Making a tray of Thanksgiving appetizers should not feel like cooking a second dinner. This is the moment for a salty snack, a swoosh of dip, or a flaky, cheesy bite you can eat while shaping the rolls. They should keep everyone happy—especially the cook!—while dinner comes together.
The recipes below include a smoky (cheap!) carrot dip you can make up to a week ahead and a feta and sun-dried tomato dip you can blitz up in about five minutes. For a manageable spread, pick one rich option (like a retro cheese ball because it’ll make your aunt happy) and one crisp, crunchy counterpart. Add a third snack if you have time or the guest list calls for it—or, better yet, mix yourself a Thanksgiving cocktail to sip while you nibble.
Jump ahead
