19 Appetizers and Soups That Will Disappear Before the Turkey Is Served

Thanksgiving dinner is more than just the turkey—it’s about the irresistible appetizers and soups that set the stage for a memorable meal. These 19 dishes are designed to keep guests satisfied while waiting for the main course, bringing flavors that leave no leftovers behind. From savory bites to comforting bowls, these recipes promise to be the talk of the table before the turkey even arrives. Get ready to serve up starters so good, they might just steal the spotlight.

A ceramic bowl filled with creamy orange soup, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprig of thyme. A spoon rests in the bowl, and it's placed on a dark plate over a marble surface. — Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup

A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. — Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup delivers a bold combination of tangy sauerkraut and earthy mushrooms that stands out on the holiday table. This warming dish offers a rustic, old-world flavor that resonates with guests looking for something different. Its unique profile makes it a memorable addition to the appetizers or soups served. This soup will be gone quickly, leaving a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Bar Tartine’s Sauerkraut Soup

Air Fryer Cheese Bites

A plate of breaded chicken nuggets garnished with parsley. The nuggets are golden brown, and the dish is placed on a white surface with a striped cloth partially visible. — Air Fryer Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cheese Bites bring crispy exteriors and gooey, cheesy centers to your appetizer table, making them a crowd favorite. Their quick prep time ensures they’re ready to serve before the main course, giving guests a snack they can’t resist. Both kids and adults will keep reaching for these crunchy delights. It’s guaranteed they’ll be gone before the turkey even makes its entrance.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts

A wooden bowl filled with melted cheese, chopped peaches, and pecans. A bread slice is seen in the background, and a piece of bread is used to scoop up the cheesy mixture. Pecans are scattered around the bowl. — Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts is the ultimate pre-dinner indulgence, combining creamy, melted cheese with sweet honey and crunchy nuts. This warm and decadent appetizer draws guests in and keeps them coming back for more. Paired with crackers, it’s an irresistible start to the feast. Don’t expect it to last long—this dish will be devoured in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets

A pile of pumpkin pockets. — Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets pack the cozy flavors of fall into golden, flaky bites that no guest can resist. The pumpkin filling, enhanced with caramelized onions, creates a flavorful appetizer that feels festive and comforting. Easy to assemble and visually appealing, these pockets are perfect for setting the holiday mood. They’re guaranteed to vanish from the table as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted Eggplant Soup offers a smoky, creamy appetizer that feels both comforting and elevated. Its deep flavors and velvety texture make it a standout choice for starting the meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, this soup brings a sense of coziness to your spread. Guests will savor every drop, ensuring there’s nothing left in the pot.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup

A bowl of soup garnished with sunflower seeds, drizzles of red and dark sauce, and chopped herbs. A slice of bread is placed beside the bowl on a checkered tablecloth. A spoon is positioned to the left of the soup. — Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup showcases the sweet, earthy flavors of fall vegetables in a smooth and comforting bowl. Its seasonal appeal makes it an excellent prelude to the main course, warming up guests with its rich taste. Ready in just about an hour, it’s a practical yet thoughtful choice for the holiday table. This soup will have everyone asking for more before the turkey even makes an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash and Carrot Soup

Creamy Baked Feta Dip

A close-up of a dish featuring a block of feta cheese topped with a mix of chopped nuts and herbs. Two hands with light pink nails are holding the dish, which is placed in a light blue rectangular baking tray. — Creamy Baked Feta Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Creamy Baked Feta Dip, topped with hazelnuts and a drizzle of honey, delivers bold, tangy flavors that pair beautifully with crackers or bread. Its warm, luxurious texture makes it a standout appetizer that’s sure to impress. Guests will scoop this up eagerly, leaving the bowl empty well before the turkey is served. It’s a dish that brings people together with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

A bowl of clear chicken soup with visible slices of chicken and a sprig of dill. A slice of brown bread rests on the rim of the bowl, and a spoon is placed inside. The bowl is set on a wooden table with a cloth napkin beside it. — Classic Jewish Chicken Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup is a timeless choice that delivers tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. This comforting soup feels like a warm hug, setting the tone for an evening of shared memories. It’s a recipe that embodies tradition and hospitality, perfect for the holidays. Guests will leave their bowls empty, ready for the next course.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

