14 Make-Ahead Appetizers to Freeze for Easy Entertaining

Stock your freezer now and you'll be ready to party later.

Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
Photo: Andy Lyons

Planning ahead is a must for 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.

01 of 14

Ricotta Meatballs

Ricotta Meatball Hoagies
Andy Lyons

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.

02 of 14

Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs

Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs
Jason Donnelly

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.

03 of 14

Simple Stromboli

Simple Stromboli
Andy Lyons

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 make-ahead appetizer to freeze with whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies are on hand.

04 of 14

Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce

Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce
Blaine Moats

These easy make-ahead appetizers to freeze 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.

05 of 14

Oregano-Manchego Cheese Straws

Oregano-Manchego Cheese Straws
Jason Donnelly

Wine and cheese is good. Wine and cheese staws is perfect. Just five ingredients and a quick twist are all it takes to prepare these make-ahead appetizers to freeze. Bake them for 5 to 10 minutes and watch those puff pastry appetizers turn into a crispy delight.

06 of 14

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Rachel Marek and Emily Hemmingsen

Each of these pretzel bites is stuffed with cheddar cheese and jalapeno slices. To freeze them, let them cool completely once baked and place them in a freezer bag for up to six months. Serve the bites warm with mustard.

07 of 14

Curried Carrot Butter

Curried Carrot Butter
Karla Conrad

As good as butter is, carrot butter is a major improvement. We smear the golden goodness on baguette slices and 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.

08 of 14

Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies

Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
Andy Lyons

Store-bought puff pastry is a game-changing make-ahead appetizer ingredient. 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.

09 of 14

Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups

Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups
Jason Donnelly

These are easy and delicious make-ahead appetizers to freeze, and they're much better than store-bought versions. Prepare these beauties up to a month ahead and freeze. Pop them in the oven just as guests arrive.

10 of 14

Spanakopita

Spanakopita
Adam Albright Photography Inc.

Frozen phyllo dough is the key to making these flaky spinach pastries. Stuff the dough with a mix of spinach, cheese, oregano, and onion. You'll want to freeze these before baking to ensure they stay nice and crispy when serving.

11 of 14

Italian Quiche Cups

Italian Quiche Cups
Blaine Moats

These mini quiche cups are your party's best friend. To serve, 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
Andy Lyons

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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Crunchy Ranch Party Mix

Crunchy Ranch Party Mix
Karla Conrad

Party mix might not seem like a make-ahead appetizer to 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.

14 of 14

Steamed Dumplings

Steamed Dumplings
Andy Lyons

Juicy dumplings are one of our favorite things to keep tucked in the freezer. Customize these with one of our flavorful fillings. Choose from ginger-pork, lemon veggie, shrimp scampi, and more.

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