20 Make-Ahead Appetizers for Stress-Free Entertaining

Entertaining can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to juggle preparing multiple dishes right before guests arrive. That’s why make-ahead appetizers are such a lifesaver. With a little advance planning, you can prepare appetizers that are ready to go or need a quick finish or reheat right before serving.

These are our 20 favorite make-ahead appetizers.

Quick Spicy Feta Dip (Tirokafteri)

this Recipe

This spicy feta dip, based on the wonderful Greek dish of tirokafteri (also called ktipiti), is definitely my favorite vegetarian dip. Just a handful of ingredients in a food processor and moments later WOW – thick luscious creamy spicy goodness.

Make The Recipe: Quick Spicy Feta Dip (Tirokafteri)

The Best-Ever Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Have you heard of a Texas cowboy caviar dip before? This is a Texan recipe, but doesn’t feature caviar (or any fish for that matter!).

Make The Recipe: The Best-Ever Texas Cowboy Caviar Dip

Creamy Bean Dip (With Homemade Tortilla Chips)

Did someone say bean dip? This bean dip is hot, zesty, and full of deliciousness. It’s packed with cooked pinto beans, garlic, onions, and cumin for a bit of a kick. It makes other party dips look bland! Pair with homemade tortilla chips or store-bought.

Make The Recipe: Bean Dip (With Homemade Tortilla Chips)

Caramelized Onion Dip with Baked Potato Chips

A beautiful bowl of creamy caramelized onions with homemade crispy potato chips. Make it ahead of time to store in the fridge for whenever guests arrive.

Make The Recipe: Caramelized Onion Dip with Baked Potato Chips

Easy Crispy Vegan Tacos with Queso Dipping Sauce

Crispy Tacos with a 4-ingredient Queso Dipping Sauce. A healthy, satisfying appetizer with both stove-top and air-fryer directions. Prep the tacos ahead of time, then quickly fry right before serving.

Make The Recipe: Easy Crispy Tacos with Queso Dipping Sauce

The Best Queso Dip

Queso Dip! This healthy queso dip is a must for tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and more. Great for watching the game and Superbowl parties. Make ahead of time, then warm just before serving.

Make The Recipe: The Best Queso Dip

Salsa Roja (Made in the Blender!)

Smoky, creamy salsa roja! Made in the blender in less than 10 minutes. Roja salsa with simple, pantry ingredients: dried chili peppers, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, and onions. 

Make The Recipe: Salsa Roja (Made in the Blender!)

Salsa Verde Recipe (3 Different Ways)

Got tomatillos? Make tomatillo salsa with this homemade salsa verde recipe featuring 3 different methods: raw green salsa, roasted tomatillo salsa, and avocado salsa verde.

Make The Recipe: Salsa Verde Recipe (3 Different Ways)

Creamy Jalapeno Salsa (Dairy Free)

Creamy Jalapeno Sauce! A nice break from traditional chips and salsa– make this jalapeno salsa ahead of time to serve as a simple appetizer with sliced vegetables or chips.

Make The Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Salsa (Dairy Free)

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

This easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip is perfect for the busy holiday season.  It’s so easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Make The Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Although most grocery stores carry sweet pepper dip and other dipping options, this homemade roasted red pepper cream cheese dip is well worth the effort.

Make The Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Cream Cheese Dip

Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip

Any occasion is a great occasion to bring out your homemade 5 layer bean dip! Pinto beans, ground, tequila lime sour cream, pico de gallo and cheese are just some of the ingredients in this taco dip.

Make The Recipe: Mexican 5 Layer Bean Dip

Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa – Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa

I know you can buy salsa from the store, but where’s the fun in that! For the freshest flavour, make your own tomatillo red chili salsa and enjoy as a snack or appetizer with crackers, chips or anything else you want to dip.

Make The Recipe: Tomatillo Red Chili Salsa – Copycat Chipotle Hot Salsa

Antipasto Skewers

One of the best Italian appetizer recipes if you’re looking for a nice addition to a charcuterie board or tasty, colorful food on a stick type snacks, this antipasto salad in kabob form makes easy finger food everyone will enjoy.

Make The Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

The Ultimate Falafel Platter with Hummus, Tahini, Tzatziki & More

This falafel platter is a lavish combination of homemade crispy falafel, tzatziki sauce, harissa hummus, maple dijon tahini sauce, an easy Middle Eastern cucumber tomato chopped salad, and many other things.

Make The Recipe: The Ultimate Falafel Platter with Hummus, Tahini, Tzatziki & More

Rice Paper Egg Rolls (3 Ways)

These rice paper egg rolls have a delicious filling of carrots, cabbage, spring onion, and mushrooms wrapped in crunchy rice paper wrappers. You can prepare the filling in 10 minutes and bake the whole batch in one in 20 minutes.

Make This Recipe: Rice Paper Egg Rolls (3 Ways)

Smoky Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip with Walnuts

It is a rich and smoky roasted eggplant red pepper dip, the love child of baba ganoush and muhammara. 5-ingredients and 5 flavors are mixed within.

Make The Recipe: Smoky Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip with Walnuts

Bruschetta With Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Easy Bruschetta With Pesto And Sun-Dried Tomatoes features homemade Basil Pesto, sautéed zucchini, and delicious sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re looking for the very best crowd-pleasing appetizer for a birthday party, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, you can count on this Basil Pesto Bruschetta to deliver.

Make The Recipe: Bruschetta With Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents

Whipped Cream Cheese, Whole Grain Mustard, and Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents are a decadent and delicious appetizer for your next get-together.

Make The Recipe: Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Vol Au Vents

Smoked Salmon Pâté With Hot Smoked Salmon

This Smoked Salmon Pâté is the perfect make-ahead appetizer loaded with lemon flavor. Easy to make in 25 minutes with 10 minutes of work.

Make The Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pâté With Hot Smoked Salmon