50+ Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Impress Your Guests
These holiday appetizer ideas may even outshine the turkey.
The most anticipated meal of the year is here, and your guests are hungry. Thanksgiving is a high-stakes dinner all around—from the appetizers to the last bite of dessert—and you want to start off strong.
These easy Thanksgiving appetizers are super simple to make, and many can be prepped long before the main meal preparation kicks off. These recipes are also great to bring as a guest and pair well with the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Here's how to start Thanksgiving on an extra tasty note this year.
Creamy Smoked Fish Dip
Tinned fish is the protein of the year, and why not celebrate how thankful we are for preserved seafood on Thanksgiving? This dip is as easy as mixing a tin of smoked trout, cream cheese, and a few other ingredients for a truly elegant starter. Serve with your favorite crunchy dipper, like a toasted bagel or crostini.
Carrot Ginger Dip
Mix up a dip with an autumnal hue and beautiful flavor. In this recipe, carrots are cooked until tender and then pureed with maple syrup for a wonderful sweet flavor. This Thanksgiving dip is super easy to cook and can be served with any type of cracker, pretzel, or crudités.
Fish Antipasto Board
Victor Protasio
Thanksgiving day just got a whole lot tastier with this delicious fish antipasto board. Luscious smoked trout spread, anchovies, and soft butter pair well with an array of crackers, bread, veggies, olives, and any munchies you desire. And ready in just 25 minutes? You can't beat it.
Endive with Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins
A Thanksgiving salad you can eat with your fingers? Perfect. This no-cook appetizer looks like it's straight out of a restaurant and is easy and fun for kids to help assemble, too. Get creative with toppings, such as dried cranberries and winter-spiced nuts.
Hot Honey Lamb Meatballs
Looking for a big-batch appetizer to feed your turkey day crowd? These sweet and spicy meatballs are hard to beat. After cooking, transfer them to a slow cooker on warm to serve.
Chimichurri Yogurt Dip
Sneak some greens into your first course with this Thanksgiving dip that comes together in just a few minutes and is great with pretty much everything. Don't mind the guests sneaking it to the table to slather on turkey breast. It's cool.
Bite-Sized Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
We all know that anything wrapped in bacon won't last for long. These delicious bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are no exception. You only need three ingredients, and they're done in 20 minutes.
Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini
These holiday-friendly crostinis are dressed to impress with sweet Manchego and delicious fig jam. Crostini means little crusts in Italian, and they are so simple to make. In less than 25 minutes, pull together these low-effort, four-ingredient appetizers that look fancy (but don't take much work to pull off).
Pan Roasted Olives and Lemon
Browned lemon slices pair well with olives, garlic, and rosemary in this simple skillet recipe. Choose a colorful variety of olives to really make this dish pop. These Thanksgiving bites will literally melt in your mouth.
Red Pepper Walnut Knots
These red pepper walnut knots look fancy, and they taste it too. However, store-bought jarred roasted red peppers and puff pastry make this dish ready to serve in a fraction of the time. The red pepper and walnut mixture tucked inside these twists is inspired by a Middle Eastern dip called muhammara.
Cowboy Caviar
This dip is so good that everyone will be asking for the recipe. Or maybe they'll instantly recognize it as the TikTok trend the whole internet raved about. You'll need to dice up some jalapeños, red onion, yellow, green, and orange bell pepper. Next, you'll add corn, beans, something pickled, diced fruit, herbs, and a dressing of your choice. Feel free to be creative with this recipe and add the flavors you love!
Smoky Kale Chips
Crispy kale chips are the perfect healthy swap-in for potatoes. Crunchy and smoky, these kale chips require no more than 10 minutes of your time before they bake in the oven for 50 minutes. It takes very few ingredients to throw these together before the big feast.
Easy Pork Dumplings
This crave-worthy appetizer won't last long. However, if you have leftovers, they will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Serve with an easy sauce that makes each bite worthwhile.
Red Lentil Squash Soup with Lemon
The beauty of this Thanksgiving soup is that it can cook without intervention and blends up to create a beautiful autumnal hue. Serve it in shot glasses for a quick appetizer, or let Thanksgiving guests help themselves to small bowlfuls off the stove or from a slow cooker. If you have leftovers, feel free to freeze the soup for delicious dinners to come.
Many-Cheese Cheese Ball
Coated with herbs, you and your crew will be munching on this cheese ball all evening. It's processed with an assortment of cheeses, as well as cream cheese, white wine, pepper, kosher salt, red pepper, chives, and flat-leaf parsley. Serve with fresh crostini.
