5+ Easy, 15-Minute Make-Ahead Appetizer Recipes

10 Easy, 15-Minute Appetizers You Can Make Ahead

Published on November 19, 2023

a step in making the Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios & Honey

Get ahead of the day-of frenzy with these mouthwatering appetizers. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, birthday or any other occasion, you’ll thank yourself for having made such a flavorful dish for the function. Recipes like our Garlic Hummus and Whipped Cottage Cheese take only 15 minutes or less to prepare and can be made days in advance.

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Light & Airy Whipped Cottage Cheese

Give this whipped cottage cheese recipe your own spin by making it with your favorite fresh herbs. You can use it as a dip with fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.

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Pimiento Cheese

a recipe photo of the Pimento Cheese Dip — Photographer: Rachel Marek, Prop stylist: Lauren McAnelly

Aleppo pepper, a mild and fruity chile, is unusual yet a good fit for pimiento cheese in this easy twist on the classic Southern cheese dip. Ancho chile or even hot sauce works as well. Add this homemade pimiento cheese to a charcuterie board spread, use it in a sandwich or serve alongside cut veggies for a dip.

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Garlic Hummus

This garlic hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!

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Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios & Honey

This easy, quick appetizer is perfect for any gathering. Be sure to process the feta and cream cheese together until you see a smooth texture and ribbons start to form. Doing so will ensure any bits of feta are broken down, and you’ll avoid a grainy texture. The drizzle of hot honey adds a pleasant spice and plays well with the salty pistachios, but you could substitute regular honey or date syrup if preferred.

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Garlic-Chile Marinated Olives

Simply pour warm aromatic oil over a selection of olives to infuse them with loads of flavor fast. These olives are a wonderful easy party appetizer—add any leftovers to salads or simply snack on them.

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Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

This stunning yet easy appetizer recipe infuses creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with whole-grain crackers and cut-up vegetables or use as a spread for sandwiches or sauce for pasta.

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

A quick spread of pimiento cheese stuffs these mini bell peppers for an easy, three-ingredient appetizer.

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Olive Tapenade

Head to the olive bar at your grocery store to get a mix of brined and oil-cured olives for more complex flavor. Moroccan (Beldi), Kalamata, Niçoise and Castelvetrano make a nice combo.

Olive Tapenade

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Avocado-Yogurt Dip

Update your guacamole recipe by adding protein-packed yogurt to make a healthy dip recipe. For an extra kick, add minced jalapeño or your favorite hot sauce for some zing! Serve this healthy dip recipe with crunchy vegetables, pita chips or pretzels, or use as a sandwich spread.

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Creamy Spinach Dip

Try this light spinach dip made healthier with reduced-fat cream cheese, nonfat yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream. It will save you a whopping 84 calories and 10 grams of fat per serving when compared to traditional versions. Serve it with pita chips and crunchy vegetables or spread it on a sandwich.

Creamy Spinach Dip

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