13 Make-Ahead Hors d'Oeuvres for Stress-Free Entertaining

Make this hors d'oeuvre if you're short on time. In fact, you'll only need around 10 minutes to prepare this satisfying party dip. 

Skip the last-minute fussing with these ridiculously addictive stuffed pockets that can go from oven to serving platter with no additional day-of prep needed. All you need to do is prepare the empanadas the day before your party and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. 

Talk about convenient―apricots swathed in bacon can be assembled days in advance, then cooked straight from the freezer.

Want to look like a pro? Here, frozen puff pastry dough is spread with tangy crème fraîche and topped with a sweet and savory mix of onions and apples. There is minimal prep time because the recipe uses a pre-made puff pastry and just the right amount of toppings to make this dish quick and tasty. 

Some spreads (like this goat cheese spread) actually taste better when they've had a few days to sit and "meld." So feel encouraged that you should be making this recipe ahead and not on the day of the party. 

You can cook this nut mix up to a week in advance and keep it from-the-oven fresh in an airtight container stored at room temperature.

When entertaining a large crowd, sometimes simple is better (and faster). Crostini, a cocktail-party classic, gets an upgrade with a flavorful double tomato combination.

Add a surprising twist to a familiar favorite with this gooey grilled cheese that is refreshed with a dollop of fruit chutney. Fortunately, you can make this hors d'oeuvre in minutes during a casual get together. 

Want to let the sauce shine? For an easy make-ahead hors d'oeuvres, thaw a few pounds of cooked peeled and deveined shrimp and partner the crowd-pleasing seafood bites with a stand-out orange-chili topping that can be made earlier in the day.

Remember, not everything needs to be served hot or cold to be delicious. Room-temp hors d'oeuvres that are baked in advance make the last-minute rush to assemble a non-factor. This tart can be cut into bite-sized pieces and served warm or at room temperature (and still be delicious either way). 

Aside from stirring in yogurt, herbs, and a few other ingredients, the magic of this dip is in the chimichurri. There's no need to waste time baking here. Just mix together the ingredients and serve with a side of lettuce and radishes. 

Vegetable and cheese trays can be assembled in advance—but try a classic flavor combination on a skewer for a playful twist.

To save time on this recipe, toast baguette slices in advance and store. Then mix the topping ingredients and set aside. The best part about this hors d'oeuvre idea is that you don't need to spend time topping the crostini. Leave the topping in a serving bowl for your guests to serve themselves.