These fun and festive appetizers are perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering and guaranteed to impress your guests.
They are crowd pleasers and perfect for busy hosts looking to create a memorable spread without the stress.
This list contains easy Thanksgiving appetizers, quick snacks, effortless starters, finger foods, appetizers for a crowd, simple nibbles, festive bite-sized treats, and delicious party snacks.
The Thanksgiving season is hectic enough, so appetizer preparation needs to be SIMPLE. With family and friends gathering, cooking can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
So, let’s keep it stress-free! I’ve put together a list of 17 easy appetizers that you’ll want to make for your holiday celebrations. These delightful recipes will take the chaos out of your holiday planning because they:
- Are quick to prepare
- Use simple, affordable ingredients
- Will satisfy even the pickiest eaters
From cheesy delights and savory bites to sweet treats, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Let’s make this Thanksgiving unforgettable—explore the recipes now!
1. Artichoke Dip
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer! This creamy, cheesy dip combines tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and melted cheeses for a delicious bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies—it’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to impress!
2. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a quick and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! Juicy mushrooms are filled with a creamy, savory crab mixture, and then baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats take just 20 minutes to prepare and are easily customizable with your favorite herbs or cheese. Perfect for parties or special dinners!
3. Baked Brie
Baked Brie is an effortless crowd-pleaser! When baked, brie turns into a warm, gooey dip that pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, and fresh fruit. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a sweet touch. Quick, simple, and impressive, it’s the perfect appetizer for any gathering!
4. Bacon Deviled Eggs
Deviled Eggs with a Tangy Twist are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Crispy bacon and dill pickle juice add flavor and crunch to the classic creamy filling. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare, and your guests will love customizing their eggs. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any get-together!
5. Cheese Ball Bites
Cheese Ball Bites are perfect for any occasion! The creamy mix of cream cheese and cheddar, combined with crispy bacon and crunchy pecans, makes them irresistible. Customizable with your favorite cheeses or nuts, and featuring fun pretzel handles, these bites are ready in just over an hour with only 15 minutes of prep time.
6. Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker) are a guaranteed party hit! Juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a sweet and savory cranberry sauce make the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving. With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll love how easy they are to make—and everyone will love how delicious they taste!
7. Homemade Chex Mix
Homemade Chex Mix is the ultimate customizable snack! Oven-baked to perfection, this mix combines crunchy textures and bold flavors for a toasty, savory treat. With a generous seasoning blend and the ability to stay fresh for weeks, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or movie nights. Say goodbye to store-bought snacks with this easy homemade recipe!
8. Potato Skins
Loaded Potato Skins are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Crispy potato shells filled with melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions make for the perfect shareable snack. Your family will love customizing their potato skins with their favorite toppings, and you’ll love how quick and easy they are to make as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
9. Pumpkin Dip
Pumpkin Fluff Dip is a quick and easy 5-minute treat! This creamy dip combines the rich flavors of pumpkin, sweet vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Because it yields 32 servings, it’s perfect for large gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with graham crackers or apple slices. Enjoy a delicious, no-bake dessert that’s sure to be a hit this fall!
10. Garlic Knots with Parmesan
Homemade Garlic Knots are a must-try for garlic lovers! These knots are irresistibly soft and fluffy, coated in flavorful garlic herb butter for a burst of flavor. Perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner or as a snack, they’re also freezer-friendly. Easy to make, they’ll delight the whole family!
11. Fried Mushrooms
Fried Mushrooms are a must-try appetizer! Coated in a light and crispy beer batter, these golden-brown bites are perfect as an appetizer. With a quick 30-minute prep time, serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces for a customizable experience that everyone will love. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
12. Grape Jelly Meatballs
Grape Jelly Meatballs are sweet, savory, and delicious! This easy recipe combines savory meatballs with a sweet and tangy grape jelly sauce, creating a flavor sensation. Perfect for holiday gatherings or game day, these crowd-pleasers are quick to prepare and great for snacking. Just serve with toothpicks and watch them disappear!
13. Crockpot Little Smokies
Lil Smokies Recipe (3 Ingredients) is the ultimate easy finger food! Just toss juicy mini sausages in a rich BBQ sauce and let your crockpot do the work. Perfect for any gathering, these flavorful bites are sure to be a family favorite, making entertaining a breeze while keeping it kid-friendly!
14. Cheese Ball Recipe
Easy Classic Cheese Ball Recipe is a must-save appetizer! This creamy cheese delight is packed with zesty herbs and spices, making it a crowd favorite. Perfect for gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and offers endless customization options. Pair it with crackers or veggies, for a fun and healthy appetizer!
15. Antipasto Skewers
Antipasto Skewers are a no-fuss appetizer that brings Mediterranean flavors to your gatherings! These vibrant skewers are a delightful mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for parties, everyone can customize their own skewer, and you’ll love how easy they are to assemble—just thread your favorites and enjoy!
16. Mini Quiche
Mini quiches are a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion! These easy-to-make quiches have a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, creamy egg filling. Customizable with endless flavors (like leftover turkey and stuffing), they’re ideal for day-after-Thanksgiving brunch. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them a convenient option for make ahead!
17. Cranberry BBQ Crockpot Meatballs
BBQ Meatballs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish, and adding cranberry sauce makes them the perfect holiday appetizer!
