75 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers for Your Hungriest Guests on Turkey Day
The ultimate crowd-pleasing bites that are easy to make!
Thanksgiving is undoubtedly one of the best parts of fall. It's a time to gather with your favorite people and enjoy delicious food — what's not to love? If you're on the hunt for Thanksgiving appetizers to tide over a hungry crowd or impress the whole Friendsgiving crew, you're in luck. We've assembled the best Thanksgiving appetizers for you right here, from Ina Garten-approved bites to Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes that can easily be a first course.
Whether you're cooking an intimate dinner for two or plan to have dozens of people at your table, planning your Thanksgiving menu ahead of time is key. In addition to these appetizer ideas, we've also got plenty of suggestions for Thanksgiving sides, green bean recipes, seasonal desserts, vegetarian recipes and more. And should you find yourself needing to send someone out for a last-minute ingredient, we've also got a list of grocery stores open on Thanksgiving Day.
If you happen to find yourself with leftovers after the big day, check out our ideas for leftover stuffing recipes and leftover turkey recipes that make your classic dishes feel new again.
What are you waiting for? Here are the best Thanksgiving appetizers to get you ready for the big day. Bookmark your favorites now so you're ready by the time November 23 rolls around.
Baked Ricotta
Roasted vegetables, fennel-spiked caper vinaigrette, and warm ricotta make for a cozy and impressive Thanksgiving appetizer. Set this out with some warm, crusty bread for a dish everyone will love.
Get the Baked Ricotta recipe.
Ranch Croquettes
These cheesy, potato-y bites flavored with ranch seasoning are sure to be devoured the second you set them down on the table.
Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.
Zucchini Fritters
These fried snacks made with grated zucchini, Parmesan and ricotta come together quickly — perfect if you need something to tide everyone over until the main event.
Get the Zucchini Fritters recipe.
Loaded Ranch Potato Skins
You'll have to remind everyone not to fill up too much on these treats before the turkey comes out. But really, who can resist these potato boats filled with melty cheese and crispy bacon?
Get the Loaded Ranch Potato Skins recipe.
Whipped Ricotta Three Ways
Luscious whipped ricotta is made even better thanks to a peppery apricot topping. If that's not your style, we've also got recipes for a maple, fig and mint topping or a toasted garlic and lemon topping.
Get the Whipped Ricotta Three Ways recipe.
Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Need something a little lighter for your Thanksgiving crew to snack on? Try this fresh-tasting dip that's made with fragrant herbs, crunchy walnuts, cheese and lemon. If you still feel it's missing something, try adding white beans for some extra creaminess.
Roasted Strawberries and Brie
This gorgeous appetizer takes just 15 minutes and four ingredients to make. Plus, that mini cast iron skillet is just too cute.
Get the Roasted Strawberries and Brie recipe.
Herbed Cheese Dip
Creamy goat cheese, fresh ricotta and aromatic herbs come together in this simple, delicious appetizer. Serve it with crackers, bread or fresh veggies.
Get the Herbed Cheese Dip recipe.
Everything Flatbread with Smoked Salmon
This colorful flatbread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's piled high with cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all on top of an everything-bagel seasoned flatbread.
Queso Fundido with Roasted Mushrooms
Creamy melted cheese, sauteed poblano peppers, and roasted mushrooms loaded onto a crunchy tortilla chip is our idea of perfection.
Saucy Sausage Meatballs
Pop some toothpicks into these classic meatballs — which are slathered in a delicious tomato sauce made with cinnamon and orange zest — for a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Saucy Sausage Meatballs recipe.
Corn Pups
Even the pickiest eaters at the Thanksgiving table will enjoy these adorable appetizers. They're made with homemade pancake batter for that special touch.
Get the Corn Pups recipe.
Sriracha Mixed Nuts
Set out a big bowl of these unique sweet-and-spicy nuts for everyone to snack on while they wait for the main event. These could easily be prepped ahead of time, leaving your kitchen free for other dishes.
Get the Sriracha Mixed Nuts recipe.
Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup
For your first course, ladle up this soup that's full of fall flavors (and healthy to boot!). You'll need to add butternut squash, black beans, canned chipotle in adobo, fire-roasted tomatoes, and poblano pepper to your shopping list.
Apple Sausage Rolls
These cozy appetizers bring together homemade sausage seasoned with autumnal spices, apples, and flaky puff pastry. We'd suggest setting aside a few for yourself before setting the tray out, because these are sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.
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.
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