I’ll be honest—I wrote this while hungry, and that definitely influenced my choices. These 38 Thanksgiving appetizers had me salivating the moment I compiled them. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing starters for the holidays, this list is for you.
When I was a kid my mom warned: never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. I’m starting to think a similar rule should apply to writing: never write a blog post when you’re hungry. Still, sometimes hunger leads to excellent ideas—like this collection of simple, festive appetizers perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Below you’ll find a variety of options: make-ahead cheese balls and dips, bite-sized crostini, savory stuffed mushrooms, seasonal vegetable bites, and a few creative twists on classic favorites. Many of these recipes are fast to prepare and can be scaled for a crowd, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying company.
Whether you prefer something warm and cheesy, crisp and savory, or light and fresh, these picks cover a wide range of flavors and textures. I’ve included links to the original recipes so you can check ingredients, techniques, and serving ideas.
38 Thanksgiving Appetizers You Have to Try
- Turkey-Shaped Cheese Platter — A fun, festive cheeseboard that doubles as a holiday centerpiece.
- Baked Brie — Warm, gooey brie served with fruit or crackers.
- Jalapeno Cheese Ball — A zesty, spreadable crowd-pleaser you can make ahead.
- 5-Minute Savory Pumpkin Hummus — Seasonal and quick; great with pita or veggies.
- Goat Cheese and Honey Bites — Sweet and tangy little toasts that are elegant and simple.
- Stuffed Mushrooms — Classic, savory, and perfect for passing around.
- Cranberry Ricotta Bites — Bright, creamy, and full of holiday flavor.
- Guacamole Deviled Eggs — A twist on deviled eggs with fresh avocado.
- Cranberry and Goat Cheese Crostini — Sweet-tart cranberries paired with tangy goat cheese on crisp bread.
- Cranberry Meatballs — A flavorful appetizer with a festive sweet-sour glaze.
- Cranberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta — Crunchy bruschetta topped with seasonal ingredients.
- Cranberry Salsa Dip — A bright, spoonable dip that complements chips and crackers.
- Bacon Wrapped Turkey-Mushroom Poppers — Bite-sized and indulgent—great warm from the oven.
- Bacon Ricotta Crostini — Creamy ricotta and crisp bacon on toasted bread.
- Cinnamon Carrot Shooters — Small soup portions with a hint of warmth and maple-glazed bacon for garnish.
- Guacamole Shrimp — Fresh shrimp paired with guacamole for a light seafood option.
- Spinach Cream Cheese Roll-ups — Easy, make-ahead roll-ups that slice into elegant pinwheels.
- Grilled Pizza Bites — Kid-friendly and customizable mini pizzas cooked on the grill or in the oven.
- Sweet Potato Crisps with Slaw — A crunchy, seasonal base topped with a bright slaw.
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts — Roasted sprouts with bacon for a savory, smoky bite.
- Traditional Cheese Ball — A classic, easy-to-serve appetizer that guests love.
- Italian Stuffed Mushrooms — Herb-forward stuffing tucked into mushroom caps.
- Cheese Ritz Potato Balls — Crispy, cheesy bites perfect for snacking.
- Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip — Sweet and spicy cream cheese dip ideal for crackers.
- Cranberry Turkey Meatballs — A lighter meatball option with a seasonal twist.
- Roasted Grape and Goat Cheese Crostinis — Sweet roasted grapes with creamy goat cheese on toast.
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese Crostini — Earthy mushrooms paired with tangy goat cheese.
- Baked Brie Dip — A dippable version of baked brie ideal for large groups.
- Sausage Cheese Balls — Savory, handheld bites that are hearty and satisfying.
- Baked Cheddar Bacon Ranch Meatballs — Loaded with flavor and easy to keep warm in a crockpot.
- Turkey Spinach Artichoke Dip — A comforting, cheesy dip that makes use of leftover turkey.
- Ham and Onion Cheese Ball — Meaty, savory, and perfect with crackers.
- Gouda and Sun Dried Tomato Cheese Ball — Smoky gouda paired with bright sun-dried tomatoes.
- Turkey and Pepper Jack Roll-ups — Simple deli-roll appetizers with a little kick.
- Pumpkin Bean Dip — A seasonal bean dip flavored with pumpkin for a unique twist.
- Blue Cheese Salami Stacks — Small stacks that combine bold blue cheese with savory salami.
- Cranberry Feta Pinwheel Appetizers — Colorful pinwheels with a sweet-tart filling.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Flatbread — Flatbread topped with roasted sprouts—great as an appetizer or shared plate.
So many great options—cheeses, dips, vegetable dishes, and handheld bites, all suited for Thanksgiving entertaining. If you aren’t ready to cook right away, save this list and return to it when you’re planning the menu. Pick a few warm, a few cold, and a couple of make-ahead items to keep the day running smoothly.
