55 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers For A Relaxing Holiday

Bread Cornucopia and Cheese

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a cornucopia, so a bread cornucopia is the perfect appetizer centerpiece for your pre-feast party. (via Brit + Co)

Mac + Cheese Donuts

Not every appetizer has to be high rent. Whether you're prepping for Friendsgiving or an Turkey Day with your closest family, these delicious edibles will be a crowd pleaser. (via Brit + Co)

Rosemary Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles

These babies are actually pretty darn classy, and they showcase all the flavors of the spectrum. There's rosemary for herb lovers, pecan to add some nuttiness, and even Sriracha for a bit of heat. Pro tip: Serve with a basic crispy wafer so as not to detract from the spread. (via The Cafe Sucre Farine)

Crostini With Bleu Cheese and Roasted Grapes

This recipe takes almost no time to make. Slice up some bleu cheese and add grapes to your favorite baguette. (via Nerds With Knives)

Gruyere, Mushroom, and Caramelized Onion Bites

Add Gruyere, mushrooms, and caramelized onions to puffed pastry for a simple and delicious appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Little Spice Jar)

Cran-Sage Rolls

Not only is there nothing wrong with using frozen dough once in a while, but it's actually kind of a perfect Thanksgiving treat. These rolls are flavored with cranberries and sage for an elegant holiday version of trust crescent rolls. (via Better Homes and Gardens)

Kabocha and Havarti Pockets

For those who don't already know, kabocha is a type of squash… which makes these appetizers perfect for your vegetarian guests. Prepare these pockets a few days before Thanksgiving, stick them in the fridge, and bake on the day of. (via I Will Not Eat Oysters)

Mushroom, Herb, and Gruyere Cheese Mini Turnovers

Mushrooms, herbs, and Gruyere cheese. What *doesn't* sound good about these turnovers? Cremini mushrooms and white wine give these otherwise totally casual finger foods an elegant, rich layer of flavor. (via Kendall-Jackson)

Onion, Cranberry, and Pecan Cheese Ball

Cheese balls are a classic appetizer. Add onion, cranberries, and pecans to make yours next-level. (via Real Housemoms)

Cranberry Baked Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make bites instead and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Well Plated)

Pomegranate Jeweled White Cheddar, Toasted Almond, and Crispy Sage Cheeseball

While the term “cheeseball" might not sound particularly refined, this big bundle of flavor actually kinda is. It's coated in pomegranate seeds, for one thing, which makes it super festive and sweet. We recommend making this bad boy with mascarpone cheese for extra oomph. (via How Sweet It Is)

Tomato Jam and Cheddar Palmiers

TBH the thought of tomato jam is a little scary. But, once you try this recipe, you and your fam will be totally hooked. Add a little cheddar to make these extra flavorful. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Cranberry Bacon Jam Crostini

These tiny crostinis take the idea of bruschetta and turn it on its head. Instead of light, summery toppings, you'll be treated to festive cranberries, savory bacon, and gooey cheese. (via Recipe Rebel)

Cha-Cha Chicken Salad

There's an unexpected sweetness to this chicken salad, and it comes from pineapples and cranberries. Top with a fresh sprig of rosemary. (via Home Is Where the Boat Is)

Pumpkin Bacon Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than pumpkin-flavored everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip. Top this dip with bacon and green onions for extra flavor. (via Chew Out Loud)

5-Ingredient Caprese Phyllo Cups

Caprese is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that you really can't go wrong with. Drizzle these with pesto or balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor, but wait to do that part until you're ready to serve — otherwise they may get soggy. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Pumpkin Dip

When it comes to dips, what could be more Thanksgiving-y than a concoction made with pumpkin? Serve with crackers, apples, or lightly sweetened cookies to tide your guests over until the big meal. (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

Prosciutto-Fontina Pinwheels

Thinly sliced prosciutto, Fontina cheese, and puff pastry are just about all you need to make these pinwheels. The best part is that they totally make you into the best ever Turkey Day hostess. (via Food + Wine)

Sweet Potato Tartlets

Sweet potatoes are Thanksgiving's #1 fans. Add a candied pecan to the top of these tartlets to kick them up a notch. (via My Recipes)

Sweet and Spicy Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and cook up a batch of stuffed mushrooms. The sweet and spicy flavors of this app will make it go fast. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

Antipasto Skewers

Assemble these skewers a day ahead of schedule. Put them on a tray and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to serve. (via Pip and Ebby)

Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp Dip

Dip toast points, pita chips, and breadsticks into this indulgent dip, which you can make a day before Thanksgiving and pop in the oven to warm up when you're ready to eat. We won't judge if you decide to toss the leftovers with some warm pasta and call it a meal. (via Amy in the Kitchen)

Quick Chicken Liver Pâté

Go old school this Thanksgiving, serving chicken liver pâté and toast points as an appetizer. The pâté will keep for a few days in the fridge; just let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature before you dig in. (via My Gorgeous Recipes)

