Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving appetizers are more than just a warm-up for the main meal, they set the mood for a festive, flavorful holiday gathering. We always struggle with deciding on the appropriate amount of appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner- too many and you are too full, not enough and you are starving for dinner. But in reality, nobody really regrets too many appetizers, they are too tasty!

Titled graphic collage of 12 appetizer images.

Planning your Thanksgiving recipe appetizers lineup doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful additions, you can create a spread that’s both festive and practical. These Thanksgiving appetizers are easy enough to prep ahead or assemble quickly and are perfect for busy hosts.

Preparing for fall dinners? Make sure to check our easy fall recipes plus soup and bread!

buffalo chicken wonton cups placed in a wooden serving tray and white serving plate.

Why We Love These Recipes

They make hosting easier.
These simple bites help keep everyone happy while the turkey finishes roasting. With options like dips and finger foods, you can prep many ahead and serve with little fuss.
They work for any type of celebration.
These appetizers fit right in at everything from formal family dinners to casual holiday potlucks. With a mix of warm and cold options, these Thanksgiving recipes appetizers can easily match your gathering style.
They feel special without being complicated.
Using familiar fall flavors and pantry staples, these Thanksgiving appetizers easy to make still feel festive and thoughtful, giving your guests something to nibble on that’s both seasonal and satisfying.

Thanksgiving Appetizers Easy Recipe

Before the turkey hits the table, start the celebration with Thanksgiving appetizers easy enough for any host to pull off, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. These no-fuss bites bring delicious variety without taking up your oven space or your time. This list has just the right starters to keep everyone satisfied while the main feast finishes up.

A round charcuterie board mixed with bread, meat, tomatoes, fruits, and cheese.

Easy Charcuterie Board

Create the perfect easy charcuterie board for the holidays, game day, or any gathering! Follow our step-by-step guide to impress your guests.

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Firecracker Meatballs

These firecracker meatballs are sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor! Try this spicy meatball recipe with bold firecracker sauce for an easy meal!

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Spicy Deviled Eggs

Craving a flavor explosion? Spicy Deviled Eggs are the answer. Creamy, spicy, and ready in minutes, they're the perfect party starter.

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Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are a simple yet flavorful appetizer, filled with a creamy cheese mixture and baked until perfectly tender.

Check out this recipe

White plate topped with mini stuffed peppers on a white background.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites

Buffalo chicken dip bites are the perfect party appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and packed with spicy flavor! Ready in under 30 minutes and always a hit!

Check out this recipe

A plate of buffalo chicken balls topped with parsley.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Warm It Up Last Minute
Use your oven on low heat to warm appetizers just before guests arrive. It makes even make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers taste freshly baked, just pop them in for 10–15 minutes at 300°F.

a hand holding a tater tots appetizer up close with more in the background on a wooden platter.

Tater Tot Appetizer Cups

Delight guests with loaded tater tots appetizers stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream – get the tots recipe it's perfect for parties or game day!

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Sweet Chili Meatballs

These sweet chili meatballs are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors! Try this easy meatball recipe for a delicious meal or appetizer.

Check out this recipe

sweet chili meatballs with slices of lime places in a baking sheet.

Buffalo Chicken Wontons

These buffalo chicken wontons are the perfect crispy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer for game day or parties—easy to make and packed with flavor!

Check out this recipe

buffalo chicken wonton cups placed in a wooden serving tray.

Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers

Stuffed jalapeno poppers are a game day snack worth craving! Our stuffed jalapeno recipe uses cream cheese and cheddar to mellow the heat.

Check out this recipe

Jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar cheese.

Baked Camembert Bread Appetizer

This baked camembert and bread appetizer is a delicious way to celebrate the holidays. Our recipe is easy to make using frozen bread dough!

Check out this recipe

a close up photo of baked camembert and bread ring on top of a wooden board.

Thanksgiving Dips

When guests start to arrive and the house fills with holiday buzz, having a few Thanksgiving dips ready to serve is a game-changer. These shareable spreads are perfect for grazing while the main course cooks, offering creamy, cheesy, or savory bites with crackers, veggies, or bread.

Nachos topping it with cheese sauce using a wooden spoon.

Velveeta Cheese Dip

Make the best Velveeta cheese dip recipe with Rotel! Creamy, zesty, and perfect for parties or game days, it’s easy to make and always a hit. Grab the recipe and share it at your next event for the winning touchdown!

Check out this recipe

Nachos topped with cheese sauce and garnish on a round plate.

Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Creamy feta roasted red pepper dip is a flavorful appetizer made with roasted red peppers, feta, and olive oil. Enjoy this dip with pita or veggies!

Check out this recipe

roasted red pepper feta dip in a white bowl with spoon above it and placed in a parchment paper and a striped cloth, bowl of pita chips and salt in the background.

Smoked Queso Dip

Make the best smoked queso dip recipe with spicy chorizo and melty cheese! This smoked queso recipe is perfect for game day & parties. Try it today!

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Dipping a tortilla chip into a cast iron skillet of smoked queso dip.

Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe

This Knorr spinach dip recipe is creamy, savory, and perfect for parties! Try this easy Knorr veggie dip spinach with your favorite dippers.

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Knorr spinach dip on a serving rectangular bowl. Served on top of a round wooden board with crackers and vegetables.

Cajun Crab Dip

This creamy Cajun crab dip is full of bold flavor and seafood goodness! Make this easy shrimp and crab dip recipe for your next party.

Check out this recipe

A bowl of cajun crab dip with shrimp with a spoon.

🎯 TFN Pro Tip

Prep Ahead for Less Stress
Many Thanksgiving recipes appetizers can be made a day in advance. Dips, spreads, and finger foods store well in the fridge, just cover tightly and place on your serving tray when ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Thanksgiving dips in small bowls or ramekins with an assortment of dippers like sliced sourdough bread, crunchy vegetables, pretzels, or sturdy crackers. For a festive touch, surround the bowls with fresh herbs, mini pumpkins, or dried cranberries on the platter.

Once guests have enjoyed the dips and small bites, keep the meal flowing with classic mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a herb-stuffed chicken breast. Balance the rich flavors with comforting sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and sweet potato bake. Offer drinks like apple cider, cranberry spritzers, or a warm mulled wine to complement the savory flavors. Finish with a dessert spread that includes pumpkin custard, pecan bars, or a spiced apple cobbler, perfect fall flavors to end the celebration on a sweet note.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare holiday appetizers?

Many fall appetizers for party can be made ahead! Cold dips, cheese balls, or veggie trays can be prepped the day before, while warm options like stuffed mushrooms or baked brie can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving.

How many appetizers should I serve before Thanksgiving dinner?

Plan for 3–4 different light Thanksgiving appetizers if you’re serving a full meal. This gives guests variety without spoiling their appetite before the main course.

How can I keep my appetizers warm until it’s time to serve?

Use a slow cooker, warming tray, or even a low oven to keep your Thanksgiving food ideas appetizers at the perfect temperature. Covered dishes also help trap heat and keep everything ready to enjoy.

Large cast iron skillet full of smoked chorizo queso.

More Thanksgiving Recipes to Love…

If you tried these Thanksgiving appetizers or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram for more. Thanks for visiting!