35 Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers for 2024
Turkey may take center stage, but easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to spark your guests’ appetites before the main feast. Crafting a delicious spread of appetizers involves blending traditional favorites with contemporary twists and unexpected gourmet surprises. By balancing nostalgia with novelty, you can create a diverse selection that satisfies every holiday craving.
Which easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers are essential for your celebration? How can you add a creative touch to elevate your menu? Explore this list of tempting appetizers, featuring a mix of familiar classics and new dishes that will bring fresh flavors to your Thanksgiving spread.
Jump to Section
- The 35 Best Easy Make-Ahead Appetizers for Thanksgiving
- Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences
The 35 Best Easy Make-Ahead Appetizers for Thanksgiving
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Adding cranberry brie bites to your collection of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers is like handing out bundles of bright autumn flavor. The sunny tang of cranberry sauce hugged by puff pastry adding its buttery notes creates a double dose of traditional flavors in an elegant small bite. Leaving a rustic touch on the edges makes them even easier to prepare.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
2. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Serve up a bite-size bundle of savory flavor in the form of cream cheese stuffed mushrooms. These easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers make the most of the subtle earthiness of the mushrooms while allowing the soothing taste and texture of cream cheese to come shining through. A generous helping of fresh herbs gives each morsel a kick of warm flavor that pulls the two main ingredients into harmony.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
3. Vegan Artichoke and Spinach Dip
As a rich party food that never fails to get guests gathered around the tasting table, vegan artichoke and spinach dip is a rich and easy Thanksgiving appetizer to make ahead for a crowd. By using plant-based mayonnaise, Parmesan and cream cheese instead of traditional versions, the familiar formula takes on a vegan personality that lets animal-free diners get in on the festivities.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
4. Caramelized Onion Dip
You haven’t completed your suite of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers until you've added caramelized onion dip to the menu. Think of this gourmet creation as the more elegant version of the simple onion dip you know and love, with an added dose of flavor thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt, cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
5. Fried Oysters
Take your Thanksgiving pre-game plans seaward with fried oysters. These easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers use peanut oil, adding maximum flavor to a dozen battered oysters, each fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe comes with a bonus creation: homemade tartar sauce, the perfect dip to finish off the dish.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
6. Bacon-Wrapped Smokies Three Ways
Who wouldn’t love finding a platter of bacon-wrapped smokies three ways among your selection of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers on feasting day? The trio of flavor combinations includes simple bacon-wrapped mini links, a batch given a zesty pineapple and teriyaki kick and a set made even smokier with barbecue and jalapeno essences. Beyond priming your friends and family for the dinner to come, these nibbles also make fantastic football food!
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
7. Southern Deviled Eggs
These Southern deviled eggs are a vibrant and delicious addition to any table. Yellow mustard and pickle relish added to the yolks brings a downhome zing that’s sure to tingle tongues in a way basic deviled eggs simply can’t. With easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers that bring regional charm like this Thanksgiving essential to the table, there’s something special that’s sure to spark culinary conversation.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
8. Baked Ricotta
Served in ramekins as a handy veggie dip, baked ricotta is one of those thoughtful Thanksgiving foods that will have your crowd raving about how unique it is. Consider it a miniature souffle with ricotta as a base for eggs and Parmesan. Baked until fluffy and topped with honey or figs, it's one of the more intriguing easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers to grace your table.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
9. Rosemary Potatoes
Even if there are mashed potatoes included in the main meal, adding rosemary potatoes to your collection of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers is never a bad idea. They’re crispy and tender, filled with herbaceous flavor and easily recognized as a savory treat. They’re also a clever addition to your vegan Thanksgiving recipes, ensuring the herbivores in the room have plenty to munch on.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
10. Pumpkin Curry Soup
There’s a savory Eastern twist waiting for you with pumpkin curry soup. Silky pumpkin purée is given an aromatic blast thanks to the addition of curry powder and a creamy splash of coconut milk. This easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer becomes a comforting soup that will lull diners into the perfect mood for further eating — the true purpose of a proper appetizer!
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
11. Onion Tart
Hearty yet elegant and brimming with aroma and flavor, a classic onion tart represents the pinnacle of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers. Simple puff pastry becomes glamorous when it cradles gruyere shreds, ricotta and generous heaps of onion slices. Anyone searching for brunch-style Friendsgiving food ideas will adore having this savory pie to offer their fellow foodies.
