Inside: 30 deliciously easy Thanksgiving appetizers, including recipes like cucumber bites, cranberry brie pinwheels, crostinis, jam and cheese toast cups, whipped goat cheese butter boards, and more.
If you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming up your Thanksgiving menu – and let’s be honest, the appetizers always steal the show!
Whether you’re hosting the whole family this year or bringing a dish to share at someone else’s party, these crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to kick off the holiday.
From buttery cranberry brie bites to colorful pear and blue cheese crostini and festive bruschetta cucumber bites, these recipes are full of delicious flavors and surprisingly simple to pull together.
If you need more fall and Thanksgiving food ideas, check out these articles:
- 15 Delicious Fall Appetizers Perfect for the Colder Season
- 10+ Thanksgiving Desserts to Impress Your Guests (and Still Keep It Easy!)!
My absolute favorite is this Pumpkin Marshmallow Cheesecake recipe!
Cheddar Cheese and Apricot Jam Appetizer Bites
These bite-sized little toast cups make the perfect Thanksgiving party appetizers.
Mini muffin tin baked cups are filled with sharp cheddar cheese, topped with a dollop of apricot jam, and finished with a drizzle of honey and dried thyme.
The little bites are a delicious combo of sweet and savory, and you can be sure that they will just fly off the appetizer tray!
Turkey Charcuterie Board
This turkey-themed charcuterie board is the ultimate Thanksgiving starter – it’s got a festive theme, it’s so fun to put together, and it’s totally customizable!
Piled high with meats like chorizo and salami, Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, jams, and breads, it’s got a little something for everyone.
Plus, the turkey shape is just so cute, it doubles as a centerpiece until everyone starts digging in.
Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer “Butter” Board With Prosciutto
This fig and goat cheese appetizer board is a total flavor bomb and the easiest way to make a party spread feel instantly elegant.
In this recipe, whipped goat cheese gets spread out on a platter and topped with fresh figs, fig jam, prosciutto, and crunchy toppings like pine nuts, fresh cranberries, and walnuts for texture.
It tastes great when served with crackers, crostini, or crispbread.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Puffs
If you’re looking to add something a little more elegant to your Thanksgiving appetizer platter, these smoked salmon and cream cheese puffs are it.
The cream cheese dill filling pairs beautifully with the smoked salmon on top, and the whole thing looks super cute tucked between two flaky homemade puff pastry shells.
These cream cheese puffs are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that is light, yet full of flavors, and fancy enough to feel festive without a lot of fuss.
Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer With Puff Pastry
This cherry tomato and burrata puff pastry tart is a fresh, colorful addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.
The creamy burrata paired with juicy roasted tomatoes, herby pesto, and a sprinkle of shredded basil looks and feels festive, and brings a ton of delicious fall flavors.
It’s an easy way to add something light and elegant to the table before the big feast.
Whipped Blue Cheese Crostini Appetizers With Roasted Grapes
In this recipe, sweet, oven-roasted grapes pair beautifully with whipped blue cheese and crunchy oven-toasted French bread.
The flavor combo is absolutely delicious and balanced to perfection. Plus, these crostini are really cute and elegant, so they will look amazing on your party table.
They taste so good when paired with a glass of white wine!
Cranberry Brie Bites in Mini Toast Cups
These cranberry brie mini toast cup appetizers are filled with gooey brie, a dollop of cranberry jam, and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts and dried thyme.
They’re super easy to prep ahead and are always a hit at the party table!
Cranberry Sausage Bites
These cranberry sausage bites are sticky, sweet and savory, and absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving snacking!
In this recipe, fresh sausage pieces are baked in a tangy-sweet glaze made with cranberry sauce, sweet chili, soy, and lime – the perfect holiday flavor combo.
They’re so easy to make and taste great whether served hot or cold.
Surimi Vol Au Vent Appetizers
These puff pastry shells are filled with a creamy and simple surimi and cucumber salad, then topped with smoked salmon and fresh chives for some extra flavor.
They’re a very light appetizer that looks incredibly beautiful, and if you’re using store-bought vol-au-vent shells, the whole thing will come together in just 15 minutes.
Turkey Pinwheels With Dried Cranberries
These turkey and cranberry pinwheels are a fun little nod to Thanksgiving flavors in a party-friendly bite.
Rolled up in tortillas with a creamy cheese spread, dried cranberries, turkey ham, and a pop of green from the salad, they’re colorful and easy to eat.
This appetizer recipe is great for prepping a few hours ahead, and the pinwheel bites look so pretty on a platter.
Deviled Egg Dip
This deviled egg dip is a fun, party-ready twist on the classic appetizer everybody loves.
It’s made with exactly the same ingredients as classic deviled eggs, but the eggs are chopped up and the whole thing is turned into a creamy dip you can eat with crackers and toasted bread.
It’s a super-easy appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser, and the perfect make-ahead option for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Prosciutto and Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers
If you want something a little more unique for your Thanksgiving party, these prosciutto and blue cheese puff pastry cups will bring all the flavor you need.
The sweet chili sauce, salty prosciutto, and bold blue cheese all melt together inside a flaky little cup – and it’s a flavor pairing that totally works!
