Thanksgiving might be about the turkey, but let’s not pretend appetizers don’t matter. A good spread keeps guests happy, gives you a breather in the kitchen, and sets the tone for the meal. These finger foods are easy to make, simple to serve, and won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Sweet potato rounds topped with guacamole and bacon are a great appetizer for Thanksgiving. They’re crispy, flavorful, and just the right size for snacking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Pumpkin Herb Cheese Ball
A pumpkin-shaped cheese ball with herbs is great for adding a fun, festive touch to your Thanksgiving table. It’s simple to make and perfect for any fall gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Herb Cheese Ball
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Pumpkin goat cheese dip with caramelized onions is a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a snack that feels just right for the season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Goat Cheese Dip
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Creamy goat cheese and butternut squash make this dip a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. Top it with tart cherry compote for a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dip
Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
These sausage balls with cheddar and cranberry are a great finger food for Thanksgiving. Serve them with cranberry sauce for dipping, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cheddar Sausage Balls
Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pancetta make these pita nachos a perfect fall-inspired appetizer. Great for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Bacon and Fontina Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon and Fontina come together in these stuffed mushrooms to create bite-sized goodness. These are easy to make and fit right into any Thanksgiving appetizer lineup without stealing your energy for the big meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Fontina Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Crispy phyllo shells filled with Brie and cranberry make these the perfect quick snack for Thanksgiving gatherings. They’re simple, festive, and a great way to impress without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups
Cranberry Chicken Meatballs
These cranberry-glazed meatballs bring a festive vibe to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re great for keeping everyone happy while the turkey finishes roasting.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Meatballs
Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese and Honey
Sweet dates, salty prosciutto, and creamy blue cheese make these bites irresistible. They’re fancy enough to look impressive but easy enough that you won’t break a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese and Honey
Cast Iron Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Bacon and pickles? Say no more. These crispy, salty bites are perfect for anyone who loves a bold snack. Toss them on the appetizer table and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
Shaped like a pumpkin, this cheese ball screams Thanksgiving. It’s cheesy, rich, and great for a spread that needs something festive but easy. Perfect for any fall party or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball
Smoked Salmon Crostini
These crostini are great for Thanksgiving appetizers with their combo of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and crispy baguette slices. They’re easy to assemble and look like you spent way more time on them than you did.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Crostini
Holiday Charcuterie Board Idea
This charcuterie board is perfect for pre-dinner snacking on Thanksgiving. Pile it high with cheeses, meats, and fruit, and let everyone graze while they wait for the main event.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Charcuterie Board Idea
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These crab-stuffed mushrooms bring a little seafood flair to your Thanksgiving spread. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Spicy, creamy, and cheesy, Buffalo chicken dip is a classic party dish that’s great for Thanksgiving appetizers. Serve it with chips, veggies, or whatever you like to dip.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Goat Cheese Croquettes
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these goat cheese croquettes are an easy win for your appetizer spread. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle some nuts for that little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Croquettes
Sweet Potato Wedges
Air fryer sweet potato wedges are quick, easy, and great for adding some extra flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Serve them as a snack or side dish—either way, they’re sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy Paneer Fingers
These crispy paneer fingers are an easy snack that’ll add some variety to your Thanksgiving lineup. Serve them with chutney or dip for a fun and flavorful addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Paneer Fingers
Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Puff pastry filled with Brie and cranberry sauce is about as easy as it gets, and these bites are perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re festive, flaky, and just fancy enough to feel special.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites with Puff Pastry
Wontons
These cream cheese wontons are crispy, cheesy, and great for adding a little something different to your appetizer spread. Easy to make and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Wontons
Roasted Garlic and Whipped Feta
Whipped feta with roasted garlic is a simple and great option for Thanksgiving. Spread it on crostini or serve it as a dip—either way, it’s a no-brainer for the appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic and Whipped Feta
Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie
Phyllo shells filled with caramelized onions and Brie make these tartlets a perfect bite-sized appetizer. Easy to prep ahead and great for keeping everyone happy while they wait for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie
Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes
Broccoli and potatoes get a quick air fryer treatment for a snack or side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Minimal prep and big flavor make these a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli Potatoes
Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta
These tartlets combine crispy phyllo, creamy feta, and a burst of cranberry. They’re festive, simple to make, and perfect for a Thanksgiving crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Tartlets with Whipped Feta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