Bavarian Cheese and Beer Spread

A robust cheese spread, made with beer, is an appropriately hearty start to your Thanksgiving feast. (via Tara's Multicultural Table)

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

We all have that family member who claims they don't like Brussels sprouts. Change their mind with these bacon-wrapped versions, which you can make ahead and heat in the oven just before serving (though they're delish at room temperature too). (via Savory Tooth)

Mushroom Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Earthy mushrooms and tangy goat cheese create a balanced bite with this bruschetta recipe. Make sure your bread is extra toasty, so you can prep it without worrying about it getting soggy. (via The Home Cook's Kitchen)

Roasted Sweet Potato Harissa Hummus

Ditch the candied sweet potatoes and serve up this creamy hummus instead. It'll keep for at least a couple of days in the fridge, freeing up time for you to work on the rest of your seasonal cooking. (via No Spoon Necessary)

Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Make these stuffed mushrooms, freeze them, then pop into the oven on Thanksgiving. Just try to resist eating so many you lose your appetite before the big meal. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Spicy Marinated Cheese

The cheese is marinated in a mixture of oil, vinegar, and spices, and gets better if you make it a day or two in advance. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Italian Sausage and Bean Bruschetta

Loaded with Italian sausage and white beans, this take on bruschetta is hearty enough for colder weather. Warm it up slightly before serving with toasted baguette slices. (via Lisa's Dinnertime Dish)

Sweet Potato Salad With Bacon

A little sweet, a little salty, this paleo salad is a satisfying but healthy starter. Top it with toasted pecans to add some crunch to each bite. (via From Our Hideaway)

Prosciutto and Date Palmiers

Flaky, cheesy, and sweet, palmiers will definitely stimulate your tastebuds. (via Garlic and Zest)

Caesar Twice Baked Potatoes

Mini potatoes, seasoned with Caesar dressing, are twice-baked in this recipe. You can assemble them ahead of time, then bake them for the second time right before they're served. (via Food Meanderings)

Baked French Onion Meatballs

Goat Cheese Risotto With Cherry Tomato Confit

CAPRESE BRUSCHETTA WITH BASIL PESTO

Puff Pastry Nibbles

Add sliced tomatoes, pesto (store-bought or homemade), and sprinkle on hard cheese to puff pastry for a simple and delicious appetizer. And the best part is, you can make this up to 48 hours ahead of time, giving you plenty of wiggle room for your Turkey Day prep. (via Where is My Spoon)

Stuffed Mushrooms

We get it. Either you love mushrooms or you hate them with a passion, but this recipe is bound to convert. These mushrooms are jam-packed with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs for a delectable finger food (via Peas & Their Pod)

2-Ingredient Italian Sausage Rolls

Bacon Kalamata Cheese Puffs

Spicy Cajun Deviled Eggs

Cheese Straws With Feta and Poppy Seeds

To make these straws, twist together feta and a homemade dough, then bake. Yes, we said * feta cheese.* These taste AMAZING all on their own, but you can get creative with the toppings if you're feeling frisky. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

KOREAN CREAM CHEESE GARLIC BREAD

Mini Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

Brie can get super messy. Make bites instead and pop some cranberry in them to Thanksgiving-ify. Serve with fresh cranberries or — our personal favorite — sweet cranberry sauce. (via Half-baked Harvest)

Dill Pickle Cheese Ball

Crispy Boursin Arancini

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

The spinach and ricotta pinwheels take pre-dinner bread to another level. Enjoy a swirl of buttery puff pastry, salty parmesan, and gooey ricotta for the ultimate savory treat.(via Cozy Cravings)

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Nothing says Thanksgiving more than cranberry-infused everything, and that doesn't stop at chips and dip. Top this dip with slivered almonds and green onions for extra flavor. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Baked Brie With Cranberries And Pecans

There's an unexpected sweetness to this baked brie, and it comes from the cranberries. Prep ahead then bake to experience the ooey gooey center. (via Hello Little Home)

Roasted Carrot & Harissa Chickpea Dip

Leek Quiche Recipe With Goat Cheese

One of the best things about quiche is that you can eat it at any time. Full of leeks and cheesy goodness, this quiche is a great way to sneak in some vegetables. (via Live Eat Learn)

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Indulge in the traditional decadence that is spinach and artichoke dip. The best part about a tried and true favorite is that they totally make you into the best-ever Turkey Day hostess. (via The Endless Meal)

Spinach Artichoke Dip Cups (gluten-free)

Speaking of spinach artichoke dip, opt for these cups to avoid the mess. You definitely won't have to worry about forgetting the chips. (via rachlmansfield)

Cherry Arugula Farro Salad

Go for a not-so-traditional Thanksgiving food and whip up a light yet filling salad. The sweet and crunchy texture of this app will make it go fast. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Easy Antipasto Skewers