12 Appetizers to Keep Everyone Happy Until the Turkey’s Ready

Waiting for the turkey doesn’t have to mean waiting on great food. These 12 appetizers bring big flavors and keep everyone happily snacking until the main event. From crispy bites to creamy dips, they’re designed to keep hunger at bay and the conversation going. Perfect for setting the tone, these crowd-pleasers will make sure your guests feel welcomed and well-fed before the big meal hits the table.

Loaded bruschetta salad on crostini on a white plate. — Loaded Bruschetta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board. — Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Combining sharp cheddar, bacon, and a hint of beer, this rich dip is ready in just 20 minutes and perfect for pairing with pretzels or bread. The familiar flavors of beer cheese are made even better with a bacon kick, making it a hearty appetizer that’ll keep guests satisfied until dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Tomato Burrata Salad

A fresh mix of ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, and basil, this salad takes only 15 minutes to assemble, adding a light but satisfying option to any appetizer spread. It’s the perfect blend of classic ingredients with a modern presentation, keeping guests happily snacking until the main dishes arrive.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Closeup of steamed artichoke on a white plate with sweet and spicy sauce. — Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These steamed artichokes paired with a spicy peach mango sauce add a refreshing and light option to any appetizer spread. Perfect for entertaining, they’re a party favorite that provides a burst of flavor without being too filling, ideal for snacking before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichokes with Spicy Peach Mango Sauce

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate. — Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These fritters combine crispy sweet potatoes with a unique sweet and spicy sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Prepared in just 30 minutes, they’re easy to make and offer a balance of flavors that’s sure to keep everyone interested while they wait for the main meal. Perfect for those who love a twist on tradition.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

With an array of meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts, this grazing board takes 30 minutes to assemble and provides variety for all tastes. A timeless spread with a trendy twist, it’s the perfect way to cater to different preferences, keeping everyone occupied before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Cranberry and pistachio crostini on a plate. — Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This festive bruschetta combines tart cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and flavorful chermoula in just 20 minutes, making it a bright addition to any holiday gathering. A fresh spin on a classic, this appetizer will add a special touch to the spread, bringing seasonal flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds

Glass jar with olives, a garlic clove, and herbs submerged in olive oil. The jar is placed on a wooden surface with a lemon wedge nearby—perfect appetizers that will have your guests begging for more. — Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Ready in just 10 minutes plus marinating time, these cheese curds are infused with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a tangy Mediterranean twist. They’re a light and flavorful snack that pairs well with other appetizers, offering guests a unique bite to enjoy before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek-Style Marinated Cheese Curds

Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

These cheese curds take just 20 minutes in the air fryer, delivering a crispy outside and gooey inside for a modern take on a classic appetizer. Perfect for those looking to bring something familiar yet updated to the table, these curds are a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Cheese Curds

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

Filled with seasonal flavors of pumpkin and caramelized onions, these puff pastry pockets are an effortless yet impressive appetizer. Ready to serve in no time, they’re a hit for anyone looking to bring a taste of fall to the table, perfect for pre-Thanksgiving snacking.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey

A close-up of a dish featuring a block of feta cheese topped with a mix of chopped nuts and herbs. Two hands with light pink nails are holding the dish, which is placed in a light blue rectangular baking tray. — Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This creamy baked feta dip combines the rich flavors of feta, dates, hazelnuts, and honey in a sweet-savory blend that’s ready in minutes. It’s a luxurious addition to the appetizer table, ideal for those who love a crowd-pleasing dip with a gourmet flair.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey

Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Two bowls of vegetable stew with eggplant and peppers sit on a cloth, perfect as 30-minute appetizers. Nearby are whole vegetables and a small dish of bell peppers. — Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk). Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

A Moroccan-inspired dip made with roasted eggplant and tomatoes, this Zaalouk is ready in under an hour and packed with spices. Perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, it’s a memorable, flavor-packed option that’s sure to keep guests intrigued until the turkey’s done.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

Loaded Bruschetta

This loaded bruschetta brings fresh tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and mozzarella onto toasted bread, creating a vibrant appetizer in just 15 minutes. It’s a colorful and flavorful dish that stands out, making it ideal for guests to enjoy while they wait for the turkey to be ready.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bruschetta