90 Thanksgiving Appetizers for Your Big Family Feast
These bites keep guests satisfied before the turkey.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When Thanksgiving Day arrives, your guests are sure to show up hungry! But while you put the finishing touches on your holiday pies or whisk up a quick turkey gravy, you'll want to ensure that everyone's hunger is kept at bay. Enter: Thanksgiving appetizers! (It’s the key to being a good host.) All you need are a few small bites, party dips, or even a Thanksgiving charcuterie board to make sure your food-filled day is off to a good start. Luckily, this list has it all including fun new starters like crispy smashed Brussels sprouts, bacon appetizers, and a whipped goat cheese dip.
Of course, there are plenty of fall appetizers that are as comforting as your favorite mashed potatoes. For instance, there's gooey, melty baked brie, cozy cocktail meatballs, and tons of fall soup recipes. Looking to keep things a little lighter? The Thanksgiving meal is packed with hearty dishes, so you might opt for an appetizer that isn't too filling or too complicated like the shaved Brussels sprouts salad or the pumpkin hummus. If time is your concern, don't panic! Many of these starters are make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, like the easy spiced-up potato chips or the cranberry-pecan cheese ball. You'll never be stuck with hungry guests again. Just be sure to pour them a Thanksgiving cocktail while you're at it.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
You've never had Brussels sprouts like this before! The crispy bites are flattened and baked with lemon pepper seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. Then, they’re served up with a creamy lemon sauce for dipping.
Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese
This quick, creamy dip is a no-brainer for holidays and beyond! It’s topped with a crunchy pancetta and breadcrumb topping that anyone would love.
Get Ree’s Whipped Goat Cheese recipe.
Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread
Ree likes to have this sweet and savory flatbread handy whenever guests arrive. It’s made with store-bought pizza dough so it couldn’t be easier.
Get Ree’s Blue Cheese and Pear Flatbread recipe.
Hot Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
You’ll want to dive head first into this cheesy dip! It’s loaded with rich caramelized onions, smoky bacon, scallions, and monterey jack cheese.
Get Ree’s Hot Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip recipe.
Chicken Sausages in a Blanket
Flaky puff pastry wrapped around chicken-apple sausages is the perfect bite. Especially when you serve it up with a tangy maple mustard dipping sauce.
Get Ree’s Chicken Sausages in a Blanket recipe.
Antipasto Skewers
Stack all your charcuterie board favorites onto a skewer for each guest to grab. It’s a fun way to serve up meats, cheeses, pickle veggies, and more!
Get the Antipasto Skewers recipe.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
The classic combination of ham and cheese is even better when rolled up in a flaky crescent roll dough. Not to mention, there's ranch seasoning and poppy seeds on top for texture and flavor.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Sausage Balls
These poppable bites were made for snacking on all day long! Just put them out with a honey mustard dipping sauce and watch them disappear.
Get the Sausage Balls recipe.
Shrimp Dip
If you're a fan of shrimp cocktail, then you'll love this creamy dip! It's made with fresh shrimp and cocktail sauce, then served with crackers for dipping.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
Collard Green Salad
A hearty salad is always a good idea when you want to keep things fresh on Thanksgiving. Here, collard greens are tossed with fun mix-ins, like crispy fried onions, black-eyed peas, and crunchy peanuts.
Get the Collard Green Salad recipe.
Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls
If your Thanksgiving menu doesn't call for dinner rolls, then you're missing out! It's even better when those rolls are drenched in a sweet and salty combination of maple syrup and crispy bacon.
Get the Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls recipe.
Pull-Apart Pesto Turkey Sliders
These sliders are just as tasty on Thanksgiving as they are for any Friendsgiving celebration you have planned this season. The ground turkey, melty cheese, and pesto filling make for a satisfying snack.
Get Ree's Pull-Apart Pesto Turkey Sliders recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
There's something about serving up homemade cheese twists at a party that just feels so elegant. And this variation is perfect for an autumnal get-together thanks to the layer of apple butter.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Spinach Artichoke Cups
Spinach artichoke fans will go crazy for this bite-sized snack! Each wonton cup is filled with a spoonful of the creamy, cheesy dip.
Get Ree's Spinach Artichoke Cups recipe.
Sausage Dip
You only need five minutes to whip up this easy dip. It's perfect for when your guests arrive unexpectedly early!
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
Popovers
For a delightful dinner roll alternative, make a pan of airy and fluffy popovers! They're a breeze to prepare because, unlike most roll recipes, there's no kneading necessary. You won't be able to stop at just one!
Get the Popovers recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Blue cheese-stuffed dates get a sticky-sweet and spicy twist when they're wrapped in bacon, topped with jalapeños, and covered in a honey glaze.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Upside Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts
Here's an elegant autumnal appetizer: radish tarts! Inspired by TikTok, this viral recipe calls for store-bought puff pastry so you can quickly prep a batch that's perfect for Thanksgiving.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeño peppers are all you need to make these crowd-pleasing bites. Ree suggests doubling or tripling the recipe based on the number of people you're serving.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Over-the-top charcuterie boards are so popular these days, and this one is perfect for a fall holiday. The cheeses and meats are accompanied by jam-stuffed brie and pumpkin hummus.
Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip Takes Five Minutes
Serve These Loaded Nachos Straight From The Pan
Easy Tailgate Appetizers to Kick Off Game Day
Melon Feta Skewers Are So Easy To Make
