23 Appetizers You Can Make the Night Before

Getting a head start on appetizers makes hosting so much easier. These dips, spreads, snacks, and party bites can be prepped ahead, so you’re not scrambling in the kitchen when guests arrive. Keep them chilled, stored, or ready to finish, and you’ll have one less thing to think about when it’s time to eat.

Zesty Baked Fire Crackers

Bold seasoning and a quick bake give these crackers a crisp texture that is perfect for party snacking. They are especially convenient when you want something you can prepare before guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Baked Fire Crackers

Spicy Cocktail Sauce

This boldly seasoned cocktail sauce comes together in just minutes and pairs especially well with shrimp, crab, and other seafood. Make it ahead and keep it chilled so one part of the appetizer spread is already handled.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cocktail Sauce

Sweet Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Four simple ingredients turn into a creamy sweet dip for fruit, pretzels, and donut holes. It takes only a couple of minutes to mix together, making it an easy addition to a make-ahead party spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cream Cheese Dipping Sauce (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Fresh cranberries and jalapenos bring sweet heat to a creamy Parmesan and cream cheese base. It is a colorful appetizer that can be prepped ahead so there is less to put together once the party starts.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus

Classic pumpkin pie flavors turn into a creamy dessert dip that takes just minutes to prepare. Have it ready in the refrigerator and bring it out with your favorite dippers when everyone is ready to snack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Dessert Hummus

Poached Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Tender poached shrimp make a classic cold appetizer that is easy to have waiting for guests. Chill the shrimp after cooking and pair them with cocktail sauce for an appetizer that requires very little work at serving time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Roasted Coconut Curry Cashews Recipe

Sweet, salty, savory, and crunchy flavors come together in these roasted curry cashews. Make them before the gathering and they are ready to pour into a bowl whenever guests need something to snack on.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Coconut Curry Cashews Recipe

Knorr Spinach Dip In A Bread Bowl (Classic Party Favorite)

This creamy spinach dip has a little crunch from water chestnuts and is specifically designed for easy make-ahead entertaining. Keep it chilled overnight, then add the bread bowl when you are ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Knorr Spinach Dip In A Bread Bowl (Classic Party Favorite)

Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)

Sweet and spicy pepper jelly over cool cream cheese makes an appetizer that takes very little effort on party day. Prepare the jelly ahead, refrigerate it, and assemble everything when you are ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Dip (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)

Creamy Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans Party Appetizer

Sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, cranberries, and toasted pecans make this an easy party centerpiece. Chill it ahead of time and all that is left to do is set it out with crackers when guests arrive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans Party Appetizer

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)

Cheddar jack, bacon, jalapenos, and ranch seasoning give this creamy cheese ball plenty of familiar popper flavor. The mixture needs time to chill, making it especially convenient to prepare the night before.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)

Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

Finely chopped shrimp and cream cheese make this cold appetizer smooth, creamy, and easy to scoop. Since there is no baking involved, it is a practical dip to prepare ahead and keep chilled for guests.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

Spicy Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and jalapenos make a creamy Southern spread with a little kick. Prepare it before the gathering and keep it cold until it is time to bring out the crackers and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe

Spinach, sour cream, and vegetable seasoning create this familiar cold party dip. Mix it ahead and let it wait in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe

Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, salsa, and Mexican spices combine in this cool and creamy party dip. Keep it refrigerated until serving time and pair it with plenty of tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

How to Make Firecrackers (Spicy Ranch Snack Crackers)

Ranch seasoning and red pepper flakes turn saltines into a crunchy Southern party snack. Make them ahead and store them until you need an easy bowl of something savory for guests.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Firecrackers (Spicy Ranch Snack Crackers)

Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

These creamy crab pinwheels can be assembled and frozen ahead, making them especially handy for entertaining. Bake them when needed for a hot appetizer without doing all of the prep while guests are arriving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer

Homemade chicken taquitos can be prepared ahead and stored in the freezer until you need them. Cook a few or an entire batch in the air fryer for a crisp appetizer with very little party-day work.
Get the Recipe: Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer

Puff Pastry Appetizers - with Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions and flaky puff pastry turn into savory bites that look impressive on a party tray. They are specifically suited to make-ahead entertaining, leaving less work for the day of the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Appetizers - with Caramelized Onions

Mini Pimento Cheese Balls with Bacon and Pecans

These individual cheese balls combine a creamy center with savory bacon and crunchy pecans. Prepare them ahead, refrigerate them, and arrange them with crackers or vegetables when it is time to serve.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pimento Cheese Balls with Bacon and Pecans

Marinated Shrimp Recipe

Light, tangy marinated shrimp are served chilled, making them an easy choice when you want to prep before a gathering. Keep them cold until serving time for a refreshing seafood appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Shrimp Recipe

3 Ingredient Onion Dip Recipe (No Soup Mix!)

Fresh onion and cream cheese are all you need to get this simple crowd-friendly dip started. Make it ahead and chill it so there is one less appetizer to worry about when everyone arrives.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Onion Dip Recipe (No Soup Mix!)

Kalamata Olive Tapenade (Easy Olive Spread)

This bold Kalamata olive spread is quick to prepare and works with crostini, vegetables, or sandwiches. Keep it chilled until the party starts for an appetizer that is ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Kalamata Olive Tapenade (Easy Olive Spread)