Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (2024)

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Appetizers· Confessions - Over the Hedge· Recipes

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (1)

Hello Appetizers!

I am so glad you are here to whet my appetite while watching parades or football games and waiting on the star of the show, the turkey to be roasted.

I will try not to show how delighted I am at not having the usual boring celery sticks stuffed with cheese whiz or peanut butter.

Or, the always present carton of store bought onion dip disguised by the new dip dish shaped like a turkey.

Ok, the stuffed celery is an almost certain tradition but I am going to give you a few more delicious options.

I mean these appetizers recipes may be old school, but they have been jazzed up a bit and I’m loving it.

And my dear friends and readers, you can make them too as they are not only delicious, they are easy to make.

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (2)

Make Ahead Appetizers

And don’t we love appetizers that we can prepare the day before and bake just before serving?

All of these recipes can be made ahead with the exception of the dip, but you let the crock pot do all the work for you while you are tending to Thanksgiving day prep.

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (3)

I find that appetizers are not only a good thing for my family and guests, they assist in taming down those ravenous appetites, so you are not always being asked…when will dinner be ready? LOL

I hope this gives you other options other than celery stuffed with cheese whiz…although….

although……..I do like those too and it most likely wouldn’t be Thanksgiving if they were not on the table, and I do like traditions.

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (4)

But who says you can’t make one or all of these appetizers recipes AND have stuffed celery too?

What appetizers do you like to serve at Thanksgiving?

Share please!

Have a Great and Wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Hugs and Blessings!

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (5)

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (6)

Bacon Wrapped Tater Tot Appetizers

2018-11-18 12:57:18

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (7)

A quick and easy oven baked appetizer

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Ingredients

  1. 2 cups frozen tater tots, at room temperature (I have used them frozen, easier to handle...just be sure to thaw before putting in the oven or add more time to the baking)
  2. 1 ounce sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4-inch squares
  3. 4 slices bacon, quartered (you can cut bacon slice in half if you want more bacon taste)
  4. 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  5. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
  2. Working one at a time, place piece of bacon on baking sheet and add one little square of cheese near the end of bacon piece. Lay a tater tot on top of the piece of cheese and gently roll up and then roll wrap into a little brown sugar, pressing the sugar onto the wrap. You may secure with a toothpick if desired or just place seam side down on your baking sheet. Continue until all tater tots are rolled and dipped.
  3. Place tater tots seam side down onto prepared baking sheet.
  4. Place baking sheet into oven and bake for about 10 minutes.
  5. Turn each roll over by using tongs and bake another 10-15 minutes
  6. Serve immediately, garnishing with parsley

Notes

  1. You may omit the brown sugar if desired but I happen to love it. This may also be prepared using an air fryer...it is all Yummy

Me and My Captain https://meandmycaptain.com/

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (8)

New Mexico Crock Pot Chicken Cheese Dip

2018-11-19 12:21:20

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (9)

A great spicy dip that makes a tasty quick and easy crock pot appetizer. Use fresh chopped Hatch green chilis for optimum flavor!

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Ingredients

  1. 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  2. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder or you can used finely chopped fresh garlic
  5. 1 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 teaspoon pepper
  7. 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  8. 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
  9. 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
  10. 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  11. *1 chopped Jalapeno pepper (optional)
  12. 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  13. 1-1/2 cups sour cream
  14. **1 can Green Chili Enchilada Sauce (add more if desired)
  15. 4 fresh green onions, with tops, chopped

Instructions

  1. Using your electric mixer (mine is a Kitchen Aid) chop up the chicken. (or you can chop by hand)
  2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken along with the shredded three cheeses into a Crock Pot turned to high.
  4. Stir the cheeses and chicken as they melt together, making sure they are well combined.
  5. Add the sour cream a little at a time, mixing between additions.
  6. Add the Green Enchilada Sauce, checking to be sure the dip is hot.
  7. Turn the heat to warm.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh green onions.
  9. Serve with Chips.

Notes

  1. *If you don't want spicy hot dip, omit the Jalapeno pepper
  2. **If you prefer, use 1/2 cup chopped fresh green chili instead of using the canned, please do so.

Me and My Captain https://meandmycaptain.com/

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (10)

Baked Puff Pastry Brie With Raspberry/Almond Surprise

2018-11-19 12:52:14

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (11)

This appetizer looks like you worked long and hard to prepare, when in reality it is quick and easy.

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Ingredients

  1. 1 10'' x 10'' piece frozen puff pastry, defrosted
  2. 1 (8-oz) wheel Brie cheese, rind intact
  3. 2 Tbsp seedless raspberry jam
  4. 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  5. 1/4 cup dried cranberries, softened in hot water, drained, and patted dry
  6. 1 egg yolk
  7. 1 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Combine the egg yolk and water in a small bowl, and set aside to brush the puff pastry
  3. Slice the Brie in half (like a bagel) so you have two circles.
  4. Place the puff pastry on a nonstick or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet
  5. Add the bottom half of the brie slice to the center of the puff pastry
  6. Spoon out 1 Tbsp of the raspberry jam and spread the jam into a circle to within 1/2 inch of the edge of the brie slice and sprinkle with almonds and cranberries.
  7. Place the other half of the Brie on the jam mixture, rind-side up, and spread with the remaining raspberry jam.
  8. Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash, then fold up the edges to cover the cheese. Trim any excess pastry and press to seal.
  9. Flip the covered Brie over and brush the other side with the remaining egg wash.
  10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and let stand for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  12. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, apples, or grapes or any other fruit you prefer.

