Make ahead appetizers are my secret weapon for a stress free holiday. If there’s one thing I know about the holidays, it’s that time is a precious commodity. Because we are ALL about appetizers at my festivities, I have to prep these guys in advance to stay out of the weeds on the big day. So, of course, make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers are definitely mommy’s little helper this holiday season!
My make ahead appetizer list has a little something to suit everyone’s taste!
Keeping Turkey Day stress free is easy with these KILLER make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers!
No-Stress Make Ahead Appetizers
Cold Appetizers
Onion Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Ball by Real Housemoms
What I love about this recipe is its fresh spin on an old classic. My 90 year old grandmother has made a pineapple version at our Thanksgiving day celebrations for as long as I can remember. PLUS, I just love a cheese ball! I mean, come on—cheese mixed with more cheese, rolled in pecans. Gotta love these southern staples!
Salad on a Stick by The Cheerful Cook
What I love about this recipe is that it only has 3 INGREDIENTS (and there’s NO cooking involved)! That’s right. And, it can be made the day before! Win-WIN-win! If you’re looking for something that’s just a little bit on the lighter side (to cut through all those sausage balls you may be stuffing down your gullet), then this is an easy choice.
Cold Spinach Dip by 2 Sisters Recipes
What I love about this recipe is that it is the one appetizer that makes it to EVERY family gathering I think I’ve ever been to in my entire life. This looks awesome in a bread bowl, too! Served with (my favorite) sesame sticks—this has nostalgia written all over it.
Whipped Garlic Feta Dip by The Cozy Cook
What I love about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, served warm OR cold, and it’s a lighter twist compared to the entrée that’s gonna put you in a comma for the rest of the day!
Five Minute Festive Cranberry Salsa by Small Town Woman
What I love about this recipe is that it is BEST if you make it ahead of time. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to make. I love the use of fresh cranberries and jalapeños! If this doesn’t kick up your holiday festivities, then I don’t know what will. This is the recipe that everyone will be asking you for this year!
Hot Appetizers
Stuffing Sausage Balls by Home Made Interest
What I love about this recipe is that it is a SAUSAGE BALL. (I could end the convo here, but I’ll go on…). Sausage, bacon, stuffing, cheese…It is literally the perfect bite of holiday goodness. You’re gonna want to double this batch. Trust me.
Slow Cooker Bacon Jam by A Wicked Whisk
What I love about this recipe is that it is totally decadent and PERFECT for the mother of all eating days! Also, it’s completely versatile! You can pair it with any number of side-kicks like pimento cheese, olives, avocado (she even tops it with banana slices if you’re looking to go full-Elvis on turkey day). I’d probably just plan on setting up a bacon-jam bar. GENIUS!
Mini Butternut Squash Tarts with Caramelized Onions and Ricotta by Our Salty Kitchen
What I love about this recipe is the use one of my favorite fall ingredients: BUTTERNUT SQUASH! These are definitely outside of my extended family’s comfort zone, but these are 100% making it to the table for Friendsgiving! Plus, this recipe can be adjusted to use whatever substitutes your heart desires. The possibilities are endless with puff pastry!
Make Ahead Appetizers for Thanksgiving are a MUST!
I hope you’ve found some inspiration in these top picks for my MAKE AHEAD turkey day apps that are sure to please! Please, do yourself a favor this year and pick two of these to make ahead of time.
Because, then you’ll have time to treat yourself with a little Festive Thanksgiving Prosecco Cocktail or (a staple at my family’s turkey day extravaganza bloody marys!
Gobble-Gobble, y’all!
Want to remember this? Post MAKE AHEAD Thanksgiving Appetizers to your favorite Pinterest Board!
