48 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Impress Your Guests

These holiday appetizer ideas may even outshine the turkey.

By

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

and

Lauren Barnhill

Updated on August 12, 2024

kale-flatbread-bites — Photo: VICTOR PROTASIO

The most anticipated meal of the year is here, and your guests are hungry. Thanksgiving is a high-stakes dinner all around—from the appetizers to the last bite of dessert—and you want to start off strong.

These easy Thanksgiving appetizers are super simple to make, and many can be prepped long before the main meal preparation kicks off. These recipes are also great to bring as a guest and pair well with the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Here's how to start Thanksgiving on an extra tasty note this year.

01 of 48

Creamy Smoked Fish Dip

Smoked Fish Dip

Tinned fish is the protein of the year, and why not celebrate how thankful we are for preserved seafood on Thanksgiving? This dip is as easy as mixing a tin of smoked trout, cream cheese, and a few other ingredients for a truly elegant starter. Serve with your favorite crunchy dipper, like a toasted bagel or crostini.

02 of 48

Carrot-Ginger Dip

Carrot Ginger Dip — Caitlin Bensel

Mix up a dip with an autumnal hue and beautiful flavor. In this recipe, carrots are cooked until tender and then pureed with maple syrup for a wonderful sweet flavor. This Thanksgiving dip is super easy to cook and can be served with any type of cracker, pretzel, or crudités.

03 of 48

Oysters with Pepperoncini Mignonette

1223FEA-oysters-with-Pepperoncini-Vinaigrette — Victor Protasio

Easily impress your Thanksgiving crowd with this 25-minute oyster appetizer. We serve the oysters with a mignonette sauce, made by mixing white wine vinegar, red onion, salt, sugar, and brine from a jar of pepperoncini. Serve the prepared oysters on a bed of ice to keep them chilled.

04 of 48

Fish Antipasto Board

Little-Fish-Antipasto-Board-Recipe-1223FEA — Victor Protasio

Thanksgiving day just got a whole lot tastier with this delicious fish antipasto board. Luscious smoked trout spread, anchovies, and soft butter pair well with an array of crackers, bread, veggies, olives, and any munchies you desire. And ready in just 25 minutes? You can't beat it.

05 of 48

Endive with Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins

Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins — Beatriz da Costa

A Thanksgiving salad you can eat with your fingers? Perfect. This no-cook appetizer looks like it's straight out of a restaurant and is easy and fun for kids to help assemble, too. Get creative with toppings, such as dried cranberries and winter-spiced nuts.

06 of 48

Hot Honey Lamb Meatballs

Hot honey lamb meatballs — Victor Protasio

Looking for a big-batch appetizer to feed your turkey day crowd? These sweet and spicy meatballs are hard to beat. After cooking, transfer them to a slow cooker on warm to serve.

07 of 48

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip — Victor Protasio

Sneak some greens into your first course with this Thanksgiving dip that comes together in just a few minutes and is great with pretty much everything. Don't mind the guests sneaking it to the table to slather on turkey breast. It's cool.

08 of 48

Bite-Sized Bacon Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates

bacon-wrapped-goat-cheese-dates-recipe — Getty Images

We all know that anything wrapped in bacon won't last for long. These delicious bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates are no exception. You only need three ingredients, and they're done in 20 minutes.

09 of 48

Manchego and Fig Jam Crostini

Manchego-Fig-Jam-Crostini-recipe — Getty Images

These holiday-friendly crostinis are dressed to impress with sweet Manchego and delicious fig jam. Crostini means little crusts in Italian, and they are so simple to make. In less than 25 minutes, pull together these low-effort, four-ingredient appetizers that look fancy (but don't take much work to pull off).

10 of 48

Pan-Roasted Olives and Lemon

Pan roasted olives and lemon — Victor Protasio

Browned lemon slices pair well with olives, garlic, and rosemary in this simple skillet recipe. Choose a colorful variety of olives to really make this dish pop. These Thanksgiving bites will literally melt in your mouth.

11 of 48

Red Pepper Walnut Knots

Red Pepper Walnut Knots — Victor Protasio

These red pepper walnut knots look fancy, and they taste it too. However, store-bought jarred roasted red peppers and puff pastry make this dish ready to serve in a fraction of the time. The red pepper and walnut mixture tucked inside these twists is inspired by a Middle Eastern dip called muhammara.

12 of 48

Smoky Kale Chips

Smoky Kale Chips Recipe — Jennifer Causey

Crispy kale chips are the perfect healthy swap-in for potatoes. Crunchy and smoky, these kale chips require no more than 10 minutes of your time before they bake in the oven for 50 minutes. It takes very few ingredients to throw these together before the big feast.

