The aroma of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie often takes center stage when planning Thanksgiving, but don’t overlook the importance of a delightful array of appetizers. This curated collection of 11 easy and delicious ideas covers everything from crowd-pleasing dips to elegant bites, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Many of these options can be prepared days in advance, offering a welcome reprieve during the busy holiday season.
Sugared Bacon-Wrapped Smokies
Yields:
24 smokies
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
25 minutes
We’re fans of elevating classic comfort foods, and these sugared bacon-wrapped smokies are a perfect example. The combination of savory smoked sausage, crispy bacon, and a touch of brown sugar creates a delightful sweet and salty flavor profile that’s sure to impress. A little brown sugar adds a touch of caramely goodness. These appetizers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake them just before serving for optimal crispness. Two more ingredients (plus nonstick spray) complete these Thanksgiving appetizers that can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
Ingredients: 24 smoked sausages, 12 slices bacon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, nonstick cooking spray.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Wrap each sausage with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed. Sprinkle with brown sugar. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and sausages are heated through. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Mini Quiches
Yields:
12 mini quiches
Prep time:
25 minutes
Cook time:
20-25 minutes
If you’re looking for thanksgiving appetizers make ahead with tons of options, check out these customizable mini quiches. Homemade piecrust, egg filling, and cheese and ham toppings make for a perfect bite. Plus, these versatile quiches can be adapted to suit various tastes. Set aside some potatoes while you’re prepping, and you’ll have a delightful appetizer ready to serve. Freeze and refrigerate the assembled quiches for up to 3 months.
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie crust, 6 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced ham.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust and use a cookie cutter to create circles. Press circles into mini muffin tins. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese and ham. Pour mixture into mini quiche shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
Yields:
6-8 servings
Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
20 minutes
There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of recipes out there for hot artichoke dip. What makes this one worthy of your selection of Thanksgiving dinner appetizers? This skillet dip is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for scooping with baguette slices, crackers, or vegetables. The presentation is just as appealing as the taste, thanks to baking it directly in a cast-iron skillet. This Thanksgiving dip recipe is prepared in a half hour. Combine all ingredients to create a creamy dip, and serve with vegetable chips. Bonus points if you make your own chips from radishes and jicama.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite dippers.
Salami Chips with Grainy Mustard
Yields:
12-15 chips
Prep time:
10 minutes
Cook time:
10-12 minutes
If you thought potato chips were hard to resist, try staying away from salami chips! Not only are these easy Thanksgiving appetizers ultra tasty, but they’re a make-ahead option too. The combination of salty salami and tangy grainy mustard is a surprising yet delightful pairing. Both the dips and the chips can be stored in the fridge up to three days. Slice and serve at party time.
Ingredients: 12-15 slices salami, 2 tablespoons grainy mustard, olive oil.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange salami slices on the baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy. Spread grainy mustard on top of the warm salami chips. Let cool slightly before serving.
Cranberry-Sauced Meatballs
Yields:
30-40 meatballs
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
25-30 minutes
These irresistible thanksgiving appetizers make ahead star one of the holiday’s best-loved ingredients—cranberries—with a year-round fave, barbecue sauce. We also love the way they finish up in the slow-cooker, letting you avoid a pan jam on your stove top. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce complements the savory meatballs beautifully. You can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them gently before serving.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/4 cup cranberry sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, cranberry sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Yields:
4 cups
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
45-60 minutes
This thanksgiving appetizers make ahead recipe is prepared in a half hour. The slow caramelization of the onions creates a deep, sweet flavor that forms the base of this exceptional dip. Combine all ingredients to create a creamy dip, and serve with vegetable chips. Bonus points if you make your own chips from radishes and jicama.
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes, or until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Add balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly. In a bowl, combine caramelized onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Party-Ready Potato Skins
Yields:
12 potato skins
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
25-30 minutes
Potato skins might not come to mind when you think of thanksgiving appetizers make ahead, but they are easy to prep and chill for up to 24 hours before serving. Pull them from the fridge and bake just before serving. Homemade piecrust, egg filling, and cheese and ham toppings make for a perfect light appetizer. Plus, these versatile quiche cups can be adapted to suit various tastes. Set aside some potatoes while you’re prepping, and you’ll have a delightful appetizer ready to serve.
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits, sour cream, chopped chives.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes and poke several holes with a fork. Bake for 20 minutes, or until slightly softened. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Toss potato skins with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and chives.
Bacon-Turkey-Cranberry Roll-Ups
Yields:
24 roll-ups
Prep time:
20 minutes
Cook time:
10-12 minutes
You may also enjoy reading: 7 Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipes for Busy Mornings.
Tortilla roll ups are a classic holiday appetizer. Here we’re combining holiday flavors like turkey and dried cranberries. Crispy bacon adds texture and flavor. To make this thanksgiving appetizers make ahead, roll up to 24 hours in advance. Slice and serve at party time.
Ingredients: 12 large flour tortillas, 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled, 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened.
Instructions: Spread cream cheese on each tortilla. Top with turkey, cranberries, and bacon. Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place roll-ups on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Serve warm.
Ricotta and Parmesan Spread
Yields:
4 cups
Prep time:
10 minutes
Cook time:
0 minutes
This make-ahead dip is filled with Italian flavors thanks to fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crispy bread slices, cucumbers, and peppers. It will keep in the fridge up to 12 hours before serving.
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Serve with your favorite dippers.
Ham and Swiss Mini Quiche Cups
Yields:
12 mini quiches
Prep time:
25 minutes
Cook time:
20-25 minutes
Homemade piecrust, egg filling, and cheese and ham toppings make for a perfect light appetizer. Plus, these versatile quiche cups can be adapted to suit various tastes. Set aside some potatoes while you’re prepping, and you’ll have a delightful appetizer ready to serve. The combination of savory ham and nutty Swiss cheese is a winning one.
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie crust, 6 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup diced ham, 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pie crust and use a cookie cutter to create circles. Press circles into mini muffin tins. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in ham and Swiss cheese. Pour mixture into mini quiche shells. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Potato Pierogi
Yields:
30-40 pierogi
Prep time:
45 minutes
Cook time:
15-20 minutes
Set aside some potatoes while you’re prepping your Thanksgiving meal to make these potato-filled dumplings. Fill dough with a mashed potato, cream cheese, and onion combination. Freeze the raw pierogis before your gathering to ensure a fresh and convenient appetizer. These are a comforting and satisfying option for guests.
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes, 4 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup chopped onion, sautéed, 1 package refrigerated pizza dough, 1 egg, beaten, butter, for frying.
Instructions: In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cream cheese, and sautéed onion. Mix well. Unroll pizza dough and cut into 3-inch circles. Place a spoonful of potato filling in the center of each circle. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp edges to seal. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pierogi for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Fry in butter until golden brown. Serve warm.
Pull-Apart Pretzel and Beer Cheese Skillet
Yields:
8-10 servings
Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
20-25 minutes
What could be better than beer cheese? Whip up this fall spread by mixing cream cheese, canned pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and spices. This skillet is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing. Guests will love the meaty savory flavor that these little rolls bring to the table. This is a heavy appetizer that makes a great starter for a later dinner or a smaller feast.
Ingredients: 1 package pretzel bites, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup beer cheese sauce, 1/4 cup chopped chives.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pretzel bites in a greased 9-inch skillet. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, beer cheese sauce, and chives. Spread mixture evenly over pretzel bites. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
With these 11 delicious and easy-to-prepare thanksgiving appetizers make ahead options, you’ll be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving gathering without spending the entire day in the kitchen. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember, planning ahead is key to a stress-free holiday!
