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20+ Party Appetizers You Can Make Ahead Of Time
The Easiest Appetizers You Can Make Ahead of TimeHector Manuel Sanchez
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It doesn't matter if you've been planning a party for ages or are suddenly faced with unexpected guests—if there's one thing you can be sure of, it's that these make-ahead appetizers will come in handy when you need it most! Because let's face it, entertaining for a crowd can stress out even the most seasoned hosts. Luckily, that stash of sausage rolls in the freezer or the caramelized onion dip that you made a few nights before will put any worries you have about hosting at bay. In fact, thanks to these easy appetizers, you'll be able to spend more time mingling and having fun with your guests. According to Ree Drummond, that's exactly what your party should be about: "Your friends and family are coming over to spend time with you! Stick with basics that are easy to throw together," she says.
The key to these make-ahead appetizers is finding the recipe that you can prep almost entirely ahead. Whether it's party dips that can be stored in the fridge or freezer-friendly ideas that simply need to be heated up before serving, this list has tons of solutions for stress-free entertaining. Plus, these make-ahead appetizers can work for just about any occasion—including festive holiday parties, game day tailgates, or simply a weekend get-together with friends. All you need to do is whip up a big batch cocktail and you'll feel like a pro at hosting in no time!
Spinach Artichoke DipThis cheesy dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It can be assembled in the casserole dish the night before you need it, then just pop it in the fridge and bake it right before it's time to serve.
Get the Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
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Will Dickey
GougèresKeep a stash of these bite-sized cheese puffs in your freezer and you'll be ready for anything! They only take about 10 minutes to reheat.
Get the Gougères recipe.
Danielle Daly
Olive TapenadeThis spread is zippy and briny making it the perfect addition to a charcuterie board or a goat cheese crostini platter. Though it only takes 10 minutes to make, you can also whip it up three days in advance to let the flavors have time to mingle.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Will Dickey
Caramelized Onion DipThis is not your average onion dip! It has rich caramelized onions to give it even more flavor. Plus, it's one of those dips that seems to taste better and better the longer it sits in the fridge.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Ham and Cheese PinwheelsGrab a package of store-bought crescent roll dough to make this easy snack. You can slice the pinwheels and store them in the freezer, then bake them when you're ready to serve.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
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Will Dickey
Potato SkinsThis popular bar snack is totally customizable. Prepare them part of the way through, then get creative with the toppings when it's time to party.
Get Ree's Potato Skins recipe.
Will Dickey
Sausage RollsThese flaky bites are similar to pigs in a blanket with with a filling of hearty sausage and smoky, salty bacon instead. You can bake them straight from frozen so they couldn't be easier.
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Shrimp DipMake this creamy party dip the night before your big bash and store it in the fridge overnight. You'll feel like a pro-host when you serve it up with cocktail sauce on top and crackers for dipping.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Apple Butter Cheese TwistsThese flaky cheese twists have an unexpected sweetness from the layer of apple butter. The best part? You can freeze the unbaked twists for up to a month so they're ready at a moment's notice.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Will Dickey
Deviled EggsFor the Drummond family, it wouldn't be a party without deviled eggs. Luckily, they're one of the easiest snacks to make in advance. Just store them on an adorable deviled egg plate wrapped in plastic wrap.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Pimento CheeseMake a big batch of this Southern cheese spread to use all year-round. It'll keep for up to a week stored in an airtight container in the fridge... If it lasts that long!
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
C.W. Newell
Bacon-Wrapped DatesThis sweet and smoky appetizer gets a spicy twist thanks to the jalapeño slice on top. You can assemble the bites a day in advance and bake them when you're ready to serve.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Will Dickey
Eggplant CaponataThis tangy combination of eggplant, peppers, and crushed tomatoes will taste even more flavorful after spending the night in the fridge. Then, simply add it to a cheese board or use it as a topping for bruschetta.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Dill DipThis cool, creamy dip is loaded with dried herbs and spices. Make it at least 30 minutes ahead of time or even the night before, to allow the flavors to develop. You can wash and cut the veggie sticks in advance.