Recipe Steps: 17
Total Recipe Time: 215 minutes, most of which are proofing
12. Asparagus Wrapped in Prosciutto
There’s a bit of handiwork required to turn out a tray filled with asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. But the eye-catching addition to your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers is well worth the effort. Beyond the intricate appearance, the dish offers a fun blend of earthiness from the asparagus and salty-sweet meatiness from the prosciutto. Together, they form an undeniably delicious partnership.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 29 minutes
13. Air-Fried Okra
What is it about air-fried okra that makes it so delicious? Is it the tangy buttermilk that rises to the top of the flavor list? Or is it the generous servings of garlic and smoked paprika that emerges triumphant? Whatever it is, this easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer is sure to please a crowd.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 42 minutes
14. Cranberry Sauced Meatballs
Incorporate a Thanksgiving classic into a party staple by whipping up cranberry-sauced meatballs for your collection of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers. Replacing the usual jelly with cranberry sauce puts the controversial canned ingredient to its best use. This fruit-forward nosh is a great candidate to consider when pairing pre-dinner wines for Thanksgiving.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours 45 minutes, most of which is cooking time
15. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Spice up your small-bite situation by whipping up buffalo chicken meatballs — a simple dish with the potential for big enjoyment. Think of them as the more fiery cousin of Swedish meatballs, a perfect replacement for the more familiar version of the dish. An easy Thanksgiving appetizer to make ahead for a crowd, this one's sure to please.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 50 minutes
16. Cheesy Skillet Artichoke Dip
A different take on the party favorite, cheesy skillet artichoke dip puts all the best bits into a cast-iron pan and positively overflows with flavor. Dinner rolls baked on the top create a toasty crust that guests can use as handy dippers, saving you the trouble of slicing veggie sticks or baguettes.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours 10 minutes, most of which is prep and proofing time
17. Shrimp and Crab Dip
Nautical noshes like shrimp and crab dip give your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers a welcome coastal kick. Shrimp, crab and two types of cheese share the bowl in a recipe that’s equally delicious served warm or cold. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and slices of crusty bread complete this picture-perfect dish with easygoing elegance.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
18. Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
The understated elegance of herb and goat cheese stuffed mushrooms provides a recipe for easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers that taste like a much more complex creation. If you’re looking for vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes that boost flavor and texture for your plant-eating guests, these punchy little cups are a sure winner.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 15 minutes, much of which is prep time
19. Pepper Salad
A simple pepper salad may just be the refreshing and easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer that your indulgent table needs. Slices of colored bell peppers are jazzed up with toasted pine nuts and fried sage leaves. It sounds simple (and it is), but the taste and texture it delivers is something altogether novel to make your festive table feel fresh.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
20. Fried Oyster Mushrooms
Crispy fried oyster mushrooms may be the kind of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers that turn your lowkey dinner into an energetic feast. The meaty texture of the mushrooms makes a sturdy holder for crunchy batter and a host of seasonings that don’t even require a dipping sauce to be enjoyed.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
21. Japanese Cucumber Salad
If you haven’t considered adding a trendy Japanese cucumber salad to your menu of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, this year is your opportunity to give it a try. Seasoned with sesame and soy sauce, it’s the kind of cool and crispy vegetable-based dish that resets expectations just before the richer, heartier offerings hit the table.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 5 minutes
22. Parmesan Cheese Crisps
Instead of buying your usual crackers for dips and spreads, bake a panful of Parmesan cheese crisps to give your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers a bit of zesty snap. With Parmesan and black pepper making up the short ingredient list, and requiring just five-minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up a second tray if the first gets snatched up more quickly than expected.
