Appetizers at Thanksgiving?

[wdw_dine_junkie]

What (if anything) do you put out for snacking before the big Turkey-Day meal? We usually eat around three o'clock and I am looking for ideas. I usually just put out a olive/pickle tray and some cheese and crackers. I am thinking about doing a cheese ball this year instead of sliced cheese because it doesn't dry out as quickly.

Just like everyone else, my oven will be filled with the important stuff during the day, so crockpot or microwave or toaster oven recipes are needed for hot appetizers.

Thanks
Michelle

[Alice28]

We usually eat around 2. We have a nice breakfast that fills us up for awhile. I can never resist making a batch or two of homemade Chex mix, which you can make several days before. Cheese ball and crackers too...I try not to have too many appetizer type things cause I don't want to be too full for the main event! Maybe some cold veggies and dip would be good too- you know, something *a little* healthy. :p

[mommytotwo]

You could make a bread bowl and add in some spinach dip and surround it with crackers or bread cubes on a platter.
Deviled Eggs, Stuffed Mushrooms, and grape leaves.

[Trish Bessette]

I second the Spinach Dip in a Bread bowl idea! I do that every year, it is so good.

If you want more warmed items you can do cocktail franks in grape jelly/cocktail sauce in your crockpot.

We also have:

cheese/crackers/pepperoni
fruit tray
stuffed mushrooms
spinach dip
variety of nuts

[raven3517]

We usually do a veggie/crackers/dip tray, bacon wraps (bacon wrapped around water chestnuts and marinated), shrimp cocktail, and fresh pineapple with fruit dip.

We have a pretty large family, so there's usually lots to choose from (we normally end up with a dozen different pies for dessert! :o :eek: )

[magic]

We always have boiled shrimp, crab meat dip, and sausage balls, it is probably a little too heavy right before such a large meal but I bet everyone would be upset if I changed the menu now.

I love the spinach dip in the bread bowl and use it alot of times for many get togethers.

[TheGottis]

I don't think I can ever remember a Thanksgiving with out snacking on cream cheese stuffed celery, jumbo black olives and cheese and crackers with pepperoni and salami (hot with melted cheese is my favorite way to eat these).

We usually eat around 4 also and break out the appetizers around 1:30 - 2:00 pm.

Ummm... may need to go to the store for some to 'nosh' on tonight and tomorrow while watching baseball and football!

[crazyforpooh]

Love the spinach bread bowl dip idea. I love to make stuffed mushrooms, and sometimes crab cakes.

[gdulaney]

My mom always make little smokies in bbq sauce... YUM!!!

Ginny :)

[rcyannacci]

We always do stuffed celery too. Some stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese and green olives, some stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, blue cheese, and chopped walnuts.

[JC2]

I want to make the spinach dip in the bread bowl. Will you tell me what kind of bread you use to make the bread bowl?

TIA

[wdw_dine_junkie]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I can't believe I forgot about the spinach dip in the bread bowl. I have made that in the past for parties, but that is perfect for Thanksgiving too. I like to use Pumpernickel bread.

[believe]

It sometimes changes...usually 5-7 appetizers are served.

Cheese Ball
Pep and Cheese
Taco Ring or Chicken Ring
Veggies
Chips
Lil pig's in the blankets
pickle rollups
salami rollups
veggie pizza

My family loves food...what isn't eaten before the mean comes out for a second round after desserts.