1. Artichoke spinach dip fondue
Photo, Erik Putz.
Serve this creamy fondue with artisanal breads, sweet peppers, sliced apples and pears. Get the recipe.
2. Turkish sausage rolls
Photo, Erik Putz.
When you’re prepping for a party, we love using recipes with hidden shortcuts. You can use homemade puff pastry for these rolls, but the storebought kind is just as tasty. Get the recipe.
3. Devilled eggs
The ’80s party staple is back! There are so many ways to dress up your devilled eggs (here are just a few), but we’re always partial to the ever classic version. Get the recipe.
4. Everything bagel cracker
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
These easy homemade everything bagel crackers work with dips, spreads, cheeses and more. Get the recipe.
5. Homemade lobster roll appetizers
Photo, Erik Putz.
Stuff buttery toasted buns full of tasty lobster filling and watch the disappear. Get the recipe.
6. Cranberry-almond baked brie
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
It’s not exactly make-ahead — but this 25-minute appetizer is easily put together, and well-worth stepping into the kitchen (briefly) while your guests mingle. Get the recipe.
7. Spring rolls
8. Sriracha nut mix
Photo, Erik Putz.
With a big dose of hot sauce, this nut mix will light a fire under your guests. Get the recipe.
9. Broccoli cheddar tots
Photo, Erik Putz.
Ditch the potatoes! The oven-baked broccoli cheddar tots are a light appetizer for your guests. Get the recipe.
10. Greek cheeseball
Photo, Erik Putz.
Add a homemade cheese ball to the cheese platter mix. They can be made up to three days in advance and everyone loves ’em. Get the recipe.
11. Beet hummus
Photo, Erik Putz.
12. Salmon poke with nori sheets
Bring a bit of trendy flare to your charcuterie platter: Sushi-grade salmon poke served on sheets of seaweed in place of the traditional crackers-and-salami combo (though we love both). Get the recipe.
13. Labneh dip with hazelnuts
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
This creamy cheese and yogurt dip is drizzled with olive oil and toasted hazelnuts for an elegant finish. Serve with mixed raw vegetables or crackers. Get the recipe.
14. Creamy mushroom paté
Photo, Sian Richards.
Rich and delicious, this vegetarian spread is a test kitchen favourite. You can make this paté up to two days ahead. Get the recipe.
15. Cranberry-glazed meatballs
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Easily made ahead and kept warm in the slow-cooker, these saucy meatballs are a delicious way to add some hot food to the mix, without pulling you away from the party. Get the recipe.
16. Parmesan and prosciutto-stuffed figs
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Another bite-sized, elegant snack is stuffed figs. Fresh and juicy at this time of year, their sweetness balances perfectly with thin, salty strips of prosciutto. Get the recipe.
17. Cambozola and date grilled cheese crostini
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Using a baguette instead of sandwich bread makes these mini grilled cheese the perfect appetizer size. Get the recipe.
18. Sweet and smoky kettle corn
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
What’s a party without some popcorn? To make it easy for guests to carry, set out pretty paper bags so they can grab a portion and get back to mingling. Get the recipe.
19. Chocolate sea salt almond clusters
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Each mouthful of salty-sweetness is served in a foiled wrapper, which makes it easy for guests to pick them up as they move through the party. Get the recipe.
20. Creamy shrimp salad bites
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
Salad is a no-no for stand-up parties. The golden rule: one hand for a drink, the other for a snack. But these salad bites give you the crisp crunch of a leafy salad in one easily handled endive leaf. Get the recipe.
21. Savoury caramelized onion dip
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
A party isn’t a party without dip. This elegant number stars one of our favourite ingredients — caramelized onions. Get the recipe.
22. Spanako-pizza
Photo, Roberto Caruso.
This party-worthy pizza is a stellar make-ahead dish (inspired by our favourite Greek savoury pastry). Get the recipe.
23. Smoked salmon and watercress wraps
Photo, Sian Richards.
Creamy, with a hint of spice, these smoked salmon wraps are topped with sprigs of watercress for a peppery finish. Get the recipe.
24. Crunchy olives
Crunchy olives. (Photo, Roberto Caruso.)
Briny olives are a nice addition to any charcuterie board, but we also really like the crunchy texture of these breaded, fried ones. They’re also easier to pick up. Get the recipe.
