30 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving appetizers set the stage for a memorable feast, and this collection is full of irresistible ideas everyone will love. From easy make-ahead bites to festive fall starters, these recipes will please any crowd.

You’ll find Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that range from pumpkin-shaped cheese balls to apple bacon crostini and dips.

Whether you’re hosting a small family meal, a big gathering, or a Friendsgiving celebration, these ideas will have everyone excited to dig in.

1. Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs might be the cutest Thanksgiving appetizer you’ll ever serve, cleverly dressed up as tiny pumpkins. A quick garnish of fresh chive stems turns them into the most adorable pumpkins ever.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

2. Apple Bacon Bleu Cheese Crostini

This recipe layers apple slices, bacon, and whipped bleu cheese on toasted bread for a perfect mix of sweet and savory. A sprinkle of fresh thyme ties it all together, making these both easy and impressive.

Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Bleu Cheese Crostini

3. Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

These easy-to-make mini pumpkin cheese balls are filled with cream cheese, seasoning, and chives. The festive pumpkin shape makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Plus, you can make them ahead of time, too.

Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

4. Cranberry Brie Bites

These golden puff pastry cups, filled with creamy brie and cranberry sauce, look fancy but come together effortlessly. The sweet-and-savory combination makes people reach for seconds before they’ve finished their first bite.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

5. Thanksgiving Appetizers Charcuterie Board

A festive fall charcuterie board is the perfect way to welcome guests before the Thanksgiving feast. The cheddar pumpkin centerpiece and salami roses make it a showstopper that’s surprisingly quick to put together.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

6. Cranberry Meatballs

These chicken meatballs get a flavorful twist with homemade cranberry sauce mixed with chili garlic sauce for just the right kick. Set them out with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs

7. Hot Crab Dip

My hot crab dip recipe is always a hit at Thanksgiving and any gathering. You can assemble everything ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive.

Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

8. Caramel Apple Bites

If you’re looking for a starter that’s sweet and salty, make these delicious caramel apple bites. Both kids and adults will love this one!

Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Bites

9. Turkey Party Rolls With Honey Mustard Glaze

Turkey and cheese are rolled in Crescent dough and brushed with a homemade honey mustard glaze for a crowd-pleasing dish. Set out the extra honey mustard sauce for dipping, and they’ll disappear fast from the appetizer table.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Party Rolls With Honey Mustard Glaze

10. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Sometimes the most popular appetizers are the simplest ones, and this two-ingredient recipe proves exactly that. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and will get gobbled up in no time.

Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

11. Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin purée gives classic hummus a fall upgrade, and it’s yummy with veggies, crackers, or pita chips. It’s creamy, flavorful, and light enough to enjoy before a big Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Hummus

12. Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

This cold appetizer starts with a golden baked crescent roll crust topped with a ranch cream cheese spread and fresh vegetables. It can be easily prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza

13. Butternut Squash Bruschetta

Roasted butternut squash is caramelized with maple syrup and layered over herby ricotta for a mouthwatering bite. This make-ahead appetizer brings fall flavors to your table and will have guests asking for the recipe.

Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Bruschetta

14. Slow Cooker Chex Mix

Using your slow cooker to make Chex mix will free up valuable oven space while you cook other Thanksgiving dishes. There are plenty of variations included, so you can customize it to fit everyone’s tastes.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chex Mix

15. French Onion Dip

Skip the premade dip and make this amazing homemade onion dip that’ll have everyone scooping up every last bit. French onion dip is always a crowd pleaser, whether you serve it at Thanksgiving or any other time.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

16. Turkey Veggie Tray

This festive Thanksgiving appetizer idea transforms your basic veggie tray into an adorable turkey by arranging vegetables as feathers. It’s a healthy option that’ll add some fun to your Thanksgiving spread.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Veggie Tray

17. Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

These crowd-pleasing bacon-wrapped little smokies get their flavor from brown sugar that caramelizes around crispy bacon. The secret is letting them marinate in the fridge for an hour or two before baking.

Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies

18. Pumpkin Dip

This fluffy dessert dip tastes exactly like pumpkin pie, but without the fuss of actual baking. It comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with everything from apple slices to graham crackers for a sweet fall appetizer.

It also makes a festive addition to a charcuterie board, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dip

19. Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms

These spinach-stuffed mushrooms are filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and garlic. They’re a tasty, bite-sized option that fits right in with any Thanksgiving appetizer spread.

Get the Recipe: Spinach-Stuffed Mushrooms

20. Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

Creamy goat cheese, fig spread, and prosciutto combine to create a restaurant-quality appetizer that is perfect for serving at any type of Thanksgiving gathering. You can even throw it together at the last minute since it’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Fig and Prosciutto Crostini

21. Turkey Cheese Ball

This adorable cheese ball is shaped like a turkey with pretzel stick feathers, candy eyes, and a candy corn beak. It also doubles as an edible centerpiece that’s as yummy as it is cute.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe

22. Turkey Pinwheels

These easy turkey pinwheels are made with cheese, dried cranberries, chives, and more. Make them ahead so you’ll have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

23. Caramel Apple Baked Brie

This gorgeous appetizer may look fancy, but it comes together in just 15 minutes. The warm brie is topped with buttery sautéed apples and caramel. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser favorite that will have everyone raving.

Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Baked Brie

24. Cranberry Cheese Ball

This flavor-packed cheese ball is made with cranberries and toasted pecans, both mixed inside and coating the outside. No cooking is required beyond toasting the nuts for a few minutes.

Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheese Ball

25. Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic drizzle make a light and flavorful handheld appetizer. It’s not too heavy, so guests can still save room for turkey, sides, and pumpkin pie.

Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

26. Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Bites

These adorable crescent roll appetizers look like mini pumpkins and will delight everyone. Melted mozzarella hides inside each golden bite, and they’re made with just three ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Cheese-Stuffed Pumpkin Bites

27. French Onion Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms have all the comforting flavors of French onion soup in bite-sized form. Thyme is added on top for a touch of freshness in every bite.

Get the Recipe: French Onion Stuffed Mushrooms

28. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving charcuterie board makes a gorgeous centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to put together. You can prep it ahead of time and customize the spread with everyone’s favorite nibbles.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

29. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This spinach artichoke dip stays warm the whole time it’s in the crockpot, making it perfect for serving at your Thanksgiving gathering. Just toss in the ingredients, let it cook, and a couple of hours later, you’ve got a ready-to-serve appetizer.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

30. Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board

Everyone will go crazy for this charcuterie board. Using a pear for the turkey’s body is so clever! Make it ahead of time so you can have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board