What better way to set the tone for the holiday feast than with a spread of irresistible appetizers? Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, the right appetizers can keep guests happy while the main meal finishes cooking.
In this post, you’ll find a mix of easy, make-ahead recipes and festive small bites that balance seasonal flavors without filling everyone up before the turkey. From creamy dips and cheese boards to bite-sized finger foods, these Thanksgiving appetizers are designed to impress without adding stress to your holiday prep.
20+ Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas
1. Deviled eggs
These classic deviled eggs are a Thanksgiving must-have: easy, elegant, crowd-pleasing. Hard-boiled eggs are halved, yolks whipped with mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, then topped with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Great as a make-ahead appetizer since you can boil and peel the eggs ahead of time, fill them just before guests arrive. Light enough to whet appetites without spoiling the main feast. Perfect for adding that nostalgic, comfort feel to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
2. Cheese balls with pecans
This pecan cheese ball is a festive, flavorful appetizer that brings texture, tang, and creamy richness to your table. Cream cheese and cheddar are blended with garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, chilled until firm, then rolled in crunchy chopped pecans. It’s good made a day or even several days ahead, just add the pecan coating just before serving so it stays crisp.
Serve with a variety of crackers or crostini. Because it can sit chilled, you’ll be glad of the prep time saved. A classy, no-fuss choice for holiday entertaining.
3. Baked brie topped with cranberry
Creamy melted brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought), and crunchy pecans combine to make this baked brie a showstopper on any appetizer table. Serve warm with crackers, fruit slices, or toasted bread to scoop up every gooey, savory-sweet bite.
It takes minutes to prep and bakes in about 15, making it ideal for when you want something impressive but low stress. The bright cranberry topping gives festive color, the nuts add crunch, and the melted brie delivers luxurious richness. A perfect opener for your Thanksgiving feast.
4. French onion dip
This homemade French onion dip is comfort food in a bowl: rich, creamy, and full of caramelized onion flavor. Onions are cooked slowly until sweet and golden, mixed into a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and whole-egg mayonnaise, with seasoning to deepen the flavor.
Chill for at least a few hours (or overnight) so the flavors marry. Serve at room temperature with potato chips, crisp veggies, or sturdy crackers. It’s nostalgic, addictive, and a crowd favorite: ideal for big gatherings where people want something familiar, comforting, dunkable, and easy.
5. Artichoke dip
Warm, cheesy, garlicky artichoke dip: this recipe combines cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, grated Parmesan, garlic, and chopped artichoke hearts, baked until bubbling and golden. It comes together in about 30 minutes, with prep taking just 10. Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced bread, or veggie dippers.
Bonus: You can make it a day ahead by mixing everything, but don’t bake until you’re ready, so it stays fresh. The mix of creamy texture and tangy artichoke flavor makes it a beloved pick for holiday appetizers, especially when people are ready to dig in early.
6. Cranberry cream cheese spread with crackers
Creamy, tangy, and super simple – these cranberry cream cheese appetizers are perfect for when you want something festive without fuss. Just softened cream cheese spread on Ritz crackers, topped with a generous dollop of cranberry sauce, and you have a bite-sized treat that delivers sweet and tart with each crunch.
Only three ingredients, and great for last-minute prep or serving as part of a finger food buffet. These are crowd-friendly, pretty to display, and ideal for guests to nibble on while the main course is cooking. A low-stress, high-applause starter.
7. Stuffed mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms bring together juicy mushroom caps filled with a savory mix of panko breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. The caps roast until tender, and the filling gets golden and crisp, offering a contrast of textures and deep umami flavor.
They make elegant finger food that feels fresh and rustic at the same time. Because they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for serving warm and encouraging guests to graze. A fantastic option for holiday entertaining when you want something a little upscale but still approachable.
8. Mini meatballs glazed with cranberry
These meatballs are the kind of appetizer that hits both sweet and savory in one bite. Ground beef meatballs are baked until golden, then coated in a rich sauce made with chili sauce and jellied cranberry sauce, giving them a sweet-tart glaze and joyous color. Garnished with fresh cranberries and served with toothpicks, they’re perfect for mingling guests.
