Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. While the main course often takes center stage, appetizers play a crucial role in setting the tone for the feast.
They keep guests satisfied and excited for what’s to come.
Thanksgiving appetizers offer a chance to get creative and showcase seasonal flavors.
From savory dips to bite-sized snacks, there are countless options to choose from.
Whether you prefer traditional favorites or want to try something new, you’ll find appetizers to suit every taste and dietary need.
1. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer that’s easy to make. You can use button or cremini mushrooms as the base.
Remove the stems and chop them finely.
Mix the chopped stems with ingredients like cheese, herbs, and garlic.
Fill the mushroom caps with this mixture. Bake them in the oven until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden brown.
You can prepare stuffed mushrooms ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive. They’re great for serving a crowd.
Try different fillings like sausage, crab, or spinach to add variety. Stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer you can make easily. You’ll need puff pastry, cranberry sauce, and brie cheese.
Cut the puff pastry into small squares. Place a piece of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce on each square. Fold the corners up to make little parcels.
Bake them until they’re golden and the cheese is melty. The result is a crispy, creamy, and tangy bite-sized treat.
You can add chopped pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch. A sprig of fresh rosemary on top gives a festive look.
These bites are sure to impress your guests. They offer a mix of flavors and textures that people love.
3. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a Thanksgiving favorite. You can make them ahead of time, which saves you work on the big day.
To make deviled eggs, start with hard-boiled eggs. Cut them in half and scoop out the yolks.
Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and spices.
Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. For extra flair, top them with bacon bits, chives, or paprika.
Try new flavors like smoked salmon or blue cheese to surprise your guests. Remember to make extra – these tasty bites disappear fast!
4. Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin hummus is a tasty twist on the classic dip. It blends chickpeas with pumpkin puree for a creamy, fall-inspired appetizer. You can whip it up quickly, often in just 10 minutes.
This hummus has a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin. Spices like cinnamon or cayenne add extra flavor.
It’s perfect for serving with pita chips or fresh veggies.
Pumpkin hummus is great for Thanksgiving. You can make it ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
It’s also dairy-free and vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
Serve this dip at room temperature. Your guests can snack on it while waiting for the main meal. It pairs well with warm apple cider or festive cocktails.
5. Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potato bites are a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer you can easily make at home.
Start by slicing sweet potatoes into rounds and arranging them on a baking sheet.
Brush the slices with melted butter and maple syrup for added flavor. Sprinkle with salt and bake until tender, flipping halfway through.
For a twist, try topping the baked sweet potato rounds with marshmallows and pecans. Pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden.
These bite-sized treats offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests as they await the main Thanksgiving meal.
6. Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry meatballs are a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving gathering. You can make them easily with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and eggs.
The sauce is what makes these meatballs special. Mix cranberry sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor. Some recipes use jellied cranberry sauce for extra smoothness.
You can cook these meatballs in a slow cooker or on the stove. They take about 1-2 hours to cook, giving you time to prepare other dishes.
Serve your cranberry meatballs hot as a starter. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests before the main Thanksgiving meal.
7. Cheese Ball with Pecans
A cheese ball with pecans makes a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. You can whip one up quickly using cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and seasonings.
Mix the cheeses with green onions and spices. Shape the mixture into a ball and chill it in the fridge.
Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans. The nuts add a nice crunch and complement the creamy cheese.
Serve your pecan-coated cheese ball with crackers or sliced vegetables. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing starter for your holiday gathering.
8. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts make a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer when glazed with maple syrup. To prepare them, cut large sprouts in half and wrap each piece with bacon. Secure with toothpicks.
Drizzle maple syrup over the wrapped sprouts. Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon should become crispy.
For extra flavor, try adding hot sauce to the maple glaze. You can also use honey instead of maple syrup. Sprinkle some cheese and almonds on top for added crunch and taste.
These sweet and savory bites bring color to your Thanksgiving table. They balance out heavier dishes with their fresh flavor.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. You can make it easily with just a few ingredients.
Start by washing and trimming asparagus spears. Cut bacon strips in half crosswise. Wrap each asparagus spear with half a bacon strip.
Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet. Cook them in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes. The bacon should be crispy when done.
For extra flavor, brush the bacon with maple syrup halfway through cooking. You can also season the asparagus with black pepper before wrapping.
Serve these bundles warm or at room temperature. Your guests will love the mix of crispy bacon and tender asparagus.
10. Parmesan Garlic Knots
Parmesan garlic knots are a tasty and easy appetizer for your Thanksgiving table. These soft, fluffy bread knots come loaded with garlic and Parmesan cheese flavors.
