Elevate your Thanksgiving celebration with these irresistible and effortlessly delightful appetizers that are bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests! Among the array of options, the undeniable star is the charming veggie tray shaped like a turkey.
Not only does it bring a playful and festive vibe to your table, but it’s also guaranteed to be the centerpiece that captures everyone’s attention. Transform your Thanksgiving feast into an extraordinary culinary experience with these delectable and visually stunning delights.
Whether you find yourself entertaining friends or enjoying quality time with family, the anticipation of a delicious feast is even more delightful with some enticing pre-dinner nibbles.
That’s precisely why we’ve curated a selection of our finest ideas, ranging from delectable dips and savory deviled eggs to exquisite cheese logs and perfectly toasted crostini. Elevate your gathering with these appetizing starters that are certain to satisfy cravings and set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
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Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes Ideas
Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
Ina marinates mushrooms in olive oil and wine, then stuffs them with sweet Italian sausage and cheese.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Celebrate the season with flavor and deliciousness. Cranberry Brie Bites are a one way ticket to happy with tastes of mellow cheese and sharp cranberry sauce. Baked brie rests inside puff pasty dough and is topped with cranberry sauce and a sprig of rosemary to create a mouthwatering sensation that will leave your guests wanting more, more, more.
Maple, Walnut and Bacon Brie Bites
Craving a bite that’s both savory and sweet? These miniature cheese wheels are toppled with chopped walnuts and bacon bits — then drizzled with maple syrup.
Spinach Almond Crostini
A spinach puree (extra creamy and flavorful, thanks to sour cream, garlic and fresh herbs) teams up with chopped almonds for the perfect nutty toast topper.
Vegan Charcuterie Board
This Vegan Charcuterie Board is loaded with plant based goodies for your Thanksgiving day appetizer. Try it with olives, dried fruits, fresh fruits, pretzels, crackers, veggies, and a variety of dips.
Crab Dip Casserole
Anyone who’s ever tried crab dip knows how incredible it is. And this crab dip casserole takes it up another notch.
It’s just as rich, cheesy, and decadent as classic crab dip. But you’ll serve it warm, which makes it even ooier, gooier, and more delicious.
Meat and Cheese Tray
Meat and cheese trays are always a hit at family gatherings. You can put them on the table as-is, or you can serve them alongside rolls or bread slices so your guests can make sandwiches. They are so much fun to garnish and make look pretty! Plus, they are SO EASY to make up. You can whip up a meat and cheese tray faster than you can make most appetizers.
Dump Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Frozen
This is the easiest spinach artichoke dip you’ll ever make! Everything goes into a baking dish and straight into the oven all at once—even the frozen spinach and artichokes. We like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of panko and a quick run under the broiler for a crispy top. But you can skip it if you’re short on time. Serve this with sturdy chips or baguette slices for dipping.
Pumpkin Fluff Dip
The sweetness of this pumpkin fluff dip is a nice break from all those cheesy and savory dips we’ve talked about so far.
If you’re looking for a dip for apple slices, graham crackers, and gingersnaps, this one’s for you. It’s an appetizer and dessert in one, perfect for people like me who don’t mind eating sweets all day.
Ham Roll Ups With Pickle and Cream Cheese
These roll ups are perfect for a quick last minute appetizer or finger food for parties. If you don’t have pickles on hand or you simply don’t want to add the pickle, just leave it out. They are great either way! Sometimes I will just use ham (or turkey), cream cheese and jalapeno jelly to switch things up (oh man, I love it that way).
Brussels Sprouts in a Blanket
The best part of this twist on pigs in blankets isn’t the roasted Brussels sprouts, buttery puff pastry or even the pleasantly salty prosciutto: It’s the Parmesan cheese that is cleverly pressed into the dough while rolling, then sprinkled on top before baking.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates
Despite these finger foods’ indulgence, they’re surprisingly simple to make. All you’ll need are dates, bacon, blue cheese, and honey.
They require 10 minutes of prep and another 25 to bake. They’re an absolute explosion of flavor, too. They’re salty, sweet, tangy, and tart. If you want a Thanksgiving appetizer recipe that’ll make ALL your taste buds tingle, these will do the trick.
Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese and Candied Pecans
These tasty little treats have everything you could possibly want from Thanksgiving food. They start with a base of sliced sweet potatoes, but that’s just the beginning.
