9 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers You Can Meal Prep

Thanksgiving can get a bit hectic, right? Between the turkey, sides, and desserts, it feels like there’s never enough time. That’s why I love meal prepping appetizers ahead of time. It not only saves me a ton of stress on the big day but also ensures my guests have something delicious to nibble on while we finish up the main course.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs are a must-have for Thanksgiving appetizers. They’re easy to make ahead and always a hit with a crowd.

Ingredients Needed

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: paprika, chives, or bacon bits

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by 1 inch.
2. Heat over medium-high heat until the water comes to a rolling boil.
3. Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
4. Drain the hot water and immediately run cold water over the eggs until they are cool to the touch.
5. Peel the eggs and slice them lengthwise.
6. Gently remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Set the egg white halves aside on a serving platter.
7. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth. Add mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the yolk mixture until ready to use.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Store the egg whites and yolk mixture separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the deviled eggs just before serving by piping or spooning the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika, chives, or bacon bits right before your guests arrive for the freshest presentation.

Pumpkin Soup Shots

These bite-sized soups are perfect as Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Mini shot glasses for serving
• Optional garnish: coconut cream or cinnamon

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, coconut milk, cumin, and cinnamon.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
8. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

You can make this hearty soup up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, heat the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Pour the warm soup into mini shot glasses and garnish with a dollop of coconut cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. 

This approach not only keeps the soup fresh but also saves valuable time on the day of your Thanksgiving celebration, ensuring your appetizers are stress-free and enjoyed by everyone.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd. They’re simple to make and can be prepped ahead, saving you some stress on the big day.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 small wheel of brie cheese, cut into 24 small cubes
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut the puff pastry into 24 small squares.  
4. Gently press each puff pastry square into the cups of a mini muffin tin, forming small bowls.
5. Place one cube of brie into each cup.
6. Top with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
7. If desired, add a pinch of chopped rosemary to each bite.
8. Cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

You can prepare these bites up to two days in advance. After assembling, cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake the bites in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbly. 

If you want a fancy touch, sprinkle the baked bites with fresh rosemary just before serving. They’re a perfect addition to your list of Thanksgiving appetizers, and your guests will love them.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and delicious option for Thanksgiving appetizers you can meal prep. They’re easy to handle and always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

• 24 medium white or cremini mushrooms
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional additions: finely chopped spinach or cooked sausage

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
3. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, sautéed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Fill each mushroom cap with the cream cheese mixture.
6. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

To keep things efficient, I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the stuffed mushrooms on it. This way, when you’re ready to cook, you can go straight from the fridge to the oven. 

Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the mushrooms are cooked through. If you have leftovers, they store well in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Sweet Potato Rounds

Sweet Potato Rounds are a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving appetizer you can prep ahead of time. These rounds are not only tasty but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Toppings: crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), honey or balsamic glaze, chopped nuts, dried cranberries

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet
4. Brush each round with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned
6. Let the sweet potato rounds cool completely

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

You can prepare these sweet potato rounds up to three days in advance. To serve, preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat the rounds for 10-15 minutes until warm. Add your toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. 

This handy meal prep tip makes hosting Thanksgiving easier, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates are a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer you can easily prep ahead. They’re sweet, savory, and perfect for munching while waiting for the turkey.

Ingredients Needed

• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half lengthwise
• 12 toothpicks
• Optional fillings: 12 almonds, 2 ounces blue cheese, or 2 ounces goat cheese

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If desired, stuff each date with an almond or a small amount of cheese
3. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick
4. Arrange the wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through
6. Let cool slightly before serving

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

You can prepare these bacon-wrapped dates up to two days in advance. After assembling them, place them in a sizeable airtight container and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to reheat. This way, you’ve got a tasty appetizer ready with minimal effort on Thanksgiving Day.

Mini Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups

Ingredients Needed

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package mini phyllo cups

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the mixture into the mini phyllo cups.
5. Place the filled cups on a baking sheet.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Make the filling ahead of time and stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. These cups are best when freshly baked, so hold off on adding the filling to the phyllo cups until you’re ready to bake.

If you have leftovers, store the filled and baked cups in the fridge and reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F. This way, you’ll maintain the crispy texture that everyone loves in Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to meal prep and will impress any crowd.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
• 12 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: lemon zest for garnish

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of prosciutto.
3. Arrange the wrapped asparagus spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
4. Lightly brush each spear with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper
5. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

For meal prepping, once the asparagus is wrapped and ready on the baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven to keep them crisp.

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a stress-free and tasty option for Thanksgiving appetizers.

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A cheese and charcuterie board is a fantastic way to start your Thanksgiving feast. It’s easy to prep ahead, looks appealing, and offers a variety of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed

• Cheeses: Aged cheddar, brie, gouda (or your preferred selection)
• Meats: Salami, prosciutto (or other cured meats)
• Crackers: Variety of crackers and sliced baguette
• Fruits: Grapes, apple slices, dried fruits (figs, apricots, etc.)
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or other nuts
• Olives and pickles: Variety of olives and pickles
• Condiments: Honey, grain mustard

Steps to Prepare Ahead

1. Cut the cheeses into manageable pieces and arrange them on a large board or platter
2. Slice the meats and arrange them attractively on the board.
3. Prepare the fruits by slicing apples and grapes
4. Add nuts, olives, pickles, and other accompaniments to the board.
5. Pre-slice the bread and store it in a zip-top bag to keep it fresh
6. Wrap the entire board tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

The cheese and charcuterie board can be assembled a day ahead to save time. Keep everything wrapped and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. If you want the crackers to stay crispy, add them right before serving. 

For an added touch, bring the cheeses and meats to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. This makes an effortless yet elegant option for your Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of activity, but meal prepping appetizers can really take the edge off. By preparing some delicious bites in advance, we can enjoy the day with less stress and more time with our loved ones.