40 Easy Thanksgiving Crockpot Appetizers You Can Make Ahead
Easy make ahead Thanksgiving crockpot appetizers! These cozy fall appetizers and dips are all simple crockpot Thanksgiving recipes that feed a crowd.
Thanksgiving can be so special and wonderful, but let’s be honest – there are only so many burners, oven racks, and hours in the day.
When the turkey is taking up the oven, the mashed potatoes need to be whipped, and you’re trying to remember where the heck you put the gravy boat …
… the last thing you need is to make a complicated appetizer!
That’s why I love Thanksgiving crockpot appetizers.
You can toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its thing, and have a warm, delicious appetizer ready for hungry guests without taking up precious oven space.
They can snack and entertain themselves happily (while staying out of your way) as you finish preparing the meal.
I put together a list of easy Thanksgiving appetizers that all get made in the slow cooker so you can make them without creating even more work for yourself.
So whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, bringing something to a holiday potluck or attending a Friendsgiving party, these crockpot appetizers will make your holiday a whole lot easier.
Add in a slow cooker side dish or two, and you’ll really keep your holiday dinner under control.
Let’s check ’em out!
(🍂 Looking for more fun Thanksgiving recipes? Check out these unique non-turkey dinner ideas, festive Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas, easy bite-size finger food appetizers, fun Thanksgiving cookies, and easy holiday dips.)
Thanksgiving Crockpot Appetizers
Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Crockpot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs are the easiest holiday appetizer ever! Simply dump everything into the crock pot and peace out while it cooks, then watch your guests gobble them up.
Slow Cooker Apricot Brie Dip
This recipe only takes about an hour and stays warm in the crockpot, so there's no trying to bake brie at the last minute. It’s also something a bit different and definitely a show stopper.
Chicken Apple Sausage Bites with Maple Glaze
With only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of hands-on time, these Chicken Apple Sausage Appetizers in a delicious maple mustard glaze make the best party snack!
Sausage Cheese Dip
Velveeta Sausage Cheese Dip could not be easier to make! With just four ingredients, this delicious dip takes just a few hours to simmer in a slow cooker.
Cranberry Lil Smokies
Crockpot Cranberry Lil Smokies are a seasonal twist on a classic party food that everyone loves. The sweet and tangy sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible.
Apple Butter Meatballs
Apple butter meatballs are a delicious slow cooker recipe just in time for autumn! With almost no prep, these tangy slow cooker meatballs are an easy party snack.
Candied Kielbasa
Four-ingredient Slow Cooker Candied Kielbasa sausage is the perfect easy appetizer for a crowd. It’s sweet, budget-friendly, and just plain delicious.
Soft Pretzel Cheese Dip
Slow cooker pretzel cheese dip is like cheesy heaven. It is creamy, tangy and easy to make, and seriously the perfect addition to any gathering.
Easy Marinated Olives
Made with fresh garlic, herbs, lemon peel, and a variety of olives, Slow Cooker Marinated Olives are sure to be a hit. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and you’ll have an easy and delicious appetizer.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
Crockpot Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies are made with just four ingredients and are simply delicious, slow cooked in a brown sugar and pineapple sauce.
Crack Corn Dip
Hot Crock Pot Corn Dip is a creamy delicious dip with cream cheese, sweet corn, and just the right kick of spices that’s super easy to make.
HotCheesy Garlic Monkey Bread
Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread is an easy appetizer and so tasty. Plus, it's affordable with just a few ingredients.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
Crock Pot Jalapeno Popper Dip is a mouthwatering crowd pleasing dip made with cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, and plenty of seasonings.
Herbed Almonds
Crock Pot Herbed Almonds or Party Nuts are a unique addition to any kind of gathering.
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Cranberry Sauce Meatballs are a fun and easy appetizer for the fall and holiday season. This slow cooker recipe is easy to follow and is absolutely delicious,
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is easy, cheesy, and almost completely foolproof. Plus it stays warm in the slow cooker for the perfect dipping!
Honey Glazed Crockpot Chex Mix
Honey Glazed Chex Mix has sweet glaze that pairs deliciously with all of the different mix-ins, for an irresistible salty-sweet, crunchy party mix.
3 Ingredient Swedish Meatballs
3 Ingredient Swedish Meatballs are the easiest and tastiest party appetizer. Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do its job.
Artichoke Crab Dip
Crock Pot Artichoke Crab Dip combines artichoke hearts, crab, cream cheese, and parmesan for a deliciously creamy dip everyone will love.
Pecan Praline Dip
Perfect for an easy appetizer or snack, Slow Cooker Pecan Praline Dip is full of holiday pie flavor, but in a delicious dip!
Banana Pepper and Bacon Hot Dip
Tangy tasty banana peppers and crispy salty bacon create a warm and creamy cheese dip that's easy to throw together at the last minute.
Lasagna Dip
Hot and creamy crockpot Lasagna Dip packs all of the flavor of a classic Italian lasagna with a fraction of the work. It’s hearty, savory, and feeds a crowd.
Spinach Queso
If you love classic queso dip then you’ll love this version with spinach. Crockpot Spinach Queso tastes like your favorite white queso from the local restaurant.
Hawaiian Meatballs
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs, smothered in a sweet, tangy sauce with pineapple and fresh ginger are cooked low and slow, making them tender and juicy.
Cowboy Ranch Corn Chips
Sometimes you make a recipe that’s so simple and easy yet it’s one of the most adored recipes at the party. Cowboy Ranch Corn Chips are sure adored by anyone who’s had them.
Crockpot Crack Dip
This warm crock pot Crack Dip is an addicting combo of bacon, cheddar and ranch. If you love queso dip, this appetizer is for you!
Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix
Slow cooker Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix features pretzels and other goodies are coated in the delicious combination of ranch and parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Bacon Onion Dip
Cheesy Bacon Onion Dip is a warm delicious dip that guests seriously love! Best of all, it can easily be made with ingredients you might already have on hand.
Bourbon BBQ Little Smokies
Bourbon BBQ CrockPot Smokies are swimming in a sweet and savory Bourbon BBQ sauce that’s simple to whip up in minutes.
Hot Corn Dip
Creamy Corn Dip has just a hint of jalapeno to please those who love a lot of flavor, but not too spicy for everyone else.
Honey Mustard Kielbasa Bites
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Kielbasa Bites have a tasty sauce made of honey, mustard, garlic, and pepper, they’re such a tasty combination of sweet and savory.
Shrimp and Artichoke Dip
Shrimp and Artichoke Dip is hot, creamy, and full of tender shrimp. It's sure to be the hit!
Crockpot Mushrooms
Easy juicy Crockpot Mushrooms are made in the slow cooker in 4 hours with just a few ingredients for a tasty appetizer that doubles as a side dish.
Reuben Dip
All your favorite flavors of a reuben sandwich, in a fun party dip! Rye bread or crackers for dipping really take it over the top.
Slow Cooker Turkey Jelly Meatballs
Slow Cooker Turkey Jelly Meatballs are sure to disappear quickly. They couldn’t be easier, and their tangy sweet sauce is always a favorite.
Cheesy Cuban Dip
All the yummy insides of a Cuban sandwich combined with cream cheese in the slow cooker makes an amazing dip!
It’s perfect alongside some French bread or hearty crackers.
Cheeseburger Dip
Cheeseburger Dip is loaded with bacon and warm gooey cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings. It’s so good with either potato chips or tortilla chips.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip is just as creamy, cheesy, and delicious as the baked version, but even easier, and in portable form.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Glazed Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and oh-so-easy. Dress them up for a Hawaiian Luau style appetizer, or keep them simple with toothpicks.
Slow Cooker Pizza Dip
With only ten ingredients and a dump-and-go prep, Slow Cooker Pizza Dip is sure to be as easy as it is delicious.
Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Honey Sriracha Meatballs are hot, sweet, tangy, and wildly addictive, perfect for the Sriracha lover in you.
Nacho Dip
Slow Cooker Nacho Dip is luxuriously creamy and cheesy, loaded with perfectly browned ground beef, diced chiles, and hot salsa.
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Finger Foods
As you can see, it’s possible to create simple make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, no oven rack required!
When Thanksgiving day gets busy, having a few appetizers cooking away in the crockpot can be a total lifesaver.
They’re warm, hearty, easy to make ahead, and perfect for keeping hungry guests happy while you finish up the main meal.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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