Whether you’re hosting a crowd, or want to take a dish as a guest, these yummy recipes will fend off hunger pangs until the main event. Because you can make these appetizers ahead of time, with minimal prep before serving, it means fewer dramas in the kitchen and more time for you to have fun and feel #thankful. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of easy and delicious make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers that will keep your guests happy. – Enjoy! 🍗
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- Thanksgiving turkey cheese bites from Apron Strings
They don’t call it turkey day for nothing! These bitesize, make-ahead cheeseballs are ideal if you want to keep an eye on your portions, or if you don’t want a lot of leftovers hanging around afterward. - Savory pumpkin dip from Gimme Some Oven
Make the most of fall flavors with this savory version of a pumpkin dip. - Bacon almond cheddar bruschetta from Wholefully
These crunchy toasts can be made ahead and frozen before baking, the only hard part is trying not to eat too many! - Taco pinwheels from Dinner at the Zoo
Pinwheels are a hit no matter what the occasion but these taco flavored versions are perfect for adding a bit of spice. - Cranberry turkey meatballs from Well Plated
For those guests who can’t wait for the main course, these make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers of turkey meatballs with a cranberry sauce will hit the spot. Use a slow cooker to keep them warm until they’re ready to serve. - Twice-baked potatoes from Carlsbad Cravings
These twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and a brilliant heat and eat make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer. - Baked chicken taquitos from Two Peas and Their Pod
These baked chicken taquitos are not only healthier than the traditional recipe, but they’re also easier to serve up to a crowd with no messy or time-consuming frying needed! - Antipasti bites from Family Fresh Meals
You’ll want to double your batch of these antipasti bites as we’re sure they’ll disappear in no time! - Apples on horseback from Food and Wine
Using just 3 ingredients – manchego cheese, pink lady apples, and pancetta – these hors d’oeuvres can be put together and refrigerated. Then simply grill them into sweet and salty perfection when ready. - Pizza dip from The Seasoned Mom
You can add just about any flavor variations you like to this mouthwatering pizza dip! - Hawaiian roll sliders from Two Healthy Kitchens
These Hawaiian sliders are healthier and much less filling than normal bread sliders, so you can serve them up without spoiling anyone’s appetite. - Thanksgiving cheese ball from Handmade in the Heartland
Cheeseballs are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer – probably why they’ve stayed so popular for so long. – This guy comes together in just 20 minutes and can be stored separately until you’re ready to assemble him. - Roasted cranberry and orange Thanksgiving crostini from Tastes Lovely
Being able to make these colorful crostini a massive 5 days ahead, is going to be a real game-changer for your Thanksgiving celebration. Make sure you have an airtight container at the ready to keep the toasts nice and fresh.
Want to shop all our Fall and Thanksgiving picks in one place? Check out our dedicated shopping page, full of all our best finds from the interwebs!
Here’s my essential toolkit for successful make-ahead meal prep
Freezer Tape and Sharpie Set
Keep things organized with clever tape that won't fall off in the freezer
Bag Stabilizer Stand
These sturdy food bag holders will give you an extra pair of hands when you need them
Ziploc Twist’n’Loc Food Containers
These handy boxes come in all shapes and sizes and are BPA-free
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