Not sure what to bring to a party that you’re traveling to?
Here are 17 easy make ahead appetizers that travel well and can be served cold or at room temperature so that you never have to come to a party empty-handed ever again!
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If you’re anything like me, you get a little stressed when asked to bring an appetizer to a party. What can I make that is both easy to make and will travel well?
Well, fear not!
I have put together a list of 17 EASY recipes make ahead appetizers that travel well and are sure to become a crowd favorite.
What are some things to keep in mind when planning appetizers to take to a party?
When planning appetizers to take to a party, keep food safety in mind. Choose an appetizer that can be kept hot or cold on the road, or served at room temperature in case an oven isn’t available to use at your hosts’ house.
You may want to consider freezing the appetizer and then thawing it out in a cooler as you travel. Additionally, make sure to take into account any dietary restrictions of your fellow party-goers.
From dips and spreads to finger foods and easy cold appetizers, I’ve got you covered. So the next time you are faced with bringing food to a party, take a look at this list of portable appetizers and choose something that fits your needs or any requests from the host.
Cold appetizers that travel well
Here are some easy cold appetizer recipes and finger foods that can simply be made, placed on a serving plate, covered in plastic wrap, and simply unwrapped and served at the location of the party.
1. Loaded Cheese Ball
This easy recipe features a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, walnuts, and dried beef that’s shaped into a delicious ball of goodness and then topped with some green onions. Simply wrap it in some plastic wrap and bring it to a party. You can keep it in the fridge until ready to serve or simply serve at room temperature.
Make sure to also bring some crackers or fresh veggies for the guests to scoop up the cheese ball.
Recipe: Bitz & Giggles
Related: 17 Crazy Cool Ritz Cracker Treats
2. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is the perfect appetizer for game day, family get-togethers, or the holiday season! Shredded chicken is mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch mix dressing and seasoned with hot sauce, blue cheese, and green onions. It’s perfect with tortilla chips, crackers, or celery sticks.
Recipe: Saporito Kitchen
Related Post: 13 Mini Crockpot Dip Recipes
3. Fresh Corn Salsa
I love simple recipes like this fresh corn salsa that only use a few common ingredients but are always a hit with everyone! Simply serve with some tortilla chips for a tasty appetizer that travels well.
Recipe: I Heart Eating
Related Post: 30+ Make-ahead Freezable Appetizers
4. Beet Hummus
Beetroot dip, or hummus, is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy one of the earth’s finest vegetables. This vibrant pink dip is perfect for any party or gathering, and is sure to be a hit. Serve the creamy hummus with some pita chips, fresh veggies, and crackers, or use as a spread.
Recipe: The Salt and Sweet
Related: 50 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers for a Party
Pinwheel Wraps
Pinwheels are a great option for easy make-ahead appetizers as they taste great when served cold, can be easily transported, and are a bite-sized treat that are made with a flour tortilla that’s filled with a creamy filling, and always a total crowd-pleaser.
5. Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Roll Ups
Recipe: From Valerie’s Kitchen
Related: 17 Easy Party Food For a Crowd Cheap Recipes
6. Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Recipe: Will Cook for Smiles
7. Mediterranean Pinwheels
Recipe: Savor The Best
Related Post: 15 Easy No-Cook Finger Food Recipes
Skewers
Need a last minute appetizer made from ingredients you most likely already have in your fridge? Skewers or kabobs are your best friend!
They are easy cold appetizers that can be made ahead and customized to your liking. Here are 3 skewers recipes to choose from:
8. Antipasto Skewers
Recipe: From Valeries Kitchen
Related: 17 Simple Cold Appetizers on a Stick
9. Salad Kabobs
Recipe: Sunglow Kitchen
Related: 45 Bite-Sized Appetizers for Your Party
10. Fresh Fruits on Skewers
Recipe: Spend With Pennies
Related: Light Appetizers To Serve Before A Heavy Meal
Make ahead room temperature appetizers:
These appetizers taste best when served at room temperature or slightly heated up for a few minutes if you have an oven available.
