Do you need to buy yourself a little extra time to get Thanksgiving Dinner on the table? Serve these cold Thanksgiving appetizers while you wait for the turkey to cook!
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Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers
Thanksgiving day is one of those holidays where everyone is waiting for the food to be served. The adults and children alike are usually hungry and it seems like the turkey will never be ready. You can solve this problem without making a ton of extra work for yourself by serving a few of these Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers.
Do you need appetizers for Thanksgiving?
When you think of Thanksgiving dinner, appetizers are not what you typically think of. So, I would say they are not absolutely necessary, unless your Thanksgiving celebration is an all day affair like it is in our house.
In our house, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is not served until the late afternoon or evening. Of course, that meal includes some of our favorite family Thanksgiving recipes including some of these Thanksgiving Corn Recipes. Keeping everyone fed just enough to keep them happy, but not letting them get over full is a challenge, especially for the children.
We typically start the day with this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole that is easy for everyone to walk by and pull a piece off even after the breakfast hour is over. They tend to munch on the casserole and my crock pot cinnamon roll casserole while they watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Dog Show!
We do begin to have issues, however, when the extended family starts to arrive but the big meal is not quite ready to serve.
Can you make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers?
There is so much cooking to do on Thanksgiving day that I make ahead everything possible, including the appetizers. I actually begin my Thanksgiving preparations many weeks before by saving the broth for the dressing from my crock pot chicken. I also make several pans of cornbread and freeze them for the dressing.
For may of the appetizers below, you can make them completely the day before and simply store them in the refrigerator and bring them out ahead of time like this easy meat and cheese tray, or these mini stuffed peppers.
Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers
These Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers are sure to keep the kids and adults happy while they are waiting for the turkey to come out of the oven. Most of these appetizers can be prepared the day before and chilled until your guests arrive.
3-Ingredient Mini Stuffed Peppers Recipe
This ridiculously easy 3-Ingredient Mini Stuffed Peppers Recipe will wow your party guests, while keeping you at ease. It’s sure to be your new go-to appetizer recipe.
How to Build a Crudit�s Platter
Pronounced “krew-dee-tay” this abundant platter of assorted raw veggies and flavorful dips is the perfect hors d’oeuvre to kick off a party! In this post you’ll learn how to assemble the quintessential crudités platter with fresh, crisp veggies and perfectly paired dips and sauces.
Balsamic Roasted Red Pepper Basil Hummus - Strength and Sunshine
Homemade, creamy, fresh hummus. Three bold flavors: balsamic, roasted red peppers, and basil will have you eating this hummus straight from the bowl. Gluten-free, vegan, and fat-free, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Healthy Veggie Pinwheels
Bite-sized veggie pinwheels are a nutrition-packed and will keep the kids from getting restless at your holiday party!
Tyrokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
Tyrokafteri – Greek Cheese? Yes, Please!! Time to get to know Tzatziki’s fiery and zingy cousin… Tyrokafteri.
This is the dip you want in your life. It’s tangy, salty, creamy and as said earlier, a tad bit fiery. It’s a dip made from everyone’s favorite feta cheese.
Add in a little spice kick with some kind of hot peppers, along with creamy Greek yogurt and olive oil…
Healthy Deviled Eggs
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Bacon Deviled Eggs are the ultimate appetizer for holiday dinners and get togethers with friends and family. These loaded deviled eggs have bacon and caramelized onions and will wow your guests.
Fabulous Oil-Free Ancho Chile Pumpkin Hummus Dip Recipe - Vegan and Gluten-Free
This Ancho Chile Pumpkin Hummus Dip recipe makes a healthy and easy snack that’s perfect to celebrate the beautiful colors of fall!
Easy Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Pecan Pate
It’s always worth making extra beans just to make this Easy Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Pecan Pate.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
A delicious little appetizer bursting with flavor! These stuffed cherry tomatoes have a cream cheese filling with fresh dill and garlic. Perfect for adding to an appetizer buffet table.
Are there traditional Thanksgiving appetizers?
I wouldn’t really consider any appetizers to be “traditional” for Thanksgiving as the main meal is more of a tradition. Some families do have dishes that are traditionally prepared by certain family members and served at certain times during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Other Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving Corn Pudding
- Loaded Corn Casserole
- Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
- Deviled Eggs
