15 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers - (Perfect to serve at room temperature)

Whether you're planning for the holiday season or need a fresh idea for your next party, these make ahead appetizers will satisfy your party guests. These easy room temperature appetizer recipes are perfect for a cocktail party, summer party, holiday dinner or anytime you need some last minute appetizer ideas.

Make ahead cold and room temperature appetizers are the key to spending more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. The holiday season is party season and I'm always on the hunt for the best room temperature appetizers and cold finger foods.

From a healthy side dish to fancy hors d'oeuvres, these make ahead appetizers are sure to satisfy everyone on your guest list. None of them have cream cheese, sour cream or mayonnaise so you don't have to worry about them spoiling quickly. These appetizers can sit out for a few hours with no refrigeration required. Not only are they great for entertaining at your house, these are make-ahead appetizers that travel well so you can also easily take them to a party.

If you like these appetizer recipes, you might also like my list of 26 Easy Shrimp Appetizer Recipes for Parties.

1. Three Cheese Pepperoni Bread

Also called pepperoni stromboli, Pepperoni Bread is pizza or bread dough rolled and stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. This long roll gets brushed with olive oil and Italian seasoning then it's baked in the oven until it is golden brown. This easy recipe is perfect party food and can be served hot but tastes great at room temperature as well.

2. Parmesan Crisps

Made with nothing but cheese, these crispy parmesan crisps (frico) are perfect for those on a low carb or gluten free diet. Serve them with a tasty dip as a replacement to potato chips or tortilla chips, as a cracker or serve them over a salad.

3. Marinated Olives

Adding marinated olives to your cheese board or antipasto skewers is a great way to liven up an easy cold appetizer. Add marinated olives to a board with fresh veggies, cheddar cheese and smoked meats for a fun charcuterie board.

4. Pesto Tortellini Skewers

Pesto tortellini skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is one of my favorite appetizers for taking to a party. These cold appetizers are easy to make, have easy transport and made with simple ingredients. Tortellini skewers are a perfect finger food and always a crowd favorite at any cocktail party or gathering. Just cover with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

5. Steamed Edamame with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Steamed Edamame are seasoned with Everything Bagel Seasoning for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer. The bagel seasoning is loaded with garlic, onion, salt and sesame seeds for a flavorful topping. This edamame recipe takes only 10 minutes to make!

6. Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers

Oven roasted peppers are sweet and tender and make a delicious healthy snack. Roasted sweet peppers can be enjoyed on their own, as part of an antipasto platter or enjoyed in many different recipes. You will love these roasted bell peppers and they are perfect for keeping on hand for a healthy snack any time.

7. Sweet Sriracha Almonds

Sweet Sriracha Almonds are a little sweet, a little spicy and a lot addicting! This roasted chili sauce almonds recipe has a touch of brown sugar for sweetness and black pepper for a little extra spiciness. It's a perfect small bite for your next game day party or movie time snack. Made with minimal work, it is a delicious appetizer or snack.

8. Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This unique twist on traditional salsa always makes the list of my favorite cold appetizers, especially when I need something last minute. Corn and black beans come together with tomatoes and chilis in this simple dump and go appetizer. This can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight.

9. Fried Mozzarlla and Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Mozzarella cheese is breaded and quick fried until melty. It's placed onto sliced bread and topped with a marinated tomato mixture for a creamy and flavorful bruschetta crostini tomato appetizer. This fried mozzarella and heirloom tomato bruschetta is perfect when served at room temperature and always a crowd pleaser.

10. Marinated Mushroom Salad

Loaded with mushrooms, red peppers and a flavorful dressing, marinated mushrooms are the perfect appetizer,  snack or even a healthy and flavorful dip for a party. This healthy appetizer is great served with pita chips or toasted pieces of bread.

More Room Temperature Appetizers to Try

• Buttery Garlic Bread Chips from Grumpy's Honeybunch
• Easy Homemade Pizza Muffins from Souffle Bombay
• Air Fryer Pineapple from Bowl Me Over
• Party Chex Mix from The Stay At Home Chef
• Hummus from Give Me Some Oven

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