It's easy to overlook appetizers on Thanksgiving Day — there are a lot of other dishes to manage, after all — but we'd argue this is a big mistake. Not only does that turkey almost always take longer to cook than anticipated [1], but the last thing that's needed on a (sometimes) tense holiday is a hangry family. Instead, pin a couple of these appetizers that are perfect for the big day. Many can be made ahead, others are great last-minute options, and a few are more involved showstoppers, perfect for making when you're not in charge of the main spread.
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
Get the recipe: pumpkin macaroni and cheese muffins [3]
Spinach, Artichoke, and Jalapeño Dip
Get the recipe: spinach, artichoke, and jalapeño dip [4]
Nut-Crusted Fried Brie Bites
Get the recipe: nut-crusted fried brie bites [5]
Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Get the recipe: rosemary-sesame pecans [6]
Greek-Yogurt-Based French Onion Dip
Get the recipe: lightened-up french onion dip [7]
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: pumpkin goat cheese dip [8]
Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Get the recipe: vegetarian stuffed mushrooms [9]
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Get the recipe: ham and cheese pinwheels [10]
Peppery Ranch Cheese Ball
Get the recipe: peppery ranch cheese ball [11]
Prosciutto-Wrapped Feta-Stuffed Dates
Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates [12]
Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms
Get the recipe: green bean casserole stuffed mushrooms [13]
Everything Bagel Goat Cheese
Get the recipe: everything bagel goat cheese [14]
Apricot Jalapeño Spread
Get the recipe: apricot jalapeño spread [15]
Herbed Cheese Straws
Get the recipe: herbed cheese straws [16]
Brie & Cranberry Potato Bites
Get the recipe: Brie & Cranberry Potato Bites [17]
Pumpkin Hummus
Get the recipe: pumpkin hummus [18]
Creamy Herb Dip
Get the recipe: creamy herb dip [19]
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Get the recipe: cranberry brie puff pastry swirls [20]
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Get the recipe: spicy deviled eggs [21]
Smoky and Spicy Almonds
Get the recipe: smoky and spicy almonds [22]
Cheese Ball With Roasted Almonds
Get the recipe: cheese ball with roasted almonds [23]
Cranberry-Jalapeno Baked Brie Dip
Get the recipe: Cranberry-Jalapeno Baked Brie Dip [24]
Baked Rosemary Beet Chips
Get the recipe: baked rosemary beet chips [25]
Cranberry Crostini
Get the recipe: cranberry crostini [26]
Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Goat Cheese Truffles
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper and bacon goat cheese truffles [27]
Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme
Get the recipe: Roasted Grape Crostini with Brie and Fresh Thyme [28]
Shrimp Cocktail
Get the recipe: shrimp cocktail [29]
Spicy Marinated Olives
Get the recipe: spicy marinated olives [30]
Brie and Fig Jam Bites
Get the recipe: brie and fig jam bites [31]
Sautéed Kale and Burrata Bruschetta
Get the recipe: sautéed kale and burrata bruschetta [32]
Roasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus
Get the recipe: roasted pumpkin seed hummus [33]
Parmesan, Black Pepper, and Thyme Crackers
Get the recipe: parmesan, black pepper, and thyme crackers [34]
Hot Crab Dip
Get the recipe: hot crab dip [35]
Cheesy Phyllo Crackers
Get the recipe: cheesy phyllo crackers [36]
Rosemary Cheddar Gorgonzola Pumpkin Seed Crackers
Get the recipe: rosemary cheddar gorgonzola pumpkin seed crackers [37]
Cheese Plate
Get the recipe: cheese plate [38]
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped dates [39]
Rosemary and Smoked Salt Roasted Almonds
Get the recipe: rosemary and smoked salt roasted almonds [40]
Mushroom and Brie Bruschetta
Get the recipe: mushroom and brie bruschetta [41]
Warm Honey Fig Blue Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: warm honey fig blue cheese dip [42]
Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon
Get the recipe: Maple Glazed Mixed Nuts with Candied Bacon [43]
Apricot, Goat Cheese, and Almond Bites
Get the recipe: apricot, goat cheese, and almond bites [44]