- Marinated cheese olives from Five Heart Home
Sure, we know you could buy marinated olives at the store, but once you see how easy they are to make at home you’ll be experimenting with all kinds of unique flavor combinations. They’re the best type of make-ahead Christmas appetizers to serve classy, foodie friends (we know you have ’em 😉). - Apples on horseback from Food and Wine
Using just 3 ingredients – manchego cheese, pink lady apples, and pancetta – these hors d’oeuvres can be put together and refrigerated. Then simply grill them to perfection when ready. These would also be handy to take, ready-assembled, to a relative’s house or pot luck. - Cranberry brie pastry pinwheels from Taste of Home
Once you get into making these easy pastry pinwheels, you’ll be cooking them up all the time. Using ready-made pastry makes them super fast to put together, and they look so much fancier than they actually are. We think these would also work great with pizza flavors. - Cranberry turkey meatballs from Well Plated
Use a slow cooker to keep these meatballs warm until they’re ready to serve, or alternatively, make them in advance and then freeze the cooked meatballs ready for when you need them. - Gingered nuts from Martha Stewart
These gingered nuts will last an impressive two weeks if stored in an airtight container. Plus the fragrant, festive ginger will go down a storm with your guests at Christmas time. - Brown butter apple cheddar crescent rolls from Girl Versus Dough
These crescent roll appetizers are simpler to make ahead than they look, and were made to be enjoyed with a mug of steaming hot chocolate on Christmas morning. They’re filling and sure to please those with a sweet tooth and savory lovers alike. - Christmas tree olive cheeseball appetizer from Cafe Delites
This festive cheeseball would be a good-looking accompaniment to a low-effort antipasti appetizer plate. - Make-ahead sandwich rolls from Food Network
You always need more sandwiches than you think during the holidays. These rolls, with flavored dips, are another versatile dish to have on standby to serve as an appetizer, afternoon bite, or an on-the-go snack. - Pigs in a blanket wreath from Delish. Click here to get the recipe
Is there anything crescent rolls can’t do? This decorative take on pigs in blankets will look great on your table – until they quickly disappear that is. - Creamy spinach dip by Julie Blanner
You can make this cheesy, warm dip ahead of time and refrigerate, then heat it in the oven just before serving. It’s a tasty comfort food snack your guests will appreciate on a cold night. - Feta olive cheeseball from My Recipes
This herby green cheeseball will look right at home amongst your holiday decorations. To prep ahead, make the cheeseball the night before, then coat it on the day.
RELATED: 30 Show-stopping Christmas Desserts
We sure hope this list of easy make-ahead Christmas appetizers has given you lots of food for thought.
We love make-ahead recipes all year round for speedy cooking. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our favorite make-ahead dinner recipes! They’re tasty and freezable meals that will make evenings that bit easier!
Plus we have an epic list of make-ahead breakfasts that are just perfect for the holiday season. There are 60+ heat ‘n’eat goodies to suit every taste, including some brilliant breakfast casseroles that are ideal for throwing in the oven on a lazy morning.
What trusty recipe is your make-ahead Christmas staple? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to serve? These suggestions are practical and just plain pretty!
2 Piece Carving Set
Wooden Carving Board
Stemless Champagne Flutes
Gold Cutlery Set
Want to shop all our Christmas picks in one place? Check out our dedicated shopping page, full of all our best finds from the interwebs!
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