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Thanksgiving Appetizers: 60 easy, tasty recipes perfect to start the dinner feast
A perfect Thanksgiving dinner cannot begin without appetizers. Try our 60 recipes, including easy dishes that can be made ahead such as dips, brie bites, crostini and fried balls.
By Cookist
82
When preparing the never-ending Thanksgiving dinner, one always thinks of roast turkey, casseroles, side dishes, desserts. What about appetizers? A good holiday dinner cannot begin without these! Make sure your guests are greeted with tempting appetizers so that the dinner will be memorable right away. Whether they are elaborate, make-ahead recipes or hastily whipped up at the last minute you can even served cold. Family and friends will love them, especially kids.
You don't need a lot of ingredients to make Thanksgiving appetizers that call for the magic flavors of this fall feast. Make sure you have some items on hand for shortcuts like crescent roll dough or puff pastry, you won't regret it. If you're not quite sure how to kick off the menu, check out our 50 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes.
Impress your guests with cranberry brie bites, bacon brie crescent wreath, cocktail meatballs and more. Don't forget to serve cheeses, especially brie, goat cheese, or a simple cream cheese spread on crackers. Our favorite cheese appetizer? A delicious and fun cheese ball! If you've invited lots of guests for this special late-November dinner, be sure to also serve some tasty dips to go with crackers, bread, and pretzels.
What are you waiting for? You should not starve while the turkey is in the oven! For this Thanksgiving feast, invite family and friends, and let them munch on tasty themed appetizers while sipping delicious Thanksgiving cocktails.
Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers
1. Cranberry Brie Bites: the easy, bite-sized recipe for a delicious holiday appetizer 
Cranberry Brie Bites is a great holiday bite-sized appetizer. The puff pastry is buttery, flaky, with the right balance of sweet, salty from the cranberry sauce and brie cheese.
Read the recipe 2. Stuffed Mushrooms: the classic holiday recipe for a tasty, vegetarian appetizer 
Stuffed mushrooms are a vegetarian appetizer recipe perfect for holidays such. Easy to make, stuff mushroom caps with cream cheese, chopped mushrooms, herbs and garlic then bake them.
Read the recipe 3. Fried Mashed Potato Balls: the bite-sized appetizer perfect for holidays 
Fried Mashed Potato Balls are an easy, bite-sized appetizer you can make with mashed potato leftovers. Great for the holidays, they're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Read the recipe 4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: an irresistible, bite-sized appetizer with a goat cheese filling 
Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese are a tasty, bite-sized party appetizer. Sweet, salty yet tangy, they're crispy on the outside and soft, creamy on the inside.
Read the recipe 5. Walnut Raspberry Baked Brie: easy, quick recipe for the perfect holiday appetizer 
Walnut raspberry baked brie is an easy appetizer to serve during holidays. Sweet yet savory, round brie is topped with raspberry jam, walnuts and brown sugar, then baked until melty.
Read the recipe 6. Bacon wrapped scallops: the recipe for a simple, sophisticated appetizer 
Bacon wrapped scallops are a delicious dish you can serve as either an appetizer or main course. It's a beautiful dish you can prepare quickly, and be grilled or fried. For the best results, you'll want to pick up high-quality large scallops for this recipe, as they will get you the best flavor.
Read the recipe 7. Deviled Eggs: the classic appetizer recipe to make for all your parties 
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer whose name refers to spicy or zesty food. Peeled hard-boiled eggs are halved and stuffed with a mixture of mustard, mayonnaise, egg yolks, vinegar and paprika.
Read the recipe 8. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: the effortless recipe for a tasty party appetizer 
Fried mac and cheese balls are a tasty, bite-sized appetizer to enjoy during the holidays. They're cheesy and creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside texture.
Read the recipe 9. Pigs in a Blanket: the popular appetizer everyone will adore 
If you're planning on having friends and family over, whether it's for a birthday party, the holidays, or other special occasions, you'll definitely want to whip up a batch of pigs in a blanket. These delicious appetizers are always a hit with young and old alike.
Read the recipe 10. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms: the tasty appetizer recipe you’ll love 
Crab stuffed mushrooms are an easy, fancy appetizer perfect for parties and holidays. Mushrooms are stuffed with a filling of crab meat, mayo and cream cheese, and topped with breadcrumbs.
Read the recipe 11. Bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts: for an original and super tasty side dish! 
Think Brussels Sprouts are not for you? Think again! This side dish combines bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts with a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze. Golden and crispy— you won't be able to resist these little bites of deliciousness!
