I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you’re probably thinking about the main event – the turkey. But what about those tasty bites to keep your guests happy while they wait? Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to kick off your holiday feast and set the mood for a delicious meal. From creamy dips to crispy bites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Get ready to wow your family and friends with some amazing appetizers this Thanksgiving. You’ll find options that are quick and easy to make, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal prep. Whether you’re a fan of savory snacks or prefer something with a touch of sweetness, these appetizers will have your guests coming back for more.
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
You’ll love these tasty bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts! They’re perfect for your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 12 slices bacon, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toothpicks
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the stems of the Brussels sprouts and remove any outer leaves. Rinse and pat them dry.
In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Wrap each Brussels sprout with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped sprouts on the baking sheet, seam-side down.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Enjoy!
Tomato Bruschetta
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious tomato bruschetta:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 French baguette, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now let’s make it!
Start by mixing the diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic in a bowl. Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.
Let this yummy mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle together.
While you wait, slice up your baguette. Brush each slice with a bit of olive oil.
Toast the bread slices until they’re nice and golden brown. You can do this in the oven or on a grill pan.
Once your bread is toasty, it’s time to assemble! Spoon the tomato mixture onto each slice of bread.
And there you have it! Your tomato bruschetta is ready to serve. Enjoy this tasty appetizer with your friends and family.
Charcuterie Board
Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty Thanksgiving charcuterie board:
- 2-3 types of cheese (soft and hard)
- 2-3 kinds of cured meats
- Crackers or sliced baguette
- Fresh fruits (grapes, apple slices, pears)
- Dried fruits (cranberries, apricots)
- Nuts (pecans, almonds)
- Olives and pickles
- Jam or honey
- Fresh herbs for garnish
How to put it together:
Start with the big items. Place cheeses and any small bowls on your board.
Add meats next. Fold or roll slices for a nice look.
Fill in gaps with crackers and bread.
Sprinkle fruits and nuts around the board.
Add olives and pickles to small bowls if you haven’t already.
Finish with jams or honey in tiny dishes.
Tuck in some fresh herbs as a final touch.
Your board is ready! Get creative and have fun with it. Mix and match flavors and textures for a yummy spread your guests will love.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Get ready to wow your guests with this tasty Spinach Artichoke Dip! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo in a bowl until smooth.
Add spinach, artichokes, cheeses, and garlic. Stir well.
Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your dip warm with crackers, chips, or veggies. Your guests will love this creamy, cheesy appetizer!
Stuffed Mushrooms
You’ll love these tasty stuffed mushrooms as a Thanksgiving appetizer! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 24 medium mushrooms
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cream cheese, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture.
Place mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Your guests will gobble these up! They’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy!
Deviled Eggs
Here’s a tasty recipe for classic deviled eggs, perfect for your Thanksgiving appetizer spread:
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Directions:
Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
Drain the eggs and place them in an ice bath. Once cool, peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the yolks and place them in a bowl. Add mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika for a festive touch.
You can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge. They’ll be a hit with your guests!
Pigs in a Blanket
You’ll need:
- 1 package crescent roll dough
- 1 package mini hot dogs or cocktail wieners
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
Cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles.
Place a mini hot dog on the wide end of each small triangle.
Roll the dough around the hot dog, starting from the wide end.
Put the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
Brush the tops with melted butter.
If you like, sprinkle some Everything Bagel Seasoning on top.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Your friends and family will love these tasty little bites!
Baked Brie
Ready to wow your guests with a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer? Try baked brie! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife.
Spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
Drizzle honey over the cranberry sauce.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Add a sprig of rosemary for extra flavor and a festive look.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving plate.
Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Your guests will love this warm, creamy, and sweet appetizer. It’s perfect for sharing and sets the mood for a delicious Thanksgiving meal!
Shrimp Cocktail
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ice for serving
Now, let’s make this tasty appetizer:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
Add the shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl up.
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the cocktail sauce.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Arrange the shrimp on a platter with a small bowl of cocktail sauce in the center.
Serve chilled with lemon wedges on the side.
Your guests will love this classic Thanksgiving starter. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit!
Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Serve your meatballs warm on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
You can jazz up your meatballs with cranberry sauce or gravy for dipping. These tasty bites will be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Cheese Board
You’ll need:
- 2-3 types of cheese (brie, cheddar, gouda)
- Cured meats (prosciutto, salami)
- Fresh fruits (grapes, pear slices)
- Nuts (pecans, almonds)
- Crackers or baguette slices
- Honey or jam
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions:
Choose a large board or platter.
Place your cheeses first, spacing them out.
Add meats in small piles or rolled up.
Fill in gaps with fruits and nuts.
Arrange crackers or bread around the edges.
Put honey or jam in small bowls on the board.
Sprinkle herbs for a pop of color.
Make sure to have cheese knives and small forks ready.
Your cheese board is now ready! It’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving meal. Guests can nibble while you finish other dishes. Don’t forget to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors develop. Enjoy!
Vegetable Platter
You’ll need:
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Yellow bell peppers
- Red bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Sugar snap peas
- Orange bell pepper
- Small bowl for dip
Here’s how to make your turkey-shaped veggie platter:
Slice the cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers.
Arrange the veggies in a half-circle on a large platter. Start with cucumber slices at the outer edge.
Add rows of carrots, yellow peppers, and red peppers, making each row slightly shorter.
