The Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to Thanksgiving this year, it’s always good to present a few easy starters. Be thankful for these recipes, which include easy make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, last minute finger foods, appetizers that are easy to transport, kid-friendly starters and more! 

Collage of four images with the text The Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

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At the holidays, it never hurts to have a few go-to appetizer recipes in your back pocket. 

If you’re hosting, of course you want to have snacks! Not only for you, the cook, but for the guests to nibble on while they await the turkey, sides and pie. 

Even if you’re attending a Thanksgiving event, it can be so helpful to the host to offer to bring an extra appetizer. Trust me, no host is going to turn that kind of help down!

Everyone loves appetizers, but they don’t have to be the most stressful part of the day. (Save that for the turkey and pie crust. Except don’t actually stress about that—I have tons of Thanksgiving tips to relieve your anxiety!)

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    Don’t miss these amazing Thanksgiving recipes to make this year! And if you’re hosting a crowd, check out these Thanksgiving Drinks (Cocktails + Mocktails).

    Overhead image of Orange Cranberry Compote on a Thanksgiving Cheese Board

    How many appetizers to serve 

    Three is a good place to start, especially if you have a small crowd of 4-8 people. A trio of appetizers is enough for everyone to get a taste of everything and lets pickier eaters have a selection to choose from. 

    Add another appetizer for every additional four people, up to five appetizers. From there, you’ll just want to scale up your production of each offering for a bigger crowd.

    So how do you choose the best apps for your group? I like to have a little bit of everything for different tastes and dietary requirements! 

    For me, that usually means something without cheese, something vegetarian and something without gluten. See the section below for ideas for appetizers for special diets. 

    Occasions for Thanksgiving appetizers

    Beyond the main event, there are so many times you can serve up these appetizers for Thanksgiving, not just on Thanksgiving day.

    • Friendsgiving celebrations before Thanksgiving
    • Thanksgiving office parties 
    • The night before Thanksgiving (great if you are having company and need a pre-dinner snack!) 
    • For sustenance before the local Turkey Trot or volunteer shift 
    • While watching the Thanksgiving parade, dog show and football games 
    • While preparing the Thanksgiving meal
    • For snacks while Black Friday online shopping 
    • Throughout the holiday season

    If you’re bringing these Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres and starters on the go, just make sure they’re safely packaged. Nobody wants a crushed dish when it arrives at the big dinner.

    Many of these easy Thanksgiving appetizers also double as Christmas and New Year’s appetizers, so Thanksgiving can work as a test run for other events you might have coming up. 

    Close up of an orange bowl of roasted pumpkin seeds

    Erin’s Easy Entertaining Tips

    It’s fun to have delicious Thanksgiving appetizers for the big day and to provide a little sustenance before your main course.

    • Appetizers shouldn’t clash with the sides, even though they’re coming beforehand. Try to aim for a variety of flavors across the meal.
    • Don’t forget to plan out how to serve each appetizer. Toothpicks, skewers, spreaders,  and spoons are often an afterthought. 
    • Always stock up on some disposable storage containers to send guests home with any leftover appetizers and other dishes. 

    You’ll find a little bit of everything with these Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, including cream cheese, goat cheese, a VEGAN cheese ball…

    Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

    Easy is quintessential on Thanksgiving, when there are so many other balls in the air! Here are some of my favorite easy-as-apple-pie recipes.

    1
    Overhead image of a Thanksgiving Cheese Board
    Thanksgiving Cheese Board
    Not much is easier than setting cheese, crackers and fruit out on a platter! Whether you make it pretty or not is up to you — bet no one will mind either way!
    Get the Recipe
    2
    A pita chip scoops up hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Restaurant-quality spinach and artichoke dip will be gone in no time. Serve it with some crusty bread or hardy crackers.
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    3
    www.theroastedroot.net
    Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta and Walnuts
    Did you know you can make “crackers” from sweet potatoes? These bite-sized appetizers feature herbed ricotta cheese, walnuts, cranberries and honey.
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    4
    Pretzel Cheese Dip in a bowl sits on a white plate with pretzels and pretzel bites next to beer glasses
    Pretzel Cheese Dip
    If the game is on, you’re going to need a cheesy dip to go with it. Made with just three ingredients, this dip is always a winner. (Everyone will agree.)
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    5
    Bread surrounding bowl of olive oil parmesan dipping sauce
    Olive Oil Parmesan Spice Dipping Sauce
    Grab some fluffy bread or dinner rolls to dip in this amazing olive oil dip. You can even bring this one over to the table for even more dipping if it doesn’t get sopped up beforehand!
    Get the Recipe

