30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (2024)

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here is a list of 30 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that will amaze your guests including bacon deviled eggs, artichoke dip and cranberry meatballs.

Start your Thanksgiving off right with appetizer recipes so good that you’ll almost forget about dinner!

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (1)

Whether you are hosting a holiday feast this year or you just want to bring something special, don’t forget the appetizers. There is nothing better than the smell of turkey in the oven and an amazing snack at your fingertips. For everybody watching a game or chatting in the kitchen, a bowl of something to munch on is a must. Since we’re celebrating on this day, I also offer some festive jello shots for the adults!

I have gathered up the best list of Thanksgiving snack recipes that will delight friends and family. I love hearty appetizers that are loaded with melty cheese, savory and the perfect way to get your guests ready for the main meal. There are plenty of options like cheese bombs, garlic knots, fried mushrooms and pigs in a blanket.

When oven and stove space is scarce, cold snacks are fantastic. They tend to be a little on the lighter side, and many of them are make-ahead which is always important when you’re planning a big meal! Try some cold recipes with minimal ingredients like pesto dip, cheese ball bites and the classic bacon deviled eggs.Pair your snacks with some Thanksgiving punch for ultimate enjoyment!

Whatever you do, don’t forget the homemade Chex mix. I am always astonished how good that crispy, savory snack can be.

Don’t let the holiday appetizer be an afterthought, pick some of these amazing snacks now. Have fun with your munchies and try something new. Sometimes I think appetizers are the best part of the whole meal! Need more help with your Thanksgiving menu? Be sure to check out my guide on how to cook a turkey. You can also try some of my favorite side dishes such as roasted butternut squash, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin soup. As a bonus, I’m including an extra recipe at the end for the most quick and easy Thanksgiving appetizer platter!

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (3)

Antipasto Skewers

These antipasto skewers are a variety of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto sticks. An easy yet elegant appetizer.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (4)

Artichoke Dip

This artichoke dip recipe is a blend of three types of cheese, artichoke hearts, garlic and herbs, all baked together to golden brown perfection. A quick and easy appetizer idea that always gets rave reviews!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (5)

Bacon Deviled Eggs

These easy bacon deviled eggs are a classic recipe dressed up with the addition of bacon bits and chives. Plus learn my tricks for the best deviled eggs ever!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (6)

Bacon Wrapped Dates

These bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with goat cheese, covered in bacon, then brushed with maple syrup before they go into the oven to bake to perfection. A super easy and unique 5 ingredient appetizer!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (7)

Cheese Ball Bites

These ultra creamy cheese ball bites are made with three types of cheese and rolled in assorted toppings. An easy make ahead party snack that always gets rave reviews!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (8)

Dill Dip

Dill dip is a creamy herb flavored snack that pairs perfectly with potato chips and vegetables. Best of all, it’s ready in just 5 minutes!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (9)

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

These bacon wrapped smokies are co*cktail sausages wrapped in bacon, then coated in brown sugar and spices and baked to perfection. An easy appetizer option that's great for feeding a large crowd.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (10)

Baked Brie

This baked brie is topped with raspberry jam, fresh raspberries and candied pecans, then is wrapped in puff pastry and baked to golden brown perfection. A quick and easy appetizer option that is sure to impress your family and friends.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (11)

Cheese Ball Recipe

This cheese ball recipe is made with cream cheese, white cheddar cheese and spices, all blended together and rolled in chopped pecans. A classic appetizer that's easy to make and always a hit at parties.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (12)

The Best Cheese Board

A guide to creating the best cheese board with a variety of different cheeses, crackers, fruit and accompaniments. An easy and impressive appetizer for any gathering, and this one always gets rave reviews!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (13)

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (14)

Cheese Bombs

These cheese bombs are biscuit dough wrapped around cheddar cheese, then topped with garlic herb butter and parmesan and baked to perfection. An easy snack or side dish that’s perfect for all the cheese lovers in your life.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (15)

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

These crab stuffed mushrooms are mushroom caps filled with flaked crab and three types of cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection. An easy and elegant appetizer that can be assembled ahead of time!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (16)

Cranberry Meatballs

These slow cooker cranberry meatballs are a 5 ingredient appetizer that are sure to be the hit of any party!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (17)

Fried Mushrooms

These fried mushrooms are coated in a light and crispy seasoned beer batter, then deep fried to golden brown perfection. The ultimate party snack that's always a huge hit!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (18)

Grape Jelly Meatballs

These grape jelly meatballs are homemade meatballs tossed in a two ingredient sauce and slow cooked to perfection in the crock pot. A quick and easy appetizer or dinner option that always gets rave reviews!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (19)

Garlic Knots with Parmesan

These easy garlic knots are smothered in butter, garlic, herbs and parmesan and are baked to golden brown perfection. An easy side dish for any meal!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (20)

Homemade Chex Mix

Your search for the perfect homemade Chex mix ends here – this from scratch Chex mix is made with cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts, and is SO much better than the recipe on the box!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (21)

Homemade Ranch Dip

This homemade ranch dip is full of all of the familiar herbs and spices, but has no preservatives like the store bought version. The homemade ranch powder is easy to make and keeps in the fridge for months!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (22)

Crockpot Little Smokies

These little smokies are co*cktail sausages simmered in the crockpot in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce. A super easy slow cooker appetizer that takes just minutes to put together and always gets rave reviews.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (23)

