Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious feast. But before the main event, it’s fun to have some tasty appetizers to snack on.
Appetizers help set the mood and keep guests satisfied until the turkey is ready.
You can find many easy and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer recipes to try. From cheesy dips to bite-sized treats, there are options to please every palate.
Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these appetizers will be a hit at your holiday celebration.
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving table. You can make them with puff pastry, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce.
Cut the puff pastry into small squares. Place a piece of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on each square.
Some recipes add chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch.
Fold the pastry into triangles or leave them open. Bake them in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melty and the pastry is golden brown.
These bites are quick to make and look fancy. Your guests will love the mix of creamy cheese and tart cranberries.
2. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit.
Start by hard-boiling eggs and carefully removing the yolks.
Mix the yolks with mayo, mustard, and your favorite seasonings. For a twist, try adding avocado or herbs like chives and tarragon to the filling.
Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika or chopped herbs for a festive touch.
Make these ahead of time and keep them chilled until serving. Your guests will love these creamy, flavorful bites as they wait for the main meal.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers are a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving gathering. You’ll love these spicy, cheesy bites wrapped in crispy bacon.
To make them, cut jalapeños in half and remove the seeds. Fill each half with cream cheese. Wrap a strip of bacon around each stuffed pepper.
Arrange the poppers on a baking sheet and cook until the bacon is crispy. You can prep these ahead of time and bake just before serving.
These poppers are sure to be a hit with your guests. The creamy filling balances the heat of the jalapeños, while the bacon adds a smoky flavor.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
To prepare them, remove the stems from mushroom caps and chop them finely. Mix the chopped stems with breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs.
Stuff this mixture back into the mushroom caps. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 400°F.
In about 20 minutes, you’ll have golden-brown, flavorful bites ready to serve. The savory filling and tender mushrooms make a perfect start to your holiday meal.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. You can make it easily with a few key ingredients.
Start by melting butter in a pan and cooking onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Mix in flour to create a roux.
Pour in half-and-half, then add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Stir in cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy flavor.
Bake the dip in a dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
6. Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potato bites are a tasty appetizer for your Thanksgiving table. To make them, slice sweet potatoes into rounds and roast them in the oven until tender.
You can top these bites with various ingredients. Try marshmallows and pecans for a sweet twist. Or go savory with herbs and spices.
These appetizers are easy to prepare ahead of time. They’re also kid-friendly and remind many of sweet potato casserole.
For extra flavor, brush the sweet potato rounds with melted butter or maple syrup before baking. Serve them warm for the best taste.
7. Maple Roasted Nuts
Maple roasted nuts are a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients.
Mix your favorite nuts with maple syrup and spices. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven.
The result is sweet, crunchy nuts with a hint of salt. They’re perfect for snacking before the big meal.
Try adding rosemary for a savory twist. This herb pairs well with the maple flavor.
You can make these nuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container until your guests arrive.
8. Cheese Ball Bites
Cheese ball bites are a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer that’s easy to make and fun to eat. You can whip them up quickly with cream cheese, cheddar, and spices.
Mix the cheeses with garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in size.
Chill the balls in the fridge to firm them up. Then roll them in your choice of toppings like chopped nuts, herbs, or bacon bits.
Serve these bite-sized treats on crackers or pretzel sticks. Your guests will love grabbing these tasty morsels as they mingle before the big meal.
9. Pumpkin Hummus
Pumpkin hummus is a tasty twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip. It combines chickpeas with pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired appetizer.
To make it, blend chickpeas, pumpkin, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini in a food processor. Add spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne for extra flavor.
Serve your pumpkin hummus with pita chips, veggie sticks, or sliced baguette. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
This dip is easy to prepare in about 10 minutes. It’s also a healthier option that still feels festive and satisfying.
10. Pecan-Crusted Shrimp
Pecan-crusted shrimp is a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer that brings seafood to your holiday table. You’ll love the crunchy texture and nutty flavor of this dish.
To make it, coat butterflied shrimp with crushed pecans. Season the mixture with salt and pepper for added taste. You can also add a touch of honey for sweetness.
Bake the shrimp in a 350°F oven until they’re golden brown. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Serve them warm with a dipping sauce of your choice.
This appetizer is easy to prepare and looks impressive on your holiday spread. Your guests will enjoy this unique twist on traditional shrimp dishes.
11. Honey Sriracha Meatballs
These meatballs pack a flavorful punch as a Thanksgiving appetizer. You can make them with ground pork, turkey, or beef.
