72 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers That Will Totally Impress the Family
Don't get us wrong: We love a traditional Thanksgiving feast. But we pretty much know what mains and sides to expect every year (roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing—you know the drill). Starters, on the other hand, can be full of delicious surprises. From beer cheese soup to artichoke dip bites to crispy mushrooms, here are 72 Thanksgiving appetizers that will kick off your celebration with a bang.
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1. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
Otherwise known as Thanksgiving dip. (It'd taste even better topped with a mound of leftover turkey...just sayin'.)
2. Roasted Mixed Nuts
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
With just the right amount of spice. We used a mix of cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios, but you can use whatever assortment you'd like. By far the easiest Thanksgiving appetizer in the books.
3. Sweet Potato Hummus and Cumin Flatbread Chips
Spoon Fork Bacon
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
A seasonal twist on a party classic that everyone can get behind. Cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and cumin offer lots of warming spice to the dish.
4. Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachio and Orange
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Anything starring Brie will be a guaranteed hit at Thanksgiving (even with your fussy aunt). Set this warm, gooey app down and watch your guests instantly gather around.
5. Cinnamon Apple Chips
Sally's Baking Recipes
Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, make ahead, vegan
They sure beat a bowl of regular potato chips. Dip them in sweet yogurt or caramel sauce.
6. Crispy Mushrooms
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead, vegan
You only *think* you don't like mushrooms. Simply season and roast the creminis until they're shatteringly crisp and brown.
7. Artichoke Dip Bites
Carlsbad Cravings
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
We’ve never seen party dip look this adorable. Thanks, store-bought puff pastry and easy canned artichoke hearts.
8. Baked Pumpkin with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Cheese
Oh My Veggies
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, high protein
Serve an appetizer in a hulled-out pumpkin and let the oohs and ahhs roll in. Bonus: They make eye-catching table decorations, so you can save on flowers.
9. Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Fig Jam
Snixy Kitchen
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Sweet, tart, crunchy and creamy in every bite. Prepare the jam ahead so all you have to do on Thanksgiving is assemble.
10. Eggplant Parm Bites
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
One of our favorite Italian mains, in the form of an easy Thanksgiving appetizer. Pass the marinara, please.
11. Jalapeño Poppers
Cookie and Kate
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, keto-friendly, gluten free
Baking instead of frying makes these a little healthier and way less messy to prepare. This version of the game day app is stuffed with herbed cream cheese, feta and sharp cheddar.
12. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegetarian
Save the hot dogs for summertime. These cuties won’t spoil your appetite before the big feast.
13. Bleu Cheese-Stuffed Figs
Spoon Fork Bacon
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
Sweet, savory and undeniably classy. (Oh, and they're ready to eat in 15 minutes flat.)
14. Beer Cheese Soup
The Modern Proper
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, one pot
Crisp Pilsner + sharp cheddar = autumn bliss. Serve with plenty of crusty bread for dunking.
15. Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy
Part easy Thanksgiving appetizer, part work of art. All the toppings will be easy to grab, thanks to the classy serving board.
16. Rosemary, Cheddar and Gorgonzola Pumpkin Crackers
Half Baked Harvest
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Complete with sweet and spicy pumpkin seeds tossed in soy-maple glaze. Might we suggest adding them to a cheese board?
17. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
Everyone’s favorite comfort food, only miniature. Feel free to spice up the mac and cheese recipe with hot sauce, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
18. Spaghetti Squash Fritters
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Hi, spicy yogurt dipping sauce. Hustle to the Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvres table—these are bound to disappear fast.
19. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
Pinch of Yum
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe
Salty, tangy and sweet. Plus, toothpicked apps are a hostess's best friend.
20. Sweet Potato Crostini
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Choose your fighter: smoked salmon and cream cheese or dried cranberries, almonds and crème fraîche.
21. Cauliflower “Tater” Tots
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Don't come for us, but they're better than the original (yep, we said it). Your kids will be none the wiser—as long as there's ketchup on the Thanksgiving table, that is.
22. Ultimate Cheese Plate with Roasted Grapes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Roasting grapes in oil and herbs will give them deep sweetness and complexity, making them the perfect pairing for salty, sharp cheese.
23. Roasted Artichokes
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Impeccably golden, crispy and briny. Slather on the garlic-lemon aioli with abandon.
24. Butternut Squash Hummus
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, make ahead
Squash season is back, and we are so ready for it. Here, roasted butternut squash meets tahini and chickpeas for a fall twist on hummus.
