25 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers That Won’t Spoil Dinner
The key to hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner is keeping your guests happy while the turkey finishes cooking. These appetizers strike the perfect balance – they’re satisfying enough to curb hunger pangs but won’t fill anyone up before the main event.
From make-ahead options that save you precious oven time to quick assembly bites that come together in minutes, these crowd-pleasers celebrate all the classic fall flavors without overwhelming your menu or your schedule.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These elegant little pastries are pure holiday magic in every bite. The creamy, buttery brie melts beautifully against the tart sweetness of cranberries, all nestled in flaky puff pastry. They’re surprisingly easy to make and can be prepped hours ahead, then popped in the oven when guests arrive.
The combination of textures and flavors feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for busy hosts. They disappear fast, so consider doubling the batch.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Hummus with Cinnamon Pita Chips
This seasonal twist on classic hummus brings warm autumn spices to your appetizer spread. The pumpkin adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange color that screams fall. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy, with hints of cumin and paprika balancing the pumpkin’s sweetness.
The homemade cinnamon pita chips add the perfect crunch and complement the hummus beautifully. Best of all, both components can be made days ahead, making this a stress-free option for busy hosts.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
These colorful spirals are like a Thanksgiving sandwich rolled up into perfect bite-sized portions. The cream cheese base keeps everything moist while adding tangy richness that pairs beautifully with savory turkey and sharp cheese.
They slice cleanly and look impressive on a platter, but they’re actually one of the easiest appetizers you can make. Kids love them too, making them perfect for multi-generational gatherings. Make them the night before and slice just before serving for maximum convenience.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
Roasted sweet potato slices become the perfect canvas for creamy goat cheese and whatever toppings strike your fancy. The natural sweetness of the potatoes caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating tender rounds with slightly crispy edges.
The tangy goat cheese provides a lovely contrast, while toppings like chopped pecans or dried cranberries add texture and visual appeal. They’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making them inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions.
Get the recipe here.
Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
Why wait for dinner to enjoy stuffing? These mushroom caps are packed with all the savory, herby goodness you love about traditional stuffing. The mushrooms release their moisture as they bake, creating incredibly tender caps filled with seasoned breadcrumbs and aromatics.
They taste like mini versions of your favorite Thanksgiving side dish and can be assembled hours ahead. The best part is they won’t compete with your actual stuffing – they’ll just build excitement for it.
Get the recipe here.
Spicy Maple Dijon Grilled Brussels Sprouts
This vibrant side dish elevates humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet experience. Halved sprouts are grilled until charred and tender, then tossed in a glaze combining sweet maple syrup with tangy Dijon mustard and a kick of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars while creating crispy edges, while the maple-Dijon coating adds layers of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. This recipe transforms a often-maligned vegetable into an irresistible dish that works perfectly as a holiday side or weeknight accompaniment.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cider Meatballs
These aren’t your typical cocktail meatballs – they’re infused with the warm, spiced flavors of apple cider that instantly transport you to a cozy autumn day. The sauce is sweet and tangy with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
They’re incredibly tender and juicy, and the apple cider reduction creates a beautiful glaze that clings to each meatball. You can make them in a slow cooker to free up oven space, and they stay warm and delicious for hours.
Get the recipe here.
Harvest Charcuterie Board
This isn’t just a cheese board – it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty arranged on a beautiful platter. Think aged cheddars, creamy camembert, seasonal fruits like pears and figs, candied nuts, and artisanal crackers.
The key is balancing flavors and textures while incorporating autumn colors and ingredients. It requires zero cooking and can be assembled hours ahead, making it perfect for stressed hosts. Plus, it naturally encourages mingling as guests graze and chat around the board.
Get the recipe here.
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
All the comfort of butternut squash soup in a perfectly portioned shot glass. These elegant little servings are velvety smooth with warm spices like nutmeg and sage that capture the essence of fall.
They’re surprisingly rich and satisfying despite the small portion size. The presentation is impressive, and they can be made completely ahead and reheated gently before serving. A dollop of cream or toasted pumpkin seeds on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Get the recipe here.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Cranberry Glaze (RECIPE CHANGED)
These restaurant-quality appetizers are easier to make than you might think and absolutely show-stopping on a platter. The scallops become incredibly tender and sweet while the bacon crisps up perfectly around them.
The cranberry glaze adds a tart-sweet element that ties into Thanksgiving flavors beautifully. They cook quickly, so they’re perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Just be sure to buy dry-packed scallops for the best searing and flavor.
Get the recipe here.
Mini Corn Bread Muffins with Honey Butter
These bite-sized muffins are like little pillows of comfort with a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The honey butter is the perfect accompaniment – sweet, creamy, and infused with floral honey notes.
They’re warm, comforting, and remind everyone of the delicious bread course coming with dinner. You can make them in mini muffin tins for perfect portion control, and they freeze beautifully if you want to get ahead on prep.
Get the recipe here.
Roasted Acorn Squash Crostini
These beautiful appetizers showcase fall’s most gorgeous squash in thin, caramelized slices atop crispy bread. The squash becomes incredibly sweet and tender when roasted, with edges that caramelize beautifully.
Topped with creamy ricotta or goat cheese and perhaps some fresh herbs, they’re both rustic and elegant. The colors are absolutely stunning – perfect autumn oranges and golds that make your appetizer table look magazine-worthy. They’re also naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey Cranberry Cheese Ball
This isn’t your grandmother’s cheese ball – though she’d definitely approve. It’s packed with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bits of turkey and dried cranberries that give it incredible flavor and texture.