13 of 48

Easy Pork Dumplings

Easy Pork Dumplings — Greg DuPree

This crave-worthy appetizer won't last long. However, if you have leftovers, they will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Serve with an easy sauce that makes each bite worthwhile.

14 of 48

Red Lentil Squash Soup with Lemon

Citrus Recipes: Red Lentil Squash Soup With Lemon — Caitlin Bensel

The beauty of this Thanksgiving soup is that it can cook without intervention and blends up to create a beautiful autumnal hue. Serve it in shot glasses for a quick appetizer, or let Thanksgiving guests help themselves to small bowlfuls off the stove or from a slow cooker. If you have leftovers, feel free to freeze the soup for delicious dinners to come.

15 of 48

Many-Cheese Cheese Ball

Many Cheese Cheese Ball — Victor Protasio

Coated with herbs, you and your crew will be munching on this cheese ball all evening. It's processed with an assortment of cheeses, as well as cream cheese, white wine, pepper, kosher salt, red pepper, chives, and flat-leaf parsley. Serve with fresh crostini.

16 of 48

Glorious Green Dip

Though this recipe for glorious green dip is a hit with classic dippers, this would be a no-brainer drizzled over roasted or grilled chicken, fish, or layered into a roasted vegetable sandwich.Â — Victor Protasio

This healthy dip can be made up to two days in advance, so you can focus on other things on Thanksgiving Day and still have people satisfied until the big meal. It's bright, colorful, and so tasty. Serve with a variety of dippers, including potato chips, rainbow carrots, English cucumber, and broccoli.

17 of 48

Artichoke Dip

Artichoke Dip Recipe — Caitlin Bensel

Welcome guests to your home with an irresistible dip they can snack on while waiting for the big meal. This artichoke dip is a crowd-pleaser and should be made ahead of time so that the flavors can marinate together. AKA the ideal situation for a Thanksgiving appetizer.

18 of 48

Everything Dinner Rolls

everything dinner rolls — Christopher Testani

These dinner rolls make the perfect dinner appetizer for two reasons: People love bread, and they're made with store-bought frozen dinner rolls and everything seasoning. A low-effort appetizer that looks like it's made from scratch? We couldn't ask for anything better.

19 of 48

Smoked Gouda and Pepper Cheese Puffs

Smoked gouda pepper cheese puffs — Victor Protasio

This edible distraction, which can be made up to three hours in advance, gives you some extra time to put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving spread. These cheese puffs, also known as Gougères, are a French pastry made with irresistible smoked gouda. Garnish with flaky sea salt for an ideal tasty touch.

20 of 48

Cheesy Chile Pull-Apart Bread

Cheesy Chile Pull-Apart Bread — Jennifer Causey

Is there anything more comforting and cozy than some hot pull-apart bread to start your Thanksgiving dinner? Green chile, garlic butter, and spicy pepper jack cheese are what make this pull-apart bread recipe so irresistible. When shopping for ingredients, avoid sourdough bread, as it will make the chilies a bit too tangy.

21 of 48

French Onion Soup Bites

French Onion Soup Bites — Victor Protasio

Crowd-pleasing French onion soup is served in scrumptious mini bites in this delectable take. This Thanksgiving appetizer can be served warm or at room temperature. So, don't worry about keeping them hot when you're busy prepping dinner.

22 of 48

Mini Twice Baked Loaded Potatoes

These two-bite taters are totally addictive, thanks to a cheesy, creamy interior surrounded by thin and crispy potato skin. Get the recipe for Mini Twice-Baked Loaded Potatoes. — Grace Elkus

These two-bite taters will surely have your guests going back for more and more. The filling mixes mashed potatoes with sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese to achieve a creamy interior. Garnish with bacon bits and chives.

23 of 48

Pink Hummus

Pink Hummus — Victor Protasio

Since Thanksgiving dinner is typically a heavy meal filled with bread, potatoes, turkey, stuffing, pie, and more, it can't hurt to squeeze in something healthy when you can. A magenta beet is what gives the hummus its pink color. What's better is that the dip can be made up to a week before the feast.

24 of 48

Chickpea and Mint Crostini

Chickpea and Mint mix in a bowl with a side of toasted crostini ready for serving — Mikkel Vang

This chickpea and mint dip is sure to please your family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. Plus, it's a no-cook recipe that's ready in under 10 minutes. Make your own fresh crostini in no time by slicing a baguette and toasting it in the oven for about 8 minutes at 450°F.

25 of 48

Bacon-Wrapped Apricots With Sage

bacon wrapped apricot with sage — CON POULOS

This delicious twist on bacon-wrapped dates deserves a spot on the grazing table. Sweet dried apricots pair nicely with savory bacon, and the sage gives a mellowed-out herbal taste. Serve with toothpicks on the side.

