15 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers to Get the Party Started
That's one thing you can cross off your list!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If it feels like your front door is constantly swinging open during the busy holiday season, you're not alone. Christmastime often includes lots of excuses to host guests and welcome your friends, family, and neighbors into your home. But all this entertaining could leave you feeling a little bit stressed—for example, do you have Christmas snacks or appetizers ready at a moment's notice? Luckily, this list of make-ahead Christmas appetizers is here to help! Whether your great aunt drops by unexpectedly or you're simply looking to get a head start on your holiday to-do list, these Christmas appetizers can all be prepped and ready in advance.
Here, you'll find tons of freezer friendly ideas, like the cheesy gougères or cranberry brie bites, that'll save you time and money by skipping the store-bought freezer aisle snacks. Plus, there are plenty of make-ahead Christmas party dips—the caramelized onion dip actually tastes better when it has time to sit in the fridge. Of course, there are plenty of festive Christmas themed appetizers on this list ahead, like the Christmas crudités in the shape of a wreath or the tree-shaped deviled eggs that you can stash in your fridge a day in advance. So, when guests arrive earlier than expected to your holiday party, there's no need to stress. Just serve them on your favorite Christmas plate!
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a potluck favorite for a reason! You can store them in your fridge in an airtight container, or even keep them right on a deviled egg plate tightly wrapped with plastic wrap.
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Gougères
These fluffy cheese puffs are an elegant way to start any party. Little do your guests know that you can stash a big batch of them in the freezer!
Get the Gougères recipe.
Shrimp Dip
Whip up this nostalgic dip the day before and refrigerate it overnight. All you'll need to do is add a layer of cocktail sauce and a side of crackers for dipping.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
It doesn't get easier than these bite-sized meatballs made in a Crock-Pot! Everything gets cooked together including the sweet and tangy sauce made with sriracha and apricot preserves. Keep them in your slow cooker on low to serve them up warm.
Get the Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Cranberry Brie Bites
You can make these puff pastry bites up to a week in advance. Just leave off the cranberry sauce and pistachios until you're ready to bake.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Olive Tapenade
This spread is zippy, salty, and briny! It's perfect for adding to your holiday charcuterie board since it pairs well with creamy goat cheese and toasted baguette slices.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Festive Goat Cheese Balls
Though they only take less than 30 minutes to make, you don't need to serve these red and green goat cheese balls right aways. Simply place them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Get Ree's Festive Goat Cheese Balls recipe.
Christmas Crudités
Not only can you make this creamy, herby dip in advance, but you can also prep and cut the veggies before the holiday, too. That's one less thing to do on Christmas Day!
Get Ree's Christmas Crudités recipe.
Sausage Balls
These cheesy, savory sausage balls will come in handy all season long. You can make a big batch to keep in the freezer, then bake them or air fry them whenever the craving hits.
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
Puff pastry appetizers will be your best friend during the busy holiday season—especially since they freeze and reheat so beautifully! Here, the flaky twists are swirled with cheddar, parmesan, and seasonal apple butter.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Unlike the onion dip you might remember as a kid, this sophisticated version is made with deeply golden caramelized onions. Make it a day or two in advance since it tastes better the longer it sits.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
This bite-sized party food is both sweet and salty with a hint of spice. They can be assembled the night before and baked off just before serving.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Yes, even everyone's favorite party dip can be made in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to four days, then bake it off for a warm and bubbling appetizer served with pita wedges for scooping.
Get the Spinach-Artichoke Dip recipe.
Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball
Sweet-tart cranberries and nutty pecans make this cheese ball perfect for the holiday season. Plus, the flavors will meld together even more when it has time to sit in the fridge.
Get Ree's Cranberry-Pecan Cheese Ball recipe.
Million Dollar Dip
This dip is full of bacon and cheese so you know it'll be an instant crowd-pleaser! It's best served cold or at room temperature so you can keep it stored in the fridge.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
You Can Make These Easy Appetizers Ahead of Time
Corn Muffins with Honey Butter Are a BBQ Must
Bonne Maman's Advent Calendar Is Back for 2025
How To Make Pull-Apart Garlic-Herb Biscuits