Glorious Green Dip
This healthy dip can be made up to two days in advance, so you can focus on other things on Thanksgiving Day and still have people satisfied until the big meal. It's bright, colorful, and so tasty. Serve with a variety of dippers, including potato chips, rainbow carrots, English cucumber, and broccoli.
Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Victor Protasio
No cooking is required to make these adorable mini goat cheese balls. These cheese balls are coated with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and dried cherries. Serve them with cocktail picks or sandwiched between crackers of your choice.
Artichoke Dip
Welcome guests to your home with an irresistible dip they can snack on while waiting for the big meal. This artichoke dip is a crowd-pleaser and should be made ahead of time so that the flavors can marinate together. AKA the ideal situation for a Thanksgiving appetizer.
Everything Dinner Rolls
Christopher Testani
These dinner rolls make the perfect dinner appetizer for two reasons: People love bread, and they're made with store-bought frozen dinner rolls and everything seasoning. A low-effort appetizer that looks like it's made from scratch? We couldn't ask for anything better.
Smoked Gouda and Pepper Cheese Puffs
This edible distraction, which can be made up to three hours in advance, gives you some extra time to put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving spread. These cheese puffs, also known as Gougères, are a French pastry made with irresistible smoked gouda. Garnish with flaky sea salt for an ideal tasty touch.
Cheesy Chile Pull-Apart Bread
Is there anything more comforting and cozy than some hot pull-apart bread to start your Thanksgiving dinner? Green chile, garlic butter, and spicy pepper jack cheese are what make this pull-apart bread recipe so irresistible. When shopping for ingredients, avoid sourdough bread, as it will make the chilies a bit too tangy.
French Onion Soup Bites
Victor Protasio
Crowd-pleasing French onion soup is served in scrumptious mini bites in this delectable take. This Thanksgiving appetizer can be served warm or at room temperature. So, don't worry about keeping them hot when you're busy prepping dinner.
Mini Twice Baked Loaded Potatoes
These two-bite taters will surely have your guests going back for more and more. The filling mixes mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese to achieve a creamy interior. Garnish with bacon bits and chives.
Pink Hummus
Since Thanksgiving dinner is typically a heavy meal filled with bread, potatoes, turkey, stuffing, pie, and more, it can't hurt to squeeze in something healthy when you can. A magenta beet is what gives the hummus its pink color. What's better is that the dip can be made up to a week before the feast.
Chickpea and Mint Crostini
This chickpea and mint dip is sure to please your family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, it's a no-cook recipe that's ready in under 10 minutes. Make your own fresh crostini in no time by slicing a baguette and toasting it in the oven for about 8 minutes at 450°F.
Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage
This delicious twist on bacon-wrapped dates deserves a spot on the grazing table. Sweet dried apricots pair nicely with savory bacon, and the sage gives a mellowed-out herbal taste. Serve with toothpicks on the side.
Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Everyone loves potato chips, right? Take the classic bowl of baked salty taters up a notch with this homemade recipe. All you need is potatoes, salt, and oil.
Easy Homemade Mild Salsa Recipe
Homemade salsa is the perfect appetizer to satisfy a crowd of hungry people. Keep in the jalapeño seeds for more spice, or take them out for less. If you like a smoother texture to your salsa, put most of your mixture in the food processor; if you like it chunkier, pulse less of your mixture.
Roasted Red Pepper Canapés
These one-bite Thanksgiving canapés will surely please your group on Turkey Day. Canapés are an appetizer that is described as a small cracker topped with something savory. In this recipe, thick-cut potato chips are topped with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and scallions.
Vegan Ranch Dressing
Ranch is always a crowd favorite, and this homemade vegan version pulls out all the stops. (It even has tofu mixed in for added protein!) Serve with crudités, baby lettuce wedges, and maybe even some homemade potato chips.
Spicy Parmesan Crackers
When making these desirable crackers, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then shake the crackers with the seasoning. This will ensure an even distribution of flavor. Serve with something sweet for the ideal combination of salty and sweet.
Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze
Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving Day starter when you don't have time to focus? These skewers are show-stopping with their bright variety of colors thanks to Bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. And while they may look fancy, they only take five minutes to put together.
Goat Cheese Spread
This woodsy dip is made with soft goat cheese and a fourth cup of your favorite herbs; think tarragon, flat-leaf parsley, and chives. Your choice of crackers makes the perfect vessel to eat this dip on. Serve the dip in a bowl with a cheese spreader.
Rosemary Pecans
These pecans are tossed with melted butter, sugar, cayenne, and salt before being roasted. Then, they are garnished with earthy rosemary before being served. One downside: They won't be around for long.
Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto
This light and elegant-looking appetizer is as tasty as it is beautiful on a serving dish. And 10 minutes is all it takes to whip up these delectable bites on the best Thursday of the year. Swap pears with cantaloupe, peaches, or honeydew if you desire.
