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Home » Roundups » 30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Published: October 17, 2022 Last Modified: October 20, 2022 By Sara 19 Comments

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

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A collage of pictures of Thanksgiving appetizer recipes like a charcuterie board, artichoke dip and bacon wrapped smokies.
A collage of pictures of Thanksgiving appetizer recipes like a charcuterie board, artichoke dip and bacon wrapped smokies.

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 an appetizer so good that you’ll almost forget about dinner!

A group of images of Thanksgiving appetizer recipes like pigs in a blanket, baked brie and cheese ball bites.

Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner 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, something to munch on is a must.

I have gathered up a list of amazing recipes that will delight friends and family. I love hearty Thanksgiving appetizers that are cheesy, 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 like pesto dip, cheese ball bites and the classic bacon deviled eggs. 

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 appetizers 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!

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

A collection of images of Thanksgiving appetizer recipes like a cheese ball, bacon deviled eggs and bacon wrapped dates.
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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These antipasto skewers are an assortment of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto a stick for a super easy yet elegant appetizer.
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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A skillet of artichoke dip with a hand reaching to take a serving.
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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A plate of bacon deviled eggs garnished with sliced chives and smoked paprika.
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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A plate of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese.
Cheese Ball Bites
These easy make ahead cheese ball bites are the perfect elegant appetizer for any gathering!
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These cheese ball bites are the perfect appetizer for any gathering.
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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A bowl of creamy dill dip served with potato chips and vegetables.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
These bacon wrapped smokies are cocktail 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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A serving plate of bacon wrapped smokies with parsley and a side of ketchup.
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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Baked brie cut open with cheese spilling out.
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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A cheese ball with a serving scooped out.
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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The best cheese board with assorted cheeses, bread, crackers, fruit and nuts.
A group of snacks for Thanksgiving like crockpot little smokies, garlic knots and fried mushrooms.
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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A stack of cheese bombs with melted cheddar cheese oozing out of them.
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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Crab stuffed mushrooms with cremini mushroom caps filled with a creamy seafood filling.
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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A crock pot full of cranberry meatballs.
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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A sheet pan of fried mushrooms garnished with parsley.
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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A bowl of grape jelly meatballs served with cocktail forks.
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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These easy garlic knots are smothered in butter, garlic, herbs and parmesan and are baked to golden brown perfection. A quick side dish for any meal!
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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Chex mix in a white serving bowl.
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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Make your own ranch dip and skip all the MSG and preservatives in the store bought kind.
Crockpot Little Smokies
These little smokies are cocktail 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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A bowl of crockpot little smokies with a fork in it.
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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A plate of mini quiche filled with meats, vegetables and cheeses.
A collection of recipes for holiday snacks like potato skins, sausage cheese balls and a veggie tray.
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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A bowl of pesto dipped topped with tomatoes and served with breads and vegetables.
Pigs in a Blanket
Pigs in a blanket is a classic party snack made with cocktail 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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A plate of pigs in a blanket served with ketchup.
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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A serving plate of potato skins topped with bacon and sour cream.
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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A plate of prosciutto wrapped asparagus garnished with fresh parsley.
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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Pumpkin dip served with apples, gingersnap cookies and graham crackers.
Sausage Cheese Balls
These easy sausage cheese balls are the perfect party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor!
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A platter of sausage cheese balls with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
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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Sausage stuffed mushrooms filled with Italian sausage and three types of cheese.
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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A Thanksgiving charcuterie board made with meats, cheeses, crackers, fruit and fall themed sweets.
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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A large veggie tray with assorted fresh and steamed vegetables, ranch dip and hummus.
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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These beer brat bites are the perfect party snack.

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.

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    Comments

    1. Danielle says

      November 1, 2022 at 6:57 am

      Wow, really love the way this page is laid out! Ive read through many blog posts where its difficult to follow a link to a particular site for the recipe and there is always an entire page of story before you get to the good stuff. Well done, this is going to help out my Thanksgiving Day preparations.

      Reply
    2. Kathleen says

      October 31, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      What a fantastic list of appetizers. They all look so good. I need to start preparing now because my family is going to want all of these.

      Reply
    3. Gina Abernathy says

      October 31, 2022 at 1:51 pm

      A wonderful list of so many great recipes. I like to snack on dips and little smokies! Bring on the holidays!

      Reply
    4. Dana says

      October 31, 2022 at 1:10 pm

      This is a fantastic collection of appetizers! I never know what to do for Thanksgiving appetizers so I’m bookmarking this for inspiration.

      Reply
    5. Dannii says

      October 31, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      Oh wow, so much amazing choice. Those cranberry meatballs sound amazing.

      Reply
    6. Renee B says

      October 31, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      Oh my gosh, I am drooling just scrolling thru all these tasty bites! These are all such great picks – it’s so hard to choose a favorite.

      Reply
    7. Joyce Brewre says

      November 7, 2017 at 7:04 am

      I love a good dip appetizer before a meal. Thanks for sharing such an amazing selection to choose from!

      Reply
    8. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      November 6, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      This is a fabulous list! Would love to add some of these to our holiday menu!

      Reply
    9. Anderson says

      November 6, 2017 at 8:41 pm

      I’m saving this post. We’re going to host Thanksgiving party this year and will try some of these recipes. Awesome share!

      Reply
    10. tonya says

      November 6, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      I make several appetizers when hosting guests for Thanksgiving and this year I really wanted to come up with a few new ones. This list is exactly what I needed! Now to narrow down the options.

      Reply
    11. Claudia Krusch says

      November 6, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      I am always looking for new recipes to try. I will have to start with the Cheddar and Chive Pumpkin Cheeseball. I am sure it will be a big hit.

      Reply
    12. brianne says

      November 6, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      My mouth is watering right now. These all look like such great ideas!

      Reply
    13. Pam says

      November 6, 2017 at 4:37 pm

      I don’t think we ever actually serve appetizers for Thanksgiving. That needs to change.

      Reply
    14. Travel Blogger says

      November 6, 2017 at 2:30 pm

      This is such an amazing list! I love to go all out with the appetizers, and so many of these would be amazing for our Thanksgiving! Those cranberry feta pinwheels sound so incredible! Yum!

      Reply
    15. Liz Mays says

      November 6, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      I need to try doing a few new appetizers this year. The Pigs in Puff Pastry Blankets might be fun and I know I’d like the cranberry meatballs.

      Reply
    16. Maureen says

      November 6, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      I want to try the pumpkin cheesecake ball, it sounds different and interesting. I am sure it will be a hit at the Thanksgiving gathering!

      Reply
    17. Dogvills says

      November 6, 2017 at 12:41 pm

      Oh yummy! These all look so good! I haven’t planned out our Thanksgiving dinner yet, so I may pick one hot and one cold appetizer from your list. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    18. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

      November 6, 2017 at 7:57 am

      This is absolutely amazing! There is so much Thanksgiving deliciousness here! I can’t wait to put out a ton of appetizers this year.

      Reply
    19. robin rue says

      November 6, 2017 at 7:28 am

      You have so many great ideas here. I am going away for thanksgiving, but having a small pre-thanksgiving get together beforehand, so these are perfect.

      Reply

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