Imagine it’s Thanksgiving. You’re so focused on setting the table, reheating casseroles, and not scorching the turkey that you have no time left to prep Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres, much less breakfast. Before your Thanksgiving unfolds like this (again), save precious time on Turkey Day by prepping these easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers. Here are 17 crowd-pleasing, make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer recipes, plus tips for storage so you can sail into Thanksgiving with one less thing to worry about.
Sausage Balls
Meredith Food Studio
“These sausage balls are a real crowd pleaser, whether you serve them as a breakfast or brunch treat, a holiday party appetizer, or a game-day nibble. Savory sausage, store-bought biscuit mix, and sharp Cheddar cheese team up for a yummy savory flavor that can’t be beaten!” —Stephanie
Hot Pepper Jelly
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This pepper jelly recipe is made with jalapeños, green and red bell peppers, and cider vinegar. It makes a delicious spread for cheese and a great food gift.” —Wendy
Deviled Eggs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“These deviled eggs are delicious and always popular at our holiday parties. This recipe adds diced onion and celery to the creamy mayonnaise filling for a little more texture.” —Suzanne EE
Best Smoked Salmon Dip
Allrecipes Magazine
“This easy, party-ready dip is perfect for any get-together. You can make this up to three days in advance.” —Elizabeth Heiskell
Party Pinwheels
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Pinwheels are a must-have at holiday parties. This recipe is easy to make and delicious.” —MADDIES MOM
Alabama Fire Cracker Dip
Jen Causey / Food Styling: Amanda Holstein / Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle
“This was so easy to make, and the flavors are bold (in a very good way).” —texaninla
Brie and Apple Mini Tarts with Thyme Caramel
Photographer: Jason Donnelly / Food Styling: Holly Dreesman / Prop Styling: Gabe Greco
“Savory mini Brie cheese, apple, and walnut tarts are drizzled with a thyme-infused caramel and finished with a sprinkling of flaky salt.” —Sarah Brekke
Mom’s Famous Raw Vegetable Dip
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This vegetable dip is always a big hit at parties. It’s what my mom always used to make for me, and now I’ve taken it over. Serve with your favorite raw vegetables.” —Aralyia
Glazed Spicy Cinnamon Pecans
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“I made this recipe and it is one of the easiest and best recipes! Very simple and cooking them in the melted butter makes the glaze!” —Glenda Fish
Cheese Sticks
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“These twist cheese sticks are easy and cheesy. This super simple recipe uses frozen puff pastry so there’s no dough to make. They’re very cool for entertaining.” —Chef John
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“This is the first time making hummus and I couldn’t have been happier! Absolutely delicious recipe.” —toomanycats305
Cranberry Brie Bites
ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
“Tangy cranberry, creamy brie, and crunchy walnuts come together in a buttery shell for an appetizer that will wow your guests. Bonus: These can be made up to three days ahead. Wrap them in plastic wrap before the baking step and store in the refrigerator. Serve warm or at room temperature,” —Julie Hubert
Candied Almonds
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is easy and yummy. I put a bowl of these out on Thanksgiving and added a few to a fall salad. They were gone very quickly with many nice compliments.” —juliem
Best Spinach Dip Ever
Allrecipes/Julia Hartbeck
“I made this for Thanksgiving, and my mom called and asked me to bring it for Christmas!” —Korenna Colquitt
Best Cheese Ball
Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Annie Probst / Prop Styling: Kristin Schooley
“Served it as an appetizer for Thanksgiving. Everyone there loved it…I will definitely make this again.” —KERANI
Feta Cheese Foldovers
Photographer: Jason Donnelly / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“These can be made ahead and popped into the oven after your guests arrive.” —Christine L.
Salami and Cream Cheese Stuffed Pepperoncini
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“These stuffed pepperoncini are as quick and easy an appetizer to assemble as you could ever hope for. No cooking required!” —Amanda Stanfield
Dining and Cooking