: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and dreamy. I like using a hand mixer for about 30 seconds – it makes the texture extra luscious! Then fold in all those fresh herbs (dill and chives), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste it – this is when I usually add another pinch of salt because flavors tend to mellow after chilling.
- Slice those cukes like a pro: Wash your cucumber and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. I leave the skin on for pretty color and extra crunch. Pro tip: if your cucumber is watery after slicing, pat the rounds dry with paper towels so your spread sticks better!
- Assemble with love: Using a small spoon or butter knife, spread about 1 teaspoon of the herbed cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice. If you’re feeling fancy (I always am at Christmas!), top each with a small piece of folded smoked salmon.
- The magic chilling step: Arrange your beautiful bites on a serving platter and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors marry and the cream cheese firm up perfectly. I sometimes make them the morning of my party – the flavors get even better!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cold Christmas Appetizers
After making these dozens of times, here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Don’t skimp on chilling time – that 30 minutes makes all the difference in texture!
- Use fresh herbs, always – dried just don’t give the same bright flavor.
- Watch the salt – smoked salmon adds saltiness, so go light if using it.
- Presentation matters – I garnish with extra dill sprigs and lemon zest right before serving for that festive wow factor.
Variations for Your Cold Christmas Appetizers Recipe
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some fun twists I’ve tried over the years:
- Cheese swap: Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier bite (my sister’s favorite version!)
- Veggie lovers: Skip the salmon and top with roasted red pepper strips or a tiny slice of radish
- Extra crunch: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds to the cream cheese mixture
- Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a warm holiday kick
The possibilities are endless – make it your own holiday tradition!
Serving Suggestions for Cold Christmas Appetizers
Oh, presentation is half the fun with these little beauties! I love arranging my cucumber bites on a big wooden cutting board or one of my grandma’s vintage silver platters. Tuck in some fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries around the edges for instant holiday cheer. They pair perfectly with other cold Christmas appetizers – think shrimp cocktail, cheese straws, or smoked salmon pinwheels. For the finishing touch, I always sprinkle the plate with edible gold dust (just a pinch!) because everything tastes better with a little Christmas sparkle!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the beautiful thing about these cold Christmas appetizers – they actually taste better after a little fridge time! Just cover your platter tightly with plastic wrap (or transfer to an airtight container) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors develop beautifully, but I wouldn’t push it past a day or the cucumbers might get soggy. Since these are meant to be served cold, no reheating needed – just pull them out 10 minutes before serving so the cream cheese softens slightly. Perfect every time!
Nutritional Information for Cold Christmas Appetizers
Let’s talk numbers – each of these delightful bites comes in at about 45 calories, making them a guilt-free holiday nibble! Here’s the breakdown per piece (without salmon):
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 3g (2g saturated)
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
Of course, these numbers might shift slightly depending on your exact ingredients – like if you add salmon or use low-fat dairy (though I don’t recommend that last one!). But honestly, during the holidays, I’m more focused on flavor than counting calories – and these deliver both!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cold Christmas appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I always make them at least 30 minutes before serving – up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors get better as they chill together. Just keep them covered in the fridge until showtime!
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead?
Oh honey, I don’t recommend it. Full-fat cream cheese gives that dreamy, luxurious texture we all love. Low-fat versions tend to get watery and lose their creamy magic. Christmas calories don’t count anyway, right?
Q: What’s the best vegetarian option?
Super easy – just skip the salmon! The herbed cream cheese and cucumber combo is delicious on its own. Sometimes I add pretty strips of roasted red pepper for color instead.
Q: My cucumber slices got soggy – what happened?
Ah, been there! The key is patting those cucumber rounds dry before spreading, and not assembling them too far in advance. English cucumbers with their thinner skin tend to hold up better too. For more information on vegetable freshness, check out resources on vegetable storage techniques.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
I won’t lie – fresh makes all the difference here! Dried herbs just don’t give that bright, Christmasy pop of flavor. But in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of fresh (it’s stronger!).
Share Your Cold Christmas Appetizers
I’d love to see your holiday creations! Snap a pic of your cucumber bites and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing my recipes at your festive gatherings. Happy holidays, friends! If you are interested in learning more about the health benefits of fresh dill, you can explore nutritional information on herbs.
Print
15-Minute Cold Christmas Appetizers Recipe That Steals the Show
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 20-24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make appetizer for your Christmas gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Smoked salmon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture evenly on cucumber slices.
- Top with a small piece of smoked salmon if desired.
- Arrange on a platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the smoked salmon.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cold christmas appetizers, easy holiday recipes, cucumber bites