Thanksgiving dinner is the main event, but let’s be honest—your guests are going to be hungry long before the turkey comes out of the oven.
That’s where a solid lineup of appetizers comes in handy.
The best Thanksgiving starters do double duty: they keep everyone satisfied while you’re putting the finishing touches on dinner, and they set the tone for the feast ahead.
Think warm, savory bites that complement the main meal without filling people up too much.
You want flavors that feel seasonal—herbs, cheese, cranberries, squash—but nothing so heavy that it ruins anyone’s appetite for the real deal.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it small this year, having these go-to appetizer recipes in your back pocket makes the whole day run smoother.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These cranberry brie bites are the ultimate easy appetizer for any gathering. Flaky puff pastry cups are filled with creamy melted brie and topped with tangy cranberry sauce, then drizzled with honey for the perfect sweet-savory balance.
Turkey-Shaped Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Turn your holiday appetizers into an adorable edible turkey! This whimsical charcuterie board arranges all your Thanksgiving favorites – roasted turkey, artisan cheeses, seasonal fruits, and crackers – into an actual turkey shape complete with fanned tail feathers and a charming pumpkin head!
Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels
Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels are easy make-ahead appetizers featuring layers of cream cheese, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory deli turkey rolled up in soft flour tortillas and sliced into beautiful spiral bites.
Maple Bacon Fall Snack Mix
This mix hits every craving at once. You get the satisfying crunch from pretzels and bagel chips, plus the sweet maple flavor that screams fall in every bite.
Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini
These Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini are ready in 15 minutes with creamy goat cheese, sweet pomegranate seeds, honey, and fresh thyme on crispy toasted bread. The perfect fall or holiday appetizer!
Maple Bacon Cheese Ball Appetizer
A creamy, crowd-pleasing cheese ball rolled in crispy bacon and brushed with maple syrup. Sweet, salty, smoky, and totally addictive—it’s the appetizer that vanishes first at every party.
Thanksgiving Grazing Board
This Thanksgiving grazing board is a stunning seasonal appetizer spread that brings together the best flavors of fall on one beautiful platter. Featuring a curated selection of cheeses, cured meats, fresh autumn fruits like apples and pears, and seasonal accompaniments such as cranberry sauce and candied nuts, it creates an impressive centerpiece for holiday entertaining.
Smoky Pumpkin Seed Hummus
This smoky pumpkin seed hummus is a vibrant, green twist on the classic dip. Made with toasted pepitas instead of chickpeas, it’s naturally legume-free and nut-free while still delivering that creamy, smooth texture you crave.
Cranberry Sauce BBQ Meatballs
These sweet and tangy cranberry sauce BBQ meatballs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer with just 3 ingredients. They’re sticky, savory, and disappear from the plate in minutes.
