11 Make-Ahead Appetizer Recipes to Always Have on Hand

Appetizer Tortilla Pinwheels

The cream cheese pinwheels can be made ahead of time and sliced just before serving, leaving you time for other last-minute party preparations.

Marinated Cheese

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!

Antipasto Kabobs

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.

Baby Swiss Appetizer Cheesecake

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.

Make-Ahead Sausage Pinwheels

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.

Veggie Dill Dip

I like to keep this good-for-you dip on hand, along with a variety of cut-up vegetables, for an easy snack.

Cheese/Grape Appetizers

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.

Chicken Salad Caprese

This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Spread

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.

Herbed Cheese Wafers

These bite-sized snacks are rich, buttery and full of flavor. You can serve them alone or with a dip.

Hot Crab Pinwheels

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.

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