Dinner Runs Late But 33 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes Save Me

Holidays have a way of making the clock run faster than the oven. Luckily, 33 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes step in like comic relief. They keep people laughing, grabbing plates, and forgetting the main dish is still running late. It’s like hitting pause on hunger while turning up the fun.

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley. — Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background. — Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Party plates go quickly when Salmon Deviled Eggs show up, giving everyone a little fancy twist that still pairs perfectly with all the holiday classics. Guests talk about these for days after. Leftovers are rare. I have to set aside a few for myself before everyone arrives.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture. — Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Snack tables are always better with Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, and everybody grabs a handful whether they’re waiting for turkey or just wandering past the appetizers. Trays clear fast. Kids love dunking these in different sauces. Even picky eaters reach for more than one.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese. — Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sliders keep things laid back and everyone loads their plate when Italian Sliders take center stage at my place, stacking up layers and making dinner delays way easier on the crowd. They don’t even need sides. Just add napkins. These are my go-to for big gatherings now.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

A turkey charcuterie board features a playful face design with sliced meats, cheeses, pretzels, grapes, olives, breadsticks, and two candy eyes on an apple. — Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Grazing gets everyone through those long waits when I break out Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board, and family crowds around choosing from every snack and bite at once. This display never lasts long. People snap photos for next year’s ideas. I get texts for board inspiration all November.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish. — Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Appetizer trays always start emptying once Bacon Wrapped Smokies land on the table, and folks circle back for extras even if dinner’s running late. These are perfect for snacking and chatting. Every tray goes fast. I’ve started making a double batch just to keep up.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Loaded Potato Skins

Crowd favorites stick around because Loaded Potato Skins hit all the right spots between crispy, creamy, and perfect as finger food, so no one ever leaves even a crumb behind. Friends go for seconds. Leftovers pack nicely for lunch. These win every snack battle.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Shrimp Ceviche

Light bites are always welcome and Shrimp Ceviche ends up disappearing first because it’s a cold option with enough tang to keep everyone reaching for crackers. Guests ask what’s in it but never believe it’s homemade. Family packs extra away for next-day snacking. I keep extra chips handy just in case.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board. — Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple plates get set out before the feast, and Caprese Appetizer always makes dinner wait easier, giving everyone something fresh while the main meal finishes up. Slices disappear fast. People prefer seconds rather than just one bite. Even picky eaters don’t argue about these.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper. — Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheese boards get a bold upgrade with Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls, and folks love breaking off crackers and piling up every time they pass the snack table. No one sticks to just one. These are gone quickly. Someone always asks for the recipe, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips. — Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Every family get-together turns into a party once Rotel Dip is on the table, with people circling up and dunking chips while catching up, making dinner delays way less stressful. Kids try to hog the bowl. Spoons are rarely needed. Bowls empty faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy snacks make waiting fun, so I always put out Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers and nobody misses them because plates keep coming back for refills. These win over doubters. Kids pick out extra bacon. Late guests text just to make sure they don’t miss these.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Maryland Crab Cake

Smaller bites can steal the show when I pan up Maryland Crab Cake, ensuring every family member gets a taste and requests the next batch soon after. People talk about these instead of turkey. Appetizer plates go empty. Friends want the leftovers for their own lunch.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Pigs in a Blanket

Easy snacks always disappear first, with Pigs in a Blanket stacked high and side sauces making them simple for everyone to grab between stories and games during the meal delays. You can’t make too many. Kids love these. Even adults sneak off with a handful each time.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray. — Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy snacks kill hunger pains and Crostini Appetizers get loaded up with all kinds of toppings, keeping everyone busy until the main course is served. Guests choose their own combos. At my house, these are essential. They even work as a starter for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates fill up fast when Roast Beef Sliders arrive, and my whole family lines up to grab some before heading back for more, making dinner delays a little easier to handle. I always make extra. These get packed for next-day lunches. Leftovers wouldn’t last through the evening.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Shrimp Cocktail