    Make Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers

    These make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are perfect for your Turkey Day celebrations.

    6
    hand pulling apart french onion pull apart bread
    Cheesy Pull Apart Bread with French Onion Flavors
    Make this one ahead of time and plan to pop it in the oven just before guests arrive, so it’s ready for them to enjoy its cheesy pull-apart goodness ASAP.
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    7
    Close up of roasted pumpkin seeds in a mason jar on a white plate with a blue towel
    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
    If you’re already using a real pumpkin for your pie, why not save the seeds and serve them as an appetizer? This recipe is so flavorful and easy to put together.
    Get the Recipe
    8
    Close up of a bowl of Roasted Butternut Squash Soup swirled with cream and pancetta
    Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
    This creamy, comforting butternut squash soup is an easy make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer because you can make the soup in advance and keep it warm in a slow cooker. It's an easy way to get some hearty ingredients and is always a crowd pleaser!
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    9
    www.simplywhisked.com
    Easy Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe – Simply Whisked
    Shrimp cocktail is always a family favorite. Make these easy peel-and-eat shrimp ahead of time and chill them in the fridge. Serve cold with cocktail sauce.
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    10
    www.stephiecooks.com
    Cream Cheese Ranch Roll Ups
    Cream cheese ranch roll ups might be the easiest and most popular appetizer you could ever make. Rich cream cheese, ranch dressing mix and veggies all rolled into tortillas? You can bet they will disappear in a flash at any party!
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    11
    allwaysdelicious.com
    Easy Smoked Salmon Dip for All Occasions
    Smoked Salmon Dip is a mainstay of holiday party appetizer spreads. It’s rich and flavorful and everyone loves it! Serve it with baguette slices, crackers, bagel chips, or cucumber slices as a perfect appetizer.
    Get the Recipe

    Last Minute Appetizers

    Got a last minute request to bring an appetizer to Thanksgiving? Realized too late you forgot to stock up on app supplies? No problems here. Try one of these quick and easy appetizers to make at the last possible second.

    12
    A cranberry Baked Brie wrapped in puff pastry surrounded by crackers and apple slices on a white platter
    Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Cranberry Chutney
    This classic Thanksgiving appetizer recipe only needs three ingredients plus crackers or bread. You are going to love how easy it is to put together.
    Get the Recipe
    13
    familyaroundthetable.com
    Delicious Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
    Cheese balls are classic Thanksgiving fare. This one features cream cheese and cheddar cheese plus dried cranberries and pecans for a distinctly autumn flavor.
    Get the Recipe
    14
    Close up of baked brie bites on a white platter from above
    French Onion Baked Brie Bites
    Looking for a handheld appetizer to make and serve for any occasion? These Baked Brie Bites, featuring gooey brie cheese and caramelized onions, are a nod to classic French Onion Soup flavors… all in a bite-sized package!
    Check out this recipe!

    Easily transportable appetizers

    Need to travel with your appetizer? Easier said than done. These appetizers are easy to make ahead and bring to your party.

