18 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Introduction

Kick off your holiday feast with appetizers that set the perfect tone for Thanksgiving! These 18 easy Thanksgiving appetizer recipes will keep guests happy and satisfied while the turkey finishes roasting. Each recipe combines crowd-pleasing flavors with simple prep and make-ahead convenience, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying family and friends.

Why These 18 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes are a Must-Make

Appetizers are essential for bridging that gap between hungry guests and the main event. These recipes focus on classic Thanksgiving flavors with modern twists and can be served warm or at room temperature—a huge benefit when oven space is at a premium. They’re guaranteed to be loved by kids and adults, making your holiday gathering both memorable and stress-free.

Flavorful Variety: The Appetizer Line-Up

From savory baked brie to crispy stuffed mushrooms, tangy cranberry meatballs to creamy dips, these appetizers feature a well-rounded mix of hot and cold options. Each recipe is selected to pair seamlessly with other holiday dishes and drinks, so you can mix and match according to your menu and guests’ preferences. The best part? Most can be prepped ahead, letting you focus on the important details.

List of 18 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

1. Cranberry Brie Bites
2. Spinach Artichoke Dip
3. Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese
4. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
5. Deviled Eggs with Bacon
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers
7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
8. Classic Shrimp Cocktail
9. Pumpkin Hummus
10. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
11. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle
12. Pigs in a Blanket (with Dijon Dip)
13. Parmesan Herb Pinwheels
14. Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
15. Butternut Squash Crostini
16. Baked Apple Brie
17. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Nuts
18. Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe collection to generate a combined, organized shopping list, sorting all your ingredients by store section. Make your Thanksgiving shopping more efficient than ever with CookifyAI!

Instructions

Here’s a basic prep guide for your appetizer platter—detailed steps can be found in individual recipes.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites: Cut puff pastry into squares, press into mini muffin tins, top with brie and cranberry sauce, and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
2. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Mix chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, olive oil, and grated parmesan. Bake in a dish until bubbly and golden, about 25 minutes.
3. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese: Roast sweet potato slices at 400°F until golden. Top with a dollop of goat cheese and a drizzle of honey.
4. Cheese Board/Charcuterie: Arrange cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts, and crackers artfully on a platter.
5. Deviled Eggs with Bacon: Halve eggs, mix yolks with mayo and mustard, pipe filling into eggs, and top with crumbled bacon.
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Fill pepper halves with whipped goat cheese and herbs, or use a simple cream cheese mixture.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with almonds or cheese, wrap in bacon, and bake until crispy.
8. Shrimp Cocktail: Toss shrimp in olive oil and roast, serve chilled with cocktail sauce.
9. Pumpkin Hummus: Blend chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon, and garlic until smooth.
10. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms: Mix cooked sausage with breadcrumbs and herbs, stuff into mushroom caps, and bake.
11. Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
12. Pigs in a Blanket: Wrap mini sausages in puff pastry, bake until golden, serve with mustard dip.
13. Parmesan Herb Pinwheels: Roll pastry with herbs and parmesan, slice and bake.
14. Cranberry Turkey Meatballs: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and cranberry sauce, shape into balls, bake until cooked through.
15. Butternut Squash Crostini: Spread roasted squash on toasted baguette slices, top with feta.
16. Baked Apple Brie: Bake brie with sliced apples and honey in pastry until golden.
17. Sweet & Spicy Nuts: Toss nuts with honey and spices, spread on a baking sheet, roast until fragrant.
18. White Bean Dip: Puree beans with roasted garlic and olive oil, serve with veggies.

Weekly Meal Planning

Planning a Thanksgiving menu is easy and stress-free when you use CookifyAI. Save these appetizers and your holiday mains to automatically generate shopping lists with combined ingredient amounts, smartly organized by store section.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals ingredient amounts across all recipes
• Categorizes shopping lists by deli, produce, dairy, etc.
• Prevents ingredient duplication and helps you avoid missing items
• Makes weekly (and holiday) meal prep more efficient and organized

Pro tip: Schedule all your Thanksgiving recipes for the week and watch as the shopping list adds up the total amounts needed (like eggs, cheese, or pastry) and eliminates any extra trips or forgotten ingredients!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10-30 minutes per appetizer (most can be prepped ahead)
Cook Time: 10-30 minutes per appetizer
Total Time: Plan 1-1.5 hours for a selection of 3-6 appetizers, or prep the day before for maximum convenience

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recap

These 18 easy Thanksgiving appetizer recipes offer a delicious variety of flavors and textures, ensuring something for every guest and dietary need. With minimal effort and make-ahead options, your Thanksgiving will start on a high note!

Enjoy your celebration and happy cooking!