The best hors d'oeuvres don’t require hours of kitchen prep while your guests mingle—what you really need are recipes you can make ahead and simply serve when it’s time. These make-ahead appetizers not only save you time but also let you truly enjoy the event you’ve worked so hard to put together. We’ve gathered 20 quick, easy, and delicious hors d’oeuvres recipes to help you impress your guests without the stress. Choose your favorites and wow everyone with minimal effort!

01/20 Fish Antipasto Board

This fish antipasto board may have a few components, but the best part? The smoked trout spread can be made up to three days in advance, leaving you with nothing to do but assemble this stunning dish when it’s time to entertain. For even less stress, prep your vegetables ahead of time. This way, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests' company.

02/20 Herby Yogurt Dip

This tasty herby yogurt dip is perfect for making ahead of time. To keep it fresh, store the herb mixture and yogurt base separately, and then combine them just before serving. Once mixed, this dip is fantastic with crunchy veggies or even potato chips. A simple, flavorful treat your guests will love!

03/20 Pepper and Chive Biscuits

These biscuits are packed with the flavors of sour cream and onion chips, featuring zesty chives, tangy buttermilk, and a hint of onion. You can make the dough, shape the biscuits, and then freeze them for later. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, simply bake them as directed—just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as the dough is frozen.

04/20 Roasted Garlic Hummus with Jammy Tomatoes

While this dish might seem like it has too many parts to make ahead, it’s actually simple to prepare up to three days in advance. Just keep the hummus and tomato topping in separate containers in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, let everything sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for the best flavor, then enjoy!

05/20 Crispy Falafel Bites

Make these delicious falafel bites ahead by preparing everything except for the searing. Simply mix chickpea flour, canned chickpeas, cilantro, onion, herbs, and other ingredients to form the patties. Don't forget to prepare the tangy tzatziki sauce and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just cook the patties in batches for three minutes per side, plate them with the tzatziki, and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

06/20 Marinated Shrimp & Succotash Toasts

Here’s a no-cook, make-ahead appetizer that's perfect for stress-free entertaining! Prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time, either the night before or a few hours prior, and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, simply toast the bread, spread your favorite store-bought pesto, and top with the marinated shrimp and fresh basil leaves. The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be. Enjoy this easy, vibrant appetizer!

07/20 Apple Cheddar Biscuits

These delicious apple and cheddar biscuits are perfect for make-ahead prep! Assemble the biscuits and freeze them unbaked for up to two weeks. Just wrap them tightly to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet with minimal effort!

08/20 Charred Poblano, Avocado, and Pepita Dip

This flavorful dip is perfect for prepping ahead! Simply make the dip portion with charred poblano peppers, avocado, scallions, cilantro, and lime juice, then refrigerate until ready to serve. About 30 minutes before you're ready to dig in, take it out of the fridge and top with toasted pepitas and a drizzle of olive oil. This vibrant dip will impress your guests with minimal effort!

09/20 Pork and Spinach Dumplings

Dumplings are a great make-ahead appetizer, and this pork and spinach version is no exception. Simply fill and seal the dumplings, then freeze them for later. When you're ready to serve, cook them straight from the freezer for about 10 minutes. While they cook, prepare a simple dipping sauce to serve on the side. These delicious dumplings are perfect for dipping and enjoy fresh out of the pan!

10/20 Grilled Eggplant and Red Pepper Dip

This vibrant dip is a versatile treat that pairs well with anything you want to dunk, and the best part is it can be made ahead. With ingredients like red bell peppers, eggplant, garlic, smoked paprika, and nuts, this dip packs a punch of flavor. Prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes and enjoy!

11/20 Make-Ahead Holiday Salad

This holiday salad is a game-changer for stress-free entertaining. Packed with hearty ingredients like kale and Brussels sprouts, it holds up well with dressing, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time. Whether you're hosting a big gathering or a cozy get-together, this veggie-filled salad will save you time and still impress your guests!

12/20 Chimichurri-Yogurt Dip

This easy, no-bake dip combines the freshness of yogurt with the bold flavors of chimichurri. Simply mix the ingredients together, and you're ready to serve it with crunchy lettuce and radishes for a delicious, hassle-free appetizer. Perfect for quick entertaining!

13/20 Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these crispy, homemade potato chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Add your favorite seasonings, like paprika, chili powder, rosemary, or onion powder, to mix things up. Bonus: These chips are vegan-friendly!

14/20 Easy Homemade Mild Salsa

If you prefer a mild salsa, simply remove the jalapeño seeds; keep them in if you enjoy a spicier kick. This fresh, homemade salsa can be prepared up to five days in advance, but for the best flavor, aim to serve it within a few days. Pair with your favorite tortilla chips for the perfect snack!

15/20 Whipped Ricotta

Whipped ricotta is a quick and easy spread that comes together in minutes using just a few ingredients. For an effortless hors d'oeuvre, prepare the whipped ricotta a day or two in advance. When ready to serve, spread it on crusty bread and drizzle with olive oil and flaky salt. Alternatively, serve the ricotta in a bowl topped with pomegranate seeds and mint, with pita chips for dipping.

16/20 Toasted Israeli Couscous with Corn and Herbs

This vibrant salad features Israeli couscous, which is larger and lighter than traditional couscous, though you can substitute with Moroccan couscous if needed. The dish includes onions, corn, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy dill vinaigrette. To make it ahead, cook the onions and set them aside. Then, prepare the couscous and mix it with the onions and corn. Just before serving, stir in basil, chives, dill, vinegar, pepper, olive oil, and salt. Toss everything together for a refreshing and flavorful dish.

17/20 Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia

This fragrant and savory focaccia requires some time but minimal effort—about 10 hours, with just 30 minutes of active preparation. After baking, brush the focaccia with garlic- and rosemary-infused olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. Serve it in strips alongside a balsamic and olive oil dip, olive tapenade, or whipped feta cheese for a delightful hors d'oeuvre that will impress your guests.

18/20 Kiwi-Cucumber Relish

This unique relish combines the sweetness and texture of kiwi with the refreshing crunch of cucumber, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Prepare it a day or two ahead of time and serve it with crunchy pita chips or bruschetta for a delightful hors d'oeuvre. Leftover relish? It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken for a flavorful twist.

19/20 Spicy Deviled Eggs

These spicy deviled eggs are perfect for any party, game day, or as a must-have for Easter. To prep ahead, boil and peel the eggs a day or two in advance. When it’s time to serve, simply cut the eggs in half, scoop out the yolks, and mix them with pimentos, cheddar, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cayenne, and salt. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites, garnish with a dash of cayenne, and you're ready to impress!

20/20 Bacon-Wrapped Apricots with Sage

These bacon-wrapped apricots with sage are the ultimate convenience appetizer. You can assemble them days in advance and store them in the freezer. When it's time to serve, simply cook straight from the freezer. Add toothpicks for easy serving, and enjoy this savory treat that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!