Our Best Portable Appetizers

Traditional Hummus

When you take a dip to a party, it's a good idea to take a thick dip that's not likely to slosh out of the dish during transport. A creamy, garlicky bean dip like this one is ideal, especially since it's supposed to stand at room temperature about 30 minutes before serving. Just bring along a bag of pita chips for dippers.

Recipe: Traditional Hummus

Smoked Salmon-Cardamom Spread

Even though this make-ahead spread is super easy, the smoked salmon adds a bit of sophistication. You can't go wrong when you show up with this tasty salmon appetizer, and you an be assured that you won't be taking any back home.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon-Cardamom Spread

Savory Spiced Shortbreads

These savory shortbread rounds will be a welcome addition to any party and are sturdy enough to travel. In addition to the batch you're bringing for guest to enjoy, package a few extra in a decorative box and give as a hostess gift along with a bottle of wine.

Recipe: Savory Spiced Shortbreads

Artichoke and Fennel Caponata

Because this chunky vegetable spread can be served at room temperature or chilled, it's a great recipe to take to a party. Serve with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread slices.

Recipe: Artichoke and Fennel Caponata

Asian-Spiced Pecans

Freeze a batch of these at the start of the holiday season, and you'll always have finger food ready to go – they'll keep in your freezer for up to a month. For easy transport, just put them in a glass jar and take an extra one to leave as gift for your host.

Recipe: Asian-Spiced Pecans

Garlicky Spinach Dip with Hearts of Palm

This thick, hearty dip is definately travel worthy. If your trip is under 15 minutes, go ahead and bake it before you leave the house and it'll be fine when you arrive.

Recipe: Garlicky Spinach Dip with Hearts of Palm

Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas

Our savory little frittatas can be prepared up to a month in advance and frozen until ready to use, when they'll just need a quick reheat in your host's oven.

Recipe: Mini Bacon and Potato Frittatas

Chipotle Shrimp Cups

The components of this deceptively easy appetizer can be prepared the night before. Then, just assemble and heat before you hit the road or when you arrive at your destination.

Recipe: Chipotle Shrimp Cups

Curried Crab Spread

This tangy seafood spread with crostini is an all-around schedule-saver–you can prepare it up to two days in advance of your party and whisk it right out the door. To save even more time, serve with crackers instead of baking the bread slices for the crostini.

Recipe: Curried Crab Spread

Olive and Onion Tapenade

Transform the party olive tray into a tasty, take-along tapenade. Serve this pungent, salty spread with baguette slices and crudités.

Recipe: Olive and Onion Tapenade

Baked Beef Empanadas

You have a choice with these to-go appetizers – serve them at room temperature or reheat at your destination. Guests will devour them either way.

Recipe: Baked Beef Empanadas

Country Chicken Pâté

You can't go wrong with an appetizer that's served at room temperature. This rich-and-creamy spread is best accompanied by a French bread baguette, coarse-grained mustard, and crunchy gherkins.

Recipe: Chicken Pâté

More Holiday Appetizers

Kick up your gatherings with some of our best holiday starters.

• Snack Mixes
• 10 Favorite Chips & Dips Appetizers
• Editor Favorites: Appetizers and Cocktails
• Dazzling Hors d'Oeuvres
• Appetizer Recipes