Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, gratitude, and of course—incredible food. Before the turkey takes center stage, appetizers set the tone for the entire meal. A thoughtfully prepared appetizer spread keeps guests happy, sparks conversation, and builds excitement for the feast ahead.
Why Thanksgiving Appetizers Matter
Thanksgiving appetizers are more than just snacks. They:
- Keep guests satisfied while the main meal cooks
- Add variety and texture to your menu
- Balance heavy dishes with lighter, flavorful bites
- Showcase seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, cranberries, squash, and herbs
Let’s dive into the ultimate list of 38 Thanksgiving appetizers your guests will absolutely love.
Classic Thanksgiving Appetizers
1. Deviled Eggs
Ingredients: Eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, salt
Method:
Boil eggs, peel, halve, and remove yolks. Mix yolks with mayo, mustard, and salt. Pipe back into whites and sprinkle paprika.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients: Button mushrooms, cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs
Method:
Remove stems, mix filling, stuff mushrooms, bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
3. Cheese and Crackers Board
Ingredients: Cheddar, brie, Gouda, crackers, grapes
Method:
Arrange cheeses and crackers beautifully on a serving board.
4. Sausage Rolls
Ingredients: Puff pastry, sausage meat, egg wash
Method:
Wrap sausage in pastry, slice, brush with egg, bake until golden.
5. Mini Quiches
Ingredients: Eggs, cream, cheese, vegetables
Method:
Pour mixture into mini muffin tin with crust, bake until set.
Warm and Comforting Appetizers
6. Baked Brie with Honey
Ingredients: Brie cheese, honey, walnuts
Method:
Bake brie until soft, drizzle with honey, top with nuts.
7. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients: Spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella
Method:
Mix all ingredients, bake until bubbly, and serve warm.
8. Mini Meatballs
Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, seasoning
Method:
Roll into balls, bake or fry, toss in sauce.
9. Sweet Potato Bites
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, herbs
Method:
Slice, roast until tender, and top with sour cream or cheese.
10. Cornbread Muffins
Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs
Method:
Mix batter, bake in muffin tin until golden.
Seasonal & Fall-Inspired Appetizers
11. Pumpkin Hummus
Ingredients: Chickpeas, pumpkin purée, tahini
Method:
Blend until smooth, serve with pita.
12. Cranberry Brie Bites
Ingredients: Puff pastry, brie, cranberry sauce
Method:
Bake pastry cups with brie, and top with cranberry sauce.
13. Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
Ingredients: Squash, olive oil, cinnamon
Method:
Roast until caramelized.
14. Apple & Cheddar Crostini
Ingredients: Bread, cheddar, apple slices
Method:
Toast bread, add cheese and apple, bake briefly.
15. Maple Glazed Nuts
Ingredients: Mixed nuts, maple syrup, cinnamon
Method:
Bake until sticky and fragrant.
Light & Fresh Thanksgiving Appetizers
16. Caprese Skewers
Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil
Method:
Skewer ingredients, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
17. Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients: Cucumbers, cream cheese, dill
Method:
Top cucumber slices with seasoned cream cheese.
18. Veggie Platter with Ranch Dip
Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, ranch dip
Method:
Arrange veggies and serve chilled.
19. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Ingredients: Eggs, avocado, lime juice
Method:
Mash yolks with avocado and refill whites.
20. Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients: Shrimp, cocktail sauce
Method:
Boil shrimp, chill, serve with sauce.
Crispy & Crunchy Appetizers
21. Fried Onion Rings
Ingredients: Onions, batter, oil
Method:
Dip in batter, fry until golden.
22. Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients: Mozzarella, breadcrumbs
Method:
Bread cheese, fry until crispy.
23. Potato Skins
Ingredients: Potatoes, cheese, bacon
Method:
Bake skins, top with fillings, rebake.
24. Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients: Chickpeas, spices
Method:
Roast until crunchy.
25. Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Ingredients: Puff pastry, pesto, cheese
Method:
Roll, slice, bake until flaky.
Protein-Packed Appetizers
26. Chicken Wings
Ingredients: Chicken wings, sauce
Method:
Bake or fry, toss in sauce.
27. Turkey Meatballs
Ingredients: Ground turkey, herbs
Method:
Bake until cooked through.
28. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Ingredients: Dates, bacon
Method:
Wrap dates, bake until crispy.
29. Ham & Cheese Sliders
Ingredients: Rolls, ham, cheese
Method:
Bake sliders until melty.
30. Salmon Bites
Ingredients: Salmon, seasoning
Method:
Bake bite-size pieces.
Unique & Creative Thanksgiving Appetizers
31. Mac and Cheese Bites
Ingredients: Mac and cheese, breadcrumbs
Method:
Bake in mini muffin tin until firm.
32. Stuffed Jalapeños
Ingredients: Jalapeños, cream cheese
Method:
Stuff and bake.
33. Mini Pot Pies
Ingredients: Chicken, vegetables, pastry
Method:
Bake in small ramekins.
34. Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients: Meatballs, cranberry sauce
Method:
Simmer meatballs in sauce.
35. Cheese-Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Ingredients: Dough, cheese
Method:
Bake pretzel bites with cheese filling.
36. Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients: Zucchini, flour, egg
Method:
Pan-fry until golden.
37. Garlic Bread Bites
Ingredients: Bread, butter, garlic
Method:
Bake until crispy.
38. Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients: Bread, cheese
Method:
Grill, slice into bite-size pieces.
Final Thoughts on 38 Thanksgiving Appetizers
With these 38 Thanksgiving appetizers, you can create a balanced, flavorful spread that satisfies every guest. From warm and comforting bites to fresh and festive options, these recipes ensure your Thanksgiving begins on a delicious note.
