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Start Thanksgiving off right with these easy, make-ahead appetizers that keep guests happy while you focus on the turkey. From creamy dips to crunchy bites, we put together a list of over 30 recipes to set the holiday mood.
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my must-haves for easy Thanksgiving appetizers
Thanksgiving day kicks off at the appetizer table. While the turkey takes center stage later, these pre-dinner bites set the mood and keep hungry guests happy until the main event. From make-ahead dips to easy finger foods, you’ll find options that free you up to focus on the feast.
No one wants to juggle complicated appetizers while orchestrating the big meal. Meatballs are tasty, but it takes time to roll those little guys, you know?! That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite stress-free starters that deliver big flavor without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Many can be prepped the day before, and others come together in mere minutes.
Each recipe here brings something special to your holiday spread – creamy dips, crispy bites, and seasonal ingredients. Mix and match to create the perfect pre-turkey lineup that will have everyone thankful they saved room for dinner.
easy thanksgiving appetizers
Prosciutto Cheese Twists
These simple, tasty prosciutto puff pastry cheese twists are perfect for a party appetizer. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious bites in no time! Easily make them vegetarian but skipping the cured meat.
Air Fryer Ravioli
Cheesy and crispy, these air fryer ravioli are a delicious appetizer or snack! The crunchy bites are ready in just 20 minutes and are the perfect fit for any gathering. Dip them in marinara sauce for the ultimate experience. Easy, delicious, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Easy Whipped Ricotta
Ready in only 5 minutes, this creamy whipped ricotta is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Top with your favorite toppings to customize it however you like!
Fall Charcuterie Board
A fall charcuterie board is an easy way to upgrade your seasonal gatherings. The art of crafting this centerpiece board is simple, but guests won’t know that when they experience the rich flavors and vibrant autumn ingredients. You can even incorporate other apps into this board like sausage stuffed mushrooms or shrimp cocktail.
Baked Crab Cakes
These easy baked crab cakes are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with fresh lump crab meat. Made with simple ingredients and zero frying! Pair them with a quick remoulade sauce for the perfect appetizer – even better than hot crab dip.
Stuffed Dates 4 Ways
Stuffed dates are an easy, no-cook appetizer (or snack!) that can be made in a variety of ways. Fill fruity and chewy dates with FOUR creamy, cheesy, and savory fillings to get your sweet and salty fix. Make just one type or make them all!
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are an easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion! The crispy exterior paired with creamy centers makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Topped with a fresh herb garlic butter, you won’t be able to stop eating these!
Spinach and Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip
Spinach and Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip is a tangy twist on your favorite warm and gooey dip! Goat cheese brings an extra layer of savory flavor to the party that is simply irresistible. Everyone will be gobbling it up in mere minutes!
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are a simple appetizer recipe that works for any holiday gathering! With only a few simple ingredients, you get a sticky delicious glaze with savory bacon and tender shrimp. They are ready in less than 30 minutes!
Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Easy Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates are a sweet and savory appetizer that’s always the star of the party. With only a few ingredients, you can whip up this easy recipe in no time for your next gathering.
Crispy Prosciutto
Crispy Prosciutto is a crunchy, savory snack that’s super simple to make in the oven! In less than 15 minutes, you can add this fried prosciutto to a charcuterie board or crumble it up to use as garnish on soups, salads, pasta, pizza, and more.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Simple Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that always wow’s a crowd. It’s the ideal snack for any of your holiday gatherings or celebrations. Serve it with crusty bread or as a part of your charcuterie/cheese board!
Baked Camembert with Cranberries and Walnuts
Easy Baked Camembert with dried cranberries and walnuts is a tasty way to elevate your fall and holiday gathering. This creamy cheese dish is infused with seasonal flavors, plus it’s incredibly simple to whip up. It’s perfect for sharing the warmth of the season!
Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, & Walnut Crostini
These simple roasted butternut squash crostini are topped with goat cheese and walnuts for a simple appetizer. You could even use almonds or incorporate caramelized onion to put it over the top.
Creamy Greek Hummus
This is the easiest way to make the most flavorful Greek Hummus! Authentic, smooth, and incredibly creamy, this recipe is so much better than anything you can buy in the store. We are sharing all the best tips and tricks to make homemade Greek style hummus.
Roasted Cranberry Goat Cheese Crostini
Tart, tangy, creamy, and a little sweet, this crostini is a killer appetizer for the holiday season.
Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets
Bite-Sized Baked Bacon Brie Pockets are the ideal holiday appetizer, elevating baked brie to a whole new level. With Wright® Brand Bacon, honey, and thyme, you get sweet, savory, and herbaceous all in one bite. It’s a fun way to make a traditional appetizer into something hand-held, plus they can be frozen and baked later!
Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Ball
A Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Ball filled with winter herbs and tangy goat cheese is a holiday appetizer no one will forget! Whip this bad boy up for your next holiday gathering and pair with your favorite crackers.
Mini Vegan Spinach Artichoke Tomato Cups
Creamy spinach, artichoke, and sun-dried tomato filling nestled in flaky crescent cups (or use pizza dough). These bite-sized treats bring bright Mediterranean flavors to your table in minutes.
Thyme Blackberry Baked Brie
Warm, gooey brie wrapped in golden puff pastry, studded with fresh thyme and sweet blackberries. A guaranteed showstopper for your next gathering.
Sweet Heat Cranberry Spread
Zesty jalapeños and tart cranberries dance through creamy herb-flecked cheese spread. Grab your favorite crackers and watch this disappear.
Easy Garlic Crostini
Crispy, garlic-kissed toasts with olive oil, ready in 15 minutes flat. These versatile crostini shine solo or loaded up with your favorite toppings.
Fried Pickle Dip
Tangy fried pickles meet creamy dip in this crowd-pleasing mashup. Ready in minutes, it’s a guaranteed empty-bowl situation at any gathering.
Caramel Apple Skewers
Crisp apple wedges drizzled with protein-rich date caramel and fun toppings. A fresh spin on the classic treat that’s ready in minutes.
Roasted Beetroot Pistachio Dip
Bold, vibrant beetroot whipped into a silky-smooth dip. The striking magenta hue and earthy-sweet flavor make this a standout spread.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Tangy ranch and crispy bacon wrapped around a creamy cheese ball centerpiece. This crowd-pleasing appetizer combines everyone’s favorite flavors into one irresistible bite.
Classic Deviled Eggs
Velvety egg yolks whipped with mayo, mustard, and a secret ingredient that takes them over the top. These Southern-style deviled eggs strike the perfect balance of tangy and rich.
Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Flaky puff pastry squares topped with a rich blend of blue cheese, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. These sophisticated bites vanish in seconds.
Everything Mini Pigs in a Blanket
Everything bagel seasoning adds extra crunch and flavor to these classic pigs in a blanket. They’re the upgraded party snack you didn’t know you needed. Made with store-bought puff pastry to make it easy!
Rosemary Pecans
Sweet maple and fragrant rosemary transform ordinary pecans into an irresistible snack. Ready in 15 minutes, they’re perfect for munching or garnishing.
Pumpkin Hummus
Fall-spiced pumpkin meets classic hummus in this seasonal spread. Creamy chickpeas, tahini, and warming spices create an autumn-inspired dip worth sharing.
Honey Goat Cheese Balls
Honey-kissed goat cheese balls rolled in crunchy pecans and sweet apricot preserves. These no-fuss bites bring instant elegance to any gathering.
Brie and Jam Phyllo Cups
Melty brie nestled in crispy phyllo cups with sweet jam. These three-ingredient cranberry brie bites disappear faster than you can make them.
Pumpkin Bacon Crostini with Cranberries
Crispy crostini topped with pumpkin, salty bacon, and tart cranberries. These seasonal bites pack all your favorite fall flavors into each toast.
Monte Cristo Pinwheels
Golden puff pastry spirals filled with ham, cheese, and herbs, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These sweet-savory bites channel all the flavors of the classic sandwich.
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip that practically makes itself in the slow cooker. Set it and forget it while you focus on the fun. Serve this spinach dip with your favorite dippers!
my must-haves for easy Thanksgiving appetizers
When it comes to Thanksgiving appetizers, it’s all about having the right platters and boards to serve them all. Since these appetizers are so varied, I’m not going to run down a list of cooking tools. Here are some of my favorite entertaining basics to have on hand for any gathering!
This cheese platter set is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have a platter and a set of cheese knives already.
Glass prep bowls are wonderful, as are ramekins, for little bowls of snacks or jams on a charcuterie board.
I like to have a message chalkboard handy to write out the appetizers I’m serving! Then people can know what they are eating, but you can also note if there are any dietary friendly ones.
A wood slice serving board is my favorite rustic serving platter. You can use these wooden toothpicks to make it easy for grabbing the bite-sized appetizers.
our thanksgiving must-haves
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If you are looking for some cocktails to serve with your easy Thanksgiving appetizers, check out our vast archive of cocktail recipes! We have everything from the classics to holiday favorites. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving cocktails to whip up for the big turkey day or a Friendsgiving gathering:
An apple cider margarita is crisp and full of warming spices for an autumn twist on the classic cocktail. Serve with a cinnamon sugar rim!
Spiced rum punch is an easy big batch cocktail made with fresh citrus juices, cinnamon simple syrup, and spiced rum.
Our Thanksgiving cocktail is the easiest cocktail to make for your holiday dinner, with just 4 ingredients!
Don’t forget to start planning your full menu with our Thanksgiving side dishes!
