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  4. Make-Ahead Appetizers for Easy Entertaining from Your Freezer

Make-Ahead Appetizers for Easy Entertaining from Your Freezer

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By Katlyn Moncada Updated July 26, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
Credit: Andy Lyons
Planning ahead is a must when it comes to holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even a small cocktail hour with friends. That's why stocking up on freezer party food is always a good idea. With these delicious make-ahead appetizers you can freeze, you'll always be ready for party time. Read on for homemade bites such as meatballs, snack mix, and even guacamole.
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Ricotta Meatballs

Ricotta Meatball Hoagies
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Party time is any time thanks to this classic make-ahead appetizer. The juicy homemade meatballs get a nutty, cheesy bite thanks to ricotta and Grana Padano cheese. Whip up a big batch and freeze until just before guests arrive. They take only 10 minutes to reheat and serve.

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Freezer Guacamole

Make-Ahead Chunky Guacamole
Credit: Karla Conrad
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Yep, guacamole is also an appetizer you can make and freeze. The next time you score a great deal on avocados, mix up a big batch, divide, and pop it in the freezer. When you're ready for a fiesta, simply thaw overnight and serve. We'll toast a margarita to that!

Buy It: Russbe Reusable Freezer Bags ($12, Target)

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Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs

Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Think you need hours to put together a fancy party appetizer? Think again. This freezable make-ahead appetizer takes just 25 minutes of prep, and they reheat in 5 minutes flat. If you're not a blue cheese fan, try swapping with feta cheese for a milder bite.

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Simple Stromboli

Simple Stromboli
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Who can say no to stromboli? Our version of the Philly original is stuffed with ham, cheese, spinach, and bell peppers. You can easily create this freezer party food with whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies are on hand.

Related: Make-Ahead Dips You Can't Resist Dunking Into

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Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce

Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce
Credit: Blaine Moats
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These easy appetizers you can freeze ahead might be the best you've ever had. Our easy pot sticker filling is packed with a bright blend of cilantro, green onion, and ginger. Cook these snacks right from the freezer for effortless entertaining.

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Oregano-Manchego Cheese Straws

Oregano-Manchego Cheese Straws
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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Wine and cheese is good. Wine and cheese staws is perfect. Just five ingredients and a quick twist is all it takes to get these make-ahead appetizers ready. Bake them for 5 to 10 minutes and watch those puff pastry appetizers turn into a crispy delight.

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Curried Carrot Butter

Curried Carrot Butter
Credit: Karla Conrad
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As good as butter is, carrot butter is a major improvement. Smear the golden goodness on baguette slices along with tangy goat cheese for our go-to party appetizer. The big-batch app makes 6 pints and lasts up to 6 months in the freezer.

Related: Try Our Delicious Customizable Freezer Jam Recipe

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Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies

Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Store-bought puff pastry is a game-changing make-ahead appetizer ingredient. Simply whip up our spicy sausage filling, freeze the pies, and bake at party time. Serve the tasty finger food with a quick three-ingredient pepper topper.

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Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups

Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups
Credit: Jason Donnelly
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These make-ahead appetizers are much better than store-bought versions, yet just as easy and delicious. Prepare these beauties up to a month ahead and freeze. Pop them in the oven just as guests arrive.

Buy It: Wilton Mini Muffin Pan  ($11, Target)

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Thai Chicken Wings

Thai Chicken Wings
Credit: Blaine Moats
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Fish sauce, ginger, and soy sauce are the keys to creating the unforgettable sweet-and-spicy kick in this Asian-inspired recipe. The make-ahead appetizer is prepped and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge the night before game day (or special occasion) and quickly bake or broil in the oven.

Related: Healthy Game-Day Snacks That Are a Guaranteed Touchdown

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Triple-Olive Tapenade

Triple-Olive Tapenade
Credit: Andy Lyons
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This savory olive tapenade just made your appetizer spread so much tastier. Serve it from the freezer with crusty bread and a smear of creamy goat cheese. It'll also make the perfect charcuterie board addition.

Buy It: Picnic Time Concavo Cheese Board Set ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)

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Italian Quiche Cups

Italian Quiche Cups
Credit: Blaine Moats
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These mini quiche cups are your party's best friend. To serve, simply thaw for a quick 15 minutes and bake for another 15 minutes before serving time. These make-ahead appetizers would also make an excellent addition to your brunch spread.

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Make-Ahead Dilled Onion Cheese Balls

Mini Cheese Balls
Credit: Andy Lyons
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Nothing says party time like a cheese ball. These make-ahead appetizers can be customized with any flavors you like. Try no-cook appetizer variations for Gouda, proscuitto-basil, or spicy taco.

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Pork and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Pork and Sweet Potato Empanadas
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
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If you like pie, turn to this savory handheld pie recipe. These flaky empanadas are stuffed with an irresistibly spicy pork filling. Raisins and sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness. Make them ahead and freeze for up to six months.

Related: How to Make Light and Flaky Empanadas Like a Pro in 4 Steps

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Crunchy Ranch Party Mix

Crunchy Ranch Party Mix
Credit: Karla Conrad
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Party mix might not seem like a make-ahead appetizer you can freeze, but this easy recipe is here to prove it. Choose a variety of your favorite crackers and cereals to coat in a delicious ranch dressing seasoning. The snack mix gets nice and toasty in your slow cooker for a low-maintenance appetizer that keeps up to 3 months in the freezer.

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker ($20, Walmart)

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    1 of 15 Ricotta Meatballs
    2 of 15 Freezer Guacamole
    3 of 15 Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs
    4 of 15 Simple Stromboli
    5 of 15 Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce
    6 of 15 Oregano-Manchego Cheese Straws
    7 of 15 Curried Carrot Butter
    8 of 15 Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
    9 of 15 Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups
    10 of 15 Thai Chicken Wings
    11 of 15 Triple-Olive Tapenade
    12 of 15 Italian Quiche Cups
    13 of 15 Make-Ahead Dilled Onion Cheese Balls
    14 of 15 Pork and Sweet Potato Empanadas
    15 of 15 Crunchy Ranch Party Mix

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