You can make them from scratch or use store-bought biscuit dough for a quicker option. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit.
Brush the knots with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before baking. They’ll come out golden brown and irresistible.
Serve these warm knots with marinara sauce for dipping. Your guests will love the comforting aroma and delicious taste of these garlicky bread bites.
11. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots make a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving feast. You can prepare them quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
Start by cooking carrots until they’re tender. Then coat them in a sweet glaze made from honey, butter, and a pinch of salt.
The carrots come out soft and shiny, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. You can add orange zest for extra zing if you like.
Serve these glazed carrots warm as a finger food. Your guests will love the bright color and sweet taste. They’re a great way to start the meal before the main turkey dinner.
12. Butternut Squash Soup Shots
Butternut squash soup shots make a tasty and warm Thanksgiving appetizer. You can serve them in small glasses for easy sipping.
To make the soup, roast cubed butternut squash with oil, salt, and pepper for about 40 minutes. Blend the roasted squash with broth, spices, and a bit of cream.
Simmer the blended mixture for 15-20 minutes to combine the flavors. Pour the soup into shot glasses or small cups for serving.
Top each shot with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. These cute soup shots will keep your guests happy while they wait for the main meal.
13. Herb Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Herb cheese stuffed peppers make a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. You can use mini bell peppers or sweet peppers for this dish. Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds.
Mix cream cheese with herbs and spices. Some good choices are garlic, chives, and red pepper flakes. Pipe or spoon the cheese mixture into the pepper halves.
You can serve these peppers raw for a crisp bite. Or roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes at 400°F for a softer texture. The heat will also melt the cheese slightly.
These colorful bites are easy to make ahead. You can stuff the peppers earlier in the day and keep them chilled until ready to serve.
14. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer. You can make it easily with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise as the creamy base.
Add fresh spinach and chopped artichoke hearts for texture and flavor. Mix in garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of Italian seasoning to enhance the taste.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. This dip is best served warm with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
For extra richness, try using three different types of cheese in your dip. The melted cheese creates a gooey, irresistible texture that guests will love.
15. Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños
Sausage stuffed jalapeños are a tasty and spicy appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Start by cutting jalapeño peppers in half and removing the seeds. Mix cooked ground sausage with cream cheese and grated Parmesan.
Spoon the sausage mixture into each jalapeño half. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven until they’re hot and bubbly.
These appetizers offer a nice kick of heat balanced by the creamy filling. Serve them with ranch dressing on the side for dipping if you like.
16. Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beet salad adds a burst of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. You can make this appetizer ahead of time to save effort on the big day.
Start by roasting beets until tender. Let them cool, then peel and cut into wedges. Toss the beets with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
For the dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving. This vibrant dish will brighten up your holiday table and please your guests’ taste buds.
Catering to Diverse Dietary Preferences
Thanksgiving appetizers let you offer something for everyone. Include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to make all your guests feel welcome.
This ensures no one goes hungry while waiting for the main course.
Try veggie-based dips like hummus or roasted eggplant spread. Serve them with a mix of crackers, vegetables, and gluten-free bread.
For meat-eaters, offer small skewers of turkey sausage or prosciutto-wrapped melon.
Consider any food allergies your guests might have. Label dishes clearly so people know what’s safe for them to eat.
This thoughtful touch will be appreciated and helps everyone relax and enjoy the pre-dinner snacks.
Tips for Preparing Thanksgiving Appetizers
Planning ahead and focusing on balanced flavors and appealing presentation will set your Thanksgiving appetizers up for success.
These tips will help you create delicious starters that impress guests without adding stress to your holiday preparations.
Balancing Flavors
Choose a mix of flavors and textures for your appetizer spread. Pair rich, creamy dips with crisp vegetables or crackers.
Offer both savory and sweet options to please different tastes.
Try these flavor combinations:
- Tangy goat cheese with sweet fig jam
- Spicy deviled eggs with cool cucumber slices
- Salty prosciutto wrapped around juicy melon
Make dips and spreads a day or two in advance. This gives flavors time to meld and saves you time on Thanksgiving Day.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Considering Presentation
Create an eye-catching appetizer display to wow your guests.
Use a variety of serving dishes in different shapes, sizes and heights.
Arrange food in neat rows or fun patterns on platters.
Some presentation ideas:
- Stack cubes of cheese on skewers
- Serve dips in hollowed-out vegetables
- Arrange crudités in a spiral pattern
Add pops of color with fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or edible flowers.
Label each dish, especially if you have guests with dietary restrictions.
Keep hot appetizers warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.