Thanksgiving appetizers get your holiday meal off to a delicious start. We dug deep into our treasure trove of appetizer recipes and found that these top-rated snacks and apps are the best of the best, including seasonal sensations like stuffed mushrooms and cranberry meatballs, plus Thanksgiving-friendly dips, cheesy puffs, and assorted bite-size delights.
01of 31
Feta Cheese Foldovers
View Recipe
These golden puffed pastries are filled with a simple feta cheese mixture. "I made these for Thanksgiving, and my family requested more for Christmas dinner," says SHARARW. "Very, very easy. Plus, I assembled them the day before and baked them when everyone arrived. Tasty, elegant, and EASY!"
02of 31
Beef-Stuffed Mushrooms
View Recipe
A savory ground beef and bread crumb mixture is seasoned with garlic and chili powder and baked inside buttered button mushroom caps. "An 18th-century recipe that I have altered slightly," says Jennifer. "Better make a double batch because these go fast. Sausage can be substituted for ground beef if you'd like."
03of 31
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
View Recipe
Pumpkin purée puts a colorful and delicious twist on traditional hummus. Serve with cut veggies and pita bread! "I think I like my results. I stirred in a small handful of tamari-flavored pumpkin seeds just before serving and sprinkled a bit of paprika on top to make it look nice," says Georgia J Llewellyn.
- 10 Easy Make-Ahead Appetizers To Save You Time This Thanksgiving
04of 31
Cape Cod co*cktail Meatballs
View Recipe
Sweet and tangy co*cktail meatballs are baked in a fruity, colorful cranberry sauce glaze in this recipe that originated on Cape Cod (cranberry country). "These co*cktail meatballs are perfect for any party where you want to impress," says Robin Myshrall Ulery. "They are the first appetizer to go, and everyone wants the recipe.
05of 31
Baked Crab and Artichoke Dip
View Recipe
Here's a creamy crab and artichoke dip that's baked in a bread bowl. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise mix it up with Cheddar, herbs, and seasonings. The best part of baking this dip in a bread bowl? You can eat the bowl! The second best part? There's no serving dish to clean! Serve it hot with crackers.
06of 31
Balsamic Roasted Grapes
View Recipe
"A surprisingly delicious treat," recipe creator Olivia says of this perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. "Easy to make and a hit with everyone who has tried them! Pairs well with wine and cheese."
- 20 Appetizers for Your Thanksgiving Potluck
07of 31
Cranberry Salsa
View Recipe
This sweet and tangy cranberry salsa gets a little fire from a jalapeño pepper. "I spread cream cheese on a platter and spread the salsa over the top of the cream cheese with whole cranberries for garnish," says CarolynWG. It's a "great balance of flavors and pretty too. This will be a regular for future holidays."
- 20 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers to Munch on Before the Main Event
08of 31
Cranberry Brie Bites
View Recipe
"Tangy cranberry, creamy Brie, and crunchy walnuts come together in a buttery shell for an appetizer that will wow your guests," says Julie Hubert. "Bonus: These can be made up to three days ahead; wrap them in plastic wrap before the baking step and store in the refrigerator. Serve warm or at room temperature."
09of 31
Olive Cheese Ball
View Recipe
Cheddar cheese, green olives, onion, and a twist of lemon make this easy appetizer an all-time favorite. "This cheese ball is one our family has had and used for 20 years," says Cindy Carnes. "We love it. It's simple, and most of the ingredients are kept on hand. Roll it in nuts or parsley if desired. Serve with an assortment of crackers."
10of 31
Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
View Recipe
Chef John's version of baked Brie is wrapped in puff pastry dough, chilled, and then baked until the pastry is perfectly browned and the Brie is warm and melty. Let it come to room temperature first so all the flavors can be fully realized. "Was a big hit at our family's Thanksgiving gathering," says tharrisa."
- 15 Easy, Impressive Thanksgiving Appetizers with 5 Ingredients or Less
11of 31
Best Spinach Dip Ever
View Recipe
No matter how many creamy veggies you serve at Thanksgiving, you can always make room for this sour cream- and mayo-based dip. "I made this for Thanksgiving, and my mom called and asked me to bring it for Christmas," Cassy Gartman says.