The exterior coating of chopped nuts or herbs makes it beautiful and adds extra crunch. It’s make-ahead friendly and actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette, and watch it disappear as guests discover how addictive it is.
Get the recipe here.
Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tartlets
These sophisticated little tarts taste like something from a fancy bakery but are surprisingly manageable to make at home. The caramelized onions become incredibly sweet and jammy, while the Gruyere adds nutty richness that elevates the entire bite.
Using pre-made tartlet shells saves time without sacrificing quality. They’re best served warm, when the cheese is still slightly melty and the onions are at their most fragrant and flavorful.
Get the recipe here.
Pear and Prosciutto Appetizer Bites
The combination of sweet, juicy pears with salty, paper-thin prosciutto is absolutely divine and captures the essence of fall entertaining. Add a dollop of creamy cheese or a drizzle of honey, and you have sophisticated appetizer that looks and tastes expensive but requires zero cooking.
The textures play beautifully together – tender fruit, silky meat, and whatever creamy or crunchy elements you add. They assemble quickly and always impress guests with their elegant simplicity.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
Traditional deviled eggs get a seasonal makeover with the addition of pumpkin puree and warm spices. The filling becomes incredibly creamy and takes on a beautiful orange color that’s perfect for fall.
The pumpkin adds subtle sweetness while spices like paprika and cumin keep things savory. They’re familiar enough that everyone will try them, but different enough to spark conversation. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Get the recipe here.
Sage and Brown Butter Popcorn
This isn’t movie theater popcorn – it’s an elevated snacking experience that’s surprisingly addictive. The brown butter adds incredible nutty richness while fresh sage becomes crispy and aromatic when fried in the butter.
It’s salty, savory, and has an almost restaurant-quality flavor that will have guests asking for the recipe. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly appetizers on any table, and you can make large batches easily to feed a crowd.
Get the recipe here.
Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls
These adorable individual cheese balls are shaped like tiny pumpkins and are almost too cute to eat. The cheese mixture is rich and flavorful, often incorporating herbs and spices that complement the fall theme.
Rolling them in orange-colored nuts or cheese creates the pumpkin appearance, while a small herb sprig mimics the stem. They’re portion-controlled and eliminate the awkward cheese ball cutting situation. Plus, they photograph beautifully for social media-worthy appetizer spreads.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Brie Crostini with Walnuts, Honey, & Thyme
This elegant appetizer combines creamy brie cheese with crisp apple slices on toasted baguette rounds, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Toasted walnuts add earthy crunch while a drizzle of honey provides natural sweetness that complements the tangy cheese.
Fresh thyme leaves contribute an aromatic herbal note that elevates the entire dish. These crostini work beautifully for entertaining, offering sophisticated flavors that pair well with wine.
Thanksgiving Antipasto Skewers
These colorful skewers capture all the best parts of an antipasto platter in convenient, hand-held form. Think cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and perhaps some turkey or salami, all threaded together for easy eating.
The key is balancing flavors and colors while incorporating some fall elements like dried cranberries or small pieces of roasted vegetables. They’re endlessly customizable and can accommodate various dietary preferences on the same platter.
Get the recipe here.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Three Ways
Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds from your jack-o’-lanterns or cooking projects! Roasted pumpkin seeds are incredibly nutritious and can be seasoned in countless ways. Try sweet versions with cinnamon and sugar, savory options with garlic and herbs, or spicy varieties with chili powder and lime.
They’re naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and have an addictive crunch. Plus, they’re essentially free since you’re using something that would otherwise be discarded.
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Phyllo Cups
These delicate pastry cups are filled with a sweet-tart mixture that perfectly captures Thanksgiving flavors. The cream cheese base is rich and tangy, while dried or fresh cranberries add bursts of tartness and beautiful color.
The phyllo cups provide a delicate, flaky contrast that’s much easier than making pastry from scratch. They look incredibly elegant on a platter and can be assembled hours ahead. The filling possibilities are endless – try adding nuts, herbs, or different fruits.
Get the recipe here.
Mini Sweet Potato Casserole Bites
All the comfort of traditional sweet potato casserole in perfect, poppable portions. These little bites capture the creamy, spiced sweet potato base topped with marshmallows or streusel that everyone loves about the classic side dish.
They’re sweet enough to feel like dessert but savory enough to work as an appetizer. Using mini muffin tins creates perfect portion control, and they can be made ahead and reheated. They’re pure nostalgia in every bite.
Get the recipe here.
Turkey and Stuffing Sliders
These mini sandwiches are like Thanksgiving dinner condensed into perfect handheld portions. Soft slider buns hold tender turkey, savory stuffing, and often cranberry sauce or gravy for the complete experience.
They satisfy hearty appetites without being too filling before the main meal. You can use leftover turkey and stuffing, making them perfect for day-after-Thanksgiving entertaining. The familiar flavors make them crowd-pleasers for all ages.
Get the recipe here.
Autumn Vegetable Hummus Platter
This colorful spread showcases the best of fall’s harvest arranged around creamy, seasonal hummus variations. Think roasted beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower alongside traditional crudités. The hummus might be classic, or you could offer seasonal varieties like butternut squash or roasted red pepper.
It’s healthy, vegetarian-friendly, and incredibly beautiful on the table. The variety ensures there’s something for everyone, and it can be assembled hours ahead without losing freshness.
Get the recipe here.
