18 Easy Freezer-Friendly Make-Ahead Appetizers

Party planning can be enjoyable, but it can also cause the best of us to become frantic at the last minute. There is much to think about, from decorations, party games, costumes, and, most importantly, snacks! No party is a party without a table of delicious crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Save yourself the last-minute rush and get ahead with some make-ahead freezer appetizers to satisfy your family and friends. When arranged in advance, even weeks before the big day, your early and easy prepping for entertaining will save you time and last-minute spending on convenience foods. Best of all, when the event day arrives, you can pour yourself a mocktail and do minimal prep for maximum enjoyment.

Plan your stash of freezer-friendly party snacks with these ideas, all of which can be frozen for up to three months. On the day, cook or reheat them according to the recipe instructions, and they're ready to go!

Gluten-free snacks

• Stuffed mushrooms: From spinach and artichoke dip to parmesan & herb fillings, stuffed mushrooms offer a tasty mix of textures and flavors. Prep the filling, stuff the mushrooms, then freeze them unbaked. On party day, top with some fresh cheese and bake the stuffed mushrooms according to your recipe. Many recipes use cream cheese or butter but substitute for a vegan diet.
• Asian chicken lettuce wraps: Prepare the filling of ground chicken, mushrooms, and water chestnuts ahead of time, along with the spicy hoisin sauce. On the day, heat your filling and assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving for a fresh and zesty appetizer.

• Potato puffs: Flavor mashed potato with various herbs, cheeses, or spices. Pipe them onto a tray and freeze. When your guests are about to arrive, baste the frozen puffs in butter and bake until golden. 

Vegetarian & vegan appetizers

• Jalapeno poppers: Crumbed chili poppers are versatile for any diet and preference. Once stuffed and crumbed, poppers can be frozen before or after baking. On the day, thaw, bake, and serve with a blue cheese or ranch dip. 

• Spanakopita triangles: Assemble these Greek spinach and feta phyllo pastries and freeze them on the baking sheet before baking. On the day, bake from frozen until crispy and golden. These savory and crunchy triangles make a real crowd-pleaser.

• Buffalo cauliflower wings: Prepare and bake the crumbed cauliflower florets until toasty and golden. To enjoy later, freeze in a single layer once cooled and then store in a freezer bag. To prepare on party day, place frozen cauliflower wings on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven until warmed for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size. Serve with a BBQ dipping sauce.

• Corn muffins: Prepare and bake a corn muffin batch and freeze once cooled. Defrost and reheat for a moist, fluffy, sweet, and savory flavor that is sure to please. Add your favorite herbs or a handful of cheese to the mix - extra yummy.

• Frozen gazpacho shooters: Prepare small portions of gazpacho soup, freeze in shot glasses, allow to thaw in the fridge, and serve for a chilled, zesty appetizer. The flavor options are endless.

• Hand pies: Make individual-sized hand pies, freeze them, and bake them on the day for a hearty and comforting appetizer. Fillings can be varied to suit your guests, from lentil dahl to mushrooms and cheese, or Morrocan chickpea. 

Meaty finger-foods

• Buffalo chicken meatballs: These spicy meatballs are perfect for a game day or casual gathering. Once cooked, cool and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve with a blue cheese or ranch dip.

• Mini quiches: Customize mini quiches with various fillings like ham and cheese, mushroom and bacon, or sun-dried tomato and feta. These can be baked, cooled, frozen, and baked until golden on the day. 

• Pigs in a blanket: Wrap cooked cocktail sausages in biscuit or croissant dough and freeze. When game day arrives, reheat the frozen bite-sized snacks in the oven or air-frier.

• Creamy liver paté: Make as usual, seal in an airtight container, and freeze until your event. Defrost in the freezer overnight; when ready to serve, side with salty crackers or toast.

• Pizza pinwheels: With topping options from various cheeses, herbs, tomato paste, and pepperoni, pizza pinwheels are a sure-fire party hit! Make the pinwheels as usual, baking them until golden and flakey. Allow them to cool before freezing. When the party guests are on their way, return them to the oven to warm and crisp up! Serve with a marinara dip.

Sweet treats

• Frozen fruit skewers: A refreshing and healthy option, these fruit skewers can be enjoyed straight from the freezer. Drizzle some chocolate on the top for some decadence. 
• Ice pops: For summer or springtime get-togethers, ice pops, and other cool treats are essential! Plan by doubling up on your morning smoothies and freezing healthy pops in your lolly molds long before you need them for your guests. 
• Homemade pancakes: Bake your pancakes and freeze them separately on parchment paper. Frozen pancakes defrost quickly and retain their fluffy and tasty interiors once reheated. Stack them with your favorite pancake toppings and set them on a colorful platter for happy, hungry faces. Try making tiny pancakes and skewer them with fresh fruit and a maple syrup drizzle. 
• Frozen yogurt bites: Freeze small spoonfuls of yogurt with chopped fruit, seeds, raisins, honey, or nuts for a cold and chewy appetizer. Great for the kids and healthy, too!

Plan your freezer feast and enjoy the party!

Freezer-friendly party snacks are a game-changer for party planning. By reducing your stress, saving you time, and offering an array of delicious options, they are a must for any party planner. 

We love a good party! We have loads of tips for various events and holidays and ideas for family bonding weekends that are affordable and fun. Enjoy every event and plan your next party with the confidence that stress-free appetizer planning brings to the table.

If you are concerned about your next gathering breaking the bank, check out our Coupon Book Finder to see whether the book with the best deals and savings is delivered in your area.