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77 Thanksgiving Appetizers That Will Steal the Show on Turkey Day

Feed a crowd with these impressive bites!

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baked brie with cranberry syrup on top in a mini cast iron pan
Mike Garten

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Come Turkey Day, the undisputed star of the show is the Thanksgiving turkey. But before that, there's one more element of the dinner you'll want to keep in mind: Thanksgiving appetizers. These start the meal on a high note. Plus, if you serve them early, they'll keep everyone from getting hangry while you put the finishing touches on dinner. We'd call that a win! Luckily, we've gathered our favorite Thanksgiving appetizer recipes so you can easily make them for your ultimate Thanksgiving dinner spread.

Some of these appetizers can be prepped ahead of time so you have one less thing to manage on the big day. We have plenty of classic Thanksgiving bites and some non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas to keep things interesting. We have a feeling these finger foods will be so well-received by family and friends that you'll be asked to make them again for Christmas, game days, and other future gatherings. Don't say we didn't warn you!

What are you waiting for? Bookmark your favorite recipes for the ultimate feast!

1

Manchego Devils on Horseback

dates, manchego, pepperoncini and prosciutto appetizers
Mike Garten

These elevated salty-sweet bites will keep everyone satisfied until it's time to sit down for dinner. They bring together dates, Manchego, pepperoncini and prosciutto, plus a delicious glaze to finish things off.

Get the Manchego Devils on Horseback recipe.

RELATED: 45 Best Finger Food Ideas to Serve a Big Crowd

2

Mushroom Lovers’ Soup

mushroom soup with roasted mushrooms on top
Mike Garten

Start things off with bowls or cups of this seasonal soup. It has mushrooms pureed into the broth, roasted as a crispy topping and dried then rehydrated with mushroom broth. We weren't kidding when we named it!

Get the Mushroom Lovers' Soup recipe.

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3

Chips and Roe

chips with creme fraiche and roe on top
Mike Garten

Get creative with your Thanksgiving menu by serving up a platter of potato chips topped with crème fraîche and salmon roe. Unlike many appetizers, this takes zero cooking and can be done in 10 minutes.

Get the Chips and Roe recipe.

4

Cranberry Baked Brie

baked brie with cranberry syrup on top in a mini cast iron pan
Mike Garten

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.

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5

Ranch Croquettes

ranch flavored croquettes with lemon wedges
Mike Garten

Cheddar, potatoes, and ranch seasoning come together to make these incredibly tender, flavorful bites that will be gone before you can even set the plate down.

Get the Ranch Croquettes recipe.

6

Baked Ricotta

baked tomatoes with ricotta
Mike Garten

Jammy roasted shallots, peppers and tomatoes make a perfect bed for a pile of warm, salty ricotta. If you have a good bottle of olive oil on hand, drizzle it on top for that extra-special touch and serve with warm crusty bread.

Get the Baked Ricotta recipe.

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7

Apple Sausage Rolls

apple sausage rolls with puff pastry
Mike Garten

These delicious Thanksgiving appetizers bring together plenty of autumnal elements, like apple-infused pork sausage and even a homemade apple butter mustard. All of that, with warm puff pastry? We're in.

Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.

8

Whipped Ricotta Three Ways

whipped ricotta with fruit on top
Mike Garten

A creamy cheese dip is a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer, since it comes together quickly and is practically guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. We've got three ideas for what you can top this dreamy ricotta dip with: a peppery apricot topping, a maple, fig, and mint topping, or a toasted garlic and lemon topping.

Get the Whipped Ricotta Three Ways recipe.

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9

Roasted Strawberries and Brie

roasted strawberries and brie in a cast iron
Mike Garten

Strawberries don't have to be off the menu after summer! This delicious appetizer brings together gorgeous roasted strawberries and melty brie in just 15 minutes.

Get the Roasted Strawberries and Brie recipe.

10

Corn Pups

mini corn pups on a stick
Mike Garten

Who wouldn't love a mini corndog? These appetizers will appeal to kids and adults alike. They're made with homemade pancake batter that's infused with chopped jalapeño and scallion to take things to the next level.

Get the Corn Pups recipe.

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11

Air Fryer Parmesan-Thyme Artichokes

thanksgiving appetizers air fryer parmesan thyme artichokes
Mike Garten

Canned artichoke hearts are turned into a cozy Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish, thanks to your air fryer and plenty of parmesan.

Get the Air Fryer Parmesan-Thyme Artichokes recipe.

12

Loaded Ranch Potato Skins

potato skins with cheese and bacon and a side of ranch
Mike Garten

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.

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13

Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

spinach artichoke dip
Mike Garten

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.

Get the Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe.

14

Herbed Cheese Dip

herbed cheese dip with sliced cucumbers and crackers on the side
Mike Garten

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.

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15

Everything Flatbread with Smoked Salmon

everything flatbread smoked salmon with cucumber and tomato
Mike Garten

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.

Get the Everything Flatbread with Smoked Salmon recipe.

16

Queso Fundido with Roasted Mushrooms

queso fundido with roasted mushrooms on top
Mike Garten

Creamy melted cheese, sauteed poblano peppers and roasted mushrooms loaded onto a crunchy tortilla chip is our idea of perfection.

Get the Queso Fundido with Roasted Mushrooms recipe.

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17

Saucy Sausage Meatballs

a baking tray of red saucy sausage meatballs
Mike Garten

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.

RELATED: 50 Homemade Meatball Recipes That Make the Perfect Family Dinner

18

Sriracha Mixed Nuts

a sheet tray of toasted mixed nuts
Mike Garten

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.

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19

Parmesan Seeded Crackers

parmesan seeded crackers on a blue plate
Mike Garten

What makes these crackers buttery and flaky? The secret is pie dough!

Get the Parmesan Seeded Crackers recipe.

20

Delicata Squash Pizza

delicata squash pizza sliced for sharing

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.

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Samantha MacAvoy
Senior Editor

Samantha (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Delish, where she edits the most-talked-about food news and features on the internet. In her previous role as Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, she taste-tested hundreds of products and recipes (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.

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Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

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