13 Tasty and Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends. While the turkey often takes center stage, appetizers play a crucial role in setting the tone for the day. That’s why I’ve gathered 13 tasty and easy Thanksgiving appetizers

Appetizers not only keep guests satisfied while they await the main meal but also spark conversation and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This post explores an array of delicious Thanksgiving appetizers that will elevate your holiday menu and keep your guests happily munching until the turkey is served.

The popularity of appetizers during Thanksgiving has grown significantly in recent years. These bite-sized delights have become essential for entertaining.

You always want to greet guests, whether family friend, grandma, or Aunt Alice, with a little bite of goodness.

Whether it’s a cheese board adorned with seasonal fruits or a warm dip bubbling with flavor, appetizers offer a chance to showcase creativity and cater to diverse tastes.

They serve as a bridge between the hustle and bustle of kitchen preparations and the formal sit-down dinner, allowing everyone to mingle and enjoy each other’s company.

If watching a football game is on your Thanksgiving agenda, then having some delicious munchies are nice for the game watchers.

Including appetizers in your Thanksgiving menu is not just about filling stomachs; it’s about enhancing the overall dining experience.

When family and friends arrive at your home for a the Thanksgiving meal, a well-curated selection of starters can complement your main dishes, introducing flavors that harmonize beautifully with traditional fare.

It’s Bluesky Browsing #156, and I have discovered some fabulous Thanksgiving appetizer ideas for you.

At Thanksgiving, with its hearty menu, appetizers should provide small dishes to take the hunger edge off guests’ appetite. They also give you a time to relax and enjoy the time before Thanksgiving dinner time.

Having appetizers on hand ensures that no one goes hungry while waiting for the main event, making your gathering more enjoyable for all. In this post, you’ll discover an enticing variety of Thanksgiving appetizers that range from simple to sophisticated.

From comforting classics like bacon-wrapped dates to elegant options like cranberry brie bites, there’s something to please every palate.

NOTE: Appetizers before the biggest meal of the year shouldn’t be heavy or filling. They should whet the appetite, not stuff it.

TIP: Depending on the size of your guest list, I would pick 2 or 3 appetizer recipes that compliment each other.

TIP: If guests offer to bring a dish, give them one of appetizer recipes to make. Tell them it’s a new one you’ve wanted to try.

What Was the Criteria for These Fall Appetizers?

  • I wanted to find a variety of recipes for different tastes.
  • I looked for different ingredients to choose from.
  • Easy for all culinary skill levels.
  • Appetizers that can be made ahead and chilled or heated at serving time.
  • Appetizers with different textures.
  • Appetizers that are bite-size, easy to serve and easy to eat.
  • Appetizers that do not require any utensils – basically finger food.
  • Appetizers that are appealing to the senses. They have to look delicious.

I hope that you will love these delicious Thanksgiving appetizer ideas as much I do.

cranberry brie bites Thanksgiving appetizer

Cranberry Brie Bites

Kristin of Yellow Bliss Road shares
these little treats that are the perfect handheld bite. They’ve got everything a good finger food should have – sweetness from the cranberry and orange sauce, creamy cheesy brie and a crunchy vessel made from bread dough to hold it all in!

bacon cheddar jalapeno poppers Thanksgiving appetizer

Crunchy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

Love of Munchin Time shares a favorite with a flavor twist. Since Thanksgiving dishes normally do no have spice, a little heat is a good way to start the festivities. Jalapeno Poppers with Cheddar Cheese Recipe is a quick and easy appetizer perfect for hosting any crowd.

cornucopia charcuterie cups Thanksgiving appetizer

Cornucopia Charcuterie Cups

Impress your guests with these beautiful little individual charcuterie cups from My Heavenly Recipes using dough bread shaped into little cornucopias! This is an impressive Thanksgiving appetizer.

Thanksgiving appetizer deviled eggs

Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs

Who doesn’t love deviled eggs? Lisa of Delicious Table offers these Thanksgiving deviled eggs that are an easy appetizer party food idea. Gorgeous fall color, garnished with sage and thyme to celebrate the season.

maple glazed bacon wrapped dates Thanksgiving appetizer on a plate

Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Noel of Kapnosk Dining Club shares a combination of sweet and savory in this appetizer. She starts with a base of dates, stuffs them with goat cheese or almonds, then wraps them in smoky bacon. A drizzle of maple syrup is added right before they go into the oven – it’s the best part.

Thanksgiving appetizer bruschetta cheeseball

Bruschetta Cheeseball

What’s a party without a fabulous cheeseball? Jennifer of Carlsbad Cravings‘ Bruschetta Cheese Ball takes just minutes to whip up, then chilled in the fridge. Loaded with fresh ingredients then rolled in crispy panko breadcrumbs and served with toasted baguette slices – it looks irresistibly delicious! 

bourbon bacon jam crostini Thanksgiving appetizer

Bourbon Maple Jam Crostini

Lightly toasted crostini is topped with creamy brie cheese and a sweet and savory bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar bacon jam to create the perfect bite. The bourbon bacon jam can be made in advance making it the perfect appetizer for entertaining. From Lisa of The Savory Chipolla.

roasted grape phyllo cups Thanksgiving appetizer

Roasted Grape Cups

Anne of Craving Something Healthy makes a healthy appetizer with this roasted grapes phyllo cup appetizer. It will delight your guests with its sweet and savory combination of roasted grapes, thyme, blue cheese, and walnuts. They’re incredibly easy to whip up in just a few minutes, and an ideal light appetizer for Thanksgiving.

pumpkin and whipped feta Thanksgiving appetizer

Pumpkin and Feta Dip

Pumpkin comes in all forms. How about a dip? Carrie of Walder Wellness shares this hummus-like dish. The pumpkin-whipped feta is paired with honey, walnuts, and fresh thyme. The recipe can be made in advance, with an option to serve as crostini. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that your guests will love!

pear and gorgonzola on toasted bread Thanksgiving appetizer

Pear, Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Crostini

I love an appetizer with fruit. Lindsey of Lindsey Eats has one with the perfect fall fruit. – pears. This appetizer has so many flavors going on and is a great balance with sweet, tangy and salty. Crusty garlicky sourdough bread is lathered on a creamy gorgonzola spread and topped with pears wrapped with prosciutto.

sweet potato rounds with cheese and balsamic Thanksgiving appetizer

Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Balsamic

Normally I wouldn’t choose an appetizer containing sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving appetizer, but Ryan of Chisel and Fork had me with this one. These sweet potato rounds with goat cheese are finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and honey, making them the perfect finger food.

Thanksgiving appetizer creamed corn cups

Creamed Corn Biscuit Cups

Aleka of Aleka’s Get Together takes a loved side dish and turns it into a yummy appetizer. These Creamed Corn Biscuit Cups are an easy Thanksgiving appetizer that is super creamy and buttery! Everyone will devour these morsels way before the turkey hits the table!

camelized onion mushroom gruyere bites Thanksgiving appetizer

Carmelized Onion Apple and Mushroom Bites

This caramelized onion, mushroom, apple and gruyere puff pastry appetizer recipe from Julie of Table for Two Blog is a must-make starter for Thanksgiving—or really for any party. No one can resist flaky, buttery puff pastry, especially when it’s topped with melty cheese and sweet onions!

Here are more Thanksgiving appetizers ideas; check out these recipes:

To see even more fall appetizer ideas, please VISIT and FOLLOW these Pinterest Boards: Thanksgiving Appetizers and Appetizers and Small Bites.

I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy.

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