40+ Make-Ahead Appetizers, the Secret Weapon of Smart Hosts Everywhere
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With so many moving pieces to manage, planning and hosting a party can frazzle even a seasoned host. But, it doesn't have to be that way — at least, it doesn't have to be as stressful as you might imagine. The smart host's secret is to do as much of the party prep as you can in the days prior to your party. That means choosing a pitcher-friendly cocktail, stocking up on groceries early, and relying mostly on make-ahead appetizers that can be served cold, like the 40+ options that we've rounded up.
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Tiki Snack Mix
Get the recipe: tiki snack mix
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Lightened-Up Pimento Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: lightened-up pimento cheese dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Gruyère Gougères
Get the recipe: gruyère gougères
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Baked Rosemary Beet Chips
Get the recipe: baked rosemary beet chips
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary and Smoked Salt Roasted Almonds
Get the recipe: rosemary and smoked salt roasted almonds
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: pumpkin goat cheese dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Peppadew Peppers Stuffed With Whipped Feta
Get the recipe: peppadew peppers stuffed with whipped feta
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Hummus
Get the recipe: spicy hummus
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Prosciutto-Wrapped Feta-Stuffed Dates
Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Chipotle-Tomatillo Salsa
Get the recipe: roasted chipotle-tomatillo salsa
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary Cheddar Gorgonzola Pumpkin Seed Crackers
Get the recipe: rosemary cheddar gorgonzola pumpkin seed crackers
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Peppery Ranch Cheese Ball
Get the recipe: peppery ranch cheese ball
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Garam Masala Spiced Popcorn
Get the recipe: garam masala spiced popcorn
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pineapple Pickle Salsa
Get the recipe: pineapple pickle salsa
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon
Get the recipe: Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Greek-Yogurt-Based French Onion Dip
Get the recipe: lightened-up french onion dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Marinated Olives
Get the recipe: spicy marinated olives
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Cheesy Phyllo Crackers
Get the recipe: cheesy phyllo crackers
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Get the recipe: buffalo chicken pinwheels
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Get the recipe: rosemary-sesame pecans
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Green Goddess Dip
Get the recipe: green goddess dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Parmesan, Black Pepper, and Thyme Crackers
Get the recipe: parmesan, black pepper, and thyme crackers
Make-Ahead Appetizer: 5 Ingredient Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Smoky and Spicy Almonds
Get the recipe: smoky and spicy almonds
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Goat Cheese Truffles
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper and bacon goat cheese truffles
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus
Get the recipe: spicy sweet potato hummus
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Herbed Cheese Straws
Get the recipe: herbed cheese straws
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Green Olive Dip
Get the recipe: green olive dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Vegan Red Lentil Paté
Get the recipe: vegan red lentil paté
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Meditteranean-Spiced Chickpeas
Get the recipe: Mediterranean-spiced chickpeas
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pepper Jelly
Get the recipe: pepper jelly
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Parmesan Ranch Cheez-It Snack Mix
Get the recipe: Parmesan Ranch Cheez-It Snack Mix
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Marinated Goat Cheese With Olives
Get the recipe: marinated goat cheese with olives
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Beet Mint Yogurt Dip
Get the recipe: beet mint yogurt dip
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Bacon, Cheddar, and Horseradish Cheese Ball
Get the recipe: bacon, cheddar, and horseradish cheese ball
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus
Get the recipe: roasted pumpkin seed hummus