20 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers to Get the Party Started

If you thought this creamy holiday dip with bacon bits and dried cranberries couldn't get any better, think again! This make-ahead Christmas appetizer takes just 20 minutes to prepare, doesn't require an oven, and can be prepped two days in advance.

Get the Holiday Pimento Cheese recipe.

Marinated shrimp is a simple (and tasty!) appetizer your holiday table needs. Since the prep involves simmering the shrimp before marinating them overnight, all of the prep happens long before your guests will arrive!

Get the Marinated Shrimp recipe.

With its cheery Christmas colors, this make-ahead appetizer certainly looks festive, but it's just as easy to prepare and distribute! Stuff the skewers up to one day in advance, pop them into the refrigerator, and drizzle them with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.