These tender, juicy meatballs are smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce, delivering flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re made in one pot for quick cleanup.
Your family will love them, and you’ll enjoy the simplicity!
18. Sausage Cheese Puffs
Cheesy Sausage Puffs are the ultimate party snack!
With a flaky pastry shell, made with coconut flour, and filled with savory sausage and gooey cheese, these bites are ready in just 30 minutes.
Perfect for family gatherings or game day, everyone will love customizing them with their favorite spices.
Watch them disappear as your guests rave about this low-carb delicious treat!
19. Beer Cheese Dip
Beer Cheese Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The creamy blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and a splash of beer creates a smooth, bold flavor that’s irresistible.
Serve it warm with soft large pretzels, veggies, or chips, and watch it disappear.
Quick to make and perfect for any gathering, this dip will be your new go-to!
20. Pumpkin Cheese Ball
This Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for fall gatherings!
Shaped like a pumpkin, it’s not only fun to serve but also packed with rich, creamy flavor and a spicy ranch mix that pairs perfectly with crackers or veggies.
Quick to assemble and totally customizable, it’s a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
21. Candied Walnuts
Easy Candied Walnuts are a 10-minute, stovetop treat that’s both sweet and crunchy—no oven needed!
Perfect for snacking, salads, or gifting, these walnuts have a buttery caramel coating with a hint of cinnamon and optional cayenne.
You’ll love how amazing your kitchen will smell and how simple they are to make, store, and enjoy all season long!
22. Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread
Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and easy no-cook appetizer
that combines sweet cranberries, cilantro, lemon juice, sugar, and zesty jalapenos for a delicious flavor explosion!
Perfect for holiday parties or game days, it takes just minutes to prepare.
Serve with crispy crackers or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
23. Baked Onion Dip
Sweet Vidalia Onion Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
When baked, this creamy, three-cheese dip brings out the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions for a warm, fresh flavor that everyone will love.
Perfect for game nights or cozy gatherings, serve it with toasted baguette slices for an easy, irresistible treat that’s ready in 40 minutes.
24. Caramel Pumpkin Dip
Easy Caramel Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip is the perfect no-bake dessert for fall gatherings!
This crowd-pleasing, 4-ingredient dip combines the rich flavors of pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake in just minutes.
Serve it with ginger snaps or graham crackers for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress friends and family this holiday season!
26. Bacon-Wrapped Figs
Bacon Wrapped Figs with Herb Goat Cheese is an elegant and easy appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings!
With sweet figs, crispy bacon, and creamy goat cheese, these delightful warm, and crispy bites are sure to impress.
Plus, they come together in just 45 minutes, making them a hassle-free addition to any festive spread!
27. Garlic Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta with Garlic and Basil is a quick and easy appetizer that celebrates fresh ingredients!
In just 18 minutes, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that features vibrant tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil atop crispy toasted baguette slices.
Perfect for any occasion, this delightfully colorful bruschetta is sure to impress your guests!
28. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is an irresistible appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in just 30 minutes!
Wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a delicious glaze of brown sugar and chipotle mixture, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Your guests will love it, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare!
29. Chili-Lime Air-Fried Chickpeas
Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas are a quick and healthier-than-chips snack that takes just 20 minutes to prepare!
With four delicious flavors—spicy garlic, smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and sweet cinnamon—these crispy bites are perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy them as a satisfying snack or a crunchy salad topper that the whole family will love!
30. Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
These creamy, cheesy bites combine the classic flavors of spinach artichoke dip with the earthy, savory taste of mushrooms.
Perfect for gatherings, they’re easy to make, vegetarian-friendly, and sure to impress.
Serve as a quick, shareable appetizer that’s delicious and ready in just 30 minutes!
31. Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Easy Olive Oil Marinated Mozzarella Balls are a delightful appetizer that takes under 15 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead!
This no-cook recipe features fresh mozzarella marinated in Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, garlic, and herbs, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Perfect for impressing guests at any gathering or holiday celebration!
32. Holiday Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese
Best Cranberry Salsa is a festive and flavorful holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress!
Featuring a delightful mix of tart cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and aromatic ginger, this dish is served over creamy cheese for a unique twist.
Quick to prepare and fully customizable, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering!
33. Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing is a must-try for any salad lover!
In just 10 minutes, you can create a creamy, tangy dressing, or dipping sauce, packed with flavorful chunks of blue cheese.
Perfect for drizzling on fresh greens or pairing with buffalo wings, this easy recipe will elevate your meals and impress your guests!
34. Cinnamon Toasted Almonds
Candied Almonds (Cinnamon Roasted Almonds) is a sweet, crunchy treat that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or topping salads.
With just six simple ingredients and an hour of baking, you’ll enjoy warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated almonds that taste like the fairground favorite and will make your house smell amazing!
Freezer-friendly and incredibly easy to make, these are a holiday must-have!
35. Cheesy Ranch Spinach Puffs
Spinach Puffs are a delicious and easy appetizer!
These flaky pastries are filled with a savory mix of fresh spinach and creamy cheese, ready in just 30 minutes using store-bought puff pastry.
Perfect for parties or quick snacks, they’re customizable to suit your taste.
Serve warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love!