13 Make-Ahead Cold Appetizer Recipes for the Busy Host (2024)

Blue-Cheese Spread

Our Blue-Cheese Spread is quick and easy, but fancy, too, and comes together with just two ingredients: cream cheese and a creamy blue cheese, such as Roquefort. They're whizzed together in the food processor and seasoned to taste. Make it ahead and stash the spread in the refrigerator until party time.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Go classic with your deviled eggs or try something different like Tomato-Pimenton Deviled Eggs. Ultimately, you can't go wrong, since these bites are a wonderful make-ahead cold appetizer—and a crowd-pleaser to boot.

Chilled Melon, Cucumber, and Mint Soup

Cucumber and honeydew melon provide vitamin C-packed flavor to this no-cook, chilled soup that's made in the blender.

Quick Shrimp Relish Tray

The genius of this appetizer is that it combines the crowd-pleasing aspects of shrimp co*cktail with the ease of a relish tray. All you have to do is put the platter together and let guests help themselves to their ideal bites. It's less work for you—and more fun for them.

As for the elements to make ahead? Prep the shrimp and refrigerate; also, make the crostini in advance, but store them in an airtight container outside of the fridge.

Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip

This delectable vegan dip is best made a day ahead to allow the rich smoky flavors to blend.

Chicken-Liver Mousse with Raspberry Jelly

Exquisite and easy, the rich combination of chicken livers and butter is beautifully complemented by sweet-tart raspberry jelly.

Beet and Tahini Dip

This bright and satisfying vegan dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to three days, so you can focus on day-of activities, such as roasting and baking, as your guests graze.

Guacamole Hummus

Two favorite party dips unite in this creamy recipe. Three cups of cilantro leaves give the dip its vivid green color.

Juniper-and-Gin Gravlax

For a spectacular make-ahead cold appetizer, nothing beats a side of cured salmon. And while it looks impressive, this Swedish-inspired dish is actually easy to make. Besides the quality salmon, the main ingredient is time: You slather the fish with a salty-sweet spice mix and let it hang out in the refrigerator for three days.

8-Layer Dip

Whether it's a backyard barbecue, game day, or birthday party, you can't go wrong with this layered taco dip. Refried beans, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, avocado, scallions, canned green chiles, sour cream, and shredded lettuce make up the enticing layers.

Pan-Roasted Marinated Mushrooms

They take about 15 minutes to make and need at least an hour to sit before serving, but these marinated mushrooms taste even better when made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Serve this easy cold appetizer with buttery crackers and a selection of cheeses.

Grilled-Vegetable Agrodolce

Grill the eggplants and squashes for this agrodolce, then toss them with a sweet-and-sour marinade full of plump raisins and briny capers. They can be prepped the day before and refrigerated. All that's left to do is toast some crusty Italian bread before serving—and raise a glass.

Mixed Olive Tapenade

Spoon it onto pita bread, pile it on slices of fresh mozzarella, or just let guests dig in with a toothpick. This blend of mixed olives, anchovies, and capers is the salty, savory make-ahead bite that we just can't get enough of.