10 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers to Kick Off Your Holiday Feast
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.As the aroma of roasting turkey and savory sides wafts through the air, the anticipation builds for the main event – the feast! But before the big bird takes center stage, it’s time to get the party started with some delicious and unexpected Thanksgiving appetizers that will leave your guests clamoring for more. From creamy dips to crispy bites, and from classic comfort foods to innovative twists, we’ve gathered the most mouthwatering and easy-to-make ideas to kick off your Turkey Day celebration in style.
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual gathering, these tasty treats are sure to satisfy your guests’ cravings and set the tone for a memorable holiday feast.
365 by Whole Foods Market Caramelized Onion & Feta Pastries, 8.5 OZ
(as of November 30, 2025 00:33 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that brings a burst of flavor to any Thanksgiving table. These bite-sized treats are filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, making them a perfect combination of creamy and crisp. With their savory taste and appealing presentation, they are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Finely chop the stems and set aside. 3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped stems, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. 4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed stems with cream cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and your choice of herbs (like parsley or thyme). 5. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mixture and place them on a baking sheet. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. 7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberry Brie Bites are a delightful appetizer that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal choice for Thanksgiving gatherings. These bite-sized treats feature creamy Brie cheese nestled in flaky pastry, topped with tangy cranberry sauce for an explosion of taste in every bite. They’re not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities with family and friends.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares, about 2×2 inches. 3. Place each square into a mini muffin tin, pressing gently to form cups. 4. Add a small cube of Brie cheese into each pastry cup. 5. Top the Brie with a spoonful of cranberry sauce. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. 7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cranberry Brie Bites warm!
Pumpkin Soup Shots
Pumpkin Soup Shots are a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. These elegant little servings combine creamy pumpkin soup with warm spices, served in shot glasses for a fun twist on traditional soup. They are not only visually appealing but also provide a rich and comforting flavor that will impress your guests.
1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing until soft. 3. Stir in 4 cups of pumpkin puree, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. 4. Bring to a simmer, and let cook for 20 minutes. 5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. 6. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. 7. Serve the soup warm in shot glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream.
Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet Potato Bites are a delicious and nutritious appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. These bite-sized treats feature roasted sweet potatoes topped with a savory mixture of cream cheese and herbs. They offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1-inch rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. 3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. 4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix cream cheese, chopped chives, and a pinch of garlic powder in a bowl. 5. Remove the sweet potato rounds from the oven and let them cool slightly. 6. Top each sweet potato round with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture and garnish with additional chives. 7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip is a creamy and decadent appetizer that will be the star of your Thanksgiving gathering. Packed with vibrant spinach, tangy artichokes, and a blend of rich cheeses, it’s perfect for dipping with crispy tortilla chips or crusty bread. This warm and cheesy dip is sure to delight your guests and leave them craving more.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach, 1 cup of chopped artichoke hearts, 1 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese. 3. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. 4. Mix until well combined and transfer the mixture to a baking dish. 5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. 6. Serve hot with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Turkey and Cranberry Sliders
Turkey and Cranberry Sliders are a delightful twist on the traditional Thanksgiving meal, perfect for serving as appetizers at your holiday gathering. These mini sandwiches combine savory turkey with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, nestled between soft buns for a bite-sized treat. Easy to prepare and bursting with festive flavors, they are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Slice small slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. 3. Layer slices of cooked turkey on the bottom halves of the buns. 4. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the turkey. 5. Place the top halves of the buns over the cranberry sauce. 6. Brush melted butter on the tops of the buns, and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried thyme if desired. 7. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. 8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. 9. Serve warm and enjoy your festive sliders!
Deviled Eggs with Bacon
Deviled Eggs with Bacon are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Creamy egg yolks are blended with mayonnaise, mustard, and crispy bacon bits, delivering a savory flavor that will please any crowd. These bite-sized treats are not only easy to make but are also a great way to elevate your holiday spread.
1. Hard boil the eggs by placing them in a pot, covering with water, and bringing to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let it sit for 12 minutes. 2. After cooling, peel the eggs and slice them in half lengthwise. 3. Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Stir in crispy bacon bits until well combined. 5. Fill the egg white halves with the yolk mixture using a spoon or piping bag. 6. Garnish with additional bacon bits and fresh chives before serving.
Roasted Beet Hummus
Roasted Beet Hummus is a vibrant and healthy appetizer that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table. This creamy dip, made from roasted beets and chickpeas, is both delicious and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for festive gatherings. Serve it with an assortment of vegetables and pita chips for a delightful start to your meal.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Wash the beets, wrap them in aluminum foil, and roast for about 45-60 minutes until tender. 3. Once cooled, peel the beets and cut them into chunks. 4. In a food processor, combine the roasted beets, drained chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. 5. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 7. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. 8. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry is a delightful appetizer that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a savory filling. The richness of feta cheese pairs wonderfully with the fresh spinach, creating a perfect bite-sized treat for your Thanksgiving spread. These pastries are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent, then add spinach and cook until wilted. 3. Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper. 4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into squares. 5. Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each square. 6. Fold the pastry over to create triangles and seal the edges with a fork. 7. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. 9. Let cool slightly before serving.
Mini Veggie Quiches
Mini Veggie Quiches are delightful bite-sized appetizers perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Packed with seasonal vegetables and creamy egg custard, these quiches offer a savory and satisfying option for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. They can be made ahead of time and served warm or at room temperature, making them an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, salt, and pepper. 3. Chop your choice of vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms, and sauté them until tender. 4. Grease a muffin tin and layer pre-made pastry dough or phyllo dough in each cup. 5. Distribute the sautéed vegetables evenly into each cup. 6. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables until each cup is filled. 7. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired. 8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the quiches are set and golden. 9. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin and serve warm or at room temperature.