There are also pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, goat cheese, thyme, and more! They’re a genuine delicacy that’ll elevate your entire appetizer experience.
Roasted Potato Leek Soup
For richness, Ina stirs a bit of cream into her hearty potato soup. Creme fraiche adds extra creaminess and a slightly tart flavor. Deep-fried shallots add a great crispy texture contrast.
Onion Dip from Scratch
Alton’s homemade onion dip takes only a few more minutes to make than the instant kind, and once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version.
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This beloved starter is always popular and, with this 5-star recipe, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, too.
Figs in a Blanket
Fruit and cheese make the perfect pre-dniner duo. These bites wrap sweet figs and tangy goat cheese in puff pastry — for the perfect bite-sized snack.
Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta
You can literally whip this Roasted Red Pepper Bruschetta up in a matter of minutes with only a few easy ingredients. My kids love to help prepare bruschetta because they can “paint” the olive oil on each of the slices and then they can carefully top each one with the ingredients.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs are a delicious finger food that makes the perfect addition to any party spread. The smooth, creamy filling is so yummy! Plus, they are so easy to make. We always plan for 2-3 deviled eggs per person at a gathering – they are just that good!
co*cktail Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
These slow cooker meatballs are perfectly sweet and savory with just the right amount of kick. And seriously, this recipe couldn’t be easier! You can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to keep it simple, or make your own. Just throw it all in the Crockpot and you’re done!
Stuffed Mushrooms
Giada’s stuffed mushrooms are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup
Ina’s creamy soup features three different types of mushrooms: portobello, cremini and shiitake. A rich base of butter, cream and homemade stock bring the dish together.
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Pull-Apart Bread
Smoky cheese and bacon combine with the natural sweetness of caramelized onions in this hot, crusty party bread that is meant for sharing.
Fried Goat Cheese and Honey Bites
Do you want to serve something a little different this holiday season? How about fried goat cheese with spicy honey?
Like the stuffed dates above, they’re a total cornucopia of flavors.
The goat cheese is bold, tangy, and earthy. The honey, infused with red pepper and cayenne, is sweet and spicy. The breadcrumbs round them out with a nice crunch.
Bisquick Sausage Balls
Sausage and cheese never disappoint. Stuff them in a biscuit, and you’ll get these epic appetizers guaranteed to be your new favorite.
Think cheesy meatballs and muffins merged into one. That’s exactly what these balls are like. They’re cheesy, meaty starters the whole family will love.
The tender biscuit dough is perfect for binding the cheese and sausage together.
Holiday Bacon Appetizers
Ree Drummond’s easy three-ingredient appetizer is a perfect bite for guests to snack on when they arrive. She tops Club-style crackers with Parmesan cheese, wraps them in bacon and bakes until crisp.
Italian Cheese Ball
Get ahead with this delicious appetizer that you can make the night before. The creamy cheese is coated in toasted pine nuts for a nice, rustic finish.
White Bean Pomegranate Crostini
These simple crostini take only 15 minutes to make, but their bright color makes a lasting impression.
Strawberry Jalapeño Cheese Ball
This Strawberry Jalapeno Cheese Ball is always a hit during the holidays. Beautiful colors and flavors blend together for the right amount of sweet and spicy, the perfect spread for crackers, veggies, pretzels, just about anything!
This one takes center stage every Thanksgiving and it always gets gobbled up quick. I really like making cheese balls during the holidays. It’s something a little nicer and fancier than just the average crackers and dip.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This roasted red pepper hummus is hands-down my favorite hummus of all time. I love the spicy kick of Sriracha and the fresh taste of the red bell pepper. My KIDS even love this dip. It’s a fresh and healthy start for Thanksgiving dinner. We love it with pita bread, carrots, crackers, just about anything!
Easy Creamy Corn Dip
This easy Creamy Corn Dip is one of my favorite dips ever, mainly because it is so easy to throw together. You can literally throw it together and serve in 10 minutes.
However, I will say this recipe tastes even better if you make it ahead of time and stick it in the fridge covered for at least an hour. The corn dip flavors will combine and taste absolutely amazing!
Fried Ravioli
If frying pasta sounds strange to you, keep an open mind: crispy pasta shell, soft cheese filling and ample marinara sauce for dipping. What’s not to like?
Crostini with Sun-Dried Tomato Jam
Giada’s two-bite appetizers are made with crunchy toasts, a bright sun-dried tomato jam, goat cheese and lots of herbs.
BBQ Pulled Pork Fried Mac and Cheese Bites
Deep-fried mac and cheese balls have become pretty popular over the last decade, but this recipe takes them up a notch.
Not only are they crunchy, deep-fried balls of mac and cheesy goodness. These also contain mouth-wateringly delicious pulled pork.
It’s almost like a complete meal in one single mouthful-sized bite.
Cranberry Salsa
This fresh Cranberry Salsa recipe is a delicious recipe from my mother-in-law and one of my favorite appetizers all year round, but especially as one of my holiday appetizers.
Fresh cranberries, jalapeno peppers, cilantro and green onions give this salsa vibrant sweet and spicy flavor. It’s delicious on its own, but we love it served over tangy cream cheese.
Soft Pretzel Bites
I know I said I’m only featuring simple recipes here, but you’ve gotta give me this one. Believe me, you’ll want them on your Thanksgiving menu.
Besides, they aren’t THAT difficult, and you can make them up to 3 days in advance. Just refrigerate and reheat them.
If you really want to impress your guests, make beer cheese for dipping!
Bacon-Wrapped Spinach Dip Crostini
These trendy crostini have bacon belts. And not only are they fashionable (har har), but the bread soaks up the bacon drippings as they bake, making it golden and crunchy. Eat them warm, no dipping required.
Ginger Rice Stuffed Mushrooms
Sandra Lee’s stuffed mushrooms come with an Asian twist. She uses rice in place of traditional breadcrumbs, brings in a little meat with the pork, and amplifies the dish with soy sauce, ginger and cilantro.
Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip is one of those classic appetizers you can find at many restaurants, football house parties and family gatherings. We’ve tried many recipes over the years and this is absolutely the most delicious one ever!
In fact, whenever I order spinach artichoke dip at a restaurant I’m always disappointed it doesn’t taste as good as this one. It is creamy, slightly spicy, and ideal for dipping all the things!
Carrot Ginger Soup with Crispy Tofu
Those aren’t croutons on top of this creamy spiced-carrot soup — they’re bits of curry-flavored, crispy fried tofu.
Fall Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are always a good option when you want to whip up your appetizers ahead of time. This particular one is fall-forward and vegetarian-friendly.
It boasts various cheeses, produce items, and dips and spreads. There are also nuts, olives, crackers, and breads. Of course, as with all charcuterie boards, you can adjust the items to suit your tastes.
Pomegranate Cheese Ball
Tart goat cheese and herbs are hidden by a shell of pomegranate seeds, turning your appetizer platter into something spectacular.
Turkey Veggie Tray
This Turkey Veggie Tray is the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish. So festive and fun!
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Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 25
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sour cream
- ½ pkg dry ranch dip mix
- 5 ribs celery (or 1 stalk)
- 8 ounces baby carrots (or rainbow carrots)
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 carton cherry tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers
Instructions
Wash all vegetables and set aside. Combine sour cream and ranch dip mix in a small bowl. Place it on the bottom edge of a large serving plate or platter. Peel and cut cucumbers into spears and cut celery into 4-5" sticks.
Arrange cucumber and celery around 2/3 of the plate in a fan shape. You can arrange alternating each or in sections.
Arrange so about 1" of the vegetables are hanging off the edge. This gives it a cool effect and allows more room to work with on the tray.
Note: I like to leave some of the leaves on the celery ribs to make them look more "feathery". This is totally optional.
Layer carrots on top of the celery and cucumbers, then place sugar snap peas below the carrots so they are slightly overlapping.
Arrange broccoli and cauliflower tightly around the dip container, then fill in the remaining space between the cauliflower and snap peas with cherry tomatoes.
Cut the bottom off of one of the bell peppers to make the turkey face and place at the top of the dip container. Add confectionary eyes (found in the cake decorating section of the grocery store). Cut off the tip of a baby carrot and cut our a wedge forming the beak.
Use remaining red or yellow pepper to make the top of the wings. Slice the rest of the peppers and arrange over the "fan" between the tomatoes and snap peas.
Use remaining carrots to make wings and arrange beneath the plate to make the "breast feathers".