    15
    Close up of bruschetta pinwheels in a bowl with fresh basil
    Bruschetta Pinwheels and Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Pinwheels
    Bake up a batch of these pinwheels to bring to your Thanksgiving party. They are so easy to make and perfect for sharing.
    Get the Recipe
    16
    www.savoryexperiments.com
    Cranberry Goat Cheese Roll
    Prepare this easy goat cheese roll ahead of time and wrap it in plastic wrap. Transport it in a lunchbox or small cooler with your crackers and a platter, then set it up to serve when you arrive at your destination.
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    17
    feastandwest.com
    Spicy Southern Cheese Straws
    Cheese straws are a Southern recipe that is easy to make ahead of time. Bring them in a cookie tin lined with parchment paper for padding (or any other airtight, food-safe container) to keep them from snapping during the trip. They make a great hostess gift, too!
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    Kid-friendly appetizers

    Kids, especially picky ones, will appreciate an appetizer that appeals to them. These are some of my favorites to make when we have extra kiddos at our Thanksgiving dinner. 

    18
    A breadstick lifts cheesy Pepperoni Dip out of a pie plate
    Pepperoni Dip
    No one can turn down a plate of this easy pepperoni dip. Pizza lovers (especially kids!) will adore this one.
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    19
    Two people reach into a bowl of Sweet-and-Salty Popcorn Mix
    Sweet and Savory Party Mix
    Give this popcorn party mix a dose of fall flavor by adding dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, Reese’s Pieces candy and festive M&M's. Scoop it into plastic cups for kids to grab easily without making a mess.
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    20
    twokidsandacoupon.com
    Fun Turkey Veggie Tray Appetizer for Thanksgiving
    Kids won’t mind eating some veggies with this super fun veggie tray! A bowl of ranch dip and a red pepper act as the turkey’s head and body, while the dippers form its tail.
    Get the Recipe

    Appetizers for special diets

    Don’t let the special diets in your party be an afterthought. If Aunt Mildred is always on a diet, make sure there are veggies for her to snack on. If Cousin Derek has a gluten allergy, make sure he knows there are special crackers just for him (and where to find them).

    21
    sage pumpkin hummus in a glass jar on a plate
    Sage Pumpkin Hummus
    Hummus of any kind is an easy appetizer for the vegetarians and vegans at your party. This one has a fall twist and pairs perfectly with pita chips or sliced vegetables. (Veggies are a great gluten-free dipper.)
    Get the Recipe
    22
    Overhead image of Apple Chutney Bruschetta, served on a white platter
    Apple Chutney Bruschetta
    Vegetarians will appreciate a non-hummus appetizer too. This apple chutney bruschetta is a wonderful meatless appetizer. (Make a few on gluten-free bread, too!)
    Get the Recipe
    23
    www.veganblueberry.com
    Favorite Vegan Cheese Ball
    Make your own vegan cheese ball with cashews, water, coconut oil and agar powder that is creamy and delightful to spread on crackers or veggies. It’s delightful, decadent and dairy-free!
    Get the Recipe

    What are some tools I might need to make these recipes?

    The Speckled Palate participates in affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please refer to my disclosure page for more information about these affiliate programs.

    Obviously, this depends on what recipe you’re making, but here are a few things we keep in our kitchen at all times for easy appetizers: 

    You’ll also need some ingredients, which will be dependent on what dishes you serve, too.

    A lot of the dishes above involve cheese. Others call for store bough puff pastry, one of my favorite quick appetizer hacks. And some more call for seasonal ingredients, like butternut squash and cranberries.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are good finger foods?

    Chips and dip, mini sandwiches and spreads with bread are all great finger foods. 

    What can I make the night before Thanksgiving?

    The day before Thanksgiving, you can get a lot of your menu out of the way. Brine your turkey or make your turkey herb butter. Bake your pies, too, or at the very least prepare the crust. Easily reheatable sides like mashed potatoes are good ones to make the day before. And don’t forget to get a make-ahead appetizer or two ready for snacking while you cook. 

    What can I serve for Thanksgiving if I don’t like turkey?

    Some people make a turkey anyway and just enjoy the appetizers, side dishes and pie. Roasted chicken is another crowd pleasing substitute for a turkey. Ham is also acceptable. 

    What should you not serve on Thanksgiving?

    Make as many homemade dishes as possible. Store bought take-and-bake items from the grocery are usually fresher and tastes better than frozen or instant versions of dishes like green beans, mashed potatoes. 

    A woman with dark curly hair wearing a black tank top in front of a white wall

    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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