These little cups feel a little fancy, look super cute, and are just indulgent enough for a holiday snack or appetizer.
Blueberry & Brie Crostini Appetizer With Arugula
Toasted crostini topped with stewed blueberries, creamy brie, and a handful of peppery arugula make for a colorful and unexpected party appetizer that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to make.
Pesto, Tomato Sauce, and Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls
These pesto, tomato, and cheese puff pastry rolls are a delicious warm appetizer that is everything you want in a Thanksgiving finger food.
Filled with pesto, tomato sauce, and melty cheese, the puff pastry bakes up all golden and bubbly in a muffin tin for an easy grab-and-go bite.
These rolls are great for kids and grown-ups alike, especially when the appetizers need to hold everyone over until dinner.
Whipped Ricotta Dip With Roasted Grapes
This whipped ricotta dip is perfectly creamy and definitely an unexpected appetizer for Thanksgiving – but in a good way!
The whipped ricotta blended with cream cheese and herbs pairs perfectly with the oven-roasted grapes, and the whole thing tastes (and looks!) totally fancy.
Serve it with warm baguette slices and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Pesto Pinwheels
These savory pesto pinwheels are always a total crowd favorite!
They’re made with fresh puff pastry that is wrapped around a basil pesto, cherry tomato, and crumbled feta filling that then bakes into a deliciously flaky bite.
These pinwheels are such yummy warm bite-sized appetizers and just perfect for keeping hungry guests happy while the turkey finishes roasting.
Savory Stuffed French Toast With Spinach and Ricotta
This savory twist on French toast is loaded with garlicky spinach and creamy ricotta that is spread on slices of bread, then rolled up into little sticks and crisped to golden perfection in the pan.
Served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, it’s a great appetizer for sharing at any holiday party.
Healthier Charcuterie Appetizer Board
A lighter spin on the traditional charcuterie board, my healthier version features an inviting mix of fresh veggies, soft cheeses, sliced meats, and pickled goodies.
It’s a great option for grazing while the turkey finishes roasting.
Pumpkin Feta Dip
This pumpkin feta dip brings all the fall vibes in one bowl.
It’s made with roasted pumpkin, tangy feta, creamy Greek yogurt, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions.
The whole thing blends into a rich and velvety party dip that is perfect for scooping up with crackers or crispbread.
Fig and Whipped Blue Cheese Crostini Appetizers
These fig and whipped blue cheese crostini are perfect for fall parties, and I just can’t get enough of this Thanksgiving appetizer idea!
In this recipe, crispy toasted French bread is topped with creamy whipped blue cheese and sweet fresh figs.
It’s a beautiful appetizer that is simple, yet elegant, and really easy to prep ahead without breaking a sweat.
Cranberry Brie Pinwheel Bites With Puff Pastry
Flaky and golden, these cranberry brie puff pastry pinwheels are filled with melty brie, tangy homemade cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of walnuts.
They’re the perfect little bite and a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that is elegant, sweet, and savory all at once.
Smoked Salmon Flatbread Appetizers
Think of these as grown-up pinwheels – flatbread filled with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and greens, then rolled up and sliced into elegant little spirals.
They’re the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer that is super easy to make.
Mini Pumpkin Quiche Cups With Puff Pastry
These mini quiches are packed with a ton of fall flavors.
They’re made with roasted pumpkin, caramelized onions, and crispy ham all tucked into flaky puff pastry cups and topped with gooey goat cheese. Baked in a mini muffin tin, they’re super easy to prepare and perfect for bringing to a party.
Bruschetta Cucumber Bites Appetizers
These refreshing little cucumber bites use crisp cucumber rounds instead of bread and are topped with a classic bruschetta mix (finely diced onion, tomatoes, and herbs), plus mini mozzarella balls, and a festive slice of green olive to make it really fancy!
Apple and Brie Crostini Appetizers
Sliced apples, creamy brie, and salty serrano ham come together on crunchy crostini in this Thanksgiving appetizer option, finished with arugula, crushed walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
It’s seriously delicious and full of all the autumn flavors.
Fig and Whipped Feta Crostini Appetizers
These fig and whipped feta crostini are a great addition to your party table if you love a sweet and savory flavor combo.
The sweet, fresh figs in this recipe pair beautifully with the salty feta cheese, and the whole thing tastes amazing on crunchy French bread.
When served on a bed of green salad, it’s a colorful appetizer option that will look absolutely gorgeous on any party tray.
Caramelized Onion, Pear, and Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Tart
Sweet, savory, and just a little fancy – this pear and blue cheese puff pastry tart is a total crowd-pleaser.
The caramelized onions and pears melt together beautifully, and the crumbled blue cheese gives it that bold, creamy finish.
Cut it into bite-sized squares and serve warm for a party appetizer that disappears fast.
Pizza Pinwheels
These pizza pinwheels are a party-friendly comfort food at its finest.
In this recipe, fresh puff pastry gets filled with tomato sauce, melty cheese, and a few slices of salami, which then bakes up into crispy, cheesy spirals that everyone loves.
They’re easy to make ahead (just reheat for 10-15 minutes on party day) and I can guarantee you they’ll disappear fast from the table, especially with kids around!
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