25+ Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas to Start the Feast
Looking for the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving feast? These easy and delicious Thanksgiving appetizers are exactly what you need to keep your guests satisfied while the turkey roasts away. From savory bites to sweet starters, we’ve got everything you need to make sure the feast starts on a tasty note.
Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, and these simple appetizer recipes make it easy to serve up something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy dishes like bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts or crowd-pleasers like baked brie, these appetizers are sure to wow your guests.
The best part? These recipes are designed for minimal fuss but maximum flavor. You can whip up cheesy pull-apart bread or savory stuffed mushrooms in no time, leaving you with more time to focus on the main event. And let’s be honest—sometimes the appetizers are just as exciting as the big meal!
So, get ready to impress with these 25+ Thanksgiving appetizer ideas that will start your holiday meal off right. Delicious, simple, and sure to be a hit, these bites are perfect for the season of gathering and gratitude.
Related: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Plan: Appetizers, Cocktails, Main Courses, and More
1. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts take your Thanksgiving appetizer game up a notch with crispy, salty bacon wrapping each tender sprout. The combination of smoky bacon and the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts makes this dish an irresistible bite-sized delight. Whether you’re serving a small crowd or a full house, these are sure to disappear fast.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts recipe.
2. Brie Bites
Flaky puff pastry cradles warm, gooey brie in these perfect one-bite appetizers. With a drizzle of honey and a dollop of cranberry sauce, these brie bites are the ideal sweet-savory treat to kick off your Thanksgiving feast. They’re easy to make, look elegant, and taste like a gourmet treat without the effort.
Get the Brie Bites recipe.
3. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Balls
These pumpkin pie cheesecake balls are a sweet and festive appetizer that doubles as a fun dessert. The creamy cheesecake filling, flavored with warm pumpkin spice, is dipped in a smooth chocolate coating. They’re easy to make ahead and perfect for setting out as a crowd-pleasing snack that feels like a mini indulgence.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Balls recipe.
4. Maple Pecan Baked Brie
If you want an appetizer that wows your guests, this maple pecan baked brie is the answer. The brie melts into creamy goodness under a sweet topping of maple syrup and crunchy pecans, all wrapped in golden puff pastry. It’s the ultimate combination of rich, sweet, and buttery flavors that will be the highlight of your appetizer spread.
Get the Maple Pecan Baked Brie recipe.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are an elegant addition to your Thanksgiving table, packed with a flavorful mix of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are tender and juicy, while the filling is rich and savory—making them the perfect bite-sized treat for your guests to enjoy before the main course.
Get the Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
6. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
Crispy roasted sweet potato rounds are topped with creamy goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey, creating the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer. The rich textures and flavors make these a standout bite, and they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for adding a fall-inspired touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese recipe.
7. Spinach Artichoke Tart
This spinach artichoke tart combines the creamy goodness of everyone’s favorite dip with the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, and cut into shareable squares, making it a crowd-friendly appetizer that’s perfect for starting your holiday meal.
Get the Spinach Artichoke Tart recipe.
8. Chorizo-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates pack layers of bold flavors—sweet, salty, smoky, and spicy all in one bite. The sweet dates are balanced by the savory chorizo and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating an appetizer that’s sure to steal the show at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Chorizo-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
9. Butternut Squash Crostini
Roasted butternut squash, creamy goat cheese, and a touch of honey come together on crispy crostini for a stunning fall appetizer. The squash brings a natural sweetness, while the goat cheese adds a tangy bite, making this a sophisticated yet simple starter for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Butternut Squash Crostini recipe.
10. Deviled Eggs
No appetizer spread is complete without deviled eggs. These classic bites are creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying, with a silky smooth filling that keeps everyone coming back for more. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a perfect low-stress addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
11. Pigs in a Blanket
A timeless crowd-pleaser, these pigs in a blanket are flaky, buttery, and packed with flavor. Mini sausages are wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown, served with mustard for the perfect dipping sauce. They’re simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to be a hit at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
12. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread is loaded with flavor and perfect for sharing. Each piece is packed with gooey cheese, garlic butter, and fresh herbs, making it a delicious, hands-on appetizer that everyone will love pulling apart. It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread recipe.
