29 Thanksgiving Appetizers to Keep Everyone Happy Till the Turkey Arrives
Thanksgiving appetizers are a great way to keep everyone happy and entertained while the main feast is still cooking. This collection has something for everyone, with a range of crowd-pleasing options that offer a mix of easy, light bites and satisfying nibbles, perfect for warming up everyone’s appetite without spoiling the main event.
From classics like a charcuterie board and stuffed mushrooms to a few fun twists like mini cranberry-brie bites and coconut shrimp, these appetizers add variety and flavor to the table – even Uncle Bruce and Aunt Ruth will love everything you put out for them to gnosh on!
They’re all simple to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time in the kitchen. Imagine guests mingling over cheese platters, savory dips, and seasonal veggies, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Thanksgiving. Adding a few of these warm-up dishes to your table this year will make your gathering extra special, giving friends and family a delicious way to start the meal together.
Apricot Parmesan Puff Pastry Pinwheels
These Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels bring together the rich sweetness of apricot jam, the nuttiness of parmesan, and a touch of rosemary in a flaky pastry. They’re perfect Thanksgiving appetizers to impress guests with both savory and sweet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Parmesan Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Parmesan Thyme Shortbread w/ Feta Dip & Cranberry Sauce
For a standout Thanksgiving appetizer, these Parmesan Thyme Shortbreads with a creamy feta dip and cranberry sauce hit all the right notes. The salty shortbread and tangy dip make an inviting combo for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Thyme Shortbread w/ Feta Dip & Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Bacon Crostini With Cranberries
These Pumpkin Bacon Crostini bring the essence of Thanksgiving to each bite, featuring pumpkin and cranberry. A touch of bacon makes these appetizers a flavorful, festive option that will bring everyone to the table for the holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bacon Crostini With Cranberries
Mini Mexican Pizzas
Bring some variety to your Thanksgiving table with these fun Mini Mexican Pizzas. Each mini slice is bursting with flavor, perfect for adding a spicy and cheesy touch to the spread before the main feast begins.
Get the Recipe: Mini Mexican Pizzas
Charcuterie Cups
Have you heard of a jarcuterie? If not, it’s a fun and trendy twist on the traditional charcuterie board that is full of meat, cheese, fruit, and so much more. They are essentially little individual charcuterie cups.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie In A Cup
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates are a Thanksgiving must-have! They’re easy to make and combine sweet dates with smoky bacon for a delicious appetizer that’s both simple and elegant, perfect for holiday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
A Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board brings an effortless, shareable option to the table. Filled with cheeses, meats, fruits, and spreads, this appetizer board is a festive way to kick off the holiday and keep guests happily munching.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Cranberry Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese with Thyme
These Cranberry Crostini are ideal for Thanksgiving appetizers. They blend creamy whipped goat cheese and a sweet-tart cranberry topping for a beautiful, easy-to-eat starter that celebrates the season’s flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese with Thyme
Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer
These Brie Cranberry Bites bring together creamy brie and cranberry sauce in a bite-sized puff pastry, making them perfect Thanksgiving appetizers. They’re simple to make but deliver a satisfying, sweet-savory flavor combination.
Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer
Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Crispy Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer. Lightly breaded and air-fried to perfection, they’re a crunchy, tasty option for guests looking for a veggie-friendly snack before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
These bacon wrapped jalapeños will add a little pizzaz and spice to your Turkey Day table of appetizers. They’re super easy to put together, and you can even make them ahead of time to reheat.
Get the Recipe: Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
Air Fried Pickles
These Air Fried Pickles are a fun, crunchy snack to serve as Thanksgiving appetizers. They’re tangy, crispy, and perfect for guests to snack on while mingling and waiting for the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Pickles
Crispy Fish Croquettes
Crispy Fish Croquettes are an elegant choice for Thanksgiving appetizers. These little bites have a crunchy exterior with tender fish inside, and pairing them with a tangy sauce will impress guests and set the holiday mood.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fish Croquettes
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms bring elegance and a rich, savory flavor to Thanksgiving appetizers. Filled with crab meat, parmesan, and herbs, they’re simple to make yet have a sophisticated taste that fits any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts
Pear & Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups are a tasty snack that’s super easy to make. They’re perfect for fall and special occasions. All you need is a few ingredients and a few minutes to put them together. They’re a yummy treat that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Pear and Goat Cheese Tarts
Apple and Brie Bites
Get the Recipe: Apple and Brie Bites
Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
These Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms are a Thanksgiving favorite, with their creamy spinach and garlic filling. They’re a cozy, veggie-forward appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is delicious, adding a hint of greens to the holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy
Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy bring the holiday spirit to Thanksgiving appetizers. They’re a comforting, bite-sized take on classic stuffing, making them a delicious way to tide guests over until the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy
Red Lentil & Mozzarella Croquettes
Red Lentil & Mozzarella Croquettes offer a cheesy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re great for vegetarians and anyone looking for a unique pre-dinner treat.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil & Mozzarella Croquettes
Easy Sausage Ball Recipe with Bisquick
These classic Sausage Balls made with Bisquick are a quick and flavorful addition to Thanksgiving appetizers. With just three ingredients, they’re easy to whip up, freeze, and heat up as needed, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sausage Ball Recipe with Bisquick
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Bacon Wrapped Scallops make an impressive and flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer. The smoky bacon and tender scallops create a savory, delicious combination that’s sure to please any seafood lover at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a hearty, flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer that’s packed with sausage and seasoned breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, they’re a warm and inviting way to kick off any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Easy Vegan Crab Bites
These Vegan Crab Bites offer a plant-based, easy-to-make Thanksgiving appetizer option. Perfect served hot or cold, they’re ready in minutes and will delight everyone with their rich flavor and crowd-pleasing texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Crab Bites
Coconut Shrimp
These coconut shrimp make the perfect type of finger food you need for everyone to enjoy! Bring the taste of the Caribbean to your table and watch everyone smile with and every single bite!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Pumpkin Galette
This Pumpkin Galette delivers the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin in a flaky pastry that’s perfect for Thanksgiving appetizers. It’s a savory, seasonal option that brings a rustic charm to the table as an alternative to pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Galette
Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts
Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts make a simple and elegant Thanksgiving appetizer that’s light, flaky, and full of fresh flavor. They’re easy to bake, look great on the table, and are loved by everyone, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Tomato Tarts
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Bisquick Sausage Balls are quick, easy, and always a hit as Thanksgiving appetizers. Packed with sausage and cheese, they’re perfect for snacking and great for keeping guests happy before the main event.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Sausage Balls
Goat Cheese Croquettes
These Goat Cheese Croquettes are a Thanksgiving appetizer that brings creamy goat cheese with a crispy, golden crust. Topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts, they’re rich, crunchy, and bound to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Croquettes
Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Tater Tot Appetizer Cups bring together crispy tater tots with cheesy fillings, making them a fun, casual Thanksgiving appetizer. You can load them up with bacon bits, sour cream, and chives for a snack that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Appetizer Cups