75 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers to Feed All Your Hungry Guests
They’ll hold everyone over until the turkey!
By 
Let’s face it: there are always guests who arrive just a little too early. Instead of stressing out about their early arrival, keep your crew feeling full and thankful with these easy-to-make Thanksgiving appetizers. Not only will they tide your family over until the big roasted turkey, but they’re also festive and seasonal, too. You’ll find cranberry recipes, like cranberry brie bites, seasonal salads, and even some comforting party dips. The important thing to remember is to keep things simple! You have enough on your plate when it comes to preparing a Thanksgiving menu, so go ahead and take some shortcuts when it comes to the apps—no one has to know.
Of course, we’ve made sure to include plenty of fall starters 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? We get it! 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!
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These sticky-sweet dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and topped with slices of jalapeño peppers. They're basically a one-bite flavor bomb!
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Arancini
This Italian snack is a cheesy, crunchy app that'll impress everyone at your holiday table, plus everyone always loves a bite-sized dish.
Get the Arancini recipe.
Couscous Salad
You only need 20 minutes to whip up this beautiful couscous salad! Little pops of sweet pomegranate seeds make it feel extra special for the holidays.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Bite-sized sandwiches are always a good idea, especially when it comes to feeding a hungry crew of family members (or cowboys!). These are warm, cheesy, and just a touch spicy thanks to pickled jalapeños.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Blooming Onion
If there's one appetizer on this list that will steal the show from the big roast turkey, it has to be this giant blooming onion! It's just like the kind you might find in a restaurant.
Get the Blooming Onion recipe.
Spinach Dip
If you want to keep things light and easy, this spinach dip is a great addition to the menu. It can be served with veggie sticks or even pita chips, and it only takes 10 minutes to make.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
Deviled Eggs
For the Drummond family, deviled eggs are a must-have at any holiday celebration. This recipe keeps things simple, but you can always doctor it up with sweet pickle juice or pickled jalapeño juice for a sweet or spicy filling.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball
This recipe combines two of our favorite things: bacon and ranch. Oh, and did we mention it's made with cheese?!
Get Ree's Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball recipe.
Olive Tapenade
This olive spread is delicious on with pita chips for dipping, or it can be incorporated onto a big, festive charcuterie board. All you need is goat cheese and baguette slices to make the cheese plate complete.
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
Beer Cheese Dip
You'll want to dive right into this warm and cheesy dip! It's just the thing to keep you snacking until the big meal.
Get the Beer Cheese Dip recipe.
Pigs in a Blanket
If you want a dish that's a true crowdpleaser, look no further than classic pigs in a blanket. They're always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
As impressive as this cheesy, garlicky bread looks, it's surprisingly easy to make! You'd never guess that it only calls for three ingredients.
Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.
Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
This is a classic Pioneer Woman recipe for a reason—it’s simple, tasty, and a hit with the cowboys!
Get Ree's Wedge Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing recipe.
Potato Leek Soup
Give this warm, comforting soup an elegant finishing touch by garnishing each bowl with crispy fried onions, a drizzle of heavy cream, and celery leaves.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
Eggplant Caponata
Tender veggies become relish-like with a sweet and sour sauce in this eggplant caponata. You can spread it onto baguette slices or serve it as a dip.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
Caramelized Onion Dip
This recipe takes onion dip to the next level! It's creamy, savory, and packed with rich, caramelized onions. The best part is that it can be made up to two day ahead!
Get the Caramelized Onion Dip recipe.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
For a twist on both stuffed mushrooms and crab puffs, this creative recipe is a mash-up of both! Plus, it has a crispy, cheesy topping that's hard to beat.
Get the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Whipped Feta Dip
This no-cook dip only takes five minutes to make. It's a no-brainer when it comes to quick and easy appetizers for any occasion.
Get the Whipped Feta Dip recipe.
Jalapeño Cornbread
"There's nothing I love more than food with a little kick to it," Ree says. This skillet cornbread is one way to spice things up for the holidays.
Get Ree's Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
Cowboy Caviar
Bright, fresh and full of crunch—this bean and veggie dip will have everyone excited for the main event. Serve it up with tortilla chips for scooping!
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
Watch Next
These Healthy Appetizers Are Actually Good for You
Bring Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies to the Party
How to Make Crowd-Pleasing Million Dollar Dip
25 Christmas Salads That Are Merry and Bright
