5 Make-Ahead Apps to Serve While the Turkey is Roasting

Save precious oven space for the big bird by making simple starters the day before the feast.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Preparation is (Tur)key

Come Thanksgiving Day, you'll be juggling roasts, pie pans and stovetop pots with the nimbleness of a circus performer. Try adding assembling appetizers to that act and you're bound to drop some balls. Prep these easy, make-ahead appetizers the night before to keep guests sated while they wait for the main feast.

Mushroom Pesto Crostini

Walnuts make an excellent addition to sauces and dips, adding sweetness and density to various herbs, oils and aromatics. Here they combine with earthy mushrooms to form a savory, crostini-topping paste so flavorful, you'll never miss the more summery, basil-infused versions.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pesto Crostini

Thai Deviled Eggs

Sriracha, fish sauce and lime juice add just the right amount of funky, tangy heat to make these easy apps devilish and conversation-starting. Prep the halved eggs the night before and store in an airtight container in the fridge until your guests arrive.

Get the Recipe: Thai Deviled Eggs

Sweet Pea Dip

This tangy dip is Thanksgiving-friendly for two reasons: It's easy to make and brings welcome color to the holiday table. It's also ready in just 11 minutes –– so you can make it and then get on with the rest of the meal.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Pea Dip

Spiced Pepitas

After carving your autumnal gourds and prepping them for T-Day roasting, stash pepitas for the perfect pre-feast snack. A double dose of paprika and cayenne pepper adds smoky heat to the nutty seeds.

Get the Recipe: Spiced Pepitas

Roasted Garlic Bread

Roast garlic cloves to form a paste –– the secret to sweet (not overpowering) garlic bread –– the day before Thanksgiving. Upon guests' arrival, mix it with butter and thyme and then slather the spread onto toasted slices.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Bread