Notes

  1. Use any fruit and nuts like pecans or walnuts. It is your appetizer, make it your own.

Me and My Captain https://meandmycaptain.com/

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (12)

Mini Ham & Cheese Bites

2018-11-20 07:26:26

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (13)

If you want a mini bite of ham & cheese to whet your appetite before that Thanksgiving Dinner, this is your go-to...it does take a little time, but you will get raves from your guests and they can be made ahead of time.

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Ingredients

  1. 12 thin slices deli-sliced honey ham
  2. 4 slices deli-sliced Swiss cheese
  3. 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury™ Grands!™
  4. 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  5. 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Spray 32 nonstick mini muffin cups with cooking spray.
  3. Cut each thin ham slice into 8 strips; set aside.
  4. Cut each cheese slice crosswise into 4 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 pieces, for a total of 24 pieces per slice of cheese and set aside
  5. Separate the 8 biscuits; and then cut each biscuit into quarters, using a serrated knife
  6. Take each quarter and very carefully cut 3 slits into into top of each biscuit piece about 1/4 inch apart, without cutting all the way through to bottom (like a hazelback potato)
  7. Fold up the ham accordion style and place in each slit with a piece of cheese,
  8. Place each quarter of stuffed biscuit into each mini muffin cup, filling side up.
  9. Bake 15 to 17 minutes or until cheese is melted and biscuit dough is golden brown.
  10. In small bowl, mix melted butter and honey and brush butter mixture on top of baked biscuit bites. Place mini bites on pretty plate and serve YUMMY

Notes

  1. This appears to take a little time to make, but once you get the hang of it, it goes rather quickly.

Me and My Captain https://meandmycaptain.com/

Appetizers recipes you make ahead, serve before the big meal. (2024)

FAQs

What is a good appetizer before a meal? ›

28 Hors d'Oeuvres That Hosts Can Make Ahead
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What food can be made in advance for a party? ›

33 Make Ahead Meals for Family Dinners and Parties
  • 01 of 33. Oven-Baked Fish Sticks. ...
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  • 03 of 33. Chicken Noodle Soup. ...
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What is a small dish served before the main course? ›

An appetizer is part of a meal that's served before the main course. You might serve your dinner guests an appetizer of crab-stuffed mushrooms when they first arrive for dinner.

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
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  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

What is considered the simplest appetizer? ›

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – are the simplest appetizer. Fruits are good appetizers because they give an attractive appearance, fragrance, appealing taste and delicious flavor. For example, you could serve a platter of thinly sliced cucumbers, chunks of red bell pepper and baby carrots.

What party food can you cook the night before for a party? ›

Entertaining doesn't get any easier with these nibbles and bites that can be prepared hours, days and even months in advance.
  • 1Turkey, cranberry and brie sausage roll bags. ...
  • 2Crispy blue cheese and thyme polenta fingers. ...
  • 3Olive and sun-dried tomato salami log. ...
  • 4Ginger chicken meatballs.

What is a good meal to serve 20 people? ›

Breakfast Burrito Buffet (great any time of the day!) Nacho or Taco Bar (This meaty cheese dip recipe is our favorite! It's easy to make in bulk and is always a crowd pleaser.) Baked Potato Bar (Bake potatoes in a crock pot or large roaster to make it easy.

What are small items served before dinner and considered as finger foods? ›

Hors d'oeuvre

Hors d'oeuvres are defined as "apart from the main work" and served before sitting down to meal service. They may be hot or cold items. Because they are usually eaten while standing, hors d'oeuvres should be finger food that can be eaten without the use of utensils.

What is a small hot or cold dishes that served before the main meal? ›

Hors d'oeuvres (pronounced or-DERVS), although a term that can be somewhat difficult to read, are immensely easy to find in both hot and cold forms that will appeal to any crowd. Hors d'oeuvres are simply small appetizers that are often served before the main dish of a meal.

What is a starter dish? ›

The start of a meal is a taster of what is to come so should set the bar high. From simple and delicious soups and salads to more elaborate tarts and terrines, be inspired to start your meal with a taste sensation. See all starter recipes.

What is finger food appetizer? ›

Finger foods are small, individual portions of food that are eaten out of hand. They are often served at social events. The ideal finger food usually does not create any mess (such as crumbs or drips), but this criterion is often overlooked in order to include foods like tacos.

What are the 6 types of appetizer? ›

What Are the Different Types of Appetizers?
  • co*cktails. co*cktails are some of the most popular appetizers. ...
  • Hors D'oeuvres. Hors d'oeuvres are immediately different co*cktails in that they can be served hot or cold, and come highly seasoned rather than with co*cktail sauce. ...
  • Canape. ...
  • Relishes & Crudite. ...
  • Salad. ...
  • Soup. ...
  • Chips & Dips.
Aug 1, 2022

What are the 9 types of appetizers? ›

There are nine main classifications of appetizers: canapes, chips and dip, co*cktails, finger foods, fruits and vegetables, hors d'oeuvres, petite (small salads), relishes and crudite, and other.

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