26 of 48

Crispy Homemade Baked Potato Chips

oven-baked-potato-chips-recipe — feelgoodfoodie.net

Everyone loves potato chips, right? Take the classic bowl of baked salty taters up a notch with this homemade recipe. All you need is potatoes, salt, and oil.

27 of 48

Easy Homemade Mild Salsa Recipe

Easy DIY Salsa Recipe, tomato salsa with chips — Cara Cormack

Homemade salsa is the perfect appetizer to satisfy a crowd of hungry people. Keep in the jalapeño seeds for more spice, or take them out for less. If you like a smoother texture to your salsa, put most of your mixture in the food processor; if you like it chunkier, pulse less of your mixture.

28 of 48

Roasted Red Pepper Canapés

Roasted Red Pepper CanapÃ©s — James Wojcik

These one-bite Thanksgiving canapés will surely please your group on Turkey Day. Canapés are an appetizer that is described as a small cracker topped with something savory. In this recipe, thick-cut potato chips are topped with roasted red peppers, walnuts, and scallions.

29 of 48

Vegan Ranch Dressing

Vegan Ranch Dressing Recipe — Victor Protasio

Ranch is always a crowd favorite, and this homemade vegan version pulls out all the stops. (It even has tofu mixed in for added protein!) Serve with crudités, baby lettuce wedges, and maybe even some homemade potato chips.

30 of 48

Spicy Parmesan Crackers

Spicy Parmesan Crackers

When making these desirable crackers, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then shake the crackers with the seasoning. This will ensure an even distribution of flavor. Serve with something sweet for the ideal combination of salty and sweet.

31 of 48

Caprese Skewers With Balsamic Glaze

caprese-skewers — Getty Images

Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving Day starter when you don't have time to focus? These skewers are show-stopping with their bright variety of colors thanks to Bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. And while they may look fancy, they only take five minutes to put together.

32 of 48

Goat Cheese Spread

Goat cheese spread is served in a bowl alongside crackers. — Dana Gallagher

This woodsy dip is made with soft goat cheese and a fourth cup of your favorite herbs; think tarragon, flat-leaf parsley, and chives. Your choice of crackers makes the perfect vessel to eat this dip on. Serve the dip in a bowl with a cheese spreader.

33 of 48

Rosemary Pecans

Rosemary Pecans — Rosemary Pecans. Real Simple

These pecans are tossed with melted butter, sugar, cayenne, and salt before being roasted. Then, they are garnished with earthy rosemary before being served. One downside: They won't be around for long.

34 of 48

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto

Pears With Blue Cheese and Prosciutto — Mikkel Vang

This light and elegant-looking appetizer is as tasty as it is beautiful on a serving dish. And 10 minutes is all it takes to whip up these delectable bites on the best Thursday of the year. Swap pears with cantaloupe, peaches, or honeydew if you desire.

35 of 48

Gorgonzola Cream and Prosciutto Endives

Gorgonzola cream and posciutto endives — Victor Protasio

Grab a colorful selection of small endives for this easy no-cook Thanksgiving appetizer. In just 20 minutes, these delicious, creamy, and flavorful bites are ready to eat. The endives are topped with a velvety gorgonzola cream, a tart quick-pickled apple, and rich prosciutto, making for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

36 of 48

Steamed Clams With Garlic Toasts Recipe

Steamed Clams with Garlic Toast — Caitlin Bensel

Everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering will surely ooh and aah at these elegant steamed clams on the appetizer table. They don't have to know that this glorious starter took only about half an hour to prepare. It's best served with white wine and garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

37 of 48

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs — Aniko Hobel/Getty Images

Here's a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that even the pickiest of eaters seem to enjoy. But wait, there's a twist. To save time, learn how to make these deviled eggs in an air fryer and Instant Pot. To set them apart, get creative with toppings: Go fancy with caviar or play it cool with everything bagel seasoning.

38 of 48

Crispy Falafel Bites

1023COO-falafel-bites — Fred Hardy

This crunchy hors d'oeuvre is sure to satisfy your Thanksgiving crew. You'll start by using the food processor to blend canned chickpeas, cilantro, onion, and serrano chile. After stirring it in with more ingredients, you'll form the mixture into flattened balls and transfer them to a skillet to cook them until they are crispy.

39 of 48

Caramelized Onion Tarts with Apples

Caramelized Onion Tarts With Apples — Con Poulos

Caramelized onions and tart apples pair well as a savory-sweet combo in this puff-pastry starter. Crème fraîche makes a delicious base, but you can sub in sour cream instead. Cut the tart into small pieces before serving.

