We all know how it goes: We want to be hungry for Thanksgiving dinner, so we underestimate the turkey. But we should remember — every year — that we will all be sitting around waiting five whole hours for the bird to roast. Some people manage this by waking up and starting to cook at 5 in the freaking morning. We salute all those brave home cooks, but for us? No, thanks. Not on a holiday. (And even if we were to wake up before dawn, we'd want a good, hearty breakfast if we're going to be on our feet cooking all day!).
But no matter when we start the turkey, people are going to be snackish long before it hits the table. Although we don't want to ruin everyone's appetites, we also don't need the family getting hangry at each other before the bird is even served — we can save the annoying political arguments till dinnertime, thanks.
So instead, it's a smart idea to have some snacks planned ahead of time to put out. All of the ideas here are totally seasonal and very Thanksgiving-y, which helps make them feel like part of the meal, and most of them use ingredients we tend to have around Thanksgiving anyway. We make special notes for those that can be made ahead, saving everyone from any extra cooking work on the day itself, but almost all of those that need to be popped in the oven for a few minutes that day can be assembled earlier.
For anyone who's hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, know that having some nibbles on hand can be a real lifesaver, and check out these things every first-time Thanksgiving host needs, which helps keep us organized even after we've been doing it for a while. These recipes also work well for anyone who's attending a Thanksgiving not at their house — even if the host has made a planned dinner, nobody minds someone bringing an extra appetizer or a little something more for dessert, like these easy Thanksgiving cookies.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
These cranberry feta pinwheels are so easy, they only take 10 minutes total, and they require no heating at all — although they're best if they can sit in the fridge for an hour before they're served. They are ideal for bringing kids into the kitchen to help out!
Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
These spicy toasted pumpkin seeds are so easy, yummy, and tasty for snacking on. If any of the dishes on the Thanksgiving table feature pumpkin, this is a wonderful way to use up the seeds. They take just five minutes of prep time, and they can be made a day in advance.
White Cheddar, Pumpkin, and Sage Dip
This white cheddar, pumpkin, and sage dip takes only 15 minutes to make, and it's so incredibly tasty. Serve with crackers and pretzels, or sliced pita bread. This is an easy item to bring to Thanksgiving at a friend or family member's house.
Thanksgiving Chex Mix
Looking for just something to munch on while the turkey cooks? Although we love a traditional snack mix, this Thanksgiving Chex Mix is the perfect blend, just slightly adjusted for the holiday. It can be made up to a week beforehand, which really lowers stress levels.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese
If the family is always like, "Mmmm, everything is better with bacon," then these bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are the ideal appetizer. Although they're delicious hot, they're just as good when they've been sitting out for a while, which is perfect for a big gathering.
Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini
This roasted balsamic cranberry and brie crostini sounds super fancy, but takes only 15 minutes of prep time — and it's simple enough that it's an easy dish to task out to any teenagers in the house who need a reason to keep out of trouble.
Ham, Cheese & Dijon Pinwheel Puffs
These ham, cheese & dijon pinwheel puffs are an excellent crowd-pleaser, and with a bunch of turkey waiting in the wings, it's fun to have a little ham to start the day. With just a handful of ingredients, these take no time to knock together — and they're always a favorite.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites
These smoked salmon and cream cheese cucumber bites are so ridiculously delicious, and if we slice up the cucumbers, they're perfect for little fingers to help assemble. We can get fancy with the garnish or just do smoked salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese!
Italian Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
These Italian vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are delicious enough that they're a must for vegetarians and omnivores alike. They're packed with savory flavor, herbs, and garlic, and are light enough that they're not going to fill up anyone too much before dinner.
Bacon Goat Cheese Pumpkin Dip – Appetizers Drizzled with Honey
This bacon goat cheese pumpkin dip – appetizers drizzled with honey is perfectly seasonal, and it's really easy to make. We love a good dip like this as a Thanksgiving app because it takes just 15 minutes to throw together, can be made a day or two ahead, and can sit out for a while.
Sweet Potato "Toasts" With Avocado
These sweet potato "toasts" with avocado use slices of sweet potato in lieu of bread, which makes these a really healthy treat. This recipe calls for a bacon crumble on top, but it's not necessary for the flavor of the dish — as a vegetarian variation, drizzle with a balsamic reduction or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
Does anyone not love a good deviled egg? These Thanksgiving deviled eggs are a wonderful way to start the day — and best of all, they can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight, then put out when guests arrive — totally hassle-free.
Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Party Dip
This vegetarian appetizer is one of our favorite things to serve in the winter. Baked cheesy cauliflower party dip is a total crowd-pleaser, and although it's best when it's warm, it doesn't take a long time to come together. Plus, it's a wonderful way to get a little cauliflower onto the family's plates early in the day before they overload on bread and turkey.
Best-Ever Charcuterie Board
A good charcuterie board isn't quite as easy as slapping down a few cheeses and meats on a plate, but to be honest, it's not much harder than that, either. The best-ever charcuterie board is a guide to creating a good balance — and best of all, it takes zero time in the oven.
Baked Crab Cake Bites With Lemon Remoulade
These baked crab cake bites with lemon remoulade are so incredibly tasty. They're definitely a slightly more intensive app, but if we have anyone coming over we want to impress (hello, in-laws) this can be an incredible choice.
White Bean Artichoke Dip
This white bean artichoke dip is tasty, healthy, and light choice for a Thanksgiving appetizer. It can be made a day or two ahead and set out with fresh-sliced vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers whenever guests arrive.
Mini Stuffing Muffins
For so many of us, our favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner is the stuffing. So for anyone who's overly anxious to get to that beautiful fluffy bread, these mini stuffing muffins are the ultimate app. And even better — this recipe uses the boxed stuff, so it takes basically no time to make.
Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini
We love this super-simple recipe for pear and goat cheese crostini, but the truth is, we could just as easily slice up some pears on a plate, drop little bits of goat cheese all around, sprinkle with toasted walnuts, drizzle with honey, and serve with some crackers. That's even easier and just as good.
Ricotta and Prosciutto Cracker Appetizer
This ricotta and prosciutto cracker appetizer is super delicious, but it's also easy enough that older kids and tweens can be tasked with putting it together for the whole family. We'd just have to trust them not to nibble all the snacks themselves.
Mini Pizza Dip Cups
Oh my goodness, these mini pizza dip cups are so freaking tasty, and they're so easy, thanks to the smart use of premade wonton wrappers. They're the perfect appetizer for a big family because they're incredibly kid-friendly (although we're super not above snacking on them ourselves).
