The best Thanksgiving appetizers are ones that keep everyone happy while the turkey and side dishes are cooking! Below you’ll find everything from warm, cheesy dips to bite-sized appetizers and fresh, lighter options. Choose a few favorites to serve before dinner, or bring one along to share at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas
Linda’s Holiday Cheese Ball
This easy holiday cheese ball recipe is our go-to appetizer that we serve at celebrations big and small – it is a recipe I got from my mother-in-law and is always on our appetizer table for pretty much any holiday. Serve it up with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or pretzel sticks and get ready to fall in love with this crowd pleaser!
Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Introducing a gorgeous and delicious appetizer for your next holiday party! Enjoy chewy sourdough bread with pockets of gooey cheese and your favorite jam. We’re confident this will be your new favorite appetizer this year!
Baked Brie Bites
A fun twist on the classic baked brie appetizer, complete with a sweet jam, savory cheese, and seasonal herbs. Serve this at your next holiday party or gathering!
Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip
An easy recipe for the most creamy spinach and artichoke dip you have ever tasted! Made with 3 different cheeses that are melted to perfection. Serve with homemade crostini for a delicious appetizer that everyone loves every time!
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
This easy appetizer comes together in 5 minutes, feeds a crowd, and packs a protein punch. Using just 3 simple ingredients to get a creamy and flavorful cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip that’s perfect for game day or any gathering.
Goat Cheese Ball
A perfectly simple appetizer for any occasion! The honey and cranberries provide a touch of sweetness and the almonds give it a great crunch. Everyone will love this one and you can serve it with anything you want!
Classic Deviled Eggs
A simple step-by-step process for making the best deviled eggs. Perfect for serving as a side dish or appetizer at your next holiday, potluck, party, or any other special occasion! Everyone is going to love this classic!
Mary’s Famous Bagel Dip (with corned beef)
Mary’s Famous Bagel Dip is the appetizer everyone asks for the recipe for. Made with corned beef, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, and dill, this easy make-ahead dip is creamy, savory, and perfect for serving with chunks of fresh bagels. It has been a family favorite for years and is always the first thing to disappear at parties, holidays, and game day gatherings.
Healthy Veggie Dip
A simple homemade veggie dip made with real ingredients in under 10 minutes! Perfect for snacking on with all of your favorite veggies for a snack or for a healthy holiday appetizer option!
Shrimp Cocktail
A simple yet delicious classic appetizer for your next dinner party. Follow along as we share our step-by-step instructions to make homemade cocktail sauce and how to get perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
Baked Goat Cheese Dip + Hot Honey
We’re making an epic 25-minute Baked Goat Cheese Dip + Hot Honey that has to be part of your appetizer spread. We’re blending two savory cheeses with the perfect amount of seasonings plus a drizzle of hot honey that’ll have folks coming back for seconds. Scoop it all up with your favorite cracker and enjoy!
Smoked Queso
A quick and easy smoked queso recipe that has so much great flavor! Perfect for enjoying with all your family and friends at your next backyard cookout or game day celebrations. Enjoy with all your favorite chips for scooping that melty cheese goodness!
Easy Whipped Feta (Whipped Feta Dip)
Make an easy snack or appetizer with this simple and savory dip including full bodied feta, filling yogurt, and zesty garlic, and lemon.
Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
It’s time to take your appetizer game to the next level with this Baked Brie in Puff Pastry! Fully of the best melty cheese, a sweet jam of choice, and crisp puff pastry. The perfect appetizer to enjoy with family and friends at your next special occasion!
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Our crispy and delicious prosciutto wrapped asparagus recipe is so simple to make. Everyone is going to love it at your next family gathering or special occasion! Option to add in some other flavors to the mix or keep it simple, as-is. Enjoy!
Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
A lighter version of your favorite spinach artichoke dip that still has all the flavor and creamy texture that you know and love. The perfect appetizer to serve at your next holiday party or gathering.
Smoked Salmon Appetizer
Dazzle guests at your next dinner party with this impressive appetizer that has the freshest flavors of dill sauce, cucumber, and salmon. A perfect snack to serve at your next gathering or holiday party.
Steak Crostini
A simple steak crostini recipe with goat cheese, fresh basil, seared sirloin steak and balsamic glaze!
Smoked Onion Dip
If you love classic French onion dip, wait until you try this Smoked Onion Dip. Smoking the onions before caramelizing them adds a rich, savory depth that takes this homemade dip far beyond anything you’ll find in the grocery store.
Gluten-Free Charcuterie Board
An easy and delicious charcuterie board idea that is dairy-free friendly! Perfect for your next party!
Classic Olive Tapenade
Classic Olive Tapenade is the easiest appetizer EVER! It takes about 5 minutes to whip together, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you need it and you can serve it a variety of ways (with crackers, baguette or pita bread). It is always a hit and so good!
Roasted Garlic Hummus
A quick and easy recipe for the most amazing roasted garlic hummus you have ever tasted! Perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or using as an appetizer dip. So creamy and packed with great flavor!
Vegan Queso
A delicious, dairy-free version of your favorite appetizer! Made with cashews and nutritional yeast to create that “cheesy” taste, plus so many amazing seasonings to tie it all together. Combine with some tomatoes, green chiles and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeno!
Tips for Choosing Thanksgiving Appetizers
When planning your Thanksgiving menu, consider serving a mix of appetizers so there’s something for everyone. A warm dip, a few easy finger foods, and something with fresh ingredients can make a great combination.
Personally, when I am hosting, I look for appetizers that can be prepared ahead of time, don’t require oven space right before dinner, and a few kid-friendly options. Remember, Thanksgiving dinner is the main event, so you don’t need a huge appetizer spread!
Other Simple Thanksgiving Recipes You Might Like
Five Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Now that you have your appetizers figured out, let us help you get the best tasting turkey on your holiday table. Check out a few of our favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes:
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