Read the recipe 12. Whipped Feta: the effortless recipe for an elegant, easy appetizer 
Whipped feta is a quick, easy appetizer recipe you can also serve as a dip. Creamy and smooth, it balances well the salty and tangy flavors.
Read the recipe 13. Brussels Sprouts Sliders: the delicious keto recipe for a bite-sized appetizer 
Brussels sprouts sliders are an easy, bite-sized, keto appetizer recipe. Used instead of bread buns, roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Read the recipe 14. Baked Brie in Puff Pastry: the simple, classic recipe for your holiday party 
Baked brie in puff pastry is an easy, yet crowd-pleasing appetizer for the holidays. It's a combination of melty, savory brie with a sweet hint of jam, and crispy, golden brown pastry.
Read the recipe 15. Fried Okra: the easy and quick Southern recipe 
Fried okra is a quick and easy Southern recipe to enjoy as a side dish in summer. These fried okra nuggets are super crispy and golden, enough to be known as southern popcorn just because they pop in your mouth.
Read the recipe 16. Toasted Ravioli: the easy, popular appetizer to serve for any occasion 
Toasted ravioli are an easy, tasty appetizer recipe from St. Louis, Missouri. Bread and deep-fry ravioli, then serve them with grated parmesan cheese and marinara sauce.
Read the recipe 17. Fried Green Beans: the tasty recipe to enjoy green beans 
Tired of the same old, boring green bean recipes? Then why not try these Fried Green Beans! You’ll love them. It’s is an easy recipe to enjoy green beans in a tastier way. The recipe has a delicious green bean flavor, while the batter adds a delicious crunch.
Read the recipe 18. Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: the tasty, fun appetizer recipe for holiday season 
Sausage-stuffed mushrooms are an easy, bite-sized appetizer perfect for special occasions. Simply stuff mushrooms with a sausage and cheese cube mixture, then bake until cooked.
Read the recipe 19. Classic Cocktail Meatballs: the easy and tasty recipe 
Classic Cocktail Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing favorite. Who doesn’t love a sweet, spicy meatball? It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and is quick enough so that you can make a large batch for your next cocktail hour or party. Unlike other cocktail meatball recipes, this meatballs have a meaty flavor mixed with a rich, sweet and spicy.
Read the recipe 20. Bacon deviled eggs: a mouthwatering recipe for the popular appetizer 
Classic deviled eggs are one of the most popular party appetizers out there. Take this traditional recipe to the next level by adding bacon – we promise that bacon deviled eggs will be a big hit whenever you make them. Bacon deviled eggs are a fantastic quick, easy recipe you can have ready in no-time. You don't need many ingredients – eggs, of course, a little mustard, mayo, relish, and bacon.
Read the recipe 21. Mozzarella Sticks: the tasty, vegetarian appetizer recipe for fried mozzarella sticks 
Mozzarella sticks are a quick, easy appetizer recipe. Cut dry mozzarella cheese into slices, coat them in the egg and breadcrumbs mixture, and fry each piece until crispy.
Read the recipe 22. Baked Camembert: the recipe for a stringy and super tasty appetizer 
Baked camembert is a tasty appetizer with a stringy center. Like for baked brie, you can serve this camembert recipe with toasted bread, croutons, aromatic herbs, jams and honey.
Read the recipe 23. Ground Beef Stuffed Mushrooms: the tasty, meaty appetizer recipe 
These ground beef stuffed mushrooms are the perfect crowd-pleaser appetizer to enjoy during holidays. The mushrooms are tender, juicy, and packed with a tasty, meaty filling.
Read the recipe 24. Sausage Balls 
If you are looking for the perfect appetizer or something easy and delicious to pass around at a party, then look to further- this recipe is for you! These small sausage balls are addictively delicious and you can whip them up in a matter of minutes.
Read the recipe 25. Cranberry walnut baked brie 
You would not find snack recipes as simple and as easy as this very exotic looking cranberry walnut baked brie preparation!
Read the recipe Make-Ahead Appetizers to Impress at Thanksgiving
26. Pumpkin Cheese Ball: a delicious festive party appetizer to make this autumn 
Pumpkin-shaped cheese balls is an easy, creamy appetizer to serve as a party centerpiece. No pumpkin flavored, it's made of cream cheese, bell pepper, rolled in cheddar cheese.
Read the recipe 27. Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath: the tasty recipe for a great holiday appetizer 
Bacon brie crescent wreath is a tasty appetizer recipe, to serve at parties and holiday dinners. Easy to make and assemble, it is a cheesy, savory crescent ring.