13. Cranberry Salsa
This cranberry salsa is a unique and refreshing twist on traditional cranberry sauce, combining fresh cranberries with jalapeños, cilantro, and lime for a bright, zesty flavor. It’s perfect for serving with tortilla chips or crackers and adds a fresh, tangy kick to your Thanksgiving appetizer lineup.
Get the Cranberry Salsa recipe.
14. Garlic Lovers Cheese Ball
Packed with bold garlic flavor, this cheese ball is creamy, savory, and perfect for serving with crackers or veggies. It’s a retro favorite that’s making a comeback, with its rich flavors and easy, make-ahead preparation making it a must-have for your appetizer spread.
Get the Garlic Lovers Cheese Ball recipe.
15. Pumpkin Hummus
This pumpkin hummus is a fall-flavored twist on the classic dip, blending creamy chickpeas with spiced pumpkin puree. It’s smooth, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with pita chips or fresh veggies, offering a healthy and festive appetizer option for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Pumpkin Hummus recipe.
16. Baked Brie Crostini
Crispy crostini topped with warm, gooey baked brie and a dollop of fig jam make this appetizer both elegant and indulgent. The combination of creamy brie with the sweetness of figs is a sophisticated crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a festive occasion like Thanksgiving.
Get the Baked Brie Crostini recipe.
17. Butternut Squash Hummus
For a creative twist on traditional hummus, try this version featuring roasted butternut squash. It adds a subtle sweetness to the creamy chickpea dip, making it perfect for pairing with warm pita or fresh veggies. A seasonal, healthy appetizer that’s as delicious as it is beautiful on the table.
Get the Butternut Squash Hummus recipe.
18. Spinach and Feta Pinwheels
These flaky, golden pinwheels are filled with a savory spinach and feta mixture, making them a perfect bite-sized appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. Each pastry bite is packed with flavor, combining the richness of feta and the earthiness of spinach with a crisp, buttery puff pastry.
Get the Spinach and Feta Pinwheels recipe.
19. Caramelized Onion Dip
This rich, creamy dip is loaded with the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions. Perfect for serving with chips, crackers, or veggies, this onion dip is a classic crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of comfort and indulgence to your appetizer table.
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
20. Mini Caprese Skewers
For a fresh and light appetizer, these mini caprese skewers are just the thing. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil are skewered and drizzled with balsamic glaze for a bite-sized version of the classic Italian salad. They’re simple, colorful, and a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Mini Caprese Skewers recipe.
21. Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans
This baked brie is gooey and decadent, topped with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Wrapped in golden pastry, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and an elegant appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans recipe.
22. Garlic Butter Shrimp
These garlic butter shrimp are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, they’re an easy yet elegant appetizer to serve with crusty bread for dipping. A great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe.
23. Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists
Flaky puff pastry is twisted with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, creating an appetizer that’s savory, cheesy, and impossible to resist. These twists are perfect for guests to snack on while waiting for the main Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists recipe.
24. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
For a light, elegant appetizer, these prosciutto-wrapped asparagus spears are perfect. The salty prosciutto crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the asparagus stays tender. It’s an easy, low-carb dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Get the Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus recipe.
25. Cranberry Meatballs
These tender meatballs are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making them the perfect festive appetizer. The balance of savory meat with the tart cranberry glaze makes these meatballs an irresistible snack for any Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Cranberry Meatballs recipe.
26. Homemade Guacamole
This guacamole recipe is fresh, flavorful, and always a hit at any gathering. Creamy avocados are mashed with lime, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño for a zesty, spicy dip that’s perfect for serving with chips or veggie sticks.
Get the Homemade Guacamole recipe.
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25+ Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts to Sweeten Your Holiday
