Thanksgiving is a day of warmth, gratitude, family gatherings, and—of course—unforgettable food. While most people focus on the turkey and main course when planning their holiday menu, appetizers play an equally important role. The right starters can set the tone for the entire feast, impress your guests right from the beginning, and keep everyone happily nibbling while the main meal finishes cooking.
If you’re searching for a list of 23 Thanksgiving appetizers that are creative, delicious, and easy to prepare, you’re in the right place. This guide includes a mix of classics, modern flavors, vegetarian bites, dips, finger foods, and impressive small plates. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or preparing an intimate dinner, you’ll find something here your guests will love.
Let’s dive into the best 23 Thanksgiving appetizers for a memorable holiday celebration!
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
When it comes to festive appetizers, these mini pastry cups are hard to beat. Flaky puff pastry forms the base, while creamy Brie melts beautifully with a spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce. They’re sweet, savory, gooey, and elegant—everything an appetizer should be on Thanksgiving.
Why they’re perfect: They use common holiday ingredients and bake in minutes.
2. Sweet Potato Crostini
Toasted baguette slices topped with mashed sweet potato, goat cheese, pecans, and a drizzle of honey create a colorful and seasonal appetizer. It brings together the iconic flavors of Thanksgiving in one delicious bite.
Pro tip: Add crushed pistachios or fresh rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Maple Glazed Meatballs
Whether you use beef, turkey, or a meatless alternative, mini meatballs tossed in a maple-mustard glaze make a warming appetizer that pairs well with any Thanksgiving spread.
Serve with: Toothpicks and extra dipping sauce.
4. Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs
Give classic deviled eggs a holiday twist by topping them with crispy bacon, chives, or smoked paprika. For a more fall-inspired version, mix in a hint of Dijon and maple syrup.
They’re ideal because: You can prepare them the day before.
5. Pumpkin Hummus
A smooth, creamy blend of chickpeas, pumpkin puree, garlic, and tahini turns traditional hummus into a festive appetizer. Serve with pita, crackers, or sliced veggies.
Healthy option: It’s vegan, nutritious, and loaded with seasonal flavor.
6. Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized stuffed mushrooms are rich, creamy, cheesy, and easy to assemble. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan creates a comforting flavor your guests will love.
Make-ahead: Prepare the filling 24 hours ahead.
7. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
If you want to impress your guests with something elegant, serve warm mini cups of velvety butternut squash soup. Add a swirl of cream and sprinkle with toasted pepitas.
Perfect for: A cozy, elevated appetizer experience.
8. Pecan Cheese Ball
This retro classic always makes a comeback during the holidays. Cream cheese blended with herbs, cheddar, and spices is rolled in toasted pecans for a crunchy, nutty finish.
Best paired with: Crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.
9. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet dates stuffed with goat cheese or almonds and wrapped in crispy bacon are simply irresistible. They’re salty, sweet, and utterly addictive.
Ready in: Under 30 minutes.
10. Garlic & Herb Pull-Apart Bread
Warm, buttery pull-apart bread loaded with garlic and herbs is one of the most crowd-pleasing starters. It pairs wonderfully with dips and spreads—or simply enjoy it on its own.
Bonus: It fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma before the meal begins.
11. Baked Camembert with Rosemary & Honey
If you want a simple yet luxurious appetizer, baked Camembert is a show-stopper. Once melted, it becomes the perfect dip for crusty bread and crackers.
Holiday touch: Garnish with rosemary, honey, and dried cranberries.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Skewers
Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them into caramelized, nutty bites. Thread them onto skewers with pearl onions or sausage for a fun and tasty appetizer.
Healthy & hearty: A great veggie-forward starter for the table.
13. Turkey & Cranberry Pinwheels
These easy roll-ups combine sliced turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce wrapped inside a tortilla or flatbread. They’re simple to make and disappear fast.
Excellent for: Kids and adults alike.
14. Caramelized Onion Tartlets
Slow-cooked onions add a deep, sweet flavor to these flaky mini tartlets. Add Gruyère cheese or thyme to elevate them even further.
Why they’re amazing: They look fancy but require minimal work.
15. Sausage Stuffing Balls
Turn traditional stuffing into bite-sized appetizers by mixing it with sausage and baking it into golden, crispy balls. Serve with gravy for dipping.
Comfort food: A brilliant way to use leftover stuffing, too!
16. Fall Harvest Cheese Board
A Thanksgiving cheese board filled with seasonal fruits (figs, apples, pears), assorted cheeses, nuts, crackers, and spreads makes a stunning centerpiece.
Customizable: Add prosciutto, honeycomb, olives, or pumpkin butter.
17. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Simple but flavorful, roasted pumpkin seeds seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon sugar make an addictive snack for guests to munch on.
Zero-waste: Perfect if you carved pumpkins earlier in the season.
18. Shrimp Cocktail with Spiced Cranberry Sauce
A twist on the classic shrimp cocktail, this appetizer pairs succulent cold shrimp with a zesty cranberry-based dipping sauce.
Refreshing & elegant: Great for balancing richer Thanksgiving dishes.
19. Mini Chicken Pot Pies
Warm, creamy chicken pot pie filling tucked into mini pastry cups is the definition of comfort. These adorable bites feel like a tiny Thanksgiving feast.
Family favorite: Kids especially love these.
20. Apple & Cheddar Puff Pastry Twists
Sharp cheddar and sweet apple slices wrapped in puff pastry create a deliciously flaky appetizer that feels festive and fun.
Serve warm: They’re best straight from the oven.
21. Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad Cups
Crisp phyllo cups filled with chopped roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts offer a refreshing and colorful bite.
Light & bright: A nice contrast to heavy holiday foods.
22. Hot Spinach & Parmesan Dip
Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this dip is always a hit. Serve with tortilla chips, bread, or crudités.
Crowd-pleasing: It disappears almost instantly.
23. Cranberry BBQ Chicken Wings
For a bold and sticky appetizer, coat chicken wings in a sweet-tangy cranberry BBQ sauce. They add a fun, unexpected twist to traditional holiday flavors.
Tip: Bake rather than fry for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts on the Best 23 Thanksgiving Appetizers
Thanksgiving is all about abundance, sharing, and celebrating together. With these 23 Thanksgiving appetizers, you can set the perfect tone from the very first bite. Whether your guests prefer something sweet, savory, comforting, or healthy, this list includes a delicious variety that fits every style of gathering.
From elegant soup shooters and baked cheese wheels to hearty stuffing bites and pumpkin-themed dips, these appetizers ensure your Thanksgiving meal starts with warmth and excitement. Feel free to mix and match, create a themed starter table, or prepare several options to keep your guests satisfied and engaged until the main feast arrives.