12of 31
Sugar-Coated Pecans
View Recipe
"I kept a batch for myself and took the rest to Mom's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Two pounds of these pecans were GONE in a matter of hours!" says PTHOMPS2.
13of 31
Classic Savory Deviled Eggs
View Recipe
You can't go wrong with a classic, especially one that's best made in advance. "I made these for Thanksgiving," Holiday Baker says. "The dill taste and garlic powder were a little stronger than I cared for when I first made them. However, the next day they tasted very good for some reason."
- 20 Best Southern Thanksgiving Appetizers
14of 31
Sweet Potato Rolls
View Recipe
We can't think of a better holiday to serve these festive, fall-flavored rolls. "We loved these rolls and will make them every Thanksgiving from now on. My one-year-old could not get enough. Very moist and great flavor," says reviewer ATHENE, who added an extra 1/2 cup of puréed sweet potato.
15of 31
Pine Cone Cheese Ball
View Recipe
This festive appetizer tastes as good as it looks! "Savory, yet tangy, and a different twist on the traditional Cheddar-based cheese ball," Roxanne Ingold Thomas says. "Everyone really liked the taste of the cream cheese and goat cheese blend."
16of 31
Jalapeño Cheese Puffs
View Recipe
Store-bought wonton wrappers are stuffed with a cheesy cream cheese-jalapeño mixture, then fried to golden perfection in this fun twist on traditional jalapeño poppers.
17of 31
Antipasto on a Stick
View Recipe
Salami, olives, cheese, and artichoke hearts are skewered together for a make-ahead appetizer everyone will love.
18of 31
Best Ever Party Appetizer
View Recipe
Goat cheese is topped with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, basil, rosemary, and garlic in this crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer.
19of 31
Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms
View Recipe
Fresh mushrooms are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
20of 31
Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer
View Recipe
Thanksgiving is the official start of the Christmas season, so kick it off in style with this elegant wreath-shaped appetizer featuring olives, sweet grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
21of 31
Sweet Orange and Cranberry Baked Brie
View Recipe
Make this elegant Thanksgiving appetizer with just four ingredients: Brie, dried cranberries, orange marmalade, and walnuts. Add some fresh mint for a burst of flavor and color.
22of 31
Easy Pumpkin Dip
View Recipe
This pumpkin-cream cheese dip will be the star of your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. Recipe creator Lisa Griffin suggests serving it with sliced apples.
23of 31
Chef John's Apple Butter
View Recipe
"Though the cooking time is long, it's super easy and pretty hands-free," Chef John says of his apple butter recipe. Pair it with some sharp Cheddar on a cheese plate or slather it onto cheesy biscuits."
24of 31
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
View Recipe
You need just three ingredients (scallops, bacon, and lemon juice) to make this restaurant-worthy Thanksgiving appetizer.
25of 31
Spicy Cranberry Sausage Balls
View Recipe
These spicy sausage balls are infused with sweet and savory fall flavor, so this irresistible recipe makes the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer.
26of 31
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
View Recipe
"Dates are stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked until crisp," according to recipe creator WINEANDCHEESE. "These are delicious and very easy to make for a party."
27of 31
Creamy Goat Cheese and Honey
View Recipe
"Creamy goat cheese is lightly dusted with pecans, honey, and rosemary," says recipe creator Raelee's recipes, who suggests serving this with crostini or bagel chips.
28of 31
Holiday Hot Spinach Dip
View Recipe
"This recipe is easy to make and delicious," says KMF0519. "Every time I've made it, I've had to pass along the recipe."
29of 31
Blue Cheese and Pear Tartlets
View Recipe
A mixture of blue cheese and chopped ripe pear is baked in store-bought phyllo tart shells.
30of 31
King Crab Appetizers
View Recipe
"These crab tartlets have long since been a family favorite and are requested often at holiday get-togethers," according to recipe creator 102183.
31of 31
More Inspiration
Hungry for more? Explore our entire collection of Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas.