Having something ready to serve before Thanksgiving dinner gives everyone a chance to snack while the rest of the meal comes together. These Thanksgiving appetizers offer plenty of options, whether you want a simple dip or something that feels a little more special for the holiday.
By the time everyone starts arriving for Thanksgiving, I’m usually still finishing a few things in the kitchen and dinner isn’t quite ready to go on the table.
That’s why I always like to have a few Thanksgiving appetizers ready.
People have something to snack on while they’re visiting, and I can keep working on dinner without worrying about anyone getting super hungry.
I also don’t want the appetizers to turn into another whole meal I have to make.
So I try to choose things I can prepare ahead of time, along with a few easy favorites that don’t require much work right before serving.
That still leaves plenty of room for something a little more special, especially when it’s an appetizer I know I’ll want to eat too.
Tart cranberries and crunchy pecans give this creamy cheese ball plenty of flavor and a festive finish. Make it ahead and let it chill until you’re ready to put out the Thanksgiving appetizers.
Savory sausage, mushrooms and creamy goat cheese make a delicious filling for these flaky puff pastry bites. The filling can be made up to three days ahead, leaving just the assembly and baking for later.
Plump shrimp served with a tangy horseradish cocktail sauce make this classic appetizer feel right at home on a holiday table. Since the shrimp cocktail can be made ahead and served chilled, it’s especially convenient when you’re also preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
This warm, cheesy spinach artichoke dip is a tasty appetizer that’s hard to stop scooping up. The slow cooker keeps it hot for hours, so you don’t have to worry about timing it perfectly with the rest of the meal.
Sweet pear and tangy blue cheese fill crisp phyllo shells in these easy little tartlets. Serve them warm, when the cheese is soft and the shells are at their crispiest.
With their creamy, tangy filling, these classic deviled eggs are always a good choice for a holiday appetizer tray. They can be made ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them.
Brie topped with pumpkin butter anchors this colorful fall charcuterie board, surrounded by meats, cheeses, fruit and other savory bites. The finished board also makes a beautiful centerpiece for the Thanksgiving appetizer table.
Loaded with crab and seasoned with Old Bay and hot sauce, this creamy dip comes out of the oven hot and bubbly. Serve it with crackers, bread, chips or vegetables for scooping.
Pepperoni, mozzarella and marinara are wrapped in flaky puff pastry to give these pinwheels all the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a crisp, bite-sized spiral. The golden edges and melted cheese make them especially tempting served warm.
Roasting these almonds with tamari gives them a savory flavor that makes them much more interesting than a plain bowl of nuts. Set them out in a small bowl or add them to a cheese board for easy snacking.
Sweet-tart cranberry salsa gets a little heat from jalapeño and fresh flavor from lime and cilantro in these colorful bites. They’re a tasty way to bring cranberries onto the table before Thanksgiving dinner.
Wrapped in golden crescent dough, the mini sausages in these pigs in a blanket make simple, warm finger food that’s easy to serve. Assemble them ahead, then bake them shortly before you’re ready to put them out.
Slowly caramelized onions give this creamy homemade dip its deep, savory flavor. Pair it with crisp chips or vegetables for an easy appetizer to scoop and snack on.
Ranch dressing gives the creamy filling in these deviled eggs a savory twist. With only a few ingredients and make-ahead prep, they’re an easy addition to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
Coated in a glossy combination of cranberry sauce and chili sauce, these meatballs have just enough sweetness, tang and heat. They cook in the slow cooker, which keeps the oven free for the rest of your Thanksgiving menu.
Juicy blackberries and a drizzle of honey top whipped goat cheese on crisp baguette slices in these colorful crostini. The sweet and tangy combination makes them especially pretty on an appetizer platter.
Pepper Jack and cream cheese melt together with Rotel to give this white queso a smooth, creamy texture and a little heat. Serve it hot with tortilla chips for an appetizer that’s easy to scoop and share.
Avocado makes the filling in these deviled eggs extra creamy, while lemon adds a fresh, bright note. They’re a flavorful twist on the classic deviled eggs that often show up with Thanksgiving appetizers.
Cheddar, cream cheese and goat cheese combine to make this rich cheese ball, finished with a crunchy nut coating. The flavors get even better after they have time to blend, so it’s a good one to make in advance.
Tender mushroom caps are filled with a creamy crab and Parmesan mixture for these savory little appetizers. Assemble the stuffed mushrooms a few hours ahead, then bake them when you’re ready to serve.
A generous assortment of meats, cheeses and accompaniments gives everyone plenty to nibble on with this charcuterie board. You can assemble it ahead, making it a practical option when Thanksgiving day is already busy.
Pineapple adds a bright, tangy note to the sticky sauce coating these sweet and sour meatballs. They take just 15 minutes to make and can stay warm in a slow cooker for serving.
With just Velveeta and Rotel, this creamy cheese dip has a little spice and almost no prep work. The slow cooker keeps it warm and smooth, so guests can keep coming back for another scoop.
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