36 Make-Ahead Appetizer Recipes to Always Have on Hand

Be prepared for parties and potlucks with make-ahead appetizer recipes that can be prepped the night before.

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Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

A friend gave me this recipe, and whenever I serve these tortilla roll ups, people ask me for the recipe, too! The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations.—Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Marinated Cheese

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 ounce cheese: 121 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Antipasto Skewers

Total Time 35 min
Servings 40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I met at a cooking class. We have loved creating menus and entertaining ever since. These make-ahead antipasto skewers are always a hit. —Denise Hazen, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob: 66 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This beautiful cheesecake appetizer can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before serving, so it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, game days or special occasions. —Marilyn Edelman, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 197 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Sausage Pinwheels

Total Time 45 min
Servings about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Filled with sausage, sweet pepper and cream cheese, these roll-ups are excellent for unexpected visitors, Christmas appetizers, a cocktail party or a halftime snack. Besides being easy to make, they can be done way ahead and kept in the freezer. All you have to do is pop them into a hot oven! —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Grape Appetizer

Total Time 45 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These small bites are well worth the time they take. Serve them as part of an antipasto platter or as a cheese course alongside your favorite wine. —Eleanor Grofvert, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 5 appetizers: 146 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 124mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Chicken Salad Caprese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 cups salad (6-1/2 dozen crostini)
From the Recipe Creator: This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 179 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This festive dip is a snap to make ahead for Thanksgiving, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish. Thanks to its hint of sweetness, both kids and adults will gobble it up. —Frankie Robinson, Lockhart, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 76 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
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Savory Cookies

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These bite-sized snacks are rich, buttery and full of flavor. You can serve them alone or with a dip.—Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 3 wafers: 138 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Layered Mediterranean Dip with Pita Chips

Total Time 25 min
Servings 5 cups (120 chips)
From the Recipe Creator: Not your ordinary layer dip, the bold combination of hummus and Greek yogurt will be a new most-requested recipe at your next baby shower or gathering. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 0.250 cup dip with 6 chips: 178 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Hot Crab Pinwheels

Total Time 25 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 pinwheel: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Mini Muffuletta

Total Time 25 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Mediterranean meets comfort food when French rolls are slathered with olive spread and stuffed with layers of salami and cheese. You can make these muffulettas the night before and cut them into appetizer-sized slices just before serving. —Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 119 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator: These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 170 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Mini Grilled Cheese

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They're nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 77 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

Total Time 1 hour
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts: 1 spring roll: 186 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 380 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.

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Pork Lettuce Wraps

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 199 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.

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Mini Phyllo Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Pork Taquitos

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These taquitos freeze very well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them anytime. Microwave the tortillas before filling for easier rolling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 taquito: 155 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

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Buffalo Chicken Calzones

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 calzones
From the Recipe Creator: I'm always looking for creative ways to jazz up pizza. I created this pizza turnover to incorporate my love of Buffalo chicken wings. —Ruth Ann Riendeau, Twin Mountain, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 calzone: 516 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 1185mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.

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Broccoli-Cheddar Tassies

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Our family adores broccoli casserole. I wanted to try it as an appetizer, so I used a pecan tassie recipe for the crust. The result? We’re talking scrumptious. —Gail Gaiser, Ewing, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 tassie: 92 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 101mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Warm Goat Cheese in Marinara

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Every family has a recipe they pull out time and again when the gang gathers, and goat cheese warmed in a marinara sauce is one of those household favorites. Minced basil and cracked black pepper give it that fresh and alive finish. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3 tablespoons (calculated without baguette): 42 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
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Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 46 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Chicken Ring

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 151 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Potato Chip Chicken Strips

Total Time 40 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This novel recipe is a fast and tasty change from fried chicken.—Sister Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 625 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
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Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup meat mixture (calculated without chips and toppings): 469 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
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Baked Egg Rolls

Total Time 40 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 egg roll: 146 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Chicken Wings

Total Time 3 hours 35 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Crispy Goat Cheese Appetizers

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Want an amazing party starter? Coat slices of goat cheese with seasoned bread crumbs, fry them until golden-brown and top them off with tomato, basil, vinegar and pine nuts. —Julia TenHoeve, Richmond, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 97 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry

Total Time 30 min
Servings 16 pastries
From the Recipe Creator: Growing up, I loved pocket pastries. Now with a busy family, I need quick bites, and my spin on the classic ham and cheese delivers at snack or supper time. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 144 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
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Almond Cheddar Appetizers

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I always try to have a supply of these appetizers on hand in the freezer. If guests drop in, I just pull some out and reheat to serve. They work great as a snack, for brunch or along with a lighter lunch. —Linda Thompson, Southampton, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 81 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
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Dilled Mushroom Turnovers

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My bite-sized mushroom pastries are hard to resist. For parties, I prep and freeze them ahead, then pop them into the oven when guests are on the way. —Isabella Michel-Clark, Sparks, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 turnover: 87 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Spanakopita Bites

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For an easy spanakopita, try this version that is made in a pan, then cut into squares. It has all the wonderful taste of the classic version—buttery phyllo with a spinach-cheese filling—but is so simple to do. —Barbara Smith, Chipley, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 21 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Onion Brie Bowl

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Golden caramelized onions are paired with buttery, silky brie in this warm spread. Make sure to have enough bread cubes or crackers to use up every gooey bit. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 140 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
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Sausage Wonton Cups

Total Time 30 min
Servings 24 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a tasty hot appetizer for all those parties that feature fun finger foods. I’ve made this recipe several times, and these bites always disappear so fast. It’s really easy. —Shirley Van Allen, High Point, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 wonton cup: 68 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 270mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Baked Wontons

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.