25. Deviled Eggs, Three Ways
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
You can’t go wrong with this roasted garlic, sriracha and capers trio. Make them ahead so you have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving.
26. Black Bean Sweet Potato Boats
Minimalist Baker
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, vegetarian
Loaded with flavor and color. The sweet spuds are also packed with protein (and avocado crema), making for an extra healthy, flavorful and easy Thanksgiving appetizer.
27. Brussels Sprout and Apple Tart with Walnut Pesto
Oh My Veggies
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Store-bought puff pastry saves the day, as always. Don't skimp on the walnut pesto—we'd argue it's the best part.
28. Maple Candied Bacon
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Maple syrup and brown sugar turn your favorite breakfast meat into a fall delicacy. Don't look now, but we're topping our apple pie with a few strips.
29. Baby Bloomin’ Onions
PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
Just like your favorite steakhouse makes them, only scaled down for minimal mess. Don't even get us started on the horseradish dipping sauce.
30. Sweet Potato Skins
This Mess Is Ours
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
Walnut taco meat, an ingenious way to accommodate your vegetarian guests.
31. Caramelized Apples and Goat Cheese Crescents
A Classic Twist
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
They'll never know you started with store-bought dough. Your secret is safe with us.
32. Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Hanukkah don't start 'til the latkes arrive. We've given the potato classic an autumn update by substituting the season's favorite vegetable.
33. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Store-bought cranberry sauce and pie crust can save cocktail hour in 15 minutes flat.
34. The Best Damn Pumpkin Soup
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
Just scoop out the seeds, pour in chicken stock and seasonings, then roast the whole darn thing in the oven. Ingenious.
35. Maple Pecan Baked Brie
Damn Delicious
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Where dessert and cocktail hour collide. Serve this five-ingredient beauty with bread, crackers or slices of Granny Smith apple.
36. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
Don't peel the delicata squash's striped skin off—it's totally edible and offers serious fall flair to these handhelds.
37. Pumpkin Pizza Crust with Arugula and Prosciutto
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, kid-friendly
Bet you didn't think you'd see *this* type of pie on your Thanksgiving table. Good looking out, canned pumpkin purée.
38. Bacon, Onion and Asiago Fondue
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Is there anything more comforting than a skillet of warm, melty cheese? Didn't think so. Dip with bread, crackers and crudités.
39. Cheesy Polenta Bites with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
Tangy goat cheese and salty pancetta hold their own against crispy cornbread-like morsels of Parmesan polenta.
40. Brussels Sprout Sliders
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
These prosciutto- and mozzarella-stuffed gems are dangerously poppable, so they won't last long at the party.
41. French Onion Cups
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
The only way to make this Gruyère-rich soup more decadent? By wrapping it in puff pastry, of course.
42. Savory Pumpkin Dip
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Complete with toasted pecans, crumbled bacon and pumpkin purée. Serve with crostini or buttery, flaky crackers.
43. Instant Pot Spicy Thai Butternut Squash Soup
PHOTO: MICHAEL MARQUAND/STYLING: NISHA VORA
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: Instant Pot recipe, one pot, make ahead, vegan
Meet a soup that's pretty enough to steal the spotlight from any roast turkey. Chalk it up to sesame seeds, roasted peanuts and a coconut yogurt swirl.
44. Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
We have one question: Are you dipping 'em in yellow mustard or beer cheese? (Both is the only correct response.)
45. Pumpkin Beer Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Half Baked Harvest
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Choose a pumpkin beer that's loaded with fall spices and real pumpkin. The mini soft pretzels are optional (but we can't imagine why you'd skip them).
46. Mini Mason Jar Chicken Potpies
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
Behold, the cutest little casseroles you ever did see. We have a feeling these will win over even the pickiest eaters at the kids' table.
47. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, dairy free
Don't have the patience for charring sprouts? Wrapping them in bacon will give them the crunch you crave minus the smoking pan.
48. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
And you thought pasta salad season was over. The ingredients are decidedly autumnal, down to the pine nuts and fresh thyme.
49. Baked Gorgonzola Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, one pan, crowd-pleaser
We like to think of this five-ingredient, half-hour app as savory monkey bread. Your guests won't miss the cinnamon, promise.
50. Baked Maple Glazed Donuts
Sally's Baking Recipes
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
No high-maintenance frying required. We're definitely saving some for Black Friday brunch.
