13 Fantastic Make-Ahead Holiday Appetizers

Mix your lobster salad and brown the bread cups in advance, so all you have to do is spoon and serve these delightful East Coast bites.

Vibrant beets shine in this show-stopping appetizer. Everyone will be reaching for this bright and tasty app as the vibrant hued dip stands out on your table.

Sweet, spicy, smoky and salty – what more can you ask for in one bite? These delicious sesame-seed topped slices get crispier as they cool, which means you can definitely bake them up long before guests arrive. Plus you’ll fill your house with the mouthwatering scent of bacon. Bonus!

Salty salami can be baked hours before your party because it needs time to cool. Your filling is at its best too once the flavours have melded, making this the ultimate make-ahead bite.

Take the worry out of dietary restrictions by assembling a DIY or d’oeuvre spread. Prep each piece ahead of time, then assemble on a sheet pan or tray and store in the fridge. When guests arrive, present this impressive spread and prepare for applause.

If there’s one thing kids love more than food on a stick, it’s dip! These colourful donair skewers filled with lettuce, pita, tomato and cubes of seasoned ground beef make snacking a fun affair. Opt out of the pearl onions for an onion-free meal and slice the tomatoes before skewering for the little ones.

Bring this classic comfort food out of the past and into your party this holiday season. Bake these little bacon-peppered bites the day before then pop in the oven for a quick re-heat so they’ll be piping-hot as everyone arrives.

Turmeric gives these tasty bites a bright, golden hue. The cool yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to this warm and flavourful appetizer or side dish.

Kick your snacking up a notch with this spicy guac from The Pioneer Woman that includes both jalapenos and chipotle peppers.

This savoury cheesecake can be served as a creative appetizer with a side salad or as an ending to a warm winter meal.

Pair with some crackers and crusty bread for a super simple homemade appetizer you can nibble on until everyone arrives with their dishes.

Whether you make the pastry from scratch or opt for the store-bought stuff, these scrumptious mini versions of the Québécois classic will be devoured fast.

A tasty little holiday bite that has all the best flavours of the season, made with ingredients both you – and your waistline – will love.