Mini Quiche

This mini quiche recipe is bite sized pastries filled with eggs, cheese, meat and vegetables. An elegant appetizer or brunch option that can be customized in so many different ways to suit your tastes.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (24)

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (25)

Pesto Dip

This pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, basil pesto and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and creamy dip in just minutes. The easiest last minute appetizer option that pairs well with bread, veggies or can even be used on a sandwich or as a salad dressing.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (26)

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket is a classic party snack made with co*cktail wieners wrapped in crescent dough, which are baked to golden brown perfection. An easy appetizer option that can be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (27)

Potato Skins

This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection and finished with sour cream and green onions. A classic appetizer that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (28)

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

This prosciutto wrapped asparagus is fresh asparagus stalks flavored with savory prosciutto, then broiled to crispy perfection. A 4 ingredient appetizer or side dish that's easy, yet elegant and always gets rave reviews.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (29)

Pumpkin Dip

This light and fluffy pumpkin dip is made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, cream cheese and whipped topping. It’s the perfect dessert or appetizer for any fall gathering and takes just 5 minutes to make.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (30)

Sausage Cheese Balls

These easy sausage cheese balls are the perfect party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (31)

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These sausage stuffed mushrooms are mushroom caps filled with Italian sausage, herbs and three kinds of cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection. An easy and elegant party snack that can be assembled ahead of time!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (32)

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a display of meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, fall fruit and seasonal treats. A super easy yet impressive appetizer offering that is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (33)

Veggie Tray

This homemade veggie tray is an assortment of colorful vegetables paired with a variety of flavorful dips. A crudite platter is a must-have for any party or gathering, it's always a big hit with both kids and adults alike!

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30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (34)

Beer Brat Bites

These beer brat bites are juicy bratwurst sausages that are grilled to perfection, then sliced and tossed in a beer glaze. An easy appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of any holiday party!

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Surprise your friends and family with some new appetizers that will set the stage for an amazing Thanksgiving dinner! Give these snacks a try, and maybe make a little extra for yourself. I won’t tell.

Originally Posted October 9, 2023

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FAQs

How many appetizers should you have for Thanksgiving? ›

Three or four bites of food per person should be plenty. For shrimp co*cktail, oysters or larger crostini, plan about two pieces per person. If you're serving smaller, one-bite hors d'oeuvres, allot three per person total. For dip, 3 ounces per guest will be plenty.

How many dishes to make for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

Should you have appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner? ›

So, you might not think to add Thanksgiving appetizers to your holiday menu. But, here's the reason why you should: everyone shows up to Thanksgiving dinner feeling hungry! And if you want to hold your guests over until the main event, these easy small bites are the way to go.

How much finger food for 30 guests? ›

If you're hosing 25 -35 guests, plan 3-4 bites per person if a full dinner is to be served afterwards, or 5-7 bites per person if a lighter meal will be served. If you're hosting a party of 50, then you can offer 6 to 9 different items.

How many appetizers do I need for 20 guests? ›

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

How much food do I need for 20 people for Thanksgiving? ›

How Much Food to Make for Thanksgiving
Menu ItemSmall (2 to 4 )Large (14 to 20 )
Appetizer13 to 4
Soup4 cups16 cups
Turkey (whole)6 pounds18 to 25 pounds
Salad12 to 3
9 more rows
Oct 29, 2021

How much stuffing do you need for 20 people? ›

3/4 cup of stuffing per person should be plenty.

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I'm with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.

What do you serve guests before Thanksgiving dinner? ›

20 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers To Munch On Before The Main...
  • 01 of 21. Sweet Potato Hummus. ...
  • 02 of 21. Tarragon and Spice Deviled Eggs. ...
  • 03 of 21. Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crostini. ...
  • 04 of 21. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Prosciutto Poppers. ...
  • 05 of 21. Sweet, Salty, Spicy Party Nuts. ...
  • 06 of 21. ...
  • 07 of 21. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Nov 2, 2023

What is served before an appetizer? ›

You can add more courses to a full course meal. This will add to the course length, so a four-course dinner will include an appetizer, main dish, and dessert but also a fourth course — hors-d'oeuvres — served before the appetizer.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

Many Americans would regard Thanksgiving dinner as "incomplete" without stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce. A recipe for cranberry sauce to be served with turkey appeared in the first American cookbook, American Cookery (1796) by Amelia Simmons.

How many of each appetizer per person? ›

More than 6 appetizers per person are too many. You don't want to fill your guests' bellies before dinner. Generally, you will need enough for each guest to eat 2 of each type of appetizer you serve. For very large parties, you can lower this to 1.5 servings per person per appetizer.

What is the standard rule of serving appetizers? ›

Prepare enough for your guests.

The standard rule is to serve four to six pieces for each person. Note, however, that if you are planning an evening event that does not provide a main course and only has an appetizer, you should prepare 10 to 15 pieces per person. The amount of time can also change this figure.

How many appetizers do I need for 12 people? ›

A good rule of thumb when working with your caterer on just how many hors d'oeuvres to choose is as follows: for 10 – 12 guests a minimum of 5 selections, 25 guests a minimum of 9 selections and for 50 guests, a minimum of 13 selections.

How much food do I need for Thanksgiving for 12 people? ›

Especially if guests are arriving hours before dinner will be serve! I recommend 4 appetizers or bites per person. Most resources out there will recommend between 1 and 2 pounds of turkey per person. I think it's safe to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per person.

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