39 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers for 2024

Keep your holiday guests happy with this list of Thanksgiving appetizers. While dinner is the main attraction at every Thanksgiving gathering, it never hurts to have finger foods readily available for snacky guests, and there is nothing worse than standing around starving while waiting for a turkey to cook.

From vegan treats for meat-free guests to cheesy crowd-pleasers, there is a snack on this list for every type of guest. Impress your guests with these elegant Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that will hold everyone over until the big dinner.

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• The 39 Best Appetizers for Thanksgiving
• Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences

The 39 Best Appetizers for Thanksgiving

1. Baked Brie With Jam

Spice up your usual baked brie recipe with a Caribbean-inspired baked brie with jam. This cheesy starter features a warm brie paired with guava jam for a tropical taste at the Thanksgiving table. Serve this gooey treat with crackers or buttery brie for a complete appetizer. 

2. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Add a little heat to the traditional cranberry sauce this year with a cranberry jalapeño dip as your Thanksgiving appetizer. Cranberries share the spotlight with jalapeño, zesty lime juice and sweetened cream cheese for a fresh take on a classic Thanksgiving appetizer. Don’t forget the chips for this showstopping pre-meal snack.

3. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a classic starter great for any event. Try these rich and creamy cream cheese-stuffed mushrooms for a satisfying bite. This Thanksgiving appetizer is made from button mushrooms stuffed with garlic-spiced cream cheese and topped with crispy panko bread crumbs. Cook until golden brown and bubbly and enjoy. 

4. Cranberry Brie Bites

Bring an air of elegance to your Thanksgiving gathering with these delicate cranberry brie bites. While these bite-sized snacks may look fancy they are easy to put together making them a great appetizer for Thanksgiving. Simply roll out flaky pastry dough and place it into a muffin tin followed by creamy brie, cooked cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Bake for five to ten minutes, then enjoy.

5. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Looking for Friendsgiving food ideas that everyone in your friend group will love? Try an elevated version of the popular fast-food treat with air fryer mozzarella sticks. These cheesy and crispy snacks are an easy Thanksgiving appetizer for any occasion. Simply coat mozzarella cheese sticks in an Italian-flavored batter and air fry for six to eight minutes. Eliminate the mess of deep frying while still enjoying the crispy flavor with these Thanksgiving appetizers.

6. Beef Stuffed Mushrooms 

If you are looking for a heartier Thanksgiving appetizer to tide your guests over, beef stuffed mushrooms are a great choice. Stuff button mushrooms with pre-cooked spiced ground beef and bake until the mushrooms are nice and tender. These beefy bites are sure to be a hit among hungry guests.

7. Potato Candy

Want to wow guests with an out-of-the-box appetizer? Try this obscure potato candy recipe and turn Thanksgiving appetizers on their head. While everyone knows potatoes are one of the classic Thanksgiving essentials, this use of them isn’t extremely common.

To make potato candy, boil, mash and then whip potatoes with sugar and vanilla. Next, knead the mixture into a dough, roll it out and then spread with peanut butter. Finally roll the dough into a log and chill. Once it’s firmed up in the refrigerator, simply slice and serve. 

8. Classic Deviled Eggs 

If you are from the South you know all about classic deviled eggs. These creamy eggs are a staple at family gatherings around the country and for good reason. This Thanksgiving appetizer is made with boiled eggs filled with tangy, creamy egg filling and sprinkled with a touch of paprika for color. 

9. Sweet Potato Biscuits

Combine two of the most popular Thanksgiving foods with these homestyle sweet potato biscuits. This Thanksgiving appetizer embodies the autumn flavors of fall with warm toasty biscuits containing just a hint of sweet potato. The dough is quick and easy to make in a food processor and requires just 20 minutes of baking time.  

10. Crispy Rice Sushi 

Don’t settle for a boring and predictable Thanksgiving meal. Shake things up with crispy rice sushi for a fun Thanksgiving appetizer. Start by marinating sushi-grade spicy tuna with Sriracha, Japanese mayo and soy sauce. Next, pan-fry sushi rice squares and top them with the tuna, green onions and sesame seeds for a little crunch. 

11. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops 

Bacon-wrapped scallops are an elegant, upscale choice for Thanksgiving appetizers. This simple treat is easy to make and an absolutely delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Simply wrap scallops in bacon and secure with a toothpick. Drizzle with olive oil, generously season with salt and pepper and bake until cooked through.

12. Spiced Cranberry Sausage Balls 

Sausage balls are a holiday snacking favorite across the country. Put a festive fall spin on the classic treat with a spiced cranberry sausage ball as your Thanksgiving appetizer. This recipe uses spiced Italian sausage, dried cranberries and cream cheese for an unforgettable sweet and savory sausage ball.

