12 Make-Ahead Easter Appetizers

March 31, 2020
Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Whether you are serving an elegant, no-holds-barred Easter dinner or a casual post-egg hunt lunch, it never hurts to have a few appetizers on hand to satisfy hungry guests. These make-ahead appetizers, perfect for Easter, are easy to prepare in advance. Keep your holiday meal preparations simple with these crowd-pleasing bites. 
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Chevre and Mango Steak Bites

Annabelle Breakey
Chevre and Mango Steak Bites Recipe

Cut chilled grilled steak when ready to assemble appetizers and slice it very thinly (less than 1/4 inch, if possible). The finished appetizers can be covered and chilled for up to 6 hours.

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Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe

The mega-flavor of an everything bagel can be rolled into a savory, satisfying cheese ball that your guests are sure to love. Prep the cheese ball in advance and roll it in everything spice blend just before your friends arrive for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. 

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Leek and Broccoli Tartlets with Pancetta

Photo: John Kernick; Stylist: Alistar Turnbull/Pat Bates and Associates
Leek and Broccoli Tartlets with Pancetta Recipe
Using prebaked phyllo shells makes these tartlets a breeze. Stuff with pancetta and an egg custard filling featuring leeks, onions, and broccoli rabe for a colorful appetizer that celebrates the flavors of spring.
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Bacon-Smoked Paprika-Cheddar Bars

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck
Bacon-Smoked Paprika-Cheddar Bars Recipe
These savory cheddar bars marry the smoky flavors of bacon and paprika for an irresistible appetizer. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden, then cool on wire racks for 30 minutes. If preparing ahead of time, be sure to store bars in an airtight container.

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Savory Crisps with Bacon and Rosemary

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross    
Savory Crisps with Bacon and Rosemary Recipe
This four-ingredient appetizer couldn't be any easier. Wrap a mix of saltine and round buttery crackers in bacon, then bake until crisp and tuck a small sprig of rosemary underneath. Store in the fridge until ready to serve, then reheat.

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Pigskins in a Blanket

Photo: Quentin Bacon
Pigskins in a Blanket Recipe
Take the "pig" out of pigskins in a blanket with this kid-friendly appetizer featuring fully-cooked chicken sausages. Swapping puff pastry for crescent roll dough adds richness and flavor while keeping preparation simple.
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Wild Mushroom Bruschetta

Randy Mayor; Cindy Manning Barr
Wild Mushroom Bruschetta Recipe
This wild mushroom bruschetta calls for topping slices of toasted country bread with cooked, chopped wild mushrooms and shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

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Pickled Cherries

Pickled Cherries Recipe
Warm spices and a sweet-tart brine make these cherries ideal with duck or pork. Chop a few and add to a cream-cheese-topped biscuit with country ham for a sweet and salty Southern canapé.

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Cheesy Crustless Mini Quiches

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Lynn Miller
Cheesy Crustless Mini Quiches Recipe
These tasty mini quiches are an easy way to please a crowd. For this snack, feel free to add another type of cheese to suit your preferences, or whatever you already have in your fridge.
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Caprese Skewers

Oxmoor House
Caprese Skewers Recipe
Insalata Caprese is a simply prepared Italian salad made from vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. We've taken similar ingredients and threaded them onto wooden skewers to create these bursting-with-flavor handheld appetizers.

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Herby Lamb and Turkey Meatballs

Sara Tane
Herby Lamb and Turkey Meatballs Recipe
The possibilities are endless with these simple baked meatballs. By combining lamb and turkey, the meatballs possess that signature lamb flavor without costing an arm and a leg. If lamb isn’t your cup of tea (in terms of price or flavor), feel free to substitute for more ground turkey. Stick them with a toothpick and serve them as an easy appetizer alongside a lemony, herby yogurt dip. The fresh herbs and bold cumin pair beautifully with plain yogurt, tangy cheeses, and creamy dressings and condiments, like tahini.

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Lemon-Herb Butter

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett
Lemon-Herb Butter Recipe
Flavored butter is an elegant yet easy appetizer. Just stir together softened butter with fresh chives, parsley, and lemon zest. Refrigerate the herbed butter until ready to serve, then let soften at room temperature and pair with crackers and cut vegetables.
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