Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and plenty of memories. While the main meal gets most of the attention, appetizers are just as important.
They keep guests happy while the turkey finishes roasting and add variety to the table. From cheesy bites to savory finger foods, appetizers can be quick to make and still taste amazing. Many of them use simple ingredients, so you don’t spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you want light snacks, hearty bites, or festive flavors, these appetizers are sure to impress. In this list, you’ll find 32 Thanksgiving appetizers that are easy, tasty, and perfect for sharing.
They set the mood for the holiday feast, giving everyone something delicious to nibble on while waiting for the main course.
1. Easy Meatball Appetizer
Cranberry meatballs are a quick and flavorful dish for Thanksgiving. With only a few ingredients, these meatballs cook easily in a slow cooker, leaving you stress-free.
The mix of savory meat with sweet cranberry glaze makes them addictive. They’re simple, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve them warm on toothpicks for easy eating, and they’ll disappear fast.
2. Turkey Pinwheels with Cream Cheese
Turkey pinwheels are bite-sized rolls filled with turkey, cheese, and ranch flavors. Wrapped in tortillas and sliced neatly, they’re colorful and fun to serve. Kids and adults both love these easy appetizers.
They don’t take long to prepare, and you can make them ahead of time. Light, creamy, and savory, turkey pinwheels are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and parties.
3. Cheesy Puff Pastry Asparagus
Cheesy puff pastry asparagus bundles look elegant and taste amazing. Fresh asparagus is wrapped with pastry and cheese, then baked until golden. They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them a lighter snack before the big meal.
This dish only needs a few ingredients and comes together quickly. It’s a creative way to serve veggies during Thanksgiving.
4. Spiced Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic, but adding smoky spices makes them extra special. The creamy filling has tangy flavors with just the right amount of heat. Garnished with paprika and parsley, they look festive on any table.
These eggs are easy to make in advance, saving time on Thanksgiving Day. Simple yet flavorful, deviled eggs are always a hit appetizer.
5. Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket are simple and comforting. Little sausages are wrapped in golden pastry and baked until flaky. They’re easy to grab and enjoy while chatting with family or waiting for dinner.
Familiar and loved by all ages, these snacks are quick to prepare and bring fun to the table. A classic appetizer that always works on Thanksgiving.
6. Cranberry Brie Tartlets
Cranberry brie tartlets combine creamy cheese with tangy cranberry sauce in flaky phyllo cups. These bite-sized treats are elegant but incredibly simple to make. The sweet and savory flavors balance perfectly, making them festive for Thanksgiving.
They’re quick to bake and serve, and guests will love their warm, melty centers. Perfect for both family dinners and Friendsgiving parties.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are hearty and flavorful. Large mushrooms are filled with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked until tender. They’re warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
This appetizer can be made ahead, saving you time. Stuffed mushrooms look great on a platter and always get compliments. They’re an easy way to bring rich flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are crunchy, smoky, and delicious. The salty bacon pairs perfectly with tender roasted sprouts, turning them into irresistible bites.
Bake them until golden for a simple but impressive appetizer. They’re easy finger food that feels special enough for Thanksgiving. Even guests who don’t usually enjoy Brussels sprouts may love this tasty, savory snack wrapped in bacon.
9. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping bread or crackers. This warm appetizer can be baked in one dish and served right from the oven.
The combination of spinach, artichokes, and melted cheese makes it rich and flavorful. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and always popular at gatherings. A classic dip that works beautifully for Thanksgiving.
10. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are light, fresh, and colorful. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves are threaded onto toothpicks, then drizzled with balsamic glaze. They’re simple, quick to prepare, and bring a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
These skewers are elegant enough for parties but easy enough for casual family dinners. A bright, tasty option for Thanksgiving appetizers.
11. Baked Brie with Honey
Baked brie with honey is warm, gooey, and rich. A wheel of brie is baked until soft, then drizzled with honey and served with crackers or bread.
It’s an easy appetizer that feels luxurious. Add nuts or dried fruit on top for extra flavor. This dish is simple but impressive, making it a favorite for Thanksgiving gatherings of all sizes.
12. Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese
Cranberry salsa served over cream cheese is tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once. The bright flavors of cranberry, jalapeño, and lime pair perfectly with smooth cream cheese.
Scoop it up with crackers for a refreshing appetizer. This dish is colorful, festive, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a unique way to enjoy cranberries beyond the usual Thanksgiving sauce.
13. Cheese Ball with Crackers
A cheese ball is a simple, make-ahead appetizer that always works. Cream cheese mixed with herbs, nuts, or bacon is shaped into a ball and served with crackers. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for grazing while waiting for dinner.
You can customize the flavor with your favorite mix-ins. This appetizer is fun, shareable, and adds a festive touch to Thanksgiving.
14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon is light, savory, and refreshing. Sweet melon pairs beautifully with salty prosciutto, creating a perfect bite-sized appetizer. This dish doesn’t require cooking, making it quick and easy to prepare.
It’s a nice contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes and adds elegance to the table. Guests will love this classic combination of flavors that feels both simple and fancy.
15. Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are warm, buttery, and full of flavor. Made from simple dough, they’re brushed with garlic butter and baked until golden. These little bread bites are perfect for dipping into sauces or enjoying on their own.
They’re easy to prepare and always popular with guests. Soft inside and slightly crisp outside, garlic knots are a comforting appetizer for Thanksgiving.
16. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that feels festive and light. Chilled shrimp are served with tangy cocktail sauce for dipping. It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require much cooking, which makes it stress-free on Thanksgiving Day.
