Whether you're having guests over to your house or need an appetizer to take along to a potluck, there are times when you need to make an appetizer ahead of time. These recipes will allow you to serve up a delicious appetizer even if you're short on time the day of the gathering where you'll be serving them. Classics like deviled eggs, pimiento cheese, and more have always been favorites of Southern hostesses not only because of how delicious they are, but also because they can be made in advance.
In addition to being able to be made ahead, these appetizers are also easy to pull together. Many of these recipes have to be chilled overnight, which makes them the perfect appetizers for when you need a make-ahead option. Read on for our best make-ahead appetizers that'll come to the rescue on your busiest days.
Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
Recipe: Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
Since this dish has to chill for at least 8 hours and preferably up to 24, it must be made ahead of time.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This big batch salsa is made to serve 12, but can be easily doubled for even larger crowds. Plus, we bet you won't mind having leftovers which can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Marinated Feta With Cherry Tomatoes
Recipe: Marinated Feta With Cherry Tomatoes
Toasted baguette slices serve as an ideal base for a tomato and cheese mixture that marinates overnight before serving.
Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp
Recipe: Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp
This remoulade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, so you can prepare it several days in advance of an event if needed.
Basic Deviled Eggs
Recipe: Basic Deviled Eggs
You can prepare deviled eggs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. If you'll be transporting them, keep the filling separate and top the eggs just before serving.
Cheddar Cheese Straws
Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Straws
Both kids and adults will love this classic snack.
Basic Pimiento Cheese
Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese
Not only is this appetizer a Southern classic, but it also requires just a few stirs to pull together.
Texas Caviar
Recipe: Texas Caviar
Although this dip is simple to pull together, we bet it'll be a bigger hit than most time-intensive appetizers.
Benedictine Spread
Recipe: Benedictine Spread
After it's prepared, this spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Buttery Toasted Pecans
Recipe: Buttery Toasted Pecans
This simple snack can be stored for up to a week and are great to have on hand for drop in guests.
Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip
Recipe: Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip
Both chips and veggies are great dipping options for this spinach dip.
Orange-Basil Yogurt Dip
Recipe: Orange-Basil Yogurt Dip
You can refrigerate this dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
Recipe: Buttermilk-Ricotta Cheese Dip
Make sure to follow the directions for this recipe and stir only when instructed for the best results.
Smoky Snack Mix
Recipe: Smoky Snack Mix
Depending on how large of a crowd you'll be serving, it may be worth doubling this homemade snack mix recipe.
Cheese Dreams
Recipe: Cheese Dreams
These cheesy bites can be stored in the freezer, just add 10 minutes to the cooking time.