You can bake the meatballs ahead of time, warm up the sauce when ready, and have them all set for that moment when your table is ready. They bring the flavor energy without overpowering your main Thanksgiving spread.
9. Sweet potato rounds
These roasted sweet potato rounds are a fall treat masquerading as an appetizer. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are roasted until edges caramelize, then topped with creamy goat cheese (or ricotta), drizzled with honey or maple, and sprinkled with toasted pecans or walnuts. Maybe a dash of thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma.
The mix of sweetness, creamy tang, and crunchy textures makes every round addictive. They look beautiful on a platter, bring in seasonal flavors, and are light enough that people still want that big turkey dinner. Great as a make-ahead element too.
10. Fall Charcuterie board
Think of this cheese board as the centerpiece appetizer – artfully arranged cheeses, seasonal fruits (figs, apples, pears), nuts, honeycomb or preserves, charcuterie slices, artisan crackers, maybe roasted squash or spiced nuts. The “elevated” part comes from pairing unique cheeses (like smoked, aged, or goat), picking complementary condiments, and styling with fall leaves or herbs.
It’s visually stunning, encourages mingling, and lets guests choose what they love. Cheese boards are perfect for long Thanksgiving afternoons when people arrive early and want to snack without spoiling the big meal.
11. Thanksgiving-inspired cheese board
This turkey-cheese board gives classic Thanksgiving flavors a fresh, fun twist. Think turkey slices, smoked or roasted, paired with cheeses (sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, creamy brie), cranberry compote or sauce, maybe roasted veggies or seasonal fruits, crisp crackers, and perhaps stuffing bits or gravy dip on the side.
It evokes the big feast in bite-sized, shareable form. Perfect for guests to graze before dinner without overdoing it, and offers nostalgic comfort in a portable, pretty format. Also makes for great leftovers: mix turkey strips into other dishes later.
12. Apple and cranberry skewers with cheese cubes.
These caramel apple and brie skewers are sweet, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent- perfect for capturing autumn’s flavors in a bite-sized starter. Crisp apple cubes are paired with chunks of brie, drizzled with caramel sauce, and perhaps a sprinkling of chopped nuts for texture.
The skewers look lovely on a platter, offering a mix of juicy apple, mellow cheese, and sticky sweetness. Because these need very little cook time (if any), they’re great make-ahead appetizers – just assemble close to serving so the caramel stays fresh.
A fun twist on cheese and fruit for Thanksgiving.
13. Crescent roll pinwheels.
Cranberry feta pinwheels bring together flaky dough (often crescent or puff pastry), tangy feta cheese, vibrant cranberries, possibly spinach or herbs, rolled and sliced into spirals. They bake up golden and buttery, with creamy, salty feta balancing the sweet-tart cranberry bursts. Perfect warm or at room temperature, these little bites travel well and are great for guests who like easy finger foods.
The visual appeal (spiral pattern, festive reds) makes them look special without complicated effort. Ideal while people are mingling, sipping cocktails, waiting for dinner.
14. Fruit kabobs with marshmallows
These rainbow fruit kabobs are light, colorful, and full of bite-sized joy. A variety of seasonal fruits, perhaps grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and melon, are threaded onto skewers and paired with a fluffy marshmallow-style dip that’s creamy, sweet, and airy. The contrast of juicy fruit and soft dip makes them refreshing between richer appetizers.
They’re especially good for guests who want something lighter, or for kids. Plus, the visual pop of rainbow colors adds to your appetizer table’s presentation. Prep is easy: fruit can be chopped ahead, dip made in advance.
15. Pumpkin soup shooters
Pumpkin soup shooters are a sophisticated, warm way to launch your Thanksgiving feast. Rich pumpkin puree is blended with stock, cream, or coconut milk (depending on the recipe), spiced with warming notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, maybe a bit of ginger, and served in small shooter or demitasse cups.
Garnishes like roasted pepitas, a swirl of cream, or fresh herbs elevate the look and flavor. These are perfect for early arrivals or as part of an appetizer round while the oven’s busy. Make-ahead friendly (soup can be cooked and reheated), and elegant in small format.