A stuffed mushroom topped with melted cheese and garnished with green herbs is centered on a speckled white plate. The plate rests on a wooden surface, and a tray with more stuffed mushrooms is in the background. — Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

These Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect appetizer to set the tone for your holiday feast. Their savory tofu filling paired with tender mushroom caps will have guests grabbing for seconds long before the turkey arrives. They’re simple to prepare yet elegant enough to make a lasting impression. These bite-sized morsels will vanish from the table in no time, leaving everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Chicken Sancocho

A bowl of hearty soup with corn, meat, potatoes, and cilantro garnished with chili, placed on a woven mat. A spoon rests beside the bowl on an orange cloth. A glass of amber liquid is to the right. — Chicken Sancocho. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Chicken Sancocho offers hearty flavors with its mix of tender chicken, potatoes, and plantains in a rich, warming broth. This comforting soup is the perfect way to welcome guests and set the tone for a cozy holiday feast. With its satisfying heartiness, it’s a dish that brings people together before the turkey is even served. Guests will savor every spoonful, leaving nothing behind.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad

A close-up of zucchini rolls filled with seafood. — Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Zucchini Rolls with Crab Salad offer a refreshing and elegant appetizer that perfectly complements the richness of the holiday table. The combination of fresh zucchini and creamy crab salad creates a light yet flavorful bite guests will love. These rolls are a show-stopping starter that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. They’ll disappear quickly, setting the perfect tone for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup blends sharp cheddar and tender broccoli in a creamy, cheesy base for a quick yet hearty appetizer. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy holiday preparations while still impressing guests. The comforting richness of this soup makes it an irresistible start to the meal. Expect empty bowls and happy guests as the turkey takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Tomato Basil Bisque

Tomato Basil Bisque brings a creamy, tangy start to your meal with the fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil. Its smooth texture and light profile make it a versatile choice that pairs well with crusty bread. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great way to warm up guests before the main event. Expect this bisque to be gone before anyone even thinks about the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate. — Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup balances the sweetness of apples with the richness of butternut squash for a bowl that’s both comforting and refreshing. This seasonal favorite sets a warm, inviting tone for the meal, perfect for starting the holiday off right. Its smooth, velvety texture is ready in under an hour, making it a manageable choice for busy hosts. Guests will relish every spoonful, leaving none behind.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup transforms the classic pot pie into a creamy, hearty starter that guests will love. Packed with tender chicken and vegetables, it’s a dish that feels like home in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a practical yet comforting addition to your holiday spread. This soup will be a favorite long before the main course arrives.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup combines savory sausage with a rich, creamy broth for a warming appetizer that’s hard to resist. Its bold flavors set the stage for a hearty meal without overshadowing the main course. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to impress guests. This soup will disappear quickly, proving its place as a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Instant Pot Fish Soup

A blue bowl contains a soup with chunks of fish, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with fresh dill. The soup appears to have a clear broth base. — Instant Pot Fish Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Fish Soup is the ultimate starter for a Thanksgiving spread that’s sure to be devoured before the turkey arrives. The combination of tender fish, potatoes, and tomatoes creates a light yet hearty soup that’s quick to make and full of flavor. Using the Instant Pot ensures this dish is ready with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to the appetizer lineup. Guests will savor every bite, making it a memorable prelude to the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Fish Soup

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta

A plate of hummus garnished with slices of cherry tomato, a parsley leaf, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and spices. The dish is placed on a marble surface next to a partial view of a plate with sliced bread. — Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta delivers a smooth, flavorful appetizer topped with dukkah and honey for added crunch and sweetness. Its vibrant color and rich taste make it an eye-catching addition to the holiday spread. Perfect for pairing with crackers or fresh bread, it’s a dish that guests won’t be able to resist. This dip will be gone in no time, leaving everyone ready for the next course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup

Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup is a fantastic choice for an appetizer that disappears long before the turkey is served. Its creamy texture and rich squash flavor make it a warm and inviting start to the Thanksgiving meal. Prepared easily in a slow cooker, it saves time while keeping your guests happy and satisfied as they wait for the main course. This soup is a crowd-pleaser that sets the tone for a festive and unforgettable holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup