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It doesn’t matter if you’ve been planning a party for a long time or are suddenly faced with unexpected guests: if there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that these pre-prepared appetizers will come in handy when you do. will need it most! Because let’s face it, hosting a crowd can stress out even the most experienced hosts. Luckily, that stash of sausage rolls in the freezer or the caramelized onion dip you made a few nights ago will ease all your worries about accommodation. In fact, thanks to them easy startersyou will be able to spend more time mingling and having fun with your guests. According to Ree Drummond, this is exactly what your party should be: “Your friends and family are coming to hang out with you! Stick to the basics that are easy to put together,” she says.

The key to these make-ahead appetizers is finding the recipe that you can prepare almost entirely in advance. Whether party dips which can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer friendly ideas which simply need to be reheated before serving, this list has tons of solutions for stress-free entertaining. Plus, these make-ahead appetizers can work for almost any occasion, including parties. end of year celebrationsmatch day tailgatesor simply a weekend with friends. All you have to do is prepare a big batch cocktail and you’ll feel like a hosting pro in no time!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This cheese dip is a crowd pleaser. It can be assembled in the casserole dish the night before, then simply place it in the refrigerator and cook it just before serving.

Get it Spinach and Artichoke Dip Recipe.

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Gougères

Keep a stash of these cheesy bites in your freezer and you’ll be ready for anything! They only take about 10 minutes to heat up.

Get it the Gougères recipe.

Olive Tapenade

This spread is tangy and briny, making it the perfect addition to a charcuterie board or goat cheese crostini platter. Although it only takes 10 minutes to prepare, you can also make it three days in advance to give the flavors time to blend.

Get it Olive Tapenade recipe.

Caramelized Onion Dip

This is no ordinary onion dip! It contains rich caramelized onions to give it even more flavor. Plus, it’s one of those dips that seems to taste better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Get it Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Grab a package of store-bought croissant dough to make this easy snack. You can slice the pinwheels and store them in the freezer, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Get it Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe.

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Potato peels

This popular bar snack is totally customizable. Make them part-prepared, then get creative with the toppings when it’s time to party.

Get Ree’s Potato skins recipe.

Sausage rolls

These flaky bites are like pigs in a blanket with a filling of hearty sausage and smoky, salty bacon instead. You can cook them straight from frozen, so nothing could be simpler.

Get it Sausage Rolls Recipe.

Shrimp Dip

Make this creamy dip the day before your big party and store it in the fridge overnight. You’ll feel like a professional host when you serve it with cocktail sauce on top and crackers for dipping.

Get it Shrimp Dip Recipe.

Apple Butter Cheese Twists

These flaky cheese twists have an unexpected sweetness thanks to the layer of apple butter. The best part? You can freeze uncooked twists for up to a month so they’re ready at a moment’s notice.

Get it Cheese and Apple Butter Twists Recipe.

Deviled eggs

For the Drummond family, it wouldn’t be a holiday without deviled eggs. Luckily, this is one of the easiest snacks to make ahead of time. Simply store them on an adorable deviled egg plate wrapped in plastic wrap.

Get it Deviled Egg Recipe.

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Chili cheese

Make a big batch of this Southern cheese spread to use all year round. It will keep for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator…if it lasts that long!

Get Ree’s Chili cheese recipe.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

This sweet and smoky appetizer gets a spicy twist from the slice of jalapeño on top. You can assemble the bites a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve.

Get it Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe.

Eggplant caponata

This zesty combination of eggplant, peppers and crushed tomatoes will be even tastier after spending the night in the fridge. Then, simply add it to a cheese board or use it as a topping for bruschetta.

Get it Eggplant Caponata Recipe.

Dill Dip

This fresh, creamy dip is packed with dried herbs and spices. Prepare it at least 30 minutes in advance, or even the day before, to allow the flavors to develop. You can wash and cut the vegetable sticks in advance.

Get it Dill Dip Recipe.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Say hello to your new favorite party snack that’s both cheesy and tangy. Cheese-stuffed pastry squares can be frozen in advance, then topped with cranberry sauce and pistachios just before baking.

Get it Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe.

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Million Dollar Dip

This cheese dip is just as good cold as it is at room temperature, so you can definitely make it in advance. Plus, the combination of cheddar, bacon, garlic and cayenne pepper makes it a crowd favorite.

Get it Million Dollar Dip Recipe.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Cheeseballs are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. This is because they need time to sit in the refrigerator to develop their flavor. Luckily, the flavor here is bacon and ranch!

Get Ree’s Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe.

Sausage balls

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, lunch, or dinner, these flavorful sausage bites are always a hit. They can be made entirely in advance, then microwaved for quick reheating.

Get it Sausage meatballs recipe.

Cowboy caviar

You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy this colorful evening. The zesty combination of crunchy vegetables and beans can be made up to two days in advance.

Get it Cowboy Caviar Recipe.

Cocktail Meatballs

If you’re looking for ways to make things easier when entertaining, just let your slow cooker do the work! These cocktail meatballs can be made in the Crock-Pot earlier in the day and kept warm until ready to serve.

Get it Cocktail Meatballs Recipe.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

Every game day’s favorite dip is one of the easiest to make ahead of time. You may need to cook it a few minutes longer, but it’s worth it for its spicy and cheesy side.

Get it Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe.

Pot stickers

Sure, you can find pot stickers in the freezer section of the supermarket, but making them from scratch is so much more fun! Plus, you can freeze your own to make things easier.

Get it Pot Stickers Recipe.

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