51. Buffalo Pecan Pimento Cheese
The Defined Dish
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
This is probably a new addition to your Thanksgiving feast, but it's about to become a family tradition. Add a few extra shakes of hot sauce to the mix if you want it extra spicy.
52. Easy Cranberry Baked Brie Bites
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
They’re bite-sized, meaning you can have as many as your cheese-loving heart desires. (We'd probably make a second batch just for the hostess, if we were you...)
53. Pumpkin Hummus
Plays Well with Butter
Time Commitment: 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, <30 minutes, no cook
Bring this beauty to Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or any other fall gathering. The pomegranate arils on top make it look beyond classy.
54. Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
These grown-up lollies are made with frozen puff pastry, leftover cranberry sauce and Brie, so all you'll have to do is assemble and bake them.
55. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, so why not dress them up for the party? Avocado and chives add a little something that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
56. Hasselback Butternut Squash
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
Apply the Swedes' method for cooking potatoes to this autumn gourd and let your guests shower you with compliments.
57. Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Beer
Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, one pot, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Trust us: It's a far cry from your grandma's, thanks to crumbled bacon, sourdough croutons, sherry vinegar and a whole can of beer.
58. Sweet Potato Biscuit Rolls with Honey Butter Glaze
Renée Kohlman/Vegetables: A Love Story
Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Like a crispy biscuit-soft bun hybrid. Excuse us while we go for a swim in the sweet-and-salty honey butter.
59. Miso-Tahini Glazed Roasted Eggplant with Farro
Julia Gartland/Dada Eats
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, dairy free, special occasion-worthy
Proof that eggplant doesn't need to be fried or blanketed in melted cheese to be enjoyable.
60. Jammy Upside-Down Onion Tart
Renée Kohlman/Vegetables: A Love Story
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
As stunning as it is delicious. Think caramelized brown sugar-herb onions atop a bed of store-bought puff pastry.
61. Five-Minute Bean Salad
Heidi Swanson/Super Natural Simple
Time Commitment: 5 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook, crowd-pleaser
For when your guests are arriving in ten and you forgot to make an appetizer. (You can thank us later.)
62. Feta Wrapped in Phyllo with Sesame and Honey
Romas Foord/Sea Salt and Honey
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
While it's certainly a crowd-pleasing starter, you can also serve this cheese dish for dessert with wine and fruit.
63. Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
All tossed in a lemony Dijon dressing. Bonus points for candying the pecans in brown sugar and maple syrup.
64. Caesar Pasta Salad
Robert Bredvad/The Secret Ingredient Cookbook
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
Traditional Caesar dressing uses eggs to achieve a creamy consistency, but this version calls on buttery, omega-rich avocado instead.
65. Vegan Miso Caramel Dip with Pretzels and Granny Smith Apples
Photo/Styling: Taryn Pire
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
You're an adult now—you can have a little something sweet before Thanksgiving dinner if you want to. (And there's nothing Mom can do about it.)
66. Fall Roasted Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Pine Nut Cream
Aran Goyoaga
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegan, dairy-free
Because of how decadent this tastes, you'll forget it's a "salad." Chalk it up to the shockingly rich pine nut cream.
67. Easy Lentil Soup
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, crowd-pleaser
Vegetarian or not, your Thanksgiving guests are bound to want seconds.
68. Easy Homemade Potato Chips
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
Serve some homemade onion dip on the side and you'll be crowned Thanksgiving Hostess with the Mostest.
69. Parmesan-Crusted Crushed Turnips
From a Chef's Kitchen
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Why We Love It: vegetarian, kid-friendly
Who thought turnips would steal the show? We sure didn't.
70. Spiralized Parsnip Nests with Eggs, Bacon and Arugula
Inspiralized
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, paleo, crowd-pleaser
We're definitely eating these leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.
71. Mashed Potato Arancini
Peden + Munk/More Is More
Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Just like the comforting Italian street snack, only mashed spuds stand in for traditional risotto. Stuffed with punchy olives and gooey mozzarella, these bites are prime for serving with cold beer (or apple cider).
72. Sweet Potato Miso Soup
Carolina Rodriguez/The Lula Cafe Cookbook
Time Commitment: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Complete with apples, fennel and lots of mushrooms, this soup is positively brimming with umami. Instead of adding the miso at the end, the recipe calls for caramelizing it in brown butter until supremely nutty.
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