These recipes will allow you to serve up a delicious appetizer even if you’re short on time.

Read on for our best make-ahead appetizers that’ll come to the rescue on your busiest days.

(Although you’ll have to resist eating it before your party.)

Southern Living Boat Dip ready to serve with tortilla chips

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Wrap and refrigerate the sandwiches for up to two days.

you’re free to bake the potatoes a day or two in advance to make ahead.

If you’ll be transporting them, keep the filling separate and top the eggs just before serving.

Southern Living Cheese Lover’s Snack Mix in a bowl to serve

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Cheddar Cheese Straws

Both kids and adults will love this classic snack.

Spinach-and-Vidalia Dip

Both chips and veggies are great dipping options for this spinach dip.

Boat Dip

Meet your new favorite dip.

Ham Delights

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

This zesty stir-together recipe has the flavors of ranch with diced tomatoes, cheese, and taco seasonings.

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

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Chicken Fried Mississippi Potato Logs

Credit:Excerpted from The Global Pantry Cookbook: Transform Your Everyday Cooking with Tahini, Gochujang, Miso, and Other Irresistible Ingredients by Ann Taylor Pittman and Scott Mowbray. Workman Publishing 2023.

Deviled Crab Melts

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Southern Living Fire Crackers on a tray

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Meatball Sliders with Tomato Sauce

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Southern Living Virginia Ham and Cheese Wafers on a platter to serve

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smoky snack mix in chevron cone cups

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Mushroom-Stuffed Phyllo Cups

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Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp

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Back Bean Corn Salsa

Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Old Bay Rémoulade with Crudités and Shrimp

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Classic Deviled Eggs

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Southern Living Cheese Straws on a platter to serve

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Basic Pimiento Cheese

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Texas Caviar

Credit: Southern Living

benedictine spread dip

Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist:Christine Keely Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Buttery Toasted Pecans

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Spinach and Vidalia Dip

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Cheese Dreams

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