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These make ahead appetizer recipes will change how you plan parties. They include easy and delicious options, from salads and totchos to dips and salsas.
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It’s totally possible to make appetizers ahead of time, and honestly, it might just change the way you plan parties.
Many of them are actually better when they sit for a bit. Try these recipes and you’ll see how easy the prep can be.
Potato Soup with Hash Browns
This soup is a lot easier than the classic soup because there’s no need to peel and chop potatoes. And as always, it’s customizable.
Just add your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Get The Recipe: Beet Flatbread
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
These sausage balls are made with four simple ingredients and hold up beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
Why not make it part of your appetizer spread? Serve it alongside pickled veggies and dips.
Get The Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These savory treats are perfect not only for special occasions but even for weekday movie nights.
Like sausage balls, you can pair these with various dipping sauces. Try chili sauce and blue cheese dressing first.
Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
Sliders are always a great idea since they’re easy to make and so satisfying.
This one comes together with only a few ingredients, including bacon, turkey deli meat, and ranch dressing.
Get The Recipe: Turkey Bacon Ranch Sliders
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Deviled Eggs with Relish
Ready for a fresh spin on a potluck classic? These deviled eggs are made with mayo, yellow mustard, sweet relish, and hot sauce.
Prep the filling ahead and chill until you’re ready to fill and serve.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish
Air Fryer Tater Tots
These tater tots are so easy to make from scratch.
They’re crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, something you’d definitely want to pair with a zesty sriracha mayo dip.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tots
Pasta Chips
Craving something crunchy? Look no further than these pasta chips.
They’re like an upgrade from your usual crackers or chips. Make a big batch and store it at room temperature for up to five days.
Get The Recipe: Pasta Chips
Air Fryer Hand Pies (Air Fryer Sloppy Joes)
Mini pies stuffed with an irresistible savory sloppy joe filling? Yes, please.
These hand pies are made with store-bought crusts, so you can easily whip them up even if you’re short on time.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Hand Pies (Air Fryer Sloppy Joes)
4-Ingredient Baked Brie with Garlic
If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant appetizer, this baked brie is a great option.
It tastes rich, creamy, and slightly earthy thanks to fresh thyme, black truffle oil, and garlic.
Get The Recipe: 4-Ingredient Baked Brie with Garlic
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
This vegan appetizer is the definition of creamy comfort.
You can use any potato available, but Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for this dish!
Get The Recipe: Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
No Egg Potato Salad
Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, this simple salad can bring amazing flavors to the table.
No one will suspect it’s vegan! You can top it with smoked paprika or chopped dill before serving.
Get The Recipe: No Egg Potato Salad
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Vegan Cauliflower Wings
Time to make more delicious plant-based appetizers. Try this one next!
It’s saucy and crispy, featuring cauliflower, breadcrumbs, buffalo sauce, and almond milk.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Cauliflower Wings
Vegan Totchos (Vegan Tater Tot Nachos)
Totchos are a feel-good appetizer that’s sure to disappear fast at any party.
This vegan version is layered with vegan tater tots, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, and salsa.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Totchos (Vegan Tater Tot Nachos)
Vegan Jalapeno Popper Dip
This dip is sure to be a hit at any get together. You can enjoy it as a dip or use it as a spread or filling.
Serve it with crackers, veggie sticks, crostini, or even sandwiches.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Jalapeno Popper Dip
Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This appetizer is a fun alternative to the classic mashed potatoes.
It’s made with cauliflower, white onions, carrots, vegan butter, garlic powder, and herbs. Serve it with grilled vegetable skewers.
Get The Recipe: Herb and Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Black Bean and Corn Salsa Dip
Make a big batch of this salsa dip and impress everyone at your event.
It’s ready in 15 minutes. Main ingredients include black beans, corn, jalapeño, and red onions.
Get The Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa Dip
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Everything with cottage cheese is delicious and downright addictive.
Check out this viral recipe! It combines cottage cheese with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella.
Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Garlic Herb Cheeseball
Make this cheeseball the centerpiece of your next appetizer spread. You can easily make it ahead and wrap it tightly until ready to serve.
Ready to party? Surround it with pretzel sticks, celery sticks, and toasted crostini.
Get The Recipe: Garlic Herb Cheeseball
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
These stuffed mushrooms are a show-stopping appetizer loaded with seafood flavors.
They’re buttery, garlicky, and slightly sweet from the crab, balanced by Italian blend cheese and herbs.
Get The Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Queso Blanco
This queso blanco is irresistibly creamy, smooth, and packed with just the right amount of heat.
Main ingredients include white American cheese, whole milk, green chiles, and jalapeños.
Get The Recipe: Queso Blanco
Ham Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Pinwheels are mouthwatering treats that you can enjoy as party appetizers or an on-the-go lunch.
This version is one of the most filling options you can try, with mozzarella and ham.
Get The Recipe: Ham Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels
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Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
If you haven’t made Greek Tzatziki sauce at home yet, this is your chance to try it.
It’s a must-have dip for any make-ahead appetizer spread. Once done, serve it with sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber sticks.
Get The Recipe: Authentic Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Homemade Salsa
Is there anything more delicious than a homemade salsa? This one offers a good balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Go ahead and tweak the recipe to control the spice levels.
Get The Recipe: Homemade Salsa
Blue Cheese Dip
Missing the bold and tangy flavors of blue cheese? This recipe is made for those who love punchy flavors.
It’s made with blue cheese, mayo, sour cream, and lemon juice.
Get The Recipe: Blue Cheese Dip
Deviled Potatoes
This creative vegan twist on a classic delivers all the creamy, tangy goodness of deviled eggs—well, without the eggs.
Serve them on a bed of lettuce and then enjoy with mini cucumber sandwiches.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Potatoes
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Make-ahead appetizers make hosting so much easier. Start with the simple recipes first: a dip, some pinwheels, or a salsa.
Also, remember that you can always include your favorite ingredients, from cream cheese to deli meat and fresh veggies.
25 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers for a Crowd That Never Disappoint
These easy make ahead appetizers for a crowd never disappoint. Served cold or kept warm until party time, there’s an appetizer here that everyone will love.
Read it here: 25 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers for a Crowd That Never Disappoint
25 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers That Always Win
Make ahead appetizers are a game-changer when it comes to stress-free entertaining. From dips to finger foods, these appetizers will steal the show and are easy to make.
Read it here: 25 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers That Always Win
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Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!
Looking for more appetizers? These options are perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike:
- 25 Appetizers That Go with Pizza and Deserve Their Own Fan Club
- 25 Quick and Easy Appetizers for a Party (Even If You Forgot to Plan)
- 25 Quick Appetizers for a Party That Impress Without the Stress
- 25 Appetizers for a Crowd That Are Basically Bite-Sized Magic
- 25 Appetizers for Kids That Even Picky Eaters Will Devour