16. Cranberry and brie puff pastry bites.
These brie bites are rich, creamy, and always crowd-pleasing. Bite-sized Pastry (often phyllo cups or puff pastry) is filled with warm melted brie, possibly topped with preserves, nuts, or fruit (figs, pears, cranberries) for sweet-savory contrast. They bake until puffed and golden, cheese melting into oozy goodness. Because they pop into the oven quickly, they’re great for last-minute appetizers. They serve beautifully hot, but also okay warm or at room temperature. Great small indulgence that still leaves room for the turkey and sides.
17. Maple-roasted nuts
These spiced maple roasted mixed nuts offer that warm, comforting crunch that’s perfect for autumn entertaining. Mixed nuts are tossed with real maple syrup, a little oil, warming seasonings (think cinnamon, maybe chipotle or cayenne if you like a mild kick), then roasted until caramelized and crisp. They fill the room with aroma, are easy to nibble on while guests arrive, and they store well- great make-ahead.
The sweet and spicy balance pairs beautifully with cocktails or mulled cider, and they bring in the flavor of fall without too much prep. A simple, festive snack to kick off the holiday.
18. Candied pecans
Candied pecans are a sweet and crunchy indulgence that feels festive but is surprisingly effortless. Pecans are coated with sugar (often with brown sugar or cinnamon), maybe a touch of vanilla or salt, then baked until the shells are crisp and the insides are buttery. As they cool, the coating crystallizes into a beautiful glaze.
These pecans are great served by themselves in a bowl or tossed into cheese trays or salads. They add texture, seasonal sweetness, and a touch of sparkle to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. Make ahead, store in an airtight container, and enjoy throughout your gathering.
19. Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin hummus is a creative seasonal dip that transforms your appetizer table with its vibrant color, creamy texture, and fall flavor. Pureed pumpkin gets blended with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and warm spices like cumin or cinnamon. The result is an earthy, slightly sweet, savory dip that pairs well with pita chips, raw veggies, or toasted bread slices.
This is a perfect lighter option when guests want something beyond cheese and meat. It’s make-ahead friendly, great for vegetarians, and brings in that unmistakable pumpkin note without going full dessert. A lovely way to sneak in seasonal flair.
20. Sweet Potato Hummus
Sweet potato hummus combines the creamy, satisfying texture of classic hummus with autumn’s favorite root veggie. Roasted sweet potatoes blend with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, maybe smoked paprika or ginger for warmth. The result is a dip that’s rich, slightly sweet, and beautifully orange – very festive.
It’s excellent for guests who appreciate novelty, those wanting plant-based options, or a creative twist on traditional dips. Best served with pita, crackers, or sliced veggies. And like most hummus, you can whip it up ahead and chill, then allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
21. Cranberry crostini
These cranberry crostini are simple, elegant, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Thin baguette slices are toasted, brushed with a honey-butter mixture, then topped with softened cream cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. A hint of lime zest brightens every bite. They look beautiful displayed on a platter and are fast to assemble, great for when you want something pretty without complexity.
The sweet-tart cranberry mixed with creamy cheese and crisp toast makes them irresistible as a starter while the dinner finishes or mingling happens. A small payoff of flavor for little work.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Appetizers
1. How many appetizers should I serve on Thanksgiving?
Plan for 3 to 4 appetizer pieces per person if you’re serving a big dinner. If your meal will be delayed or you’re hosting a longer gathering, increase the number to keep guests satisfied without spoiling their appetite.
2. Can I make Thanksgiving appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, many appetizers can be prepared the night before. Cheese balls, dips, puff pastry bites, and stuffed mushrooms all hold up well and save you precious kitchen time on the big day. Just be sure to store them properly and reheat if needed.
3. What are some easy Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd?
Finger foods like mini meatballs, pinwheels, stuffed mushrooms, and cheese boards are perfect for feeding a group. They’re simple to scale up, easy to serve, and always a hit with guests.
4. What are the best appetizers to bring to a Thanksgiving potluck?
Choose something easy to transport that doesn’t need last-minute reheating. Options like cranberry brie bites, pumpkin hummus, or a festive charcuterie board travel well and add a seasonal touch to the table.
5. Should Thanksgiving appetizers be heavy or light?
It’s best to keep them light but satisfying. Focus on flavors that complement the main meal—like sweet potatoes, cranberries, or seasonal herbs—without overshadowing the turkey and sides.