Recipe Steps: 4
Total Recipe Time: 10 minutes
23. Fried Ravioli
The party food hall of fame is sure to include a shrine to fried ravioli, which makes it an ideal inclusion on your list of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers. The secret to keeping the labor to a minimum? Using frozen ravioli! Dress it up with a breadcrumb batter and serve with a marinara dipping sauce, and you have a tapas-style snack that's sure to please. It’s also a simple way to add some international flavor to your spread.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
24. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
If your list of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers includes a slew of tempting dips, give your guests homemade scoops to swipe through them with a basket of air fryer tortilla chips. Not only are these crunchy crisps a healthier alternative to bagged chips, but they’re also an air fryer creation that makes churning out enough for everyone a simple feat.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 20 minutes
25. Lemon Kale Salad
The seasonal flavors of lemon kale salad bestow your array of easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers with a touch of healthful good cheer. Requiring a simple mix of Dijon and Parmesan or pecorino for the dressing, it couldn't be simpler. Before serving, a generous splash of lemon juice brings everything together perfectly.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
26. Mixed Nuts with Crispy Herb and Garlic
Cooking up a few batches of mixed nuts with crispy herbs and garlic means your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers can be prepared well in advance of the holiday. A mélange of pistachios, almonds, pecans and cashews take a quick dip in olive oil to gain even more crunch. Sprinklings of garlic and rosemary lend a Mediterranean sensibility to every bite.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
27. Fried Mac and Cheese
A different take on a comfort food classic, fried mac and cheese makes a playful entry to your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, one that can carry over to the dinner table for added fun. Think crispy nuggets of elbow macaroni and creamy cheese sauce coated in panko and fried. The result? The reinvention your holiday table has been waiting for.
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 225 minutes, most of which is refrigeration time
28. Bacon-Turkey-Cranberry Roll-Ups
Get your guests’ taste buds revved up for the main event with a taste of what’s to come in these charming bacon-turkey-cranberry roll-ups. These easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers are holiday-ready pinwheels with a preview of the classic flavors your guests have been waiting all year to enjoy. Why not give them a savory sneak peek before the table is set?
Recipe Steps: 1
Total Recipe Time: 15 minutes
29. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
Combining familiar holiday tang with a touch of heat results in cranberry jalapeño dip, a twist on a classic easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer. With cream cheese keeping the flames under control and aromatic cumin adding depth of flavor, you have the perfect mix of tradition and invention.
Recipe Steps: 10
Total Recipe Time: 120 minutes, most of which is refrigeration
30. Pull Apart Bread
One of the more interactive options for easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, pull apart bread provides a fun icebreaker dish for guests to dig into collectively. Cheesy herbed dinner rolls make a magnificent molecule begging to be disassembled and enjoyed, like a bready wishbone that makes everyone’s holiday dreams come true.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
31. Sheet Pan Nachos
Go big with your easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers and bake up a few batches of sheet pan nachos for the occasion. Assemble your ingredients and pop your pans in the oven one after another to have pre-meal treats hot and ready before bringing out the roasted centerpiece.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
32. Fried Squash
Incorporating fried squash into your prospective easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers lets you work a staple of the holiday into the spread in a more enticing form. Firm slices of zucchini lightly battered and fried form a bar food favorite that finds a welcome spot among your more sophisticated offerings, especially when you have a variety of dips in need of a vessel.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
33. Italian Rice Balls
Also known as arancini, Italian rice balls are crispy hush puppy-like dumplings that give easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers an old-world spin. If you’re super enterprising, you can fry these crunchy spheres a few days ahead of the holiday and store them in the fridge, then reheat them before serving your hungry partygoers.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
34. Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip
Reach deep into the indigenous American cookbook for an authentic Mayan pumpkin seed dip made from blitzed pepitas. Citrus and herbs help create a flavor profile, with a texture and hue that closely resemble guacamole. This easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers is a crowd-pleasing way to inject some multicultural flavor into your holiday menu.
Recipe Steps: 3
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
35. Bacon Roses
Not only are elegant bacon roses an easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer, but they're also a great way to add artful imagination to your table. Tight coils of bacon held firm with toothpicks allow you to fry your roses until crisp. Once they're cooked, simply stack them on a pretty plate or add to the side of other dishes. Your guests will love them however they're served!
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences
If you’re not convinced your kitchen skills are ready to whip up even the most easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, cooking classes near you are the perfect way to step up your game. Learn top-level techniques and simple methods for making the most of every recipe, with guidance from expert instructors whose easy-to-follow lessons are sure to add flavor to your festivities.
If you can’t make it in person, cue up some online cooking classes and practice for the big day in your home kitchen. Doing so can help you to perfect easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers that will impress your guests and make your holiday stress-free.
With so many easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers available, you could create an entire cocktail party menu for your friends and family to enjoy while waiting for the turkey to finish roasting. And if you have any of these dishes left once everyone comes to the table, don't forget: you can always turn your appetizers into additional side dishes!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.