30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes: a kitchen method

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here is a list of 30 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that will amaze your guests including bacon deviled eggs, artichoke dip and cranberry meatballs.

Start your Thanksgiving off right with appetizer recipes so good that you’ll almost forget about dinner!

Whether you are hosting a holiday feast this year or you just want to bring something special, don’t forget the appetizers. There is nothing better than the smell of turkey in the oven and an memorable snack at your fingertips. For everybody watching a game or chatting in the kitchen, a bowl of something to munch on is a must. Since we’re celebrating on this day, I also offer some festive jello shots for the adults!

I have gathered up the finest list of Thanksgiving snack recipes that will delight friends and family. I love hearty appetizers that are loaded with melty cheese, savory and the reliable way to get your guests ready for the main meal. There are plenty of options like cheese bombs, garlic knots, fried mushrooms and pigs in a blanket.

When oven and stove space is scarce, cold snacks are fantastic. They tend to be a little on the lighter side, and many of them are make-ahead which is always important when you’re planning a big meal! Try some cold recipes with minimal ingredients like pesto dip, cheese ball bites and the classic bacon deviled eggs. Pair your snacks with some Thanksgiving punch for signature enjoyment!

Whatever you do, don’t forget the kitchen-made Chex mix. I am always astonished how good that crunchy, savory snack can be.

Don’t let the holiday appetizer be an afterthought, pick some of these memorable snacks now. Have fun with your munchies and try something new. Sometimes I think appetizers are the finest part of the whole meal! Need more help with your Thanksgiving menu? Be sure to check out my guide on how to cook a turkey. You can also try some of my go-to side dishes such as roasted butternut squash, kitchen-made cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin soup. As a bonus, I’m including an extra recipe at the end for the most quick and straightforward Thanksgiving appetizer platter!

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

These antipasto skewers are a variety of italian meats, cheeses, olives and vegetables threaded onto sticks. An straightforward yet elegant appetizer. Get the RecipeThis artichoke dip recipe is a blend of three types of cheese, artichoke hearts, garlic and herbs, all baked together to golden brown perfection. A quick and straightforward appetizer idea that always gets rave reviews! Get the RecipeThese straightforward bacon deviled eggs are a classic recipe dressed up with the addition of bacon bits and chives. Plus learn my tricks for the finest deviled eggs ever! Get the RecipeThese bacon wrapped dates are stuffed with goat cheese, covered in bacon, then brushed with maple syrup before they go into the oven to bake to perfection. A super straightforward and unique 5 ingredient appetizer! Get the RecipeThese ultra silky cheese ball bites are made with three types of cheese and rolled in assorted toppings. An straightforward make ahead party snack that always gets rave reviews! Get the RecipeDill dip is a silky herb flavored snack that pairs perfectly with potato chips and vegetables. Finest of all, it’s ready in just 5 minutes! Get the RecipeThese bacon wrapped smokies are cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon, then coated in brown sugar and spices and baked to perfection. An straightforward appetizer option that's great for feeding a large crowd. Get the RecipeThis baked brie is topped with raspberry jam, fresh raspberries and candied pecans, then is wrapped in puff pastry and baked to golden brown perfection. A quick and straightforward appetizer option that is sure to impress your family and friends. Get the RecipeThis cheese ball recipe is made with cream cheese, white cheddar cheese and spices, all blended together and rolled in chopped pecans. A classic appetizer that's straightforward to make and always a hit at parties. Get the RecipeA guide to creating the finest cheese board with a variety of different cheeses, crackers, fruit and accompaniments. An straightforward and impressive appetizer for any gathering, and this one always gets rave reviews! Get the Recipe

These cheese bombs are biscuit dough wrapped around cheddar cheese, then topped with garlic herb butter and parmesan and baked to perfection. An straightforward snack or side dish that’s reliable for all the cheese lovers in your life. Get the RecipeThese crab stuffed mushrooms are mushroom caps filled with flaked crab and three types of cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection. An straightforward and elegant appetizer that can be assembled ahead of time! Get the RecipeThese slow cooker cranberry meatballs are a 5 ingredient appetizer that are sure to be the hit of any party! Get the RecipeThese fried mushrooms are coated in a light and crunchy seasoned beer batter, then deep fried to golden brown perfection. The signature party snack that's always a huge hit! Get the RecipeThese grape jelly meatballs are kitchen-made meatballs tossed in a two ingredient sauce and slow cooked to perfection in the crock pot. A quick and straightforward appetizer or dinner option that always gets rave reviews! Get the RecipeThese straightforward garlic knots are smothered in butter, garlic, herbs and parmesan and are baked to golden brown perfection. An straightforward side dish for any meal! Get the RecipeYour search for the reliable kitchen-made Chex mix ends here – this from scratch Chex mix is made with cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts, and is SO much better than the recipe on the box! Get the RecipeThis kitchen-made ranch dip is full of all of the familiar herbs and spices, but has no preservatives like the store bought version. The kitchen-made ranch powder is straightforward to make and keeps in the fridge for months! Get the RecipeThese little smokies are cocktail sausages simmered in the crockpot in a sweet and savory barbecue sauce. A super straightforward slow cooker appetizer that takes just minutes to put together and always gets rave reviews. Get the RecipeThis mini quiche recipe is bite sized pastries filled with eggs, cheese, meat and vegetables. An elegant appetizer or brunch option that can be customized in so many different ways to suit your tastes. Get the Recipe

This pesto dip is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, basil pesto and seasonings that are combined to create a rich and silky dip in just minutes. The easiest last minute appetizer option that pairs well with bread, veggies or can even be used on a sandwich or as a salad dressing. Get the RecipePigs in a blanket is a classic party snack made with cocktail wieners wrapped in crescent dough, which are baked to golden brown perfection. An straightforward appetizer option that can be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd. Get the RecipeThis recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crunchy perfection and finished with sour cream and green onions. A classic appetizer that's straightforward to make and always a crowd pleaser! Get the RecipeThis prosciutto wrapped asparagus is fresh asparagus stalks flavored with savory prosciutto, then broiled to crunchy perfection. A 4 ingredient appetizer or side dish that's straightforward, yet elegant and always gets rave reviews. Get the RecipeThis light and fluffy pumpkin dip is made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, cream cheese and whipped topping. It’s the reliable dessert or appetizer for any fall gathering and takes just 5 minutes to make. Get the RecipeThese straightforward sausage cheese balls are the reliable party appetizer, they’re packed full of savory flavor! Get the RecipeThese sausage stuffed mushrooms are mushroom caps filled with Italian sausage, herbs and three kinds of cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection. An straightforward and elegant party snack that can be assembled ahead of time! Get the RecipeThis Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a display of meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, fall fruit and seasonal treats. A super straightforward yet impressive appetizer offering that is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Get the RecipeThis kitchen-made veggie tray is an assortment of colorful vegetables paired with a variety of flavorful dips. A crudite platter is a must-have for any party or gathering, it's always a big hit with both kids and adults alike! Get the RecipeThese beer brat bites are juicy bratwurst sausages that are grilled to perfection, then sliced and tossed in a beer glaze. An straightforward appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of any holiday party! Get the Recipe

Surprise your friends and family with some new appetizers that will set the stage for an memorable Thanksgiving dinner! Give these snacks a try, and maybe make a little extra for yourself. I won’t tell.