Planning ahead is a must for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even a small cocktail hour with friends. That's why stocking up on freezer party food is always a good idea.
With these delicious make-ahead appetizers you can freeze, you'll always be ready for party time. Read on for homemade bites such as meatballs, snack mix, and even guacamole.
Ricotta Meatballs
Party time is any time, thanks to this classic make-ahead appetizer. The juicy homemade meatballs get a nutty, cheesy bite thanks to ricotta and Grana Padano cheese. Whip up a big batch and freeze until just before guests arrive. They take only 10 minutes to reheat and serve.
Blue Cheese and Pine Nut Puffs
Think you need hours to put together a fancy party appetizer? Think again. This freezable make-ahead appetizer takes just 25 minutes of prep, and they reheat in 5 minutes flat. If you're not a blue cheese fan, try swapping with feta cheese for a milder bite.
Simple Stromboli
Who can say no to stromboli? Our version of the Philly original is stuffed with ham, cheese, spinach, and bell peppers. You can easily create this make-ahead appetizer to freeze with whatever meats, cheeses, and veggies are on hand.
Spicy Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger and Green Onion Dipping Sauce
These easy make-ahead appetizers to freeze might be the best you've ever had. Our easy pot sticker filling is packed with a bright blend of cilantro, green onion, and ginger. Cook these snacks right from the freezer for effortless entertaining.
Potato Pierogi
This dumpling recipe is stuffed with fluffy mashed potatoes, cream cheese, and onion that's been cooked in butter. The mixture is stuffed into a homemade dough and folded into half circle shapes. Freeze for up to three months before cooking.
Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Each of these pretzel bites is stuffed with cheddar cheese and jalapeno slices. To freeze them, let them cool completely once baked and place them in a freezer bag for up to six months. Serve the bites warm with mustard.
Curried Carrot Butter
As good as butter is, carrot butter is a major improvement. We smear the golden goodness on baguette slices and tangy goat cheese for our go-to party appetizer. The big-batch app makes 6 pints and lasts up to 6 months in the freezer.
Chorizo-Pepper Hand Pies
Store-bought puff pastry is a game-changing make-ahead appetizer ingredient. Whip up our spicy sausage filling, freeze the pies, and bake at party time. Serve the tasty finger food with a quick three-ingredient pepper topper.
Ham and Swiss Quiche Cups
These are easy and delicious make-ahead appetizers to freeze, and they're much better than store-bought versions. Prepare these beauties up to a month ahead and freeze. Pop them in the oven just as guests arrive.
Make-Ahead Dilled Onion Cheese Balls
Nothing says party time like a cheese ball. These make-ahead appetizers can be customized with any flavors you like. Try no-cook appetizer variations for Gouda, proscuitto-basil, or spicy taco.
Sausage and Potato Mini Egg Bakes
These make-ahead egg bites are loaded with turkey sausage, hash brown potatoes, and veggies. They're great for a brunch gathering or as a twist on the classic mini quiche. They'll last in the freezer for up to one month.
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Bring the restaurant favorite home with this make-ahead mozzarella stick recipe. We'll show you how to perfectly coat the cheese sticks with breadcrumbs including tips for storing them in the freezer for up to one month.
Italian Quiche Cups
These mini quiche cups are your party's best friend. To serve, thaw for a quick 15 minutes and bake for another 15 minutes before serving time. These make-ahead appetizers would also make an excellent addition to your brunch spread.
Steamed Dumplings
Juicy dumplings are one of our favorite things to keep tucked in the freezer. Customize these with one of our flavorful fillings. Choose from ginger-pork, lemon veggie, shrimp scampi, and more.
Chicken-Zucchini Meatballs
This make-ahead meatball recipe is extra flavorful and juicy thanks to the addition of shredded zucchini. It's mixed up with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. As one BHG reviewer raved, "Delicious, and such a quick recipe. I made meatball subs out of them. In making more meatballs tomorrow to freeze. I'm definitely going to keep this recipe tucked."
Japanese Pan-Fried Chicken Gyoza
You'll need ground chicken, shredded napa cabbage, and shallot for the filling. Tamari, mirin, and sesame oil add flavor the mix. We'll show you how to fill and fold the wrappers to create the freezer-ready dumplings.
