This Thanksgiving appetizer lineup is about to make your holiday table very, very happy. I've gathered 24 recipes that are easy, festive, and just flat out delicious, from creamy bites to crispy little nibbles. Don't let anyone get hangry while the turkey finishes up. These are the starters that'll keep everybody smiling and snacking all day long.
1. Cheesy Everything Monkey Bread
This cheesy monkey bread is not playing around. It's pull apart by design, so it's made for sharing, though I'd honestly be happy keeping the whole thing for myself. No judgment, please. It's just that delicious. I'm still amazed it starts with refrigerated biscuit dough.
2. Baked Stuffed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts aren't the most popular vegetable, especially with kids. But you can always count on cheese and bacon to make them completely irresistible. With those tasty additions, Brussels sprouts have honestly never tasted better.
3. Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
Spinach, cheese, and bacon. Those three things are really all you need to make a party worthy dip. The result, though, is pretty epic. Rich and cheesy? Absolutely. Salty and smoky? You bet. It has greens so you won't feel too guilty about devouring the whole dish? Definitely.
4. Butternut Squash and Feta Tartlets
Alongside apples, butternut squash is basically the official flavor of fall. There's something so warm and cozy about this sweet vegetable that just makes me smile. These charming little tartlets are topped with tender diced squash and salty feta cheese for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
5. Turkey Veggie Tray
Raw vegetables don't exactly sound like the most exciting appetizer, but one look at this veggie tray will definitely change your mind. I mean, how awesome is this turkey shaped platter? Who would've thought that sliced bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and cucumbers could turn into such a colorful turkey?
6. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
I love regular hummus, but this roasted red pepper version is about ten times better. Blending sweet roasted red bell peppers into mashed chickpeas and tahini is pure brilliance. You get that mix of sweetness, smokiness, and a little gentle spice that just works so perfectly with the hummus.
7. Shrimp Cocktail
When it comes to appetizers, you can never go wrong with shrimp. I see those plump, tender, sweet crustaceans and my mouth instantly starts watering. Shrimp is fantastic all on its own, so you really don't need much to flavor it. For this appetizer, you'll pair roasted shrimp with a refreshing cocktail sauce.
8. Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
This roasted cauliflower soup is every bit as rich and creamy as classic pumpkin soup but so much more wholesome. You won't believe there's no cream or cheese in it. I know cauliflower soup might not sound thrilling at first, but pleeease trust me on this one.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Sweet and tangy pickles get wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. Dip those bad boys in ranch dressing and you are set. This appetizer is low carb and bursting with flavor. It only takes three basic ingredients and about five minutes of prep time. Easy is honestly an understatement. Plus, it happens to be keto friendly, so everyone can dig in.
10. Cranberry Baked Brie
This fifteen minute starter is beautiful, fragrant, and completely mouth watering. It really is a feast for the senses. This dip has layers of spiced cranberry sauce and brie cheese, topped with chopped nuts for extra goodness. Serve it with crackers and chips and your appetizer is ready to go.
11. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Years ago, I was allergic to crab. But that didn't stop me from eating these tasty crustaceans. Thankfully, my constant consumption eventually got me immune to it. Now, I can enjoy as many of these sublime crab stuffed mushrooms as I want, worry free. Shredded crab meat gets mixed with cream cheese, parmesan, mayo, panko crumbs, garlic, and green onions.
12. Spinach Spanakopita
How does adding a Greek twist to an American holiday sound? Nobody can turn down a slice of spanakopita. It's a savory pie made with layers of phyllo crust and a spinach and feta filling. That combination of crispy and flaky with creamy and cheesy is simply amazing.
13. Pumpkin Pie Dip
The sweetness of this pumpkin pie dip is such a nice break from all those cheesy and savory dips we've covered so far. If you're looking for something to serve with apple slices, graham crackers, and gingersnaps, this is the one. It works as an appetizer and a dessert all in one, which is perfect for people like me who could happily eat sweets all day long.
14. Loaded Mashed Potato Balls
Whether you use leftover mashed potatoes or whip up a fresh batch, it really doesn't matter. These potato balls are a total hit. They're beautifully crispy on the outside, but once you bite into one they practically melt in your mouth. They're also packed with bacon and cheese, so expect them to vanish first.
15. Caramel Apple Cheese Ball
I cannot get over how amazing this caramel apple cheese ball is. It never once crossed my mind to combine cheese with caramel apple. When I finally tried it, it did not disappoint. This ball has cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and just wait for it, green apple, nutmeg, and caramel.
16. Cranberry Brie Bites
Sweet tart cranberry sauce and creamy melty brie sit on top of a puffy, flaky little crust. My goodness, these bites are pure heaven. They hit every note with sweet and salty, flaky and creamy all at once. They might be starters, but they're so amazing they could easily steal the show from the turkey.
17. Deviled Eggs
I used to think deviled eggs were some big fancy appetizer meant for elegant parties. For whatever reason, my brain filed them under "fancy event food." Once I realized how simple they are to make, I started putting them on the table at every single get together I host.
18. Sausage Stuffing Bites With Cranberry Dipping Sauce
These wonderful little morsels are loaded with sausage, walnuts, cranberries, and cheddar cheese. Dunked in sweet cranberry sauce, they are simply irresistible. Sweet, salty, tart, savory, meaty, cheesy, you get every delicious flavor you could possibly want in one bite.
19. Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese
I know I said I was only featuring simple recipes here, but you have to give me this one. Believe me, you'll want it on your Thanksgiving menu. The pretzels are insanely soft and pillowy, and the beer cheese dip is earth shatteringly amazing. Plus, you can make them up to three days ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge and warm them up on the big day.
20. Potato Galette
Thinly sliced potatoes get all dressed up with olive oil, garlic, butter, and herbs before baking until soft and beautifully golden. That's the whole lovely story here. The outside gets wonderfully crispy while the inside stays tender and creamy, and that contrast is so nice. Honestly, garlic plus butter is already a perfect combination. Those two flavors alone make this thing irresistible.
21. Apple, Brie, and Caramelized Onion Tart
This tart is incredibly flaky and buttery, piled high with sweet caramelized onions, crisp apples, melty brie cheese, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Wow. Yes, caramelizing onions takes a little patience, but trust me, it pays off big time. The flavor they bring to this tart is out of this world. Finished with pomegranate seeds, it's both gorgeous and totally holiday ready.
22. Parmesan Chive Crisps
These little crisps are ridiculously crispy, cheesy, and completely addictive. You won't believe something this good is such a breeze to pull together. All I need are parmesan cheese, chives, and maybe a little pepper for a tiny kick. Pop them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes and you're done. I told you these recipes would be easy, right?
23. Roasted Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potatoes are another fall favorite, especially when you roast them. Roasting brings out their flavor like nothing else, which is why I always say it's the best way to cook vegetables. Tossed with olive oil and herbs, these sweet spuds turn out crispy, tender, and mind blowingly delicious.
24. Turkey Cheese Ball Thanksgiving Appetizer
Could there be a more Thanksgiving perfect centerpiece dip than this? Just look at how adorable this little guy is. Even if you don't have a single creative bone in your body, don't stress, you can absolutely pull this off. You just need a pre made cheeseball, pretzel sticks, candy corn, edible candy eyes, and round crackers.
