The Thanksgiving Appetizer Situation.
These are the best thanksgiving appetizers! Most can be prepared ahead of time and they are the ideal snack to put out for your guests that won’t ruin that big holiday meal. I can’t even pick a favorite, they are all so delicious.
Thanksgiving appetizers are tricky!
You want to have something for your guests to enjoy, but you don’t want to ruin the big meal. And of course, it depends on how long your guests are staying, what time you’re eating and so on.
My guests usually come two to three hours before we eat our dinner. And while I would always have something for them to snack on (no matter what!), I make sure to be a bit more intentional about it on this day.
Some years I have made a giant cheeseboard which barely gets touched (people are saving up for the meal!) or gets demolished (and then no one is as hungry for dinner). These days, I like to make a cheeseplate on a MUCH smaller scale or even a single dip that people can enjoy. I usually only make one appetizer and have it out.
I also like to choose appetizers that I can mostly prepare ahead of time (or at least prepare all the ingredients before assembly). One of my most popular is my chipotle caramel chex mix, and this is fun because I can set out a few bowls of it.
I’m sharing my favorites below and while some of these are large in the photos, I tend to make a smaller version (if it’s a cheeseboard) or only a half batch (such as bacon wrapped dates). This ensures we’re all hungry when the turkey and stuffing come out!
P.S. you will also notice I come from a long line of cheeseball lovers. It’s true.
Best Thanksgiving Appetizers
Hot honey & bacon whipped goat cheese
Whipped brie with rosemary maple bacon
Pancetta and date whipped ricotta crostini
2 Comments on “The Thanksgiving Appetizer Situation.”
I love appetizers, and all your ideas are perfect for guests with different tastes, and giving choices allows the guest to pick only what they really like without feeling obliged to take what they don’t…
Appetizers are honestly my favorite part of Thanksgiving – they buy you time while the turkey finishes and keep everyone happy. I’m always looking for ideas that feel festive but not too heavy, so I’m glad to see some new inspiration here. Definitely trying a couple of these this year.