With so many moving pieces to manage, planning and hosting a party [1] 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 [2], 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 [4]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Lightened-Up Pimento Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: lightened-up pimento cheese dip [5]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Gruyère Gougères
Get the recipe: gruyère gougères [6]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Creamy Herb Dip
Get the recipe: creamy herb dip [7]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Baked Rosemary Beet Chips
Get the recipe: baked rosemary beet chips [8]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Miso Hummus
Get the recipe: miso hummus [9]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary and Smoked Salt Roasted Almonds
Get the recipe: rosemary and smoked salt roasted almonds [10]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: pumpkin goat cheese dip [11]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Peppadew Peppers Stuffed With Whipped Feta
Get the recipe: peppadew peppers stuffed with whipped feta [12]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Hummus
Get the recipe: spicy hummus [13]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Prosciutto-Wrapped Feta-Stuffed Dates
Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates [14]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Chipotle-Tomatillo Salsa
Get the recipe: roasted chipotle-tomatillo salsa [15]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Apricot Jalapeño Spread
Get the recipe: apricot jalapeño spread [16]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary Cheddar Gorgonzola Pumpkin Seed Crackers
Get the recipe: rosemary cheddar gorgonzola pumpkin seed crackers [17]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Peppery Ranch Cheese Ball
Get the recipe: peppery ranch cheese ball [18]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Garam Masala Spiced Popcorn
Get the recipe: garam masala spiced popcorn [19]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pineapple Pickle Salsa
Get the recipe: pineapple pickle salsa [20]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon
Get the recipe: Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon [21]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Greek-Yogurt-Based French Onion Dip
Get the recipe: lightened-up french onion dip [22]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Marinated Olives
Get the recipe: spicy marinated olives [23]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Cheesy Phyllo Crackers
Get the recipe: cheesy phyllo crackers [24]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Beet Hummus
Get the recipe: beet hummus [25]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
Get the recipe: buffalo chicken pinwheels [26]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Get the recipe: rosemary-sesame pecans [27]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Green Goddess Dip
Get the recipe: green goddess dip [28]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Parmesan, Black Pepper, and Thyme Crackers
Get the recipe: parmesan, black pepper, and thyme crackers [29]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: 5 Ingredient Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip
Get the recipe: 5 Ingredient Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip [30]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Smoky and Spicy Almonds
Get the recipe: smoky and spicy almonds [31]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Goat Cheese Truffles
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper and bacon goat cheese truffles [32]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus
Get the recipe: spicy sweet potato hummus [33]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Herbed Cheese Straws
Get the recipe: herbed cheese straws [34]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Green Olive Dip
Get the recipe: green olive dip [35]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Vegan Red Lentil Paté
Get the recipe: vegan red lentil paté [36]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Meditteranean-Spiced Chickpeas
Get the recipe: Mediterranean-spiced chickpeas [37]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Pepper Jelly
Get the recipe: pepper jelly [38]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Baba Ghanoush
Get the recipe: baba ghanoush [39]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Parmesan Ranch Cheez-It Snack Mix
Get the recipe: Parmesan Ranch Cheez-It Snack Mix [40]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Avocado Hummus
Get the recipe: avocado hummus [41]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Marinated Goat Cheese With Olives
Get the recipe: marinated goat cheese with olives [42]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Beet Mint Yogurt Dip
Get the recipe: beet mint yogurt dip [43]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Bacon, Cheddar, and Horseradish Cheese Ball
Get the recipe: bacon, cheddar, and horseradish cheese ball [44]
Make-Ahead Appetizer: Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus
Get the recipe: roasted pumpkin seed hummus [45]
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