19 Easy Party Foods You Can Make Ahead

Herb Marinated Cheese for Easy Entertaining

Herb Marinated Cheese for Easy Entertaining
Herb Marinated Cheese for Easy Entertaining. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A creamy, tangy cheese appetizer infused with herbs that is simple to prepare and well-suited for parties or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Herb Marinated Cheese for Easy Entertaining

Easy Ham Salad

Easy Ham Salad
Easy Ham Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A classic ham salad with pickles and mayonnaise that is lightly sweet and tangy, making it a natural fit for sandwiches or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham Salad

Polish Roasted Beets with Sour Cream

Polish Roasted Beets with Sour Cream
Polish Roasted Beets with Sour Cream. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Roasted beets mixed with sour cream create a rich, colorful side dish that can be made ahead for holidays or family meals.
Get the Recipe: Polish Roasted Beets with Sour Cream

Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups

Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups
Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Ham, pickles, and cream cheese come together in these easy roll-ups that work well as a quick appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Pickle Roll-Ups

Cornbread Salad

Cornbread Salad
Cornbread Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A layered Southern-style salad with cornbread, beans, corn, bacon, and cheese that is hearty enough for potlucks and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Salad

Grandma’s Three-Bean Salad

Grandma’s Three Bean Salad Recipe
Grandma’s Three-Bean Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A traditional three-bean salad tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing that holds up well when made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing
Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A homemade version of the familiar Italian-style dressing that mixes together quickly and tastes fresh and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing

Souper Salad Fettuccine Salad

Souper Salad Fettuccine Salad
Souper Salad Fettuccine Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A creamy pasta salad with corn and Parmesan that makes an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Souper Salad Fettuccine Salad

Brookville Hotel Coleslaw

Brookville Hotel Coleslaw
Brookville Hotel Coleslaw. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A sweet and tangy coleslaw with a creamy vinegar dressing that pairs well with barbecue and picnic foods.
Get the Recipe: Brookville Hotel Coleslaw

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Pasta, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables, and Italian dressing combine for a crowd-friendly salad inspired by pizza flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Frog Eye Salad

Frog Eye Salad
Frog Eye Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A sweet, creamy dessert salad with fruit and small pasta that adds a nostalgic touch to potlucks and celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad

Golden Corral Seafood Salad

Golden Corral Seafood Salad
Golden Corral Seafood Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A chilled seafood salad made with imitation crab and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing that is easy to serve to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Golden Corral Seafood Salad

Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A flavorful homemade jerky with a teriyaki glaze that is simple to prepare and convenient for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip

Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip
Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A smooth pineapple-flavored dip that comes together quickly and pairs well with fruit, cookies, or graham crackers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Creamy Pineapple Dip

Homemade Fried Wonton Strips

Homemade Fried Wonton Strips
Homemade Fried Wonton Strips. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Light, crispy wonton strips that are easy to fry at home and work well for salads or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Fried Wonton Strips

Churro Chex Mix

Churro Chex Mix
Churro Chex Mix. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A sweet snack mix coated in cinnamon and sugar that is well suited for parties, game days, or casual treats.
Get the Recipe: Churro Chex Mix

Cheddar Chex Mix

Cheddar Chex Mix
Cheddar Chex Mix. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A savory Chex mix with cheese crackers and seasoning that bakes easily and is made for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chex Mix

Furikake Chex Mix

Furikake Chex Mix
Furikake Chex Mix. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A savory snack mix seasoned with furikake that adds a subtle umami flavor to a familiar party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Furikake Chex Mix

Buckeye Dip

Buckeye Dip
Buckeye Dip. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A creamy chocolate and peanut butter dip inspired by the classic candy that is easy to serve with cookies or pretzels.
Get the Recipe: Buckeye Dip

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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