Spiced Pita Chips
Seasoned with paprika, oregano, and salt, these crunchy toasted pita chips are seriously addictive. You'll split the pitas into eight rounds, brush with oil, and season before broiling until crispy. Serve with pink hummus or your favorite dip.
Gorgonzola Cream and Prosciutto Endives
Grab a colorful selection of small endives for this easy no-cook Thanksgiving appetizer. In just 20 minutes, these delicious, creamy, and flavorful bites are ready to eat. The endives are topped with a velvety gorgonzola cream, a tart quick-pickled apple, and rich prosciutto, making for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Steamed Clams With Garlic Toasts Recipe
Everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering will surely ooh and aah at these elegant steamed clams on the appetizer table. They don't have to know that this glorious starter took only about half an hour to prepare. It's best served with white wine and garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Deviled Eggs
Here's a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that even the pickiest of eaters seem to enjoy. But wait, there's a twist. To save time, learn how to make these deviled eggs in an air fryer and Instant Pot. To set them apart, get creative with toppings: Go fancy with caviar or play it cool with everything bagel seasoning.
Crispy Falafel Bites
Fred Hardy
This crunchy hors d'oeuvre is sure to satisfy your Thanksgiving crew. You'll start by using the food processor to blend canned chickpeas, cilantro, onion, and serrano chile. After stirring it in with more ingredients, you'll form the mixture into flattened balls and transfer them to a skillet to cook them until they are crispy.
Caramelized Onion Tarts with Apples
Caramelized onions and tart apples pair well as a savory-sweet combo in this puff-pastry starter. Crème fraîche makes a delicious base, but you can sub in sour cream instead. Cut the tart into small pieces before serving.
Fancy Pigs in a Blanket
At a party, it seems like the fastest thing to go is always the pigs in the blanket. It's a fan-favorite recipe and super simple to put together. Amp it up with this recipe made with frozen puff pastry and your choice of store-bought chicken sausage. Serve with whole-grain mustard for dipping.
Pears With Rosemary Sugar
All you need are four ingredients to whip up this sweet and delicate appetizer: pears, oranges, fresh rosemary, and sugar. It will take you less than 10 minutes to whip up, and guests will be asking for the recipe. Double the recipe to ensure you have enough for all of your hungry loved ones.
Polenta Bites With Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese
You'll need a mini muffin pan for this cute Thanksgiving recipe. Make the polenta cups two days in advance before filling and broiling them. On Thanksgiving day, top them with the indulgent bacon, dates, and blue cheese filling and stick them in the broiler before serving.
Mini Crab Cakes With Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise
Panko breadcrumbs are toasted on the skillet before baking these crab cakes in the oven to reduce uneven browning—genius! A lemony mayo with chives is the perfect counterpart to the flavor-packed crab cakes. Now, this is a 30-minute Thanksgiving dish we can get behind.
Orange Chili Shrimp Cocktail
To cut down on time, use pre-cooked shrimp as a shortcut to making this crowd-pleasing appetizer. Shrimp is tossed in with jalapeno, red onion, chopped cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, and salt. Serve with chips for scooping the mixture, and offer toothpicks to pick up the shrimp.
Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe
These pimento mac and cheese bites will be the talk of the feast, so don't be shocked when you find them on loved ones' plates during Thanksgiving dinner. Bake these yummy bites in a mini muffin pan until they are golden brown.
Smoky Corn Chowder Recipe
This Thanksgiving starter is as comforting as it is delicious. It starts with frozen corn that eventually finds its way to a blender to become chowder. Top with scallions and bacon for the ultimate combination of flavors, and serve with some toasted baguette slices.
Goat Cheese Tartlets With Fig-Balsamic Compote Recipe
You'll think these bite-sized appetizers are magic with how quickly they'll disappear at your Thanksgiving feast. They have all the flavors and textures that constitute deliciousness: crunchy puff pastry, tangy balsamic, and creamy goat cheese. The nibbles are topped with micro greens to give them an elegant appearance.
Cauliflower Soup With Toasted Garlic
This vegan soup is as easy as cooking cauliflower and combining it with stock. No cream is required, which is a nice respite before a dairy-heavy meal! Finish it off with a garlic and thyme garnish for a super-quick solution to the soup course.
Kale Flatbread Bites
Shorten prep time by stacking fresh mozzarella and crunchy kale on top of store-bought pizza dough. The base of this flatbread is a mix of sour cream and whole-grain mustard. Cut flatbread with a pizza cutter into bite-size slices before serving.
Related: Why Do We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving? The Answer May Surprise You
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