Place broccoli florets and sugar snap peas in the inner rows.
Put a small bowl for dip at the bottom of the vegetable arrangement.
Cut an orange pepper to make a turkey face. Add it to the dip bowl.
Use pepper scraps to create a beak and wattle for your turkey.
Your festive turkey veggie platter is ready to serve! It’s a fun and healthy Thanksgiving appetizer that your guests will love.
Caprese Skewers
Want to make a tasty and easy appetizer for Thanksgiving? Try Caprese skewers! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Directions:
Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil.
Cut the mozzarella balls in half if they’re too big.
Thread a tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella piece onto each skewer. Repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients.
Arrange the skewers on a serving plate.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the skewers.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Serve right away or chill in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
These colorful skewers are perfect for grabbing and munching. They’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Sweet Potato Bites
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Now let’s make these tasty bites!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the sweet potato slices with melted butter and maple syrup.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the slices.
Bake for another 10-15 minutes until they’re tender and lightly caramelized.
Your sweet potato bites are ready to serve! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. Your guests will love these simple yet delicious appetizers.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
You’ll love these tasty bacon-wrapped dates as a Thanksgiving appetizer! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 20-24 pitted dates
- 10-12 slices bacon, cut in half
- Optional: goat cheese or almonds for stuffing
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
If desired, stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese or an almond.
Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Be careful, they’ll be hot!
These sweet and savory bites are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Hummus
Ready to make a tasty fall appetizer? Try this yummy pumpkin hummus! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor.
Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
Transfer to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
You can get creative with toppings! Try a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, or a dash of paprika. This hummus is perfect for your Thanksgiving spread or any fall gathering.
Antipasto Skewers
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty skewers:
- Cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella balls
- Salami slices
- Black olives
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh basil leaves
- Wooden skewers
To put them together:
Thread a tortellini onto a skewer.
Add a folded slice of salami.
Slide on a mozzarella ball and cherry tomato.
Add an olive and a piece of artichoke heart.
Finish with a basil leaf.
Repeat until your skewer is full.
Make as many as you need for your guests.
You can mix up the order or swap in other tasty bits you like. Try adding pepperoni, green olives, or cubed cheese.
These skewers are super easy to make ahead of time. Just cover and chill them until you’re ready to serve.
Your friends will love these colorful, bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for munching while you chat before the big meal.
Sausage Balls
You’ll love these tasty sausage balls as a Thanksgiving appetizer! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the sausage, cheese, and baking mix in a large bowl. Use your hands to combine everything well.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The sausage should be fully cooked through.
Let the sausage balls cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re great on their own or with a dipping sauce.
You can make these ahead of time and reheat them when guests arrive. They’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Cornbread Muffins
You’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
Here’s how to make them:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
These muffins are best served warm with a pat of butter. They’re perfect for your Thanksgiving table!
Cranberry Brie Bites
You’ll love these tasty appetizers for your Thanksgiving gathering! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 24 squares.
Place the brie in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
Press pastry squares into the muffin cups.
Cut the chilled brie into small pieces.
Add a piece of brie to each pastry cup.
Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and some pecans.
Garnish with a small rosemary sprig.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
Let these yummy bites cool for a few minutes before serving. Your guests will gobble them up!
Mini Quiches
Let’s make some tasty mini quiches for your Thanksgiving gathering! These bite-sized treats are perfect for hungry guests to munch on before the main meal.
Ingredients:
- 24 mini phyllo shells
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
- 1/4 cup cooked ham or turkey, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs and cream. Add cheese, meat, chives, salt, and pepper.
Carefully pour the mixture into each shell, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the quiches are set and golden brown.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
You can make these ahead of time and reheat them just before your guests arrive. Enjoy your mini quiches!
Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
You’ll love these tasty cheese-stuffed peppers as a Thanksgiving appetizer! They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 12 mini bell peppers
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut each mini pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and ribs.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and green onions.
Spoon the cheese mixture into each pepper half.
Place the stuffed peppers on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melty.
Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Your guests will gobble these up in no time!
Garlic Breadsticks
You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Here’s how to make them:
Mix the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, remaining water, and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise for an hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and cut into strips.
Twist each strip and place on a baking sheet. Mix the melted butter, garlic, and oregano.
Brush half the butter mixture on the breadsticks. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Once done, brush with the remaining garlic butter. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty appetizer!
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Want to make a tasty hummus for your Thanksgiving spread? Try this roasted garlic version! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 heads of garlic
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 2-3 ice cubes
Directions:
Cut the tops off your garlic heads and wrap them in foil with a drizzle of olive oil.
Roast the garlic at 400°F for 40-45 minutes until soft. Let it cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
Add the roasted garlic and all other ingredients to a food processor.
Blend for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve with warm pita, veggie sticks, or crackers.
This hummus is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering!
Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl
Get ready to wow your guests with this tasty Thanksgiving appetizer! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 round sourdough bread loaf
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 can water chestnuts, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Directions:
Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 3/4-inch shell.
Mix spinach, sour cream, mayo, ranch mix, water chestnuts, and green onions in a bowl.
Chill the mixture for an hour to let flavors blend.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Fill the bread bowl with your spinach dip mixture.
Cut the removed bread into chunks for dipping.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dip is warm and bubbly.
Your spinach dip in a bread bowl is ready to serve! Watch your guests dig in and enjoy this creamy, flavorful appetizer.