40 of 48

Fancy Pigs in a Blanket

Super Bowl Snacks: Pigs in a Blanket — Quentin Bacon

At a party, it seems like the fastest thing to go is always the pigs in the blanket. It's a fan-favorite recipe and super simple to put together. Amp it up with this recipe made with frozen puff pastry and your choice of store-bought chicken sausage. Serve with whole-grain mustard for dipping.

41 of 48

Pears With Rosemary Sugar

Pears With Rosemary Sugar — David Prince

All you need are four ingredients to whip up this sweet and delicate appetizer: pears, oranges, fresh rosemary, and sugar. It will take you less than 10 minutes to whip up, and guests will be asking for the recipe. Double the recipe to ensure you have enough for all of your hungry loved ones.

42 of 48

Polenta Bites With Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese

Polenta Bites with Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese — Heather Meldrom

You'll need a mini muffin pan for this cute Thanksgiving recipe. Make the polenta cups two days in advance before filling and broiling them. On Thanksgiving day, top them with the indulgent bacon, dates, and blue cheese filling and stick them in the broiler before serving.

43 of 48

Mini Crab Cakes With Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise

Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon-Chive Mayonnaise — Heather Meldrom

Panko breadcrumbs are toasted on the skillet before baking these crab cakes in the oven to reduce uneven browning—genius! A lemony mayo with chives is the perfect counterpart to the flavor-packed crab cakes. Now, this is a 30-minute Thanksgiving dish we can get behind.

44 of 48

Orange-Chili Shrimp Cocktail

Orange-Chili Shrimp Cocktail — David Prince

To cut down on time, use pre-cooked shrimp as a shortcut to making this crowd-pleasing appetizer. Shrimp is tossed in with jalapeno, red onion, chopped cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, and salt. Serve with chips for scooping the mixture, and offer toothpicks to pick up the shrimp.

45 of 48

Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

Pimento Mac and Cheese Bites — Heather Meldrom

These pimento mac and cheese bites will be the talk of the feast, so don't be shocked when you find them on loved ones' plates during Thanksgiving dinner. Bake these yummy bites in a mini muffin pan until they are golden brown.

46 of 48

Cauliflower Soup With Toasted Garlic

Cauliflower Soup With Toasted Garlic — Paul Sirisalee

This vegan soup is as easy as cooking cauliflower and combining it with stock. No cream is required, which is a nice respite before a dairy-heavy meal! Finish it off with a garlic and thyme garnish for a super-quick solution to the soup course.

47 of 48

Kale Flatbread Bites

kale-flatbread-bites — VICTOR PROTASIO

Shorten prep time by stacking fresh mozzarella and crunchy kale on top of store-bought pizza dough. The base of this flatbread is a mix of sour cream and whole-grain mustard. Cut flatbread with a pizza cutter into bite-size slices before serving.

48 of 48

Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia

garlic-and-rosemary-focaccia-0324FEAT_38677-realsimple — Greg DuPree

This easy garlic and rosemary focaccia recipe makes for such a good appetizer, your guests might not even have room for the meal to follow. Better yet? You don't need any special tools, ingredients, or time to make it. You only need six ingredients and about half an hour to put it together. While it'll take time to bake, it'll just need a quick brush of olive oil infused with garlic and rosemary before you serve it.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

overhead view of mashed potatoes and gravy

17 Recipes For Your Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

easy-thanksgiving-sides-realsimple

47 Easy Thanksgiving Sides You Can Make in Less Than an Hour

Bourbon-Cranberry Compote

Bourbon-Cranberry Compote

pomegranate-champagne-cocktail-GettyImages-1371041885

21 Thanksgiving Cocktails to Drink With Your Holiday Feast

Sausage and sage stuffing

Sausage Stuffing With Sage

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts Salad

leftover-cranberry-sauce-recipes

9 Clever Ways to Use Your Leftover Cranberry Sauce

1123doo-turkey-tips

What Wine Should We Drink With Thanksgiving Dinner?

Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut

Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Top View of Maple Pumpkin Pie on Top of Purple Fabric with Two Metal Forks Next to It

Our Maple Pumpkin Pie Recipe Is Peak Fall Dessert Perfection

costco-mealkit-thanksgiving

Costco Is Selling a $200 Thanksgiving Meal Kit for 8, and They’ll Deliver It to Your Door

brine-recipes-pot

5 Easy Recipes for Wet-Brining Pork and Lamb for Thanksgiving

Steak with Mushroom Wine Sauce and Vegetables

12 Store-Bought Gravy Hacks to Make It Taste Like Homemade

Cornbread Stuffing in a White Baking Dish on a Table with Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, and Green Beans

6 Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe Ideas—Proving It's a Must-Have Side