Elegant yet simple, shrimp cocktail works well for both casual dinners and formal celebrations. A refreshing starter before the big holiday meal.
17. Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are bite-sized, savory pastries filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables. They’re easy to customize with flavors like spinach, ham, or mushrooms. Baked in muffin tins, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving because they’re portable and fun to eat.
Mini quiches can be made ahead of time and reheated, saving you work on the holiday. A versatile, tasty appetizer everyone enjoys.
18. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are crunchy, flavorful, and healthy. Seasoned with spices and baked until crisp, they make a light appetizer that’s easy to snack on. They’re perfect for guests who prefer something lighter before a heavy Thanksgiving meal.
You can prepare them ahead of time and serve in small bowls. Roasted chickpeas are simple, fun, and add variety to the spread.
19. Cucumber Bites with Cream Cheese
Cucumber bites topped with cream cheese and herbs are refreshing and light. They’re quick to assemble and look pretty on a platter. This appetizer balances heavier holiday dishes with something cool and crisp.
You can add smoked salmon or turkey slices for more flavor. These little bites are simple, tasty, and bring a fresh touch to your Thanksgiving table.
20. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are spicy, cheesy, and addictive. Fresh jalapeños are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon before baking. The result is a smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy bite-sized appetizer.
They’re perfect for guests who like bold flavors. Easy to prepare and full of contrast, jalapeño poppers add fun to your Thanksgiving menu while keeping things simple and flavorful.
21. Mini Sliders
Mini sliders are hearty appetizers that double as small sandwiches. Filled with turkey, ham, or beef, they’re topped with cheese and served on soft rolls. They’re easy to hold and eat, making them a favorite for parties.
Sliders are versatile and can be flavored with cranberry sauce or mustard to match the holiday theme. Tasty and filling, they’re always popular.
22. Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Bruschetta is fresh, simple, and flavorful. Slices of toasted bread are topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It’s quick to prepare and looks colorful on the table.
This appetizer is light but satisfying, offering a nice contrast to rich holiday foods. Bruschetta works well for Thanksgiving because it’s easy to make in bulk and everyone enjoys it.
23. Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both beautiful and delicious. Fill it with meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers for variety. It’s customizable and requires no cooking, making it simple to assemble.
Guests can pick and choose what they like, making it interactive and fun. A charcuterie board adds elegance and abundance to your Thanksgiving gathering with little effort.
24. Garlic Parmesan Wings
Garlic parmesan wings are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor. Coated in garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese, they’re addictive bites for Thanksgiving. These wings are baked or fried until golden, making them a hearty appetizer option. Serve with dipping sauces for extra fun. They’re perfect for guests who like something meaty and flavorful before the big meal.
25. Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds
Roasted sweet potato rounds are colorful, healthy, and tasty. Slice sweet potatoes into rounds, roast until golden, then top with cheese, herbs, or sour cream. They’re a fun alternative to bread-based appetizers and look festive on the table.
Easy to prepare, they bring seasonal flavor and nutrition to your Thanksgiving spread. A simple appetizer that feels hearty yet light.
26. Cheese-Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Cheese-stuffed crescent rolls are gooey, buttery, and warm. Each roll is filled with cheese, then baked until golden. They’re soft, cheesy, and perfect for guests of all ages.
These rolls are easy to make with store-bought dough, saving time in the kitchen. A basket of these on your table adds comfort and charm to your Thanksgiving gathering.
27. Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Cranberry goat cheese crostini are festive and flavorful. Crispy bread slices are topped with creamy goat cheese and cranberry sauce, then garnished with herbs.
The mix of tangy and sweet flavors makes this appetizer stand out. It’s quick to prepare and looks elegant on a platter. This appetizer is perfect for Thanksgiving, adding seasonal flair with minimal effort.
28. Mini Stuffing Bites
Mini stuffing bites are savory, crispy, and full of Thanksgiving flavor. Classic stuffing is baked in mini muffin tins, turning it into a finger food. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft inside, making them addictive.
These little bites are easy to grab and perfect for holiday snacking. A fun twist on a traditional dish that everyone will love.
29. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is elegant and flavorful. Tender asparagus spears are wrapped in salty prosciutto and baked until crisp. This simple appetizer requires only a few ingredients but looks impressive.
It’s light, easy to prepare, and a perfect balance of flavors. Guests will enjoy this healthier option that still feels festive enough for Thanksgiving gatherings of any size.
30. Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Chips
Roasted garlic hummus is smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. Served with pita chips or fresh veggies, it’s a healthier appetizer option. You can make it ahead of time, saving effort on Thanksgiving Day.
The roasted garlic gives it a rich taste that feels comforting and festive. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and a great way to start the holiday meal.
31. Apple and Cheddar Skewers
Apple and cheddar skewers are sweet, savory, and refreshing. Cubes of sharp cheddar are paired with crisp apple slices on toothpicks. This appetizer is colorful, easy to assemble, and brings balance to the table.
It’s a lighter snack that feels festive with seasonal flavors. Guests will appreciate the simplicity and fresh taste before diving into the heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
32. Mini Crab Cakes
Mini crab cakes are flavorful, crispy, and indulgent. Made with crab meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, they’re pan-fried until golden. Serve with a dipping sauce like aioli for added flavor.
These little cakes are elegant enough for special gatherings but easy enough to prepare in advance. A seafood option like this adds variety to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving appetizers bring people together before the main feast begins. From cheesy bites and dips to light skewers and hearty sliders, these recipes balance comfort with flavor. They’re quick to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you prefer classics or creative twists, these 35 appetizers set the stage for a holiday filled with warmth and delicious memories.
