Make-Ahead Apps to Make the Party

Published 11/01/2019

You know the best way to enjoy your own party? Make the food ahead! You really can do it, without sacrificing flavor or quality. Keep your guests reaching for the dip bowl and skewering meatballs all night long with Betty’s best make-ahead appetizer recipes!

Sausage-Cheese Balls
4.1 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 2070 reviews.
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients: 8
Servings: 70
Legendary. Essential. Must-Have. Whatever superlatives you apply to this recipe, it’s earned them all. Having racked up nearly 2,000 ratings, and with a yield of 102 servings per batch, hundreds of thousands of people have snacked on these appetizers and loved their savory flavor and tender texture. A party just isn’t a party without them.
Easy Deviled Eggs
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 181 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6
Servings: 12
There are very few certainties in life, but one is this: If you serve these deviled eggs at a party, the tray will be empty by the time the last person has said their farewells. Classic with a capital “C,” this reliable recipe is simple and results in timeless flavor that people love, year in and year out. With a simple and savory egg yolk mixture as the filling, you can add a little dash of personality with varied toppings—chopped herbs, sliced shallots or the all-time-favorite dash of paprika.
Seven-Layer Bean Dip
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 344 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 10
Servings: 16
Big flavors with just a little effort—sounds like the perfect recipe for a party dish, doesn’t it? Seven-layer bean dip is a guaranteed hit, no matter the season or the occasion for your party. Silky refried beans and smooth, chile-spiked cream cheese form the foundational layers that get topped with salsa, lettuce, cheese, olives and tomatoes in this dip that packs flavors and textures into every bite. Better yet, it’s easily made ahead, giving you one less thing to fuss over before your guests arrive.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 384 reviews.
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 7
Servings: 24
Serve baked spinach artichoke dip at the next function and there’s no doubt—you’ll make a lot of people happy. Whenever this piping hot and indulgent appetizer comes to the table, it’s officially a party (and officially time to grab your plate before anyone else does). Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, it’s a perfect appetizer, requiring just three easy steps—and you can make it 24 hours ahead of time, too.
Parmesan Cheese Ball
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 55 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 hr 40 min
Ingredients: 9
Servings: 12
We hardly even think of cheeseballs as being retro, because when hasn’t a tasty, cheesy, party-friendly and portable appetizer been in style? The key to the perennial popularity of this recipe is the deep flavor it gets from umami-rich Parmesan (umami is the “fifth taste,” a sort of savoriness like you find in meats and tomatoes), the aromatic hints of garlic, the cool silkiness of cream cheese and the crunch of chopped nuts. Make it ahead to lighten your load of tasks on the day of the party!
Original Chex™ Party Mix
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 164 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 11
Servings: 24
The original and undisputed party snack champion, Chex party mix is the most welcome guest at any get-together. Crunchy and salty in just the right degree, this mix of Chex cereals, pretzels, and bagel bites baked with a savory sauce is snackable in the extreme. As much as everyone loves it, you’ll never go wrong with making more than one batch, either!
Bacon and Tomato Cream Cheese Tarts
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 9 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 7
Servings: 24
Dressed up enough for a special occasion, these mini tarts are showstoppers on the serving tray—and they only get more impressive when you take a bite. Pillowy crescent roll dough is cut into tidy squares, baked and topped with an herby cream cheese, then finished with bacon and tomato, which add a touch of crunch and smokiness, plus a pop of refreshing acidity. It’s a combination that no one will be able to resist.
Nacho Cheese Pinwheels
3.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 46 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 hr 25 min
Ingredients: 4
Servings: 36
They might look humble, but there’s nothing shy about the flavor of these easy, no-bake appetizers. Made with just four ingredients, these simple roll-ups are so easy that you can make them for impromptu parties, but if you’re the type to plan ahead, they can be made in advance just as easily!
Impossibly Easy Mini Crab Cake Pies
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 22 reviews.
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 13
Servings: 6
The name tells you everything you need to know about how easy these appetizers are to prepare, but they only hint at the rich flavor that’ll wow your guests. These mini crab cakes are much simpler to prepare than the usual, but their seafood flavor is fully indulgent and perfectly suited to a special occasion.
Bacon-Cheddar-Ranch Pinwheels
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 67 reviews.
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 10
Servings: 10
This recipe has “crowd pleaser” written all over it. With the unbeatably craveable combo of bacon, cheddar and ranch as its flavor profile, you know these will go fast and get raves from everyone at the party. Whether you’re a host or a potluck attendee, the additional beauty of this recipe is that it comes together on the double and with ingredients that are always easy to find—probably in your own pantry!
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
4.8 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 25 reviews.
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 hr 10 min
Ingredients: 6
Servings: 24
A familiar party appetizer gets a dressier spin in this special-occasion pinwheel made with smoked salmon. All you need are six ingredients and 10 minutes of time to prepare them, before letting them rest in the fridge for the flavors and textures to develop (and that means you can make them a day before your event to save day-of stress!).
Layered Pizza Dip
3.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 143 reviews.
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 6
Servings: 32
Get all the ooey-gooey goodness of a loaded pizza but in the form of a party-ready hot dip! With just six ingredients, this indulgent appetizer evokes everything you love about a hot-from-the-oven pie in all its melty, cheesy glory. Make party planning easier on yourself by putting this together the day before your party and popping it in the oven when it’s go-time!
Spinach-Cheese Balls
3.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 222 reviews.
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 7
Servings: 30