Get the Dill Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Cranberry Brie BitesSay hello to your new favorite party snack that's both cheesy and tart in flavor. The pastry squares stuffed with cheese can be frozen in advance, then topped with cranberry sauce and pistachios right before baking.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
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Will Dickey
Million Dollar DipThis cheesy dip tastes just as good cold as it does at room temperature so you can certainly make it in advance. Plus, the combination of cheddar, bacon, garlic, and cayenne makes it a crowd favorite.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Bacon-Ranch Cheese BallCheese balls are the perfect appetizers for making ahead. That's because they need time to rest in the refrigerator to develop their flavor. Luckily, the flavor here is bacon and ranch!
Get Ree's Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Sausage BallsWhether you're hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner, these savory sausage bites are always a hit. They can be made entirely ahead of time, then zapped in the microwave for a quick reheat.
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Danielle Daly
Cowboy CaviarYou don't need to be a cowboy to appreciate this colorful party dip. The zesty combination of crunchy veggies and beans can be made up to two days ahead.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Cocktail MeatballsIf you're looking for ways to keep things easy when entertaining, just let your slow cooker do the work! These cocktail meatballs can be made in the Crock-Pot earlier in the day and kept warm until ready to serve.
Get the Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
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Brian Woodcock
Buffalo Chicken DipEveryone's favorite game day dip is one of the easiest to make ahead of time. You may need to bake it a few minutes longer, but it's worth it for the spicy, cheesy goodness.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Will Dickey
Pot StickersSure, you can find pot stickers in the freezer section of the supermarket, but making them from scratch is so much more fun! Plus, you can freeze your own to keep things easy.
Get the Pot Stickers recipe.
Will Dickey
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13 Retro Party Appetizers To Make On Repeat During The Holidays
We really like to party. So when it comes to what to serve at special occasions, we're always interested in hearing about the latest food trends for making a great impression. Some of the most fun and delicious gatherings welcome old-school recipes that we grew up with, which are sweet reminders of family members and holidays long ago. Here are retro party appetizer recipes to celebrate all season long.
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn The name of these magical cheesy bite-sized treasures says it all. They are similar to the iconic cheese straws, but the addition of white bread in this recipe makes them even more delicious. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Break out the eggs for every occasion. While we have developed many flavorful variations (pimiento cheese, pickled, French onion), there is no going wrong with the classic. Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Let's be honest, it's not a party or a holiday or a tailgate without a cheese ball. The best part is that it's a cinch to make and never disappoints. Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Sweet-tangy-saucy little bites never ever go out of style. Bring in the slow cooker and you can start making magic in the kitchen. Meatballs never tasted so good. At a recent holiday party, Senior Food Editor Kimberly Holland shared how these sparkling gems were a hit. We urge you to welcome them to sit alongside the dips and snack boards at your parties this year—and watch your guests go wild. Photography: Caitlin Bensel Food Styling: Ali Ramee Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland Is it really a party in the South without sausage balls? These savory bites have a little kick, plus are a cinch to make. Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox The ultimate party snack. This recipe is savory and rich with the perfect amount of peppery kick. Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Truth is, this is a great appetizer but also an anytime snack. Our ingredient list is a bit longer than the original recipe which makes every bite extra tasty and surprising. Caitlin Bensel A party-perfect six-ingredient dip that leaves all the work to the trusty slow-cooker. Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Bacon makes everything better—especially during cocktail hour. Smoky, buttery, and sweet, these candied bacon crackers will fly off the platter. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley In just 15 minutes, you can create a dip that's made with the works: bacon, mayo, Cheddar cheese, almonds, scallions, and cream cheese. And this recipe—you guessed it—is so good it tastes like a million dollars. Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke You won't be able to stop popping these fried chicken gizzards, which are dredged in buttermilk and flour before being fried until crispy. Dunk them in this classic sauce for a special appetizer. Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely In case you haven't noticed, we're declaring this is the year of the cheese ball. This recipe combines smoky cheeses and ham, plus pecans and fresh herbs, for a tasty idea for any gathering.Thanks for your feedback!
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