Bite-sized seafood stays popular when I serve up Shrimp Cocktail, making everyone pause their conversations just to grab a few chilled pieces off the platter. Guests never leave any behind. It’s a tradition now. I set these out for every celebration.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Parties get loud once I prepare Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites, because people can never figure out what makes them so addictive, and snack platters clear within minutes. These travel well. They always win requests. Kids even ask for them at birthday parties.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

A wooden bowl of hummus garnished with chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and herbs, drizzled with olive oil and paprika. — Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Dips keep everyone happy and Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus wins points even with non-vegans since it pairs with crackers and veggies for endless snacking. Guests share requests for the recipe. People come back for more. Napkins always run out before the hummus does.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Antipasto Skewers

Finger foods go quick thanks to Antipasto Skewers, which layer up all the classic bites and make waiting for dinner something people actually enjoy. Skewers get picked clean. Every party asks for them. Relatives want to know how to make their own.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Stuffed Mushrooms

Pop these on a tray and nobody complains dinner is late, because Stuffed Mushrooms fill everyone up with small bites that work for both adults and kids. Extras work great as sides. I make double batches and still run out. These have moved up to the favorites list in my house.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Burgers in bite-sized form keep everyone entertained before dinner, and Cheeseburger Sliders get snapped up by guests in just a few minutes. No sauce needed. Lunches the next day are set. We always run out no matter how many I cook.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy. — Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Party snacks with a smoky finish always disappear first, and Smoky Bacon Pig Shots fit right in with a lineup of bold appetizers for the hungry crowd. Kids look for extras. These end up gone before turkey’s on the table. Even cold leftovers get eaten right away.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Potato Skins

Every time I need an easy snack, Potato Skins lead to empty plates and happy guests, so I never worry about dinner running late with some on hand. Quick to reheat. Kids always ask for them. They’re the most-requested appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background. — Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hot biscuits fresh from the oven or reheated instantly win over the crowd, and Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits run out before the meal is even plated. Guests always go back for seconds and thirds. My family requests them for every holiday. Even teens get excited about these biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Wrap up bratwurst in a mini form and everyone grabs seconds, so Brats in a Blanket work perfectly when dinner stretches out longer than planned at my place. These turn into lunch next day. Kids eat them like candy. Guest plates never have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Deviled Eggs

Classic starters hold strong for every gathering because Deviled Eggs are always present and never survive past the last guest, making them a must on any holiday appetizer spread. Even picky eaters take a few. I start prepping extra. My family fights for the last one every year.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center. — Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp potatoes make any wait easier to handle, and Mini Hasselback Potatoes always get demolished before mains hit the table since everyone loves customizing their bites. Cheese and herbs fly off the tray. Kids ask how they can help. These turn snacking into a game.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds. — Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Keeping hungry relatives happy is simple with Turkey Sliders since they work for all ages and pack enough bite to tide everyone over for hours. These never last long on the tray. I plan for double batches just to be safe. Every meal starts faster when these sliders are ready.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crunchy appetizers get top billing at our place, so Shrimp Toast is guaranteed to get cheers and have guests reaching for extra napkins while they clean their plates. These travel well for lunch. Leftovers never survive. We skip the fancy spreads when shrimp toast is around.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Charcuterie Board

Movers and grazers appreciate a big Charcuterie Board, because it turns snacking into a crowd activity and lets everyone build their own perfect bite before dinner’s up. Slices and spreads all go fast. I get recipe requests after every holiday. No two boards are ever the same at my parties.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together. — Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheese, spreads, and crunchy bread keep guests busy so Party Crostini always make it to snack tables and go faster than expected, which helps keep folks happy while the turkey cooks. Kids pile them with extras. Adults mix up combos. Everyone leaves asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce. — Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Finger food in bulk means fewer complaints, so Sausage Balls get made for every party now, because people want easy bites while dinner finishes up and trays never come back to the kitchen with leftovers. These freeze and transport well. My crew eats them at all times of the day. You can never make too many.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Italian Sub Pinwheels

Rolled sandwiches bring some fun and Italian Sub Pinwheels can be packed with anything, giving guests an interactive bite while they wait and asking for extras for the next day’s lunch. These get snapped up as soon as the tray lands. Older relatives ask for them every holiday. I now make them in double batches to keep up.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels