16 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers

This bright, fresh version of hummus is great with any combination of raw vegetables.

Recipe: Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus

If you don’t want to shuck oysters yourself, order them on the half-shell from a fish market.

Recipe: Oysters with Verjus Mignonette

As friends and family gather for the big event, offer these tasty nibbles that just so happen to be excellent make-ahead recipes

Why make everyone wait until dessert for pumpkin? Give your meal a Mexican Thanksgiving twist! Set out all the components for these seasonal tacos and let guests build their own pre-dinner treat.

Recipe: Pumpkin Tacos

We love this low-fat version of everyone’s favorite dip. Serve it with sliced baguette or crisp, raw vegetables. As a bonus for the hostess this dip can be made up to two days ahead of time.

Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Dip

As part of their catering business, Jaret Foster and Mona Johnson run a mobile oyster bar called Oyster Social. Their gingery twist on classic mignonette “adds a touch of intrigue,” says Johnson.

Recipe: Oysters with Ginger-Shallot Mignonette

For this soup—adapted from her 2013 book Vegetable Literacy—author Deborah Madison makes a quick stock from the trimmings of the main ingredients: She sets a pot with 5 cups of water on the stove, and as she chops, she tosses in the squash peels, pulp, and seeds; the ends of the onion; some basil and mint sprigs; and 1 tsp. each of coriander seeds and peppercorns. She lets it simmer, partly covered, and it’s ready by the time she needs to strain it for the soup.

Recipe: Winter Squash Soup with Red Chile and Mint

As friends and family gather for the big event, offer these tasty nibbles that just so happen to be excellent make-ahead recipes

Make these delicious olives up to two weeks ahead of time and set them out before guests arrive.

Recipe: Olives With Orange and Fennel

Baked in the half-shell and bubbling with butter and aromatic herbs, these mussels are irresistible. Get the biggest, fattest ones you can find, because they’ll shrink as they cook.

Recipe: Mussels Baked with Hazelnut Herb Butter

Melted brie, crushed pistachios, and savory diced pancetta top off these gluten-free "toasts" that are bound to disappear from a fall party platter in moments.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Crostini

Each serving is a mini seafood salad. Saffron mayo makes this appetizer special and just a little bit indulgent.

Recipe: Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayo

This colorful appetizer is healthy and delicious. Get a jump start on Thanksgiving by making the salad a day ahead.

Recipe: Endive Spears with White Bean Radicchio Salad

This stunning fuchsia hummus is a bright addition to your holiday spread. Serve it with a platter of colorful Thanksgiving vegetables and a bowl of extra-virgin olive oil for dunking.

Recipes:

Garden Vegetable Platter

Roasted Beet Hummus

If you’re seeking something extra-special to serve this Thanksgiving, look no further. Guests will love this rich and decadent appetizer.

Recipe: Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche

Fruit, nuts, and cheese come together for a perfect fall-flavored bruschetta. Guests will love this easy-to-grab, two-bite treat.

Recipe: Northwest Bounty Bruschetta

Here’s a make-ahead appetizer that’s light on fat and calories but big on flavor. Offer it with your favorite crackers.

Recipe: Smoky Salmon Chive Spread

Pumpkin seeds make this spicy mix perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Spiced nuts are also a great hostess gift or potluck dinner contribution. They’re easy to make ahead and travel well.

Recipe: Chili-Spiced Nuts