holiday appetizers
Start your feast off with simple yet delicious ideas for your guests. Shutterstock/Vitalina Rybakova

Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner can be a little stressful, whether it’s the food, the décor, the kids; there’s a lot going on, and sometimes we can even forget about appetizers! Don't worry, we’ve compiled a list of easy recipes you can prep in advance and whip up quickly to entertain your guests as they arrive. Remember to take shortcuts and get store-bought helpers as they can come out just as good! These recipes are all you need to be the hostess with the mostest, or host with the most:

Martha Stewart's Mini Croque Monsieurs: These Parisian comfort food classics are not only super easy to make but are also cute canapé versions which will satisfy your guests no doubt. You can even cut them like stars if you're feeling crafty. Check them out!

Country Living’s Pigs in a Blanket: This finger-food classic is almost a must-have in any holiday party. They’re satisfying and comforting for cold winter days, not to mention delicious!

Chef Rick Bayless’ ‘Queso Fundido Al Tequila’: Two of our favorite products in one; tequila and queso! Mexican-food passionate, Bayless mixes cheese with cilantro, tomato, jalapeño, onion and tequila to make an exquisite dip to enjoy with a little more tequila on the side (optional). For a kid friendly recipe skip the tequila. Serve with corn chips. Try it out!

Comida Kraft’s Bacon, Poblano and Cheese Empanadas: Don’t get scared with the thought of baking empanadas. This is another case where you can use simple shortcuts for the most scrumptious results. Buy the dough and make the quick filling, voila!

Simply Recipe’s Perfect Guacamole: You can’t go wrong with guacamole, and while there are many versions out there, the simpler the guacamole, the better the guacamole. Traditional guac really only has avocado, onion, tomato, Serrano chile, salt and a splash of lime. Serve with corn tortilla chips, of course!

Country Living’s Lemon Goat-Cheese Dip: This appetizer is easy to make, easy to serve and very easy to enjoy. Wow your guests with this Mediterranean zesty dip and forget about the stress! Try it here.

Serious Eats ‘Potato-Chorizo Sopes With Avocado Crema’: Sopes are the ultimate finger food, and if you make tiny versions of them, this variation will be just perfect to pass around at your gathering. Recipe here.

Martha Stewart’s Fried Mozzarella Balls: It’s one of those recipes you can definitely cut short with store-bought mozzarella balls (or sticks cut into pieces), pre-made breading mixture and marinara sauce for dipping. They don’t get much easier or more delicious than this!

Comida Kraft’s Coconut Shrimp: This tropical idea is not only crunchy and delicious, it’s supposed to come with a sweet and spicy sauce for dipping! Beware; it might be the most popular appetizer of the party.

Cook Almost Anything's Potato Corn and Chorizo Croquettes: These flavorful and fluffy bites will wow your guests and put the Latino twist in your appetizers round. They can also be made ahead of time and served warm. Scrumptious!

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