20 Christmas Appetizers Seafood

As the holiday season approaches, seafood appetizers are a perfect addition to your festive gatherings. They not only bring a touch of elegance to your table but also delight guests with their flavors and textures. From classic shrimp cocktails and creamy crab dip to sophisticated smoked salmon crostini and flavorful stuffed clams, these dishes cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a family meal, these 20 Christmas seafood appetizers will impress your guests and elevate your celebrations. Discover the joy of festive seafood dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare!

Shrimp Cocktail 

Shrimp cocktail is a perfect festive yet healthy Christmas appetizer due to its beautifully vibrant presentation, balanced taste, ease of preparation and ability to complement holiday meals through tradition and versatile pairing. The recipe delivers on taste and nutrition without heavy feelings during celebrations.

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Shrimp cocktail with sauce

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

The crab meat adds a wonderful taste that pairs perfectly with the mushroom’s natural flavors. Cream cheese and mayonnaise bind everything into a filling that’s creamy and delicious. Baked just until heated through, the flavors really shine.

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top view image of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Smoked Salmon Crostini

Looking to spice up your Christmas brunch with an appetizer that impresses but doesn’t take all day? Try these smoked salmon crostini – a twist on the classic bagel and lox combo that’s equally delicious but much more party-worthy.

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Smoked Salmon Crostini in tray

Lobster Dip

If you are hosting a party and want an appetizer guaranteed to please the crowd? Look no further than this irresistible hot lobster dip.

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Lobster Dip in dish

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

The big scallops are coated in a yummy sweet and salty glaze. Then they get all wrapped up in crispy bacon. When you cook them, the glaze gets all bubbly and the bacon gets extra tasty.

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Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in plate

Crab Cakes 

This recipe is perfect for a Christmas appetizer.

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Crab Cakes with sauce

Crab Rangoon Dip

Perfect for Christmas seafood and also tasty.

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Crab Rangoon Dip in bowl

Seared Ahi Tuna

You can make this seared ahi tuna in only 10 minutes.  It is very healthy, flavorful and delicious.

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Seared Ahi Tuna in plate with wooden spoon

Oysters Rockefeller

This simple Oysters Rockefeller dish is a crowd-pleaser. It features oysters topped with a rich spinach mixture and crispy breadcrumbs, broiled to a golden perfection.

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Oysters Rockefeller

Shrimp and Avocado Cucumber Bites 

These appetizers feature succulent Cajun-seasoned shrimp paired with creamy avocado on top of a crunchy cucumber slice. These shrimp cucumber bites offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite!

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top view image of Shrimp and Avocado Cucumber Bites 

Tuna Tartare

This tuna tartare features fresh tuna filet combined with a savory Asian-inspired sauce that’s sure to excite your palate. It’s served over a bed of seasoned avocado chunks for a deliciously layered dish.

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Tuna Tartare in plate

Clams Casino

Clams Casino makes an excellent seafood appetizer for any occasion. Packed with the savory taste of bacon, garlic-infused breadcrumbs, and diced bell pepper, these clams are sure to be a crowd favorite!

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Clams Casino in dish

Salmon Tartare 

This simple and speedy Salmon Tartare is a top pick among appetizers and comes together in just 25 minutes! It’s light and refreshing with a tender texture, perfect served on cucumber slices, crackers, or alongside crudités. It can also be enjoyed over salad greens or a bed of white rice. This versatile dish truly highlights the flavor of the salmon and is both gluten-free and dairy-free.

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Salmon Tartare 

Shrimp Scampi Skewers

Enjoy the rich flavors of shrimp scampi, infused with garlic and butter, effortlessly prepared on the grill!

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Shrimp Scampi Skewers in plate

Lobster Salad Sliders

Try these mouthwatering Lobster Roll Sliders made with fresh lobster, a homemade dijon-mayo sauce, and buttery toasted buns. An ideal summer seafood appetizer!

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Lobster Salad Sliders on wooden table

Smoked Trout Pâté 

This smoked trout pâté comes together in no time and makes a fantastic appetizer or even a satisfying meal on its own.

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Smoked Trout Pâté 

Mini Shrimp Tacos 

These Shrimp Tacos are far from ordinary. Picture perfectly charred corn tortillas filled with succulent shrimp coated in a crispy salt and pepper crust, topped with a crunchy cabbage and radish slaw, drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

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Mini Shrimp Tacos in tray with sauce

Stuffed Clams

Stuffed clams are a festive seafood appetizer made by steaming fresh chowder or quahog clams and filling their shells with a savory mixture of minced clam meat, sautéed onions, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and clam juice. Topped with grated Parmesan and baked until golden, these flavorful bites are perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a delicious taste of the sea in an appealing, individual serving.

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top view image of Stuffed Clams

Shrimp and Grits Bites

Shrimp and Grits Bites offer a mini take on two classic Southern dishes. Tender shrimp are served atop rounds of Smoked Gouda Grits, making for an ideal appetizer.

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tray full with Shrimp and Grits Bites and one in plate

Crab Bruschetta 

This easy recipe featuring a whole fresh dressed crab is perfect for a light summer meal. If you’re grilling outdoors, toast your sourdough on the barbecue and generously pile the crab mixture on top.

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Crab Bruschetta  in white plate