Hosting a party is all about having fun—but who says you have to spend all your time in the kitchen? With these 37 Make-Ahead Party Foods That’ll Save You Time & Stress, you can prep ahead, relax, and actually enjoy the celebration. From creamy dips to crowd-favorite bites, these recipes are perfect for keeping your guests happy while you stay stress-free. These dishes are big on flavor, easy to prep in advance, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Scroll through to find your new go-to party favorites!

Zesty Fried Pickle Dip

A round white dish contains a creamy dip topped with sliced pickles, chopped herbs, and breadcrumbs. It's placed on a wooden board next to a stack of pita bread. A green and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background.
Zesty Fried Pickle Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy Fried Pickle Dip is creamy, tangy, and packed with pickle flavor, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Fried Pickle Dip

Saucy Crockpot Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

grape meatballs with jelly
Saucy Crockpot Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

American classic party food, Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce are always tender, juicy, and a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Crockpot Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce

Famous Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe

masters pimento cheese
Famous Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Make the Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe. This creamy, tangy pimento cheese sandwich is perfect for any golf fan or Southern food lover.
Get the Recipe: Famous Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Leprechaun Bait (Free Printable Bag Top)

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is filled with a mixture of cereal, pretzels, and colorful candy-coated pieces, all coated in a white glaze.
Leprechaun Bait (Free Printable Bag Top). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Lure a lucky leprechaun with this easy-to-make leprechaun bait and freep printable bag toppers. A no-bake snack mix for St. Patrick’s Day!
Get the Recipe: Leprechaun Bait (Free Printable Bag Top)

Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe

knorr vegetable dip
Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make the classic Knorr Vegetable Dip with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for parties, this dip is always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Knorr Vegetable Dip Recipe

Rich And Creamy Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe

A close-up of soft pretzels sprinkled with salt next to a white bowl filled with creamy pretzel cheese dip. The smooth dip, with visible specks of seasoning, sits invitingly on a wooden surface.
Rich And Creamy Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Perfectly creamy and cheesy, this easy-to-make pretzel dip is a must-try for your next snack, party, or cozy movie night on the couch.
Get the Recipe: Rich And Creamy Pretzel Cheese Dip Recipe

15- Minute Sweet And Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe

A creamy dip topped with a vibrant red cranberry relish and garnished with slices of green jalapeño peppers. Surrounding the bowl are fresh cranberries, sliced bread on a wooden board, whole jalapeños, and crackers.
15- Minute Sweet And Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Try this irresistible Cranberry Jalapeño Dip for your next party. Fresh cranberries, jalapeños, and cream cheese make for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Get the Recipe: 15- Minute Sweet And Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip Recipe

Easy Mexican Caviar: 10 Minute Party Dip

Texas caviar with beans, cilantro, onions and seasonings
Easy Mexican Caviar: 10 Minute Party Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This quick and easy Mexican Caviar Recipe, also called Texas Caviar or Cowboy Salsa, doubles as a delicious salad or dip.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Caviar: 10 Minute Party Dip

Easy Dry Rub For Chicken Wings (Oven Baked)

dry rub wings in oven
Easy Dry Rub For Chicken Wings (Oven Baked). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make this honey sweet and savory dry rub chicken wings recipe with a few tips and tricks I will share with you.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dry Rub For Chicken Wings (Oven Baked)

Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips
Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip that only takes 10 minutes to prep and will be hot and bubbly in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Dip

pretzel dip
Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Strawberry Pretzel Dip is made with cream cheese, honey, mustard, and fruit preserves for a tangy, creamy, and sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Pretzel Dip

Cheesy Layered Taco Dip With Ground Beef (Crock Pot Recipe)

Layered taco dip over nachos
Cheesy Layered Taco Dip With Ground Beef (Crock Pot Recipe). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This cheesy taco dip recipe with ground beef is a hot and creamy Crock Pot recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Layered Taco Dip With Ground Beef (Crock Pot Recipe)

Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

Party pickle Roll-Ups on a plate with fresh dill ready to be served
Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Pickle roll ups, are a crowd-pleasing appetizer with minimal prep time requiring only 4 ingredients perfect for any party occasion.
Get the Recipe: Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer

Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

cream cheese salsa dip
Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cream cheese salsa dip is a cold, creamy dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar mixed in with salsa and Mexican spices.
Get the Recipe: Cold Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cold shrimp dip made with cream cheese, Old Bay, mayo, and seasonings all blended together to make an easy-to-scoop cold party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp Dip With Cream Cheese

Easy Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Dip Recipe

buffalo chicken dip
Easy Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Dip Recipe . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy buffalo chicken dip recipe features juicy rotisserie chicken, three types of cheeses, hot sauce, make a creamy party dip appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Easy Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Dip Recipe

Creamy Homemade Restaurant Style Queso Dip

cheese dip
Creamy Homemade Restaurant Style Queso Dip . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy restaurant-style homemade queso dip recipe is a blend of gooey cheeses and Mexican seasonings with a punch of heat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Homemade Restaurant Style Queso Dip

Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip (Crock Pot)

cheese and sausage dip
Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Warm Rotel sausage dip recipe combines the flavors of sausage and Rotel tomatoes with creamy Velveeta and cream cheese scooped with chips.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Rotel Sausage Dip (Crock Pot)

5 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip

chili cheese dip with onions and jalapeno on top
5 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip . Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy make-ahead 5 ingredient chili cheese dip with homemade chili or canned. Scoopable creamy, warm cheese dip perfect for a party.
Get the Recipe: 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip

Sweet And Saucy Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Pork sliders on Hawaiian buns with extra barbecue sauce and melted cheese
Sweet And Saucy Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Perfect party appetizers, pulled pork sliders with a sweet and tangy barbecue sandwich sauce, melted cheese, on sweet Hawaiian slider buns.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Saucy Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe

Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

Pinwheel tortilla rolls filled with vegetables and cheese are arranged on a tray. Garnished with chopped green onions and red peppers, lemon wedges are placed at the edges.
Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This delicious crab pinwheels recipe is stuffed with a creamy filling of cream cheese, crab, cheddar cheese, and a spicy creole seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

Protein Packed Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe

A black bowl filled with creamy cheese dip topped with sliced jalapeños. A tortilla chip is partially dipped in the cheese, and another chip rests on the side. A rust-colored napkin is partially visible in the background.
Protein Packed Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn how to make creamy, high-protein cottage cheese queso in minutes. A healthy twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Protein Packed Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe

Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

crab dip
Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Maryland crock pot crab dip recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dip infused with classic crab seasoning and packed with sweet crab meat.
Get the Recipe: Hot Maryland Crab Dip Recipe

Homemade Spicy Pimento Cheese (Dip Or Spread)

spicy pimento cheese
Homemade Spicy Pimento Cheese (Dip Or Spread). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This spicy homemade pimento cheese dip is a blend of creamy cheeses, mayo, pimentos,and sweet and spicy pickled jalapeños.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Spicy Pimento Cheese (Dip Or Spread)

Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot Bbq Chicken Wings Recipe

bbq chicken wings with sauce brushed on
Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot Bbq Chicken Wings Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe made with three simple ingredients and a slow cooker, create tender finger-licking wings.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3 Ingredient Crockpot Bbq Chicken Wings Recipe

Easy & Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe

Easy & Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe in a bowl with an almost empty bowl by it
Easy & Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Kick up your next batch of slow cooker Chex mix with a unique flavor combination of spices, that is simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Easy & Unique Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe

Creamy 2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe

Dill dip in a bowl with a sprig of deal on top
Creamy 2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Creamy Yogurt Dill Dip is an ideal quick party dip that only takes two minutes to prepare. Goes great with salty chips or veggie sticks.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 2-Minute Yogurt Dill Dip Recipe

Easy Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe

french onion dip
Easy Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This homemade French onion dip recipe is a classic party dip that takes less than 5 minutes to whip up a bowl of this rich and creamy dip.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe

Saucy Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker

hawaiian meatballs
Saucy Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Saucy Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe: Slow cooker meatballs, juicy pineapple, & colorful bell peppers simmered in sweet BBQ & teriyaki sauce
Get the Recipe: Saucy Sweet And Sour Meatballs Recipe; Easy Slow Cooker

Copycat Gardetto’S Mustard Pretzels Recipe

Honey mustard pretzels
Copycat Gardetto’S Mustard Pretzels Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Copycat Gardetto Mustard Pretzels Recipe is a quick and easy snack with a slight honey-sweet tangy coating in just 30 min.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Gardetto’S Mustard Pretzels Recipe

Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer

chicken tortillas
Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Homemade taquitos in the air fryer are a tasty snack and party food you can make ahead. They cook up perfectly crisp in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Make Your Own Frozen Taquitos In The Air Fryer

Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

Six buttery, golden-brown shortbread cookies arranged on a piece of brown parchment paper. The cookies have a round shape with slightly crumbly edges.
Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These savory and easy to make parmesan rosemary shortbread cookies are an elegant appetizer or special late-night snack with a glass of wine.
Get the Recipe: Savory Parmesan Rosemary Shortbread

Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

buffalo turkey meatballs
Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are the perfect quick snack or appetizer that you can make ahead and freeze in large batches. Then when you need a quick party snack just place them in your air fryer and bake. Sauce them up mild, medium, or extra hot.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Quick Creamy Sour Cream Dip

A bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped herbs is placed on a table. Surrounding it, there's a grey napkin, a partially squeezed lemon, a small dish with herbs, and sliced vegetables including carrots, cucumbers, and yellow bell peppers.
Quick Creamy Sour Cream Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Whip up this creamy sour cream dip, blending tangy lemon and savory spices, a perfect match for veggies, chips, or baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamy Sour Cream Dip

Easy Homemade Jalapeño Popcorn Recipe

A bowl of spicy popcorn topped with sliced jalapeños, lined with parchment paper. The bowl is placed on a white marble surface next to a striped cloth and two whole jalapeños.
Easy Homemade Jalapeño Popcorn Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Add a fiery twist to snack time with this Spicy Jalapeño Popcorn recipe! A quick and easy way to enjoy bold, crunchy, and zesty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Jalapeño Popcorn Recipe

Homemade Crab Rangoon Recipe

A plate of crispy wontons garnished with chopped green onions, served with two dipping sauces in small white bowls. The sauces appear to be soy sauce and a sweet and sour sauce. A patterned cloth is partially visible.
Homemade Crab Rangoon Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Crab Rangoon is a popular take-out appetizer that is just as easy to make at home and tastes even better! Fresh crab, cream cheese, onion, and savory seasonings are encased in crispy wonton wrappers. They’re creamy and dreamy! Keep reading to find out how to make the BEST homemade version of these delicious treats.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Crab Rangoon Recipe

Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

Close-up of a platter of deviled eggs, sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped parsley. A sprig of fresh parsley is placed on the left side of the white dish. The background is a gray surface.
Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

These Deviled Eggs with Relish are as easy as they are delicious, coming together in just 30 minutes. Filled with a creamy, tangy-sweet mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish, gives them a fun, flavorful twist on the classic. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or any gathering, these bite-sized beauties are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

37 Easy Dinner Recipes When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

A bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Spaghetti noodles are mixed with a cheesy sauce and diced tomatoes. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. A red napkin and small bowls are in the background.
37 Easy Dinner Recipes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Cooking can feel like a chore, especially when you’re tired or just not in the mood to spend time in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland or boring meals! This collection of easy dinner recipes is packed with comforting, flavorful dishes that require minimal effort from creamy garlic parmesan chicken to hearty soups and slow cooker favorites. With 37 delicious, low-effort recipes to choose from, you’ll find plenty of tasty options to make dinnertime a breeze. Keep scrolling to find your new go-to meal for those “I don’t feel like cooking” nights! Get All The Recipes: 37 Easy Dinner Recipes When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking