15 Thanksgiving Appetizers: Easy Ideas for Festive Starters

Discover creative and delightful appetizer ideas perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration.

Pumpkin Spice Soup Shots

pumpkin spice soup shots

Pumpkin Spice Soup Shots offer a warming burst of autumn flavors in a small, elegant serving. This appetizer sets a festive tone with its creamy texture and seasonal spices, perfect for sparking guest conversations.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites merge the tartness of cranberry with the creamy texture of Brie, all encapsulated in a crisp pastry shell. This delightful combination offers a burst of festive flavors, making it a perfect start to a Thanksgiving feast.

Sweet Potato Rounds With Goat Cheese and Pecans

These rounds serve as a delightful contrast of textures, combining creamy goat cheese with crunchy pecans on a slice of sweet potato. They offer a subtle sweetness balanced with savory notes, making them a sophisticated yet easy-to-enjoy appetizer.

Butternut Squash Hummus

Butternut Squash Hummus blends the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with traditional hummus ingredients for a festive twist. This appetizer adds a colorful and creamy option to the Thanksgiving spread, perfect for dipping vegetables or spreading on crackers.

Turkey Meatballs With Cranberry Glaze

These meatballs infuse a taste of the main Thanksgiving dish into a bite-sized appetizer, perfect for guests to enjoy as they mingle. The cranberry glaze adds a festive, sweet-tart finish that complements the savory turkey beautifully.

Mini Cornbread Muffins With Jalapeño and Cheddar

These bite-sized treats blend the sweetness of cornbread with the spicy kick of jalapeño and the creamy texture of melted cheddar. Ideal for adding a warming, savory element to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Skewers

These skewers feature tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze, offering a perfect balance of autumnal flavors. They make for a delightful grab-and-go option that adds a gourmet touch to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates With Blue Cheese

Bacon-wrapped dates filled with blue cheese combine sweet, savory, and creamy textures for a luxurious bite. This appetizer offers a delightful contrast of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving gathering.

Savory Pumpkin Tarts

Savory Pumpkin Tarts combine the classic fall flavor of pumpkin with a rich, buttery pastry crust. Topped with herbs and a sprinkle of cheese, they make a delightful start to any Thanksgiving feast.

Spiced Pear Flatbreads

Spiced Pear Flatbreads combine the sweetness of pears with warming spices on a crispy base, perfect for a light Thanksgiving appetizer. Their autumnal flavors set a festive tone for the holiday gathering.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Dippers With Honey Mustard

These bite-sized vegetables offer a crunchy, earthy base that pairs delightfully with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. The combination transforms a familiar side dish into an interactive, enjoyable appetizer.

Acorn Squash Fritters

Acorn Squash Fritters offer a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors, merging the natural sweetness of squash with a crispy exterior. These fritters serve as a unique appetizer, perfect for enticing guests as they await the main feast.

Smoked Salmon On Sweet Potato Rounds

This appetizer pairs the rich, silky texture of smoked salmon with the subtle sweetness of baked sweet potato rounds. It offers a delightful contrast of flavors and adds a sophisticated touch to the Thanksgiving appetizer spread.

Fig and Ricotta Crostini

Fig and Ricotta Crostini combine the lush sweetness of fresh figs with creamy ricotta on a crisp, toasted bread base. This elegant appetizer adds a touch of sophistication to Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus With Balsamic Reduction

Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus combines the saltiness of cured ham with the earthy freshness of asparagus, enhanced by a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. This elegant appetizer adds a sophisticated touch to the Thanksgiving table, blending beautifully with the traditional flavors of the season.