Read the recipe 28. Turkey Fruit Platter: the effortless recipe for a funny, fruity Thanksgiving appetizer 
This Turkey Fruit Platter is an easy and fun recipe to serve as an appetizer for kids. It’s fun, healthy, and also kid-friendly as it has a turkey shape.
Read the recipe 29. Grape jelly meatballs: a special recipe for a truly delicious dish! 
Looking to try something new for dinner? Then this mouthwatering recipe for grape jelly meatballs is a must! Mini meatballs are slow-cooked in grape jelly and tangy barbecue sauce. The result? An explosion of flavors!
Read the recipe 30. Caramelized Onion Dip: the mouthwatering recipe for a savory party dip 
Caramelized onion dip is the perfect party dip recipe. With its creamy texture and savory, tangy, and lightly sweet taste, this is the best dip with caramelized onions.
Read the recipe 31. Fresh Spinach Dip: The Most Crowd-Pleasing, Creamy And Cheesy dipping sauce 
Fresh spinach dip is a crowd-pleasing, creamy and cheesy dip to serve as an appetizer to a crowd. Pair it with your favorite crackers, chips or veggies for an easy go-to party recipe. This cheesy dip is made with three kinds of cheese: cream cheese, savory parmesan and melty mozzarella. The mozzarella and parmesan are shredded and mixed into the spinach dip, with a bit more mozzarella sprinkled on top for good measure.
Read the recipe 32. Antipasto Squares: a unique, delicious appetizer your guests will adore 
Antipasto squares are a tasty appetizer to serve the next time you're feeding a crowd. They're packed with melty provolone cheese, Italian deli meats, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini.
Read the recipe 33. Spinach Artichoke Dip: the perfect rich, creamy dip to serve at your next party 
Spinach artichoke dip is a tasty, crowd-pleaser recipe perfect for the holidays or parties. Super easy to make, it's creamy, cheesy and baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Read the recipe 34. Cheese Ball: the impressive party appetizer recipe for making bacon cheese ball 
Cheese ball is a fun, no-bake appetizer perfect for parties, holidays and game days. Creamy yet crunchy, it's served with carrots and celery sticks, or crackers.
Read the recipe 35. Broccoli Ham Cheese Rolls: the recipe for soft and delicious savory rolls 
The broccoli, ham and cheese rolls are delicious and very simple to prepare, ideal to be served hot as an appetizer to your friends, at a dinner or party buffet. Also tasty at room temperature, they can be put in the picnic basket and enjoyed during a trip to the park or a walk by the sea.
Read the recipe 36. Cheese Balls: the easy appetizer recipe for Greek tirokroketes 
This perfect little appetizer or snack is filled with three types of cheese making layers of delicious flavors which melt in your mouth. This specific recipe for cheese balls comes from a Greek background and are also called Tirokroketes.
Read the recipe 37. How to Make a Charcuterie and Cheese Board: the best recipe for a tasty party platter 
Charcuterie and cheese board is an easy, fast appetizer made of cured meat, cheese, fruit, nuts, bread, crackers, spreads. Make a variety of colors and textures for a great mix.
Read the recipe 38. Candied Pecans: the delicious snack recipe to enjoy during holidays 
Candied pecans are an easy snack recipe perfect as holiday DIY gift. Sweet yet salty, and with a great crunchy texture, they're made with egg whites, sugar and flavorings.
Read the recipe 39. Persimmon Bread: the wonderful quick bread recipe to make during the cold weather season 
Persimmon bread is an easy, tasty quick bread recipe perfect for the cold seasons. Soft and moist, it's made of sweet ripe persimmons and warming baking spices.
Read the recipe 40. Marinated Mozzarella Balls: the fast Italian appetizer to serve this holiday season 
Marinated mozzarella balls are a tasty Italian appetizer recipe perfect for holidays and parties. Ciliegine mozzarella balls are marinated in herb, spice-infused olive oil.
Read the recipe 41. Skillet Cornbread: the best recipe for a classic Southern side dish 
Skillet cornbread is a light, fluffy Southern side dish recipe. With a sweet yet savory taste, pour the batter into a cast iron skillet (hence the name) and bake it.
Read the recipe 42. Southern Pimento Cheese: the quick, easy dipping sauce recipe 
Southern pimento cheese is a quick, easy dipping sauce recipe that is very popular in Southern homes. Enjoy it during a barbecue with crunchy appetizers like chips, tortillas, vegetable sticks, or as a spread for grilled sandwiches or meat.