Mix your chosen meat with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Form small meatballs and cook them in a skillet or bake them in the oven.
The sauce brings the dish together. Combine honey, sriracha, and ketchup for a sweet and spicy coating. Toss the cooked meatballs in the sauce.
Serve these meatballs warm. You can keep them in a slow cooker to maintain the temperature. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and color.
12. Crescent Roll Veggie Bars
Crescent roll veggie bars are a tasty and simple appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. You start by baking crescent roll dough into a flat crust.
Once cooled, spread a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mayo, and ranch seasoning over the crust. This creates a flavorful base for your toppings.
Next, add a colorful array of finely chopped veggies. Popular choices include broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. You can customize the veggie mix to your liking.
Press the veggies gently into the cream cheese layer. Cut the bars into small squares for easy serving. These appetizers are best served chilled.
13. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Butternut squash soup shooters are a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. They offer warmth and comfort in a small, elegant package.
To make them, start by roasting cubed butternut squash at 400°F for about 35 minutes. Add oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
For extra depth, include garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Once roasted, blend the squash with broth until smooth and creamy.
Serve the soup in small glasses or shot glasses for easy sipping. You can garnish with a dollop of cream or sprinkle of spices.
These shooters are not only delicious but also nutritious. Butternut squash is rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, supporting your immune system.
14. Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates
Prosciutto-wrapped dates make a tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. You can prepare them quickly and easily.
Start by slicing open pitted dates. Fill each date with a small piece of brie or goat cheese.
Wrap a thin strip of prosciutto around each stuffed date. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the wrapped dates in a 375°F oven for 8-12 minutes. The prosciutto will become crispy and golden brown.
Serve these warm appetizers on a platter. For extra flavor, drizzle them lightly with honey before serving.
15. Savory Palmiers
Savory palmiers are a delicious appetizer for your Thanksgiving spread. These flaky pastries are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Start with puff pastry as your base. Spread it with tasty ingredients like Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, and crumbled bacon.
You can also try a mushroom and Parmesan version. Sauté mushrooms, shallots, and garlic until they’re golden brown.
Roll up the pastry, slice it, and bake until the palmiers are crispy and golden. They’ll look like little butterflies on your appetizer tray.
Your guests will love these bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for munching on while waiting for the main course.
Pairing Wines With Thanksgiving Appetizers
Picking the right wines to go with your Thanksgiving appetizers can make your meal even better. Let’s look at some good white and red wine choices that work well with different starters.
Choosing the Right White Wine
Chardonnay is a great pick for many Thanksgiving appetizers. It goes well with creamy and rich foods like stuffed mushrooms or cheese plates. Try a California Chardonnay with buttery flavors.
For lighter appetizers, think about a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It’s good with veggie dishes and salads. The wine’s bright taste can cut through fatty foods too.
If you’re serving seafood starters, grab a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Its light, fresh taste works nicely with shrimp cocktails or oysters.
Selecting Red Wines
Pinot Noir is a top choice for red wine lovers. It’s not too heavy and can match well with many foods. You can pair it with mushroom dishes or even light meat appetizers.
For heartier starters, look to Beaujolais. This French wine has a fruity taste that goes great with sausage-based apps or rich pâtés. Pick a cru Beaujolais for more depth.
If you want something bolder, try a Zinfandel. It can stand up to spicy or smoky appetizers. This wine also pairs well with BBQ flavors if you’re going that route.
Serving Tips for Thanksgiving Appetizers
The right serving tips can make your Thanksgiving appetizers shine. Pay attention to temperature and presentation to impress your guests.
Ideal Serving Temperatures
Serve hot appetizers at 140°F to 165°F. Use chafing dishes or warming trays to keep them at the right temp.
Cold apps should be 40°F or below. Put them on ice or in the fridge until serving time.
Room temp appetizers are easy. Take them out 30 minutes before guests arrive. This lets flavors develop fully.
Remember food safety. Don’t leave perishable items out for more than 2 hours. Replace them with fresh batches as needed.
Presentation Ideas
Use tiered platters to create visual interest.
Mix and match heights for an eye-catching display.
Add greenery or flowers for a festive touch.
Label each appetizer with small cards.
Include ingredients for guests with dietary needs.
Use fall-themed serving dishes to match the season.
Create a grazing board with cheese, crackers, and fruits.
Arrange items in a pleasing pattern.
Add small bowls for dips and spreads.
Consider individual servings for easy grabbing.
Mini cups or shot glasses work well for dips.
Skewers make bite-sized apps easy to eat.