13. Stuffed Dates

Medjool dates are a sticky sweet treat on their own, but this decadent stuffed date recipe makes them even better. Sweeten your Thanksgiving appetizer selection with Medjool dates stuffed with caramel, nuts and homemade rum syrup. Simple, but oh so effective.

14. Deviled Crab

By now, you know all about deviled eggs and what makes them a great Thanksgiving appetizer. But what about deviled crab? This upscale starter is sure to stun guests with its rich flavor. It’s made by combining crab, cream cheese and fragrant spices including garlic, ginger, cayenne and paprika. Sweat down an aromatic vegetable mixture of mushrooms, bell pepper, onions and celery before combining with the crab mixture. Top it all with crackers and then bake. 

15. Avocado Soup

A house full of friends and family can get stuffy fast. Cool everyone off with this chilled Thanksgiving appetizer. Avocado soup requires no cooking and is a breeze to whip up in the blender. Simply combine ingredients, blend until smooth and serve with a cucumber and apple relish topper.

16. Tuna Tataki

Keep your Thanksgiving appetizers simple with a light tuna tataki. This fresh Thanksgiving appetizer relies on the simple flavors of sushi-grade tuna mixed with ponzu, scallions and sesame seeds for an elegant bite. If you need a quick starter that doesn’t require baking or cooking, this is a great choice.

17. Brown Sugar Bacon

Upgrade everyone's favorite breakfast meat with this tasty Thanksgiving appetizer. The exquisite combo of salt, fat and sweetness makes the brown sugar bacon a treat that will keep guests coming back for more. To make this bacon, whip up a spicy brown sugar glaze with Dijon mustard, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, brushing it over the meat before baking on an oven rack until crispy.

18. Feta Cheese Foldovers 

If you are looking for an easy Thanksgiving appetizer idea that you can prepare ahead of time, try out feta cheese foldovers. These handheld treats are made with flaky pastry dough stuffed with feta cheese and green onions. You can even make them ahead of time and freeze them, perfect for saving time on the big day!

19. Parmesan Cheese Crisps

Whip up an easy two-ingredient Thanksgiving appetizer with Parmesan cheese crisps. This snack is keto, vegetarian and gluten-free for those sticking to a diet. To make these appetizers, mix shredded Parmesan with some black pepper, mold them into patties and bake until crispy.

20. Creamy Goat Cheese and Honey

Make your Thanksgiving appetizers sweet and salty with creamy goat cheese and honey snacks. This simple starter is easy to whip together quickly. Just mix chopped pecans, cinnamon rosemary and goat cheese together and then drizzle with honey to finish. 

21. Blue Cheese and Pear Tartlets 

Make your guests feel extra special with these refined blue cheese and pear tartlets. To make these dainty tarts, line a mini-muffin pan with phyllo dough then fill with blue cheese, diced pears and light cream. 

22. Olive Cheese Ball

Give the classic cheese ball appetizer an upgrade with an olive cheese ball recipe. Cheese balls are simple to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week before your event. To make a cheese ball, roll cream cheese, grated hard cheeses and spices into a ball and chill for at least eight hours. Before serving, coat your cheese ball in sliced olives and enjoy.

23. Fried Mac and Cheese 

Take the gooey goodness of mac and cheese a step further with these fried mac and cheese squares. The benefit of mac and cheese is that it’s easy to make and universally loved. To make these crispy treats, cut chilled mac and cheese into squares, batter and deep fry for an unforgettable snack.

24. Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Bring the flavors of Philly to your Thanksgiving table with these Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. These extra cheesy and meaty rolls are an easy-to-eat snack for guests who are standing and mingling. The savory filling is rolled in a wonton wrapper and deep-fried, resulting in an impressive starter to any meal.

25. Blistered Shishito Peppers

A trendy dish you can find at many restaurants, blistered shishito peppers is a Thanksgiving appetizer idea that brings trendy tastes to your table. To make this snack, blister shishito peppers in oil in a saucepan and season with salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon. If you are searching for vegan Thanksgiving recipes, this is a great option.

26. Balsamic Roasted Grapes

Want to upgrade your holiday charcuterie? Adding balsamic roasted grapes is a quick way to upgrade a popular Thanksgiving appetizer. To make this recipe, drizzle grapes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and bake for 20 minutes until soft and jammy. 

27. Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin is the flavor of the season and can be used in many diverse ways. Pumpkin hummus is a vibrant dip that everyone will enjoy. To make this simple hummus, blend chickpeas, spices and pumpkin purée and serve with crackers, pita chips or pretzels for dipping.

28. Cranberry Salsa

Mix it up with a spicy cranberry salsa for your Thanksgiving appetizer this year. This easy salsa is quick to make and requires no cooking. Toss fresh cranberries, onions, cilantro, limes and jalapeños together and enjoy with chips. It’s great on top of roasted turkey.

29. Sugar Coated Pecans

Satisfy the sweet tooth of your guests with sugar-coated pecans. This sweet Thanksgiving appetizer requires little prep time and can be ready in minutes. To make this seasonal treat, make an egg white meringue, gently fold in the pecans and bake.

30. Fried Corn 

This crispy fried corn will be the talk of your table with its bright zesty flavor and satisfying crunch. To make this Thanksgiving appetizer, boil corn then batter and fry it until crispy. Once fried, gently toss with lime juice and cilantro for a refreshing snack.

31. Air-Fried Okra

Recreate a beloved Southern side without the mess of deep frying with air-fried okra. This vegetarian Thanksgiving appetizer is a healthy choice and tastes great. To prepare the okra, coat it in a cornmeal batter and fry in the air fryer for about ten minutes. Serve with a spicy Sriracha aioli for an added kick.

32. Corn Dip

Keep it classic by serving corn dip for your Thanksgiving appetizer. This warm dip is great to enjoy on a chilly fall day. With sweet corn, butter, mayo, jalapeños and cheese, you can’t go wrong with this hearty dip.

33. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

With all the delicious dips available as Thanksgiving appetizers, it’s imperative you don’t forget the chips. Impress guests by making your own fresh chips in the air fryer with air fryer tortilla chips. These chips are healthier than store-bought and extremely simple to make — just pop oiled tortilla slices in the air fryer and wait for them to crisp.

34. Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs

Make your holiday get-together one for the books with these saucy Cape Cod cocktail meatballs. This flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer is packed with deliciousness from the combination of spicy beef mixed with cranberry sauce on top. Be sure to serve these messy bites with toothpicks to avoid a scene!

35. Beef Carpaccio

Want to impress holiday guests with a Thanksgiving appetizer fit for a high-end steakhouse? Serve beef carpaccio for a delicate and sophisticated starter that everyone can enjoy. To make beef carpaccio, chop seared tenderloin into thin slices, mix it with red wine-soaked shallots and fresh arugula and top with a drizzle of olive oil.

36. Focaccia 

Fill your house with the inviting aroma of fresh bread with a homemade focaccia. Fresh bread goes with everything and it makes a simple Thanksgiving appetizer to enjoy before dinner. Focaccia can also be topped with fresh vegetables of your choice before baking for an extra pop of flavor.

37. Chicken Pakora

Add some Indian flare to your holiday meal with spicy chicken pakoras. This popular snack is bursting with flavor, making it a great Thanksgiving appetizer to wow your guests. To make, bread chicken thigh pieces and deep fry until fully cooked through. Serve these spicy chicken bites with a green chutney for dipping and dig in.

38. Fried Avocado 

Also known as avocado fries, fried avocado is a delicious finger food perfect for serving at gatherings. This Thanksgiving appetizer only requires a few ingredients and is super simple to prepare. Slice the avocado into fry-like shapes, batter them then deep fry until crispy. Serve these creamy treats with Sriracha aioli and enjoy.

39. Fried Ravioli 

Serve up a tasty crowd-pleaser with fried ravioli. This Thanksgiving appetizer can be made by simply battering and deep frying your favorite flavor of store-bought ravioli. Or, you can go all out and make your ravioli from scratch before sending it to the fryer.

Elevate Your Holiday Celebration With Culinary Experiences

Want to sharpen up your culinary skills before the holidays roll around? Explore cooking classes near you and learn to make restaurant-quality meals from a five-star professional chef in an engaging environment. Explore a wide range of cooking classes featuring dishes from around the world including Japanese, Italian and French cuisine, and book with just a few simple clicks.

If the thought of cooking for a crowd is just too much, outsource your holiday meal preparation with private chefs near you. Private chefs handle grocery shopping, food preparation and even after-dinner cleaning, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy your meal. Your private chef can even choose the best wine for Thanksgiving for drinks that pair perfectly with every course. 

Thanksgiving is an exciting time to cook for your loved ones and enjoy a plethora of great food. From hearty meatballs to fried delicacies, you can find the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer recipe to elevate your holiday meal. Explore new flavors, gain new skills or stick to tried and true favorites while having a blast this holiday season. 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.