11 Thanksgiving Appetizers So Good, No One Will Ask “Is Dinner Ready Yet?”

By
Derek Jacobson
·

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Thanksgiving appetizers are the real MVP of the holiday – because let’s face it, no one shows up early just for the turkey. These bite-sized starters keep everyone happy (and out of the kitchen) while the main event does its thing.

From cranberry brie bites and apple-brie quesadillas to stuffing-stuffed mushrooms and Thanksgiving egg rolls, this lineup has a little something for everyone.

Most are easy, make-ahead friendly, and can be eaten with one hand – preferably while holding a glass of wine in the other.

Apple and Brie Quesadillas

Close-up of a single apple and brie quesadilla wedge on a plate showing melted cheese and apple slices.

These Apple and Brie Quesadillas are a sweet-savory combo that feels way fancier than they are. Warm brie melts between crisp tortillas with thin apple slices for a handheld bite that tastes like fall.

What Makes a Good Thanksgiving Appetizer

A good Thanksgiving appetizer is small, easy to grab, and light enough that nobody fills up before dinner. It should also stay out of the way of the main meal. On Thanksgiving, the oven is usually full of turkey and sides, so the best starters are ones you can make ahead, serve cold, or warm up in a slow cooker.

It helps when the appetizers hint at the big meal without copying it. Cranberry, turkey, stuffing, apple, and brie all show up in this list. They get people in the holiday mood while they wait for the turkey to come out.

How to Pick the Right Appetizers From This List

Most hosts only need two or three appetizers. A good mix is one warm, one cold, and one dip. If you have a big group or a long wait before dinner, add one more hearty option so people are not hungry by the time the turkey is carved.

For cold, make-ahead options, go with the Thanksgiving Pinwheels, the Caprese Skewers, or the Cranberry Chicken Salad Sliders. They can be made in the morning and kept in the fridge until guests arrive. For a dip, the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip takes just a few minutes to put together and goes with crackers or pita chips.

For warm bites, the Cranberry Brie Bites, Mini Ham and Cheese Rolls, and Apple and Brie Quesadillas cook fast. The Thanksgiving Meatballs are great when oven space is tight, since they finish in a slow cooker and stay warm on the counter. If you want something hearty for a long afternoon of football, the Mini Turkey Cranberry Melts, Cheesy Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms, or Thanksgiving Egg Rolls will hold people over.

Tips for Serving Appetizers on Thanksgiving

  • Plan for 4 to 6 pieces per person if dinner follows within a couple of hours.
  • Set appetizers away from the kitchen so guests are not in the way while you cook.
  • Do not leave food with meat, cheese, or mayo out for more than 2 hours.
  • Ground turkey meatballs are done at 165°F. Check one from the middle of the slow cooker before serving.
  • When you reheat leftover turkey for the melts or egg rolls, warm it to 165°F.

Make-Ahead Timeline

The day before Thanksgiving, mix the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, roll the pinwheels and wrap them tightly, and make the chicken salad for the sliders. You can also fill the Cranberry Brie Bites and keep the pan covered in the fridge. On the day, bake the brie bites and ham rolls while the turkey rests. I find that doing the cold appetizers ahead is what keeps the morning calm.

Quick FAQ

When should I set out appetizers?
Put them out when the first guests arrive, about 1 to 2 hours before dinner.

Can I use leftovers for these?
Yes. The egg rolls, melts, and pinwheels are great ways to use leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce the day after.

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11 Thanksgiving Appetizers So Good, No One Will Ask “Is Dinner Ready Yet?”

Thanksgiving appetizers are the real MVP of the holiday – because let’s face it, no one shows up early just for the turkey. These bite-sized starters keep everyone happy (and out of the kitchen) while the main event does its thing.

From cranberry brie bites and apple-brie quesadillas to stuffing-stuffed mushrooms and Thanksgiving egg rolls, this lineup has a little something for everyone.

Most are easy, make-ahead friendly, and can be eaten with one hand – preferably while holding a glass of wine in the other.

Apple and Brie Quesadillas

Close-up of a single apple and brie quesadilla wedge on a plate showing melted cheese and apple slices.

These Apple and Brie Quesadillas are a sweet-savory combo that feels way fancier than they are. Warm brie melts between crisp tortillas with thin apple slices for a handheld bite that tastes like fall.

What Makes a Good Thanksgiving Appetizer

A good Thanksgiving appetizer is small, easy to grab, and light enough that nobody fills up before dinner. It should also stay out of the way of the main meal. On Thanksgiving, the oven is usually full of turkey and sides, so the best starters are ones you can make ahead, serve cold, or warm up in a slow cooker.

It helps when the appetizers hint at the big meal without copying it. Cranberry, turkey, stuffing, apple, and brie all show up in this list. They get people in the holiday mood while they wait for the turkey to come out.

How to Pick the Right Appetizers From This List

Most hosts only need two or three appetizers. A good mix is one warm, one cold, and one dip. If you have a big group or a long wait before dinner, add one more hearty option so people are not hungry by the time the turkey is carved.

For cold, make-ahead options, go with the Thanksgiving Pinwheels, the Caprese Skewers, or the Cranberry Chicken Salad Sliders. They can be made in the morning and kept in the fridge until guests arrive. For a dip, the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip takes just a few minutes to put together and goes with crackers or pita chips.

For warm bites, the Cranberry Brie Bites, Mini Ham and Cheese Rolls, and Apple and Brie Quesadillas cook fast. The Thanksgiving Meatballs are great when oven space is tight, since they finish in a slow cooker and stay warm on the counter. If you want something hearty for a long afternoon of football, the Mini Turkey Cranberry Melts, Cheesy Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms, or Thanksgiving Egg Rolls will hold people over.

Tips for Serving Appetizers on Thanksgiving

  • Plan for 4 to 6 pieces per person if dinner follows within a couple of hours.
  • Set appetizers away from the kitchen so guests are not in the way while you cook.
  • Do not leave food with meat, cheese, or mayo out for more than 2 hours.
  • Ground turkey meatballs are done at 165°F. Check one from the middle of the slow cooker before serving.
  • When you reheat leftover turkey for the melts or egg rolls, warm it to 165°F.

Make-Ahead Timeline

The day before Thanksgiving, mix the Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, roll the pinwheels and wrap them tightly, and make the chicken salad for the sliders. You can also fill the Cranberry Brie Bites and keep the pan covered in the fridge. On the day, bake the brie bites and ham rolls while the turkey rests. I find that doing the cold appetizers ahead is what keeps the morning calm.

Quick FAQ

When should I set out appetizers?
Put them out when the first guests arrive, about 1 to 2 hours before dinner.

Can I use leftovers for these?
Yes. The egg rolls, melts, and pinwheels are great ways to use leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce the day after.