Have you been asked to bring an appetizer to a party where you will be traveling? Or to a holiday work party? Or any gathering not at your own house? Here are some ideas for easy appetizers that can be made ahead, or mostly made ahead, and that travel well.
What are some things to keep in mind when planning appetizers to take to a party? First, consider food safety. Choose something that can be kept hot or cold on the road, or that can be served at room temperature. Some appetizers can be frozen and thaw out to serving temperature in a cooler as you travel. Here’s a list of appetizers to consider:
10 Types of Appetizers that Travel Well
1- Something you can make ahead– Marinated Antipasto Skewers. With purchased mozzarella balls, olives, salami, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, and cooked tortellini, you can keep them chilled in a small cooler as you travel and serve them at room temperature when you arrive.
Also try pepperoni, drained bottled mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or cubes of colby jack cheese.
2- Appetizers that are super convenient and easy– buy a few bags of flavored popcorn and the magic happens when you serve it in cute classic boxes or bowls.
Gold foil mini popcorn boxes. 9x9x6 plastic popcorn tubs. 16 oz. paper popcorn containers.
3- A sweet dip with fruit– This classic fruit dip has only three ingredients and can be stirred together right before serving, or made ahead. Take the fruits in their original containers, and assemble just before serving at your location.
4- What is traditional for the holiday or occasion? – I consider deviled eggs a classic pre-dinner snack for any occasion. Cook and slice the eggs at home. Make the filling for the deviled eggs and put it into a quart sized ziplock-type bag. When you get to your location, clip the corner off the bag and squeeze the filling into the eggs, then serve.
5- No bake- Take some blanched and marinated vegetables and serve them on a nice serving tray. This can be done with things like green beans, but asparagus is especially tasty and looks beautiful. Marinate the asparagus all night in the fridge and serve chilled.
6- Finger Foods– Tortilla wraps can be made the day before and kept chilled as you travel. Try a Mexican flavored tortilla pinwheel with salsa and olives.
7- Gluten Free– Try pineapple salsa and grilled halloumi cheese. The salsa can be made ahead and chilled. The cheese can be griddled at the location if there is space on the stove, and time to do it, but it is still delicious if you cook the cheese ahead and serve it at room temperature.
8- Keto– My favorite keto appetizer is asparagus ham rollups. If you are on a keto diet, it’s always a good idea to bring something that you know that you can eat, and is also delicious for everyone.
9- Vegetarian– Toasted bread and spinach dip. Some vegetarians don’t eat any cheese, so try a Vegan Spinach Dip recipe and add toasted bread rounds. Both can be made ahead.
10- Work Party– When you only have to transport your appetizer as far as the office party, you could choose something a little more elaborate such as puff pastry filled with something. Like mushrooms and cheese. Bake them and take them, since the shorter travel time will allow safe transport. Serve at room temperature.
There you have 10 types of appetizers that can be made ahead and easily transported to your event. Some are easier than others. Consider something from the deli department at the grocery store if you are short on time.
When bringing something store bought or very simple, dress it up by serving it in a creative way or in a pretty serving piece.
disposable gold trays. porcelain bowl with stand. 4 wood slice servers.
Helpful Things to Keep Foods Cold While Traveling
A cooler with a bag of ice is the obvious choice because it usually works just fine. For longer trips, or for concerns about water leaking as the ice melts, here are a few things that might be helpful:
If you travel a lot you might want to invest in a powered cooler/heater combo. This one is from Amazon for about $130.
An insulated carrier that folds flat with some freezable ice packs:
For long or multi day trips, this mini car refrigerator that is compatible with 12V or 24V DC outlets, and includes a vehicle outlet adapter and 110-240V home outlet capability.
Remember that your host invited you because they want to spend time with you, and your contribution to the meal is just an extra! Don’t stress, or worry about bringing something super elaborate or fancy when you are traveling. Happy partying!