60 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Get You Ready for Turkey Dinner
These easy, festive bites make any get-together a hit!
Hosting a full Thanksgiving dinner — complete with Thanksgiving appetizers all the way through to a selection of everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving desserts — is rewarding and gratifying, but it can also be a lot of work. Have no fear! We’ve collected our top-notch appetizers to start the meal off deliciously.
Looking for a make-ahead dish that you can prep the week before the big day? We've got some great picks for you. We’ve also gathered some no-cook ideas that free up oven space — no one wants to be juggling apps, Thanksgiving sides and the main turkey all at the same time! If you’re not hosting this year, try roasting up a big batch of citrusy fennel-scented olives and spooning them into jars to take as a gift (you’ll be the guest of honor!). On the hunt for some Thanksgiving dips? We've got plenty. From rich homemade French onion dip and kid-friendly dishes like pizza dip (complete with mini pepperoni!) to light Thanksgiving appetizers like refreshing raita, there’s something for every palate.
Whether you're looking for a gluten-free Thanksgiving recipe or some delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, we've got all the ideas you need to feed your family and friends that they'll definitely be thankful for.
Cranberry Baked Brie
A cheesy appetizer is always a crowd favorite! So why not wow guests with a melted Brie wheel that has cranberry syrup spooned over the top?
Get the Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.
Parmesan Seeded Crackers
What makes these crackers buttery and flaky? The secret is pie dough!
Get the Parmesan Seeded Crackers recipe.
Delicata Squash Pizza
With provolone, blue cheese and sliced delicata squash, this shareable pizza is a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Delicata Squash Pizza recipe.
Beef Empanadas
Set out a plate of these savory beef empanadas with a flaky crust for guests to snack on. They make the best bite-size snacks!
Get the Beef Empanadas recipe.
Salmon Rillette
When poached and smoked salmon come together, you get this delicious and savory spread!
Get the Salmon Rillette recipe.
Air Fryer Squash Soup
The air fryer is an iconic way to free up oven space when you're cooking for Thanksgiving. Roast your veggies in the air fryer, then blend for a simple but delicious soup.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 46 Easy Air Fryer Recipes That Are Fast and Super Delicious
Goat Cheese Log With Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper
Bake the granola on Tuesday, dress the cheese log on Wednesday and then scarf it all down on Thursday (if you can wait that long).
Get the Goat Cheese Log with Cranberries, Chives, and Black Pepper recipe.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Who says potatoes are only a side? Give them this crispy treatment then top how you like (might we suggest bacon and cheese?) for the perfect finger food.
Get the Crispy Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Marinated Olives and Goat Cheese
Hello, make-ahead masterpiece! As it sits, the goat cheese gets infused with the flavors of lemon zest, garlic, and spices. Serve with crostini and veggies for dipping.
Beet Tapenade
In a bowl, toss 6 oz cooked beets (cut into 1/4-inch pieces), 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp orange zest and 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper. Fold in 1/4 cup green olives (chopped), then spoon onto endive leaves and sprinkle with chopped basil.
Fall Mushroom Pizza
Make the most of a seasonal medley of mushrooms to give this vegetarian appetizer a hearty bite.
Get the Fall Mushroom Pizza recipe.
Grilled Shrimp Cocktail
Turn up the heat on this crowd-pleasing classic! We're serving smoky shrimp with fiery horseradish. No grill? No problem—just roast your shrimp instead.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
RELATED: 28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat All the Shrimp
Pickled Mushrooms
Marinate mixed mushrooms with sherry vinegar and olive oil for a tangy app to enjoy with bread (and a cocktail or two!).
Get the Pickled Mushrooms recipe.
RELATED: 30 Classic Cocktails That You Can Easily Make Whenever
Pizza Dip
Just watch what happens when you set this one out on the appetizer table (hint: it'll disappear).
Get the Pizza Dip recipe.
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Make the most of your favorite fall fruit and save those seeds to roast and spice. These nibbles are the perfect pairing for pre-dinner cocktails.
Get the Spiced Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
RELATED: 64 Easy Fall Appetizers That Can Be Made Ahead for Autumn Dinner Parties
Raita
This cooling, creamy cucumber dip is the perfect light Thanksgiving appetizer to start your meal off.
Get the Raita recipe.
Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crostini
Turn soup into finger food by serving in shot glasses or little coffee cups.
Parmesan-Chive Chips
Upgrade a store-bought party staple with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh chives.
Get the Parmesan-Chive Chips recipe.
Goat Cheese Appetizer
This lemon-herb goat cheese log will keep your guests coming back for more.
Get the Goat Cheese Appetizer.
Pecorino-Everything Spice Straws
Twist everything bagel seasoning and grated cheese into store-bought puff pastry for the easiest appetizer ever!
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
Becca Miller (she/her) has been working in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen since 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, food trends and top cooking tools. She graduated from NYU with a liberal arts degree focusing on creative writing. She makes killer scrambled eggs, enjoys a glass of un-oaked chardonnay and takes pride in her love of reality television.
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