Thanksgiving is a time to indulge, eat and be thankful for everything we have. And typically with that comes lots of food, treats and turkey comas! Try these Thanksgiving Appetizers you can make ahead of time so you're not running around the day of!
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Make ahead appetizers are the best kind when hosting large parties.
And I couldn't do them without chafing dishes!! Tjhey are my best friend when serving appetizers in advance!
I literally don't know what I would do without them. They allow me to set everything up hours ahead of time and let guests help themselves while I can relax.
If you're interested in a buffet-style Thanksgiving, check out this post for How to Set Up a Buffet Table for Thanksgiving.
If you're looking for some delicious cocktails to serve with appetizers, check out my Spiked Hot Apple Cider and my Pumpkin Pie Martini!
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers
Here are some of my favorite appetizers you can make in advance that still taste delicious. Some can be served cold or at room temperature while others may need to be reheated before serving.
Either way, MOST of the work will be done so you can spend more time with family.
This savory pumpkin hummus is made with pumpkin puree, chickpeas and a few other delicious ingredients that result in a tasty savory fall dip people will love. Best of all, it can be made 2-3 days in advance and served straight from the fridge to the appetizer table!
Butternut Squash and Bacon Skewers
These butternut squash skewers are so perfect for Thanksgiving. They are roasted and then topped with maple syrup and bacon bits. They're a delicious appetizer that can be baked the day before and reheated before serving.
Creamed Corn Filled Biscuit Cups
Creamed corn is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that needs a fork to eat...until now! These bite-sized cups are an easy and fun way to enjoy creamed corn without any utencils! Just bake them the day prior to Thanksgiving and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through. They will be a HIT!
These sweet potato rounds are roasted and topped with a slice of brie cheese and maple coated walnuts. I suggest baking them 75% of the way through then finishing them in the oven an hour before setting them out. They are a sweet, savory, crunchy appetizer perfect for kicking off Thanksgiving!
Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
This cheeseball is the best thing to make ahead. It's shaped into a cute pumpkin and coasted in shredded cheddar cheese. It's a delicious fall twist on those popular holiday cheese balls and definitely one that can be made days in advance!
Pistachio, Feta & Pomegranate Crostinis
If you're looking to add some festive color to your table, then look no further than these pistachio, feta, and pomegranate crostini. This crostini can't be made the day before BUT it can be made a few hours in advance since they do not need to be warmed up.
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Mini cheese balls are the perfect individual appetizer idea that can be rolled and refrigerated 1-2 days prior to turkey day! I love they they're bite-sized and have ALL the delicious fall flavors of craisins, rosemary and pecans.
This Thanksgiving, try integrating pears into your feast as an appetizer. The savory tart and puff pastry pairs perfectly for pre-dinner entertaining! To make it ahead of time, you'll want to fully assemble it and then pop in the fridge until ready to bake the day of.
My go-to make ahead appetizer!! This creamy spinach dip is served COLD so it's definitely one to make in advance. It's my go-to for any celebration or holiday. It takes just 7 minutes to whip up and can be made 3 days prior!
Whipped Feta Apple Hazelnut Crostini Without Bread
These crostinis are made without bread which means you can make them in advance and not worry about the bread going stale. The whipped feta and apples really make it festive for Thanksgiving too! They are a unique appetizer that everyone is sure to love!
Turkey Breast Crostini with Brie and Cranberry Sauce
This turkey crostini is a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer your guests will love digging into! Who says you can't enjoy turkey before the actual turkey arrives?? This one can be assembled a few hours in advance and reheated as guests arrive. Make sure to have the cranberry sauce, turkey, and brie ready to go!
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
A cold dip is easy to make ahead of time. The first time I tried this holiday-inspired Cranberry Jalapeno Dip, I was amazed at how delicious it tasted. Who would have thought fresh cranberries with jalapenos would pair so perfectly? The flavors are a delicious combination of savory, tart, sweet, and just a tad bit heat (I promise it's NOT too spicy!). Make it in advance 2-3 days before and pull it out as guests walk in the door!
I could not host Thanksgiving without them!! You can set out a few chafing dishes or warming trays so the food can be warmed without using the oven. (That's for the turkey!!) So if you're serving food to more than 10 people, they're a life changer. It just makes things so much easier and allows you to set food out way in advance so you can forget about it.
Unsure of how many appetizers to serve? Check out my appetizer serving recommendations here!
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