While it’s true that vegetarians will especially appreciate seeing these on your appetizer table, even the most dedicated carnivores will snap up these poppable snacks. A cheesy veggie version of our classic sausage cheese balls, these can be made in under a half hour from start to finish—but you can also make them ahead for extra convenience. Serve with a tomato pasta sauce for dipping and you have an unbeatable app!
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 19 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 3 hr 45 min
Ingredients: 12
Servings: 36
If your slow-cooker isn’t already your party wingman, then it should be! These slow-cooked meatballs have all the flavors you love in Buffalo chicken wings, but in an easier-to-eat, party-friendly format (you won’t even need the wet wipes!). Use slim-cut stalks of celery as a toothpick and serve with blue cheese dressing to complete the Buffalo flavor experience.
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 39 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 10
Servings: 36
This recipe will give you a big yield but only ask for a little effort—our definition of a perfect party appetizer. Tender mushroom caps are stuffed with a flavorful mix of veggies, herbs and breadcrumbs and broiled in the oven for a savory, warm snack. Make the stuffing and fill your mushrooms a day ahead of time to take the pressure off your party-day schedule.
Hot Crab Crostini
3.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 11 reviews.
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 9
Servings: 24
Every party attendee appreciates an appetizer that they can grab and enjoy without having to be too careful. These toasty baguette slices topped with hot and creamy crab dip are easy to put on your plate and eat as you mingle. No muss, no fuss, all flavorful indulgence—perfect!
Gouda Cheese Logs
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 18 reviews.
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 hr 15 min
Ingredients: 7
Servings: 24
When it’s the holiday season and parties and guests pop up out of the blue, it’s good to have something on hand to serve—and these cheesy treats are always up for the occasion. Just a few ingredients result in rich flavor that’s perfect for spreading on crackers, toast or even veggies. Make them ahead and you’ll be ready at the ring of a doorbell!
Cranberry Chicken Phyllo Cups
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 12 reviews.
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 9
Servings: 15
These appetizers are a bite-sized study in harmonious blending of textures and flavors. Crispy fillo shells hold a creamy, herby chicken salad studded with crunchy toasted walnuts and tart-sweet dried cranberries. The mix results in a wildly flavorful bite that’ll have all your guests asking for the recipe.
Hot Crab Parmesan Dip
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 50 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 10
Servings: 20
Want a guaranteed guest favorite for your next party? Try this indulgent dip that’s served piping hot and filled with an unexpected-yet-perfect pairing: crab and parmesan. The dip is based on cream cheese—that crucial dip ingredient—and flavored with garlic, white wine and mustard, a combination that yields sophisticated and rich flavor.
Impossibly Easy Mini Buffalo Chicken Pies
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 10 reviews.
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 13
Servings: 12
Everybody’s favorite secret (or not-so-secret?) use for Bisquick gets a kick with a spicy Buffalo chicken treatment. These mini appetizers are perfect for a party, given their poppable size and how easy (read: not messy) they are to eat. Make them ahead and you’ll make your life as a host that much easier!
Bacon Jalapeño Turkey Pinwheels
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 4 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 hr 20 min
Ingredients: 9
Servings: 24
Savory, simple-to-make and packing just the right amount of kick, these roll-ups are sure to be the standout whenever you bring them to a party. Bacon, cumin and coriander provide a smoky note to the cream cheese filling, and pickled jalapeños spice things up. Roll it all up around a mozzarella stick for extra cheesiness!
Brie in Puff Pastry with Cranberry Sauce
4.2 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 19 reviews.
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 hr 55 min
Ingredients: 10
Servings: 12
Gorgeous presentation is just the first appeal of this classic appetizer. While decorated and perfectly browned puff pastry provide a beautiful exterior, what’s inside matters every bit as much—especially when it’s buttery brie cheese topped with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce and crunchy toasted almonds. When baked inside the puff pastry shell, the sauce infuses flavor and the cheese becomes meltingly soft. It’s a contender for the most elegant appetizer you can make!
Loaded Guacamole
4.9 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 9 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 13
Servings: 12
There’s a rule that we’ve noticed with guacamole and parties: Guac is guaranteed to go. And that especially applies to this over-the-top version that’s loaded with extra fixings that make it, well, extra delicious. Serve it for any occasion and we guarantee it’ll show you that the rule is universal.
Cranberry-Glazed Appetizer Meatballs
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 30 reviews.
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 1 hr 10 min
Ingredients: 9
Servings: 30
Saucy meatballs are a universally loved party staple, and these might just be our favorite version yet. With a glaze that balances tart, sweet and savory, these ground beef meatballs are a cut above in flavor complexity, but they still manage to be reliable crowd-pleasers. Make them for a holiday party, and we promise that every last one will disappear.
Pimiento Cheese
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 15 reviews.
Kitchen Tested
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 11
Servings: 16
This is the ultimate pimiento cheese recipe. What makes this pimiento cheese better than average? Besides not using cream cheese, which is something the southern-raised experts in our test kitchens felt strongly about, this recipe calls for beating the cheese mixture to make it smoother and more spreadable. According to them, it’s hard to beat too long. Combine that technique with a little extra prep—grating your own cheese makes all the difference here—and a few non-traditional ingredients—soy sauce, pickled jalapeño peppers and Dijon really amp up the flavor. This pimiento cheese isn’t just cheesy and creamy, it’s also slightly spicy, deeply savory and a tiny bit tangy. With so much going on, this totally nontraditional, but absolutely irresistible take on pimiento cheese is a must try!

Loading component...

Try these

Loading component...

Bake Up Something Special

Nothing warms a room quite like a warm oven. Make something special for birthdays, anniversaries, or an after-dinner snack with baking recipes sent right to your inbox.

Loading component...

Make-Ahead Apps to Make the Party

Loading component...

Try these

Loading component...

Bake Up Something Special

Loading component...

Try these

Bake Up Something Special

Let's be Social