11. Rolo Stuffed Ritz Crackers
These caramel and chocolate stuffed rolo treats can be made up to 3 days in advance and are perfect for serving at room temperature.
Recipe: OhClary
12. Whipped Feta Dip
This flavorful dip is a quick 5-minute recipe that looks super elegant and is perfect for bringing to fancy events.
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this unique dip recipe including feta cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, lemon, and some grape or cherry tomatoes to top.
Serve with pita wedges, crostini, crackers, and veggie sticks. The whipped feta dip would also be perfect to be served as the star on a cheese board.
Recipe: Herbs & Flour
Related: 20+ Appetizers With Ground Beef
13. Taco Pinwheels
Delicious pinwheels stuffed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese topped with your favorite taco toppings. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than a regular taco, these taco roll-ups have come to blow your mind and impress all the party guests!
Recipe: Love From The Oven
Related: 27 Winter Finger Food Ideas for Parties
14. Rachel Rays Swiss Bacon Dip
This creamy dip is the perfect combination of savory and salty, with a bit of a kick from the horseradish!
If you want a dip recipe that will have your guests scraping the bowl for the last drop and asking you for the recipe, try this easy appetizer recipe!
Recipe: Get On My Plate
Related: Best Game Day Appetizers and Easy Finger Foods
15. Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites
Delicious finger food bites made with store-bought puff pastry. It features classic Christmas ingredients such as brie cheese, cranberry sauce, fig jam, and walnuts and would be perfect at serving at a holiday gathering.
Recipe: Simply Scrumptious
Related Post: 25 Christmas Finger Food Recipes
16. Garlic Knots
Little strips of dough that are knotted up and topped with a garlic parmesan cheese topping and baked to golden brown perfection. Serve with some tomato sauce for a satisfying snack.
Recipe: Love From The Oven
Related: 25 Savoury Puff Pastry Appetizers
17. Sushi Bake Cupcakes
Indulge in Baked Sushi Cups, a unique twist on a classic favorite. These delicious sushi-inspired appetizers offer a delightful and innovative way to enjoy sushi at your next gathering or party. Plus, they are so easy to make ahead in large quantities thanks to the use of a muffin pan!
Recipe: OhClary
18. Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This portable appetizer is the easiest dip you could ever make and it’s super easy to transport in your crockpot. Simply dump all of the ingredients into your crockpot, set it to cook, and when ready, take the whole crock pot to the party and plug it in to keep warm. Serve with some pita chips or crackers and watch how everyone will want to try this delicious creamy and cheesy dip!
Easy Recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip
19. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
These delicious steak bites in a garlic butter sauce are the perfect easy manly appetizers for Game Day or any other party where there are lots of meat lovers.
They are super easy to transport and will be sure to be a huge crowd-pleaser!
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Appetizer Recipe
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Yield: 12
15 Make Ahead Appetizers That Travel Well (Easy Recipes)
No one wants to show up to a party empty handed. These 15 easy make ahead appetizers that travel well will make you the MVP of any party! All of these recipes can be made in advance and are sure to please any crowd.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Ingredients
- Loaded Cheese Ball
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Fresh Corn Salsa
- Beet Hummus
- Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Roll Ups
- Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Mediterranean Pinwheels
- Antipasto Skewers
- Salad Kabobs
- Fresh Fruits on Skewers
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Taco Pinwheels
- Rachel Rays Swiss Bacon Dip
- Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites
- Garlic Knots
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe for portable appetizers from the article.
- Click on the link to get the full recipe.
- Cook and enjoy the delicious treats!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 188Total Fat: 13gCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 15g
The nutritional information is based on the Buffalo Chicken Dip (#2 recipe on the list)
And there you have it.
15 delicious & easy appetizers that travel well to bring to your next party!
What do you think are the best appetizers that travel well to bring to a party?
Let me know in the comments down below.
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About the author, Clary KingsleyI'm a DIY-loving millennial with a passion for cozy home decor and cooking healthy, mouthwatering meals. My adventurous spirit leads me to explore creative ways of making money online, like selling printables and crafts. Join me on this exciting journey as I share my enthusiasm and zest for life! 