If you’re looking for Christmas party food ideas, these scrumptious travel-safe dishes arrive alive to wow your friends and hosts.

I don’t know if you’re like me, but I’ve brought my share of duds to holiday parties of yore. Before you develop your holiday potluck style and you’ve been burned by hard experience (hot pot of soup on the lap, anyone?), you may show up with the cold, the soggy, the all-over-the floor mats, or the just-plain meh. So my first holiday gift to you this season is the gift of my experimentation: a list of my favorite holiday potluck dishes that travel well. And although they’re tried and true, they’re still the life of the party. 

The best part is that each of these Christmas party food ideas arrive ready to go. You don’t have to borrow an oven, a microwave or any forgotten condiments. So take off your coat, drop your dish on the buffet, and get to celebrating!

Boiled Peanut Hummus

Another healthy and travel-friendly version of this favorite spread. If you’re taking it to a party where you don’t know everyone, I advise including a little card or label that indicates peanuts. 

Smoked Paprika Hummus

Mmm. A classic holiday potluck staple with an exotic twist. People will taste and taste again trying to pin down the intriguing flavor. This one travels well in tupperware and transfers easily to a festive holiday bowl.

Thyme Roasted Tomatoes

Served stand-alone as a holiday side or on crusty crostini, these Christmas-colored bites are a healthy and savory treat.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

These meatballs are zesty, festive and filling. They can fill a plate or fill the need for a holiday party finger food. A heavy slow cooker insert keeps foods warm a long time, so you can carry them right in pot and plug them back in on warm when you get to your party.

Bacon Pecan Pimiento Cheese Truffles

If you’re going to a party, why not go all out? You may meet one or two people who turn their noses up at bacon, pecans and cheese, but at least 90% of the crowd will be blessing you for throwing all the good things into one rich and tasty little bite. You can easily make these ahead, store in an air-tight container and just pop them on a festive plate or board at your next event.

Cucumber Canapes 3 Ways

With seafood, vegetarian, and meat-lover varieties, every party goer will love these easy Christmas Party appetizers. 

Gourmet Popcorn Bar

This is such a fun one. It’s simple but it really wows kids and grown-up kids alike. Plus, it’s so light you could even bike or Uber it there. 

Pistachio, White Chocolate and Cardamom Biscotti

Perfect for dunking in eggnog or munching by the fire, these biscotti are decadent enough for a festive occasion. They also make a great host or hostess gift!

Cranberry Orange Scones with Winter Spiced Glaze

Heading to a brunch? These scones are simple to make pair well with eggs, ham and other hearty breakfast items.

Rosemary Roasted Almonds

I’m not sure whether these taste or smell more amazing. These are such a perfect party appetizer I advise making a double-batch before the keto crowd devours them all. 

Company Pasta Salad with Veggies

This dish is simple, portable, flavorful and inexpensively feeds a happy crowd. Customize it with whatever you love and have on hand!

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

I love this Christmas Party idea because it’s so impressive looking and yet so simple to buy and assemble. You can even use pre-cuts from Costco or the deli. Use your creativity to decorate your tree in your own family style.

Sweet & Salty Dark Chocolate Bark

I bring what I love and I LOVE chocolate. I’m never alone. 😊

Rosemary Shortbread Cookie Cutouts

This is another surprising twist that adds a sophisticated holiday kick to a tried and true party food: the shortbread cookie.

Pear Galette with Sparkling Cranberries

Of all my party recipes, this one, to me, says Christmas the most.

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Want more ideas for a Cleverful Christmas? Check out my Christmas Idea Central.