Read the recipe 43. Buffalo Chicken Dip: the mouthwatering recipe for a spicy, tangy party dip 
Buffalo chicken dip is an easy, creamy recipe you can enjoy as dipping sauce or appetizer. With tender, juicy pieces of shredded chicken, it's spicy, tang and cheesy.
Read the recipe 44. Spanakopita: the simple, tasty recipe for making Greek Spinach Pie 
Spanakopita is a Greek Spinach Pie very easy to make. Layers of crispy, flaky phyllo dough are filled with a creamy spinach mixture. Baked until golden, you have crunch in every bite!
Read the recipe Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers
45. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: a delicious, healthy snack for fall 
Pumpkins are amazing for so many recipes. You can use them to make pies, soups, casseroles, and more. But what about the seeds? Instead of letting the seeds go to waste, why not make roasted pumpkin seeds? These healthy, crunchy delicious seeds can be served as a snack or appetizer, and you can flavor them in so many mouthwatering ways.
Read the recipe 46. Pumpkin Hummus: the easy, flavorful hummus recipe to enjoy in fall 
Preparing hummus is always a good idea, so what about adding a roasted pumpkin? Pumpkin hummus is an easy, vegan recipe you can enjoy as savory appetizer or even as dipping sauce. The result will be the perfect seasonal dish you can not longer do without thanks to its fall flavors and bright orange color.
Read the recipe 47. Cheese Straws: the simple, flavorful appetizer recipe 
Cheese straws are an easy Southern hand-held snack recipe. Crisp, flaky on the outside and soft on the inside, the savory, cheesy flavors and peppery hint balance each bite perfectly.
Read the recipe 48. Butternut Squash Soup: a cozy vegan soup recipe to warm you when it’s cold 
Butternut squash soup is an easy, vegan soup perfect for cold seasons. Creamy and velvety, this healthy soup made of butternut squash, herbs, ginger and garlic.
Read the recipe 49. Fig and Goat Cheese Tart 
Sweet, luscious figs and tangy, salty goat cheese have always paired well together. This fig and goat cheese tart combines both flavors as well as lemon and thyme, and they are placed on a yeasted pastry base before being cooked in the oven.
Read the recipe 50. Apple Brie Crostini: the tasty appetizer recipe with apples, brie cheese and honey 
Apple brie crostini are a fragrant, tasty appetizer recipe. The creamy, intense flavor of brie flavor pairs perfectly with crunchy, tart apples, and sweet honey.
Read the recipe 51. Skordalia: the amazing recipe for Greek garlic and potato dip 
Skordalia is a Greek potato and garlic dip that's perfect for summer. It's made with mashed potatoes and garlic, red wine vinegar to give it a tangy flavor and olive oil to make it creamy.
Read the recipe 52. Goat cheese mousse with vegetables: the tasty and fresh appetizer recipe 
The goat cheese mousse with vegetables is a delicious, colorful and irresistible appetizer. The basic ingredient of this recipe is goat cheese which, when mixed delicately with whipped cream, creates a fresh mousse with a creamy and enveloping consistency.
Read the recipe 53. Homemade Breadsticks: the light recipe to make Italian grissini at home 
Homemade Breadsticks are perfect to serve with a dinner meal to replace regular bread or dinner rolls. Also known as grissini, these Italian breadsticks are not only elegant on the table, they’re soft and fluffy in texture, and full of flavor.
Read the recipe 54. Mushroom Bruschetta: our recipe for a simple but tasty appetizer 
Mushroom bruschetta are a quick and easy appetizer to enjoy on any occasion. Toasted bread is garnished with sautéed champignon and oyster mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic and parsley.
Read the recipe 55. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: the tasty variation of hummus to serve at your next party 
Roasted red pepper hummus is a quick, easy dip recipe, a summery alternative to regular hummus. With its sweet, smoky flavor, it has a richly creamy, smooth texture.
Read the recipe 56. Pumpkin Soup: the delicious, healthy recipe without cream 
Pumpkin soup is a healthy, dairy-free, vegan recipe to enjoy hot or warm this fall. It's made without cream, but the texture is still thick and creamy thanks to the potatoes.
Read the recipe 57. Cinnamon Apple Chips: the effortless and healthy snack recipe 
Cinnamon apple chips are very quick and easy to make. Fragrant and flavorful, you can also serve these homemade apple chips as a healthy snack to children. You just need a few ingredients to make this effortless recipe in no time, just like if you had a dehydrator.
Read the recipe 
7 ingredients or less
Sausage flowers: the recipe for an easy and tasty holiday appetizer
Low
10 min prep/ 15 min bake
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