If you need easy recipes for Thanksgiving appetizers, this is your list! The 15 Best Appetizers and Snacks to celebrate Thanksgiving. This list is hand-picked with easy appetizers that are simple to make, but big on flavor, and aesthetics! Who doesn’t love an easy, beautiful and delicious appetizer?
When I put together this list of Thanksgiving appetizers, I wanted to include recipes that were a little different than the typical charcuterie board. Appetizers are easier than a meal, and they should be fun to make, delicious to eat, and beautiful to look at. One of my favorite things to bring to a Thanksgiving feast is a hostess gift, so I included my recipe for Honey Roasted Nuts. These double as an appetizer, but look beautiful in a mason jar with a big piece of twine tied around it
1. Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
The classic combination of ham and cheese, rolled inside puff pastry with a little honey mustard. This has become my go-to quick appetizer for the holidays, or even just a snack while we watch football. You can dress them up or down, and there’s a ton of options to customize this recipe.
2. Marinated Cheese
We love an easy appetizer recipe and Marinated Cheese is a unique recipe that guests go crazy for. It’s the perfect make-ahead appetizer for a gathering of any size. Chunks of gouda, pepper jack, mozzarella, and cream cheese are layered in a dish and topped with an easy, herb and roasted red pepper filled vinaigrette.
3.Cucumber Sushi Bites
Sushi and Thanksgiving are not really thought of together, but it works! A cucumber slice is topped with crab salad and drizzled with sweet chili sauce, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make, but has such a wow factor for guests.
4. Salmon Dip
Easy salmon dip is a favorite in our family! This recipe is simple and comes together in only a couple minutes. It’s the perfect appetizer for any season. Naturally low in carbohydrates, you can also make a low fat version using Greek yogurt.
5. Asparagus Tart
Try this incredibly easy to make Asparagus Tart! Crisp tender asparagus on a bed of Puff Pastry and Gruyere Cheese. Topped with a few cherry tomatoes for a delightful taste, and looks like a piece of art.
6. Homemade Boursin Cheese
This homemade version of Boursin Cheese is an easy 5 minute recipe that’s perfect for a snack, or a party appetizer. It’s a great recipe to use up those garden herbs, too.
7. Bloody Mary Dip
We love this easy Bloody Mary Dip! It’s such a fun take on a classic cocktail that your guests will love. Full of cream cheese, tomatoes, olives, and traditional Bloody Mary flavors that all come together with crunchy celery this is a dip everybody will want the recipe for.
8. Honey Roasted Nuts
We love roasted nuts, they make a perfect snack or hostess gift! These Honey Roasted Nuts are super easy and this recipe can be used with any nut, or nuts.
9. Easy Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed Mushrooms have become one of our favorite mushroom recipes. They’re simple, impressive, and take only about 20 minutes to make. We like this version because it does not require any sautéing! Just mix up a cream cheese and herbs, then stuff the mushrooms and dunk them in an olive oil panko crumb mixture.
10. Twisted Bacon
Super easy and fun to make, this Twisted Bacon Recipe is simple and delicious. Serve it on its own, or on a charcuterie board. Originally posted on TikTok and made famous by Keto lovers, this bacon comes out perfectly crispy every time and hey, it’s just fun!
11. Apple & Cheddar Crostini Appetizers
We are big lovers of anything sweet and savory, and these Apple Cheddar Crostinis are just that! A simple appetizer that can be made in a pinch, slices of savory cheddar cheese and tart green apple sit atop a toasted crostini, toped with a drizzle of honey and garnished with sea salt and thyme.
12. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Galette
This beautifully unformed savory tart comes together in a flash. I love the simplicity. Store bought pie crust filled with roasted squash, goat cheese and topped with arugula and pomegranate for a pop of color! The butternut squash is perfect for the season.
13. Prosciutto Wrapped Apples
This easy Prosciutto Wrapped Appetizer with Apple and Cheese comes together in a flash with just a few ingredients. This super easy and portable appetizer is great for any size party! Make 4 or 40 in just minutes.
14. Air Fryer Chicken Wings
This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipe has a secret ingredient that makes them extra crispy! A quick and easy rub that includes spices and a pinch of baking powder makes these restaurant quality with ease.
15. Easy Cranberry Meatballs
Looking for an easy, classic holiday appetizer? Look no further! These Easy Cranberry Meatballs are sweet and savory and come together in about 30 minutes.
More Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes:
- Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread
- Baked Chicken Wontons
- Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites
- Hot Corn Dip (perfect for parties!)
- Baked Wonton Crab Rangoons
- Baked Chicken Wontons
- Quick Pickled Cabbage (perfect to go on the side of nachos or wontons!)
- The BEST Quesadilla
- Banh Mi Bites
- Puff Pastry & Goat Cheese Appetizer
Hope you enjoy these easy snacks, and holiday appetizers as much as we do. Don’t forget to tag us if you make our recipes @laughingspatula on instagram! – Kathi and Rachel
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Traditional Thanksgiving Dressing
- The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Hosting
- Turkey Tenderloin with Balsamic and Rosemary
- Cranberry & Brie Filled Biscuits
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- No Bake Pumpkin Cups
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
FAQ About Serving Thanksgiving Appetizers
- How many appetizers should I serve?
- I aim for 2-3 pieces of each appetizer per person. For a small group, 8 people or less, I serve 2-3 different appetizers. For anything 10 or above, I aim for 4-6. Sometimes I’ll go potluck style and ask guests to bring their favorite appetizer.
- When to serve appetizers on Thanksgiving?
- I like to serve appetizers about 20 minutes after guests arrive. I always have beverages ready when guests walk in the door, though.
- What appetizers can be made ahead of time?
- Make ahead appetizers can be a lifesaver on Thanksgiving. Our marinated cheese is perfect for a make ahead option! The honey roasted nuts are great, too (especially in a jar near the bar).
- What are the best portable appetizers for Thanksgiving?
- Dips and spreads are perfectly portable. Pack some crackers, and place your dip of choice in a lidded container. I like to bring a cute glass dish to serve it in to make it prettier!
Happy snacking, and happy Thanksgiving! Remmeber, if you make any of our recipes, we’d LOVE to see them in real life, tag us @laughingspatula! – Kathi and Rachel
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