15 Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Appetizers for Stress-Free Celebrating

Cranberry Brie Bites

These creamy-tangy little bites are essentially a tiny baked Brie—and we bet no one will be able to resist them. Prepare up to three days in advance, wrap well in plastic, then refrigerate before baking, as Julie Hubert suggests. Best of all? After they’re baked, they taste great at room temperature so you don’t have to worry about having to serve them immediately.

“Delicious and the first of our finger foods to be gone on Christmas day,” raved on reviewer. “Will try with dark cherries in lieu of cranberry next!”

Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball

Allrecipes member Love2Cook87, who shared this recipe, looks forward to this “simple, traditional cheese ball every year.” Better yet, this is one of those recipes that’s best to make in advance. The trick to keeping your cheese ball fresh in the fridge for up to one week is to wrap it well. Start with a layer of plastic wrap, then wrap in aluminum foil to preserve both the shape and flavor. Remove the cheese from the wrapping, roll in your crunchy bits, then let sit at least 20 minutes at room temperature before serving.

“Have eaten many times over the years and alway find it very good, no change,” said one reviewer.”

Southern Pimento Cheese

You can make this southern classic up to a week ahead of time, storing in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator.

“MY GO TO RECIPE!!!,” raved Allrecipes user Amanda. “I’ve used this recipe for years now and get huge compliments every time. I add extra of all of the seasonings and pimentos because my family doesn’t like spicy so I don’t use the jalapeño or cayenne and it gives an extra flavor punch to compensate. Thank you for sure a great recipe!!”

Gougères

Chef John’s Party Cheese Puffs, also known as gougères, are simple cheese puffs that can be prepared up to one month in advance and frozen to preserve freshness. One reviewer used a plastic storage bag with the end snipped off to “pipe” the dough onto parchment before baking. Be sure to cool these completely before placing them in the freezer. Rewarm as many as you need on a baking sheet in a 325 degree F (165 degree C) oven.

“These never last long when I make them and always have to make a second batch,” said Allrecipes member Brooks Campbell.

Spicy Pickle Ranch Crackers

These spicy pickle ranch crackers pack a punch: mini saltine crackers are flavored with pickle juice, ranch seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, and dill for a unique flavor profile. Keep the crackers sealed in an air-tight back (not the same one you mix the crackers in) and serve them in a bowl for guests.

“I’m going to eat the whole batch if someone does not stop me,” said one reviewer. “I cut the oil down to between 1/4 and 1/3 of a cup and doubled the pickle juice.”

Hot Cocoa Snack Mix

This hot cocoa snack mix is a sweet, chocolaty treat that combines crunchy cereal with the cozy flavors of hot cocoa. Coated in melted chocolate and powdered sugar, then mixed with mini marshmallows and M&M’s, it’s perfect for the holidays. Make a few days ahead of time and keep it stored in an airtight bag until ready to serve.

Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheel

This beautiful-looking puff-pastry pinwheel only calls for four ingredients, but makes a spectacular addition to an appetizer table. Allrecipes member Magda, who shared this recipe, notes this holiday appetizer just “begs to be pulled apart!” You can bake this pinwheel, cool, and freeze. When your guests arrive, you can take it straight from the freezer and place in a preheated oven until warmed through. It tastes great at room temperature, too.

“This was as beautiful as it is delicious,” said one reviewer. “I took it to a New Year’s Eve party and I received compliments, so I will make again.”

Crispy Crab Rangoon

Allrecipes member Anna uses crispy and creamy rangoons as “a conversation piece while the guests are trickling in,” as she enjoys frying them fresh and serving them piping-hot. You can form the wontons around the filling ahead of time, then freeze them before frying. Pop them straight from the freezer into the hot oil, drain, and serve hot.

“I made it for my family. They were eaten faster than I could make them,” said one Allrecipes user. “Love this recipe!!!”

Marinated Olives

One reviewer calls these “better than what you can buy at the store and much cheaper.” Experiment with your favorite flavors or follow the recipe as-is to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors of fennel and rosemary. If you choose to use fresh garlic in the marinade, add it a few days before you plan on serving.

“Really delicious and easy,” said one reviewer. “I also added the garlic, lemon zest, and a few dashes of hot pepper flakes for extra oomph…”

The Best Smoked Salmon Dip

Smoked salmon spread develops an even better flavor when left to sit in the refrigerator for a day or two. Make sure to cover it, though, so the spread doesn’t absorb other flavors from fridge contents. Note that if you make this in your food processor, it will turn out like a mousse; if you make it in your stand mixer, it will be a little more chunky.

“We really liked this,” shared one Allrecipes member. “I did use leftover baked salmon, and the results were noteworthy. Great way to use leftover salmon! Will do again!”

Olive Puffs

This easy two-ingredient recipe is just olives and frozen puff pastry. Recipe creator Syd says, “You can make these ahead, and freeze; allow 30 minutes for the pastry to thaw before baking.” Use a variety of olives for an eye-catching presentation.

“Consider using the bigger olives for a better olive to pastry ratio,” suggested user Blue Eyed Buddy. “I use jalapeño stuffed olives for a zingy pop, with a sprinkle of garlic on top. Really flaky & tasty treat!”

Candied Walnuts

This is an easy one to make about a week ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and serve in a pretty bowl right before guests arrive.

“Quick and simple,” said one reviewer. “A new family holiday favorite.”

Pickle Dip

Not only can you make this ahead of time, you should. The flavors get a chance to mingle and infuse, resulting in a delicious, thick dip your guests will want to devour.

“My friend and I have made this recipe many times, and have brought it to parties,” said Allrecipes member Jennefer. “It’s ALWAYS been a hit! Everyone always wants the recipe and it always receives many raves! Very garlicky… but so worth it!! Will make again and again! I make it exactly how the recipe is written.”

Cocktail Meatballs

Cook up a batch of these popular appetizers in advance, let them cool, and then flash freeze for easy storage. Simply reheat with their sweet and spicy cranberry sauce in your slow cooker an hour before your guests arrive for an easy, popular appetizer.

One Allrecipes home cook said, “I made these for a Christmas party, and I think out of the whole spread, these were THE BEST thing at the party! Perfect amount of sweet and tangy.”

Pigs in a Blanket

“These pigs in a blanket are made with cocktail sausages wrapped in crescent roll dough for a bite-sized party appetizer that kids and adults love,” said Allrecipes member Brandie2134, who shared this recipe. “My mom made these for me, and her mom made them too—it’s a holiday favorite that never goes out of style.” You can make these pigs in a blanket up to three days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.