When your in-laws show up early, these appetizers are here to save the day. They’re quick to prepare and packed with festive flavors that keep everyone happy while the main meal is still in progress. Each recipe is designed to make sure your guests feel welcomed and cared for, even when plans don’t go as scheduled. With these 12 appetizers, you can turn early arrivals into an enjoyable part of the holiday celebration.
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions are the perfect way to keep Thanksgiving running smoothly when your in-laws arrive early. With just 35 minutes to prepare, these pockets are a quick solution to impress guests without delaying the main meal. The flaky pastry and autumn-inspired pumpkin filling offer a festive start to the day. These appetizers bring everyone together with a warm, seasonal touch before the feast.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Baked Butternut Squash Chips are a lifesaver for those early Thanksgiving arrivals, giving your guests something light yet satisfying to snack on. Quick and easy to prepare, they bring the fall harvest straight to the table with their crispy texture and earthy flavor. Perfect for munching while you finalize dinner, they keep everyone content without spoiling their appetite. These chips effortlessly fill the gap before the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts is a quick appetizer that ensures Thanksgiving starts on a cozy note when guests arrive earlier than planned. The creamy, melty brie paired with sweet honey and crunchy nuts creates an indulgent bite that’s ready in just 15 minutes. It’s an effortless way to bring elegance to the table while dinner finishes cooking. This dish guarantees smiles before the turkey even makes an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms are a crowd-friendly appetizer that ensures no one feels left out when Thanksgiving guests arrive early. Their hearty filling and rich flavor satisfy even the hungriest appetites without taking attention away from the main course. Easy to prepare and serve, they’re a practical choice for bridging the gap between arrival and dinner. These mushrooms bring a sense of comfort to unexpected moments.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning ensure your Thanksgiving stays exciting from the start, even when your in-laws arrive early. Their bold, herb-infused flavor and quick 20-minute cook time make them a practical yet flavorful choice. These wings set the tone for a memorable meal with their perfect balance of crunch and juiciness. Guests won’t mind the wait when these are on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey offers a creative solution to keep Thanksgiving festive when in-laws show up ahead of schedule. The vibrant combination of creamy feta, crunchy dukkah, and roasted carrots adds a touch of flair to the appetizer spread. It’s easy to whip up and keeps guests entertained with bold and unique flavors. This dip bridges the time gap with style and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey is the perfect appetizer to save Thanksgiving from awkward early arrivals. Its sweet and savory combination feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort to prepare, allowing you to focus on the rest of the meal. Paired with crackers or bread, it keeps guests happily snacking while the main event is still in progress. This dip turns unexpected arrivals into a win.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Classic Mushroom Bourekas
Classic Mushroom Bourekas save the day when Thanksgiving gets a head start with early arrivals. Their flaky pastry and savory mushroom filling feel festive and satisfying, creating the perfect appetizer to tide guests over. Quick to reheat or serve, they offer a no-stress solution to keep everyone engaged while the kitchen stays on track. These bourekas bring smiles and full plates long before the turkey hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon is a rich, hearty snack that saves Thanksgiving from feeling rushed when guests show up early. Ready in just 20 minutes, this warm, shareable dish gives everyone something comforting to enjoy while waiting for the main meal. Its cheesy flavor and crispy bacon bits are guaranteed to keep conversations lively. This dip transforms early arrivals into a fun start to the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites are the bold, bite-sized answer to early Thanksgiving arrivals that could catch you off guard. Smoky bacon and tangy pickles combine into a flavor-packed appetizer that’s ready in just 30 minutes. These snacks hold guests’ attention and appetites while the main dishes come together. Their big flavor makes them impossible to forget, even after the turkey is served.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Bites
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans are a quick and flavorful snack that keeps Thanksgiving spirits high when guests arrive early. Glazed with honey and sage, they deliver a satisfying crunch that pairs well with casual mingling. Their rich, nutty flavor holds everyone over while the turkey roasts. These pecans bring a festive touch that keeps hunger and stress far away.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Pecans
Air Fryer Cheese Bites
Air Fryer Cheese Bites bring a quick, cheesy fix to Thanksgiving when unexpected guests show up before the main meal. They’re ready in just minutes, offering a fun and shareable snack that keeps everyone happy while the holiday feast comes together. Their crispy exterior and gooey center make them an irresistible crowd-pleaser. These bites make sure the holiday mood starts off on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites
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