Make entertaining easy with these make-ahead appetizers that are perfect for any gathering. These easy appetizers require few ingredients and minimal prep work. The best part? They can be made ahead of time and served either cold or at room temperature. If you’re bringing an appetizer to a potluck, you’ll find many of the appetizers on this list travel well. From dipping sauces to snack mixes, here are 10 easy make-ahead appetizers that make entertaining simple.
Extra Easy Hummus
larkspur
Unlike most hummus recipes which require tahini, this easy, five-ingredient recipe is tahini-free. Simply throw all the ingredients into a food processor or blender and you’re good to go!
Vegetable Dill Dip
lutzflcat
Elevate your store-bought vegetable tray with this homemade dill dip. Make it the night before and chill overnight before serving. “I have been making this dip for 50 years and there is nothing better,” says reviewer B. Hamilton.
Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs
Allrecipes Magazine
Deviled eggs are always an easy, make-ahead appetizer — this recipe takes the classic dish up a notch with bacon and cheddar cheese. “This was a good way to change up deviled eggs. The bacon added a great flavor,” says reviewer Heather Pulley.
Guilt-Free Snack Mix
Tammy Lynn
Looking for a party mix that’s free of chocolate or salty ingredients? This simple recipe is made up of corn cereal, dried fruit, yogurt-covered raisins, and mixed nuts. Some reviewers suggest waiting to add the cereal until you’re ready to serve, as it can absorb moisture from other ingredients.
Crab and Seafood Stuffed Shells
Soup Loving Nicole
Jumbo pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy seafood mixture that includes crabmeat and shrimp. Several reviewers suggest adding Old Bay seasoning for that classic coastal flavor.
Weaam’s Baba Ghanouj
rachel castrovinci
“Baba ghanouj is a traditional Middle Eastern appetizer,” says recipe creator Weamm Algassim. “My version of Baba ghanouj uses pomegranate molasses instead of lemon, and crushed walnuts for texture. This can be made a day ahead. Bring to room temperature, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with pita bread.”
Cranberry-Jalapeño Relish
My Stir Crazy Kitchen
The sweet-heat combination of cranberries and jalapeños makes for an unusual appetizer that guests will love. Refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors mingle, and serve with tortilla chips.
BBQ Snack Mix
BBQ Snack Mix | Photo by SunnyDaysNora.
Not only will this snack mix travel well, but it can be left out for hours at a time without going bad. Cheese-flavored crackers, pretzels, rice cereal, peanuts, barbecue seasoning, and ground paprika make up this tangy appetizer.
Macadamia Nut Pesto Hummus
Linda T
Macadamia nuts and pesto bring a welcome change to standard hummus. Serve it with pita, veggies, or chips.
Low-Fat Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
Lee Crowell
You can throw together this last-minute appetizer in a matter of minutes. Low-fat plain Greek yogurt and ranch dressing mix are combined and chilled to make a simple veggie dipping sauce.
Dining and Cooking