14 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers Everyone Will Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving brings together friends, family, and the flavors we love most, and there’s no better way to kick off the holiday meal than with delicious appetizers that get everyone excited for the feast ahead. These Thanksgiving appetizers are easy to make, full of seasonal ingredients, and sure to be crowd-pleasers. From cheesy bites to fresh veggie dishes, these recipes will have everyone gathering around before the main event even begins.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Walnuts

This easy baked brie is a warm and melty appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving. Start by placing a wheel of brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then top it with 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and a handful of chopped walnuts. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the brie is soft and gooey. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for dipping, and garnish with fresh rosemary for an extra festive touch. This recipe brings together creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

For a savory and sweet starter, these bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a perfect choice. Cut large Brussels sprouts in half, wrap each half with half a slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Drizzle maple syrup over the sprouts and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper for a little kick. This appetizer is easy to make and brings a warm, smoky flavor that pairs well with other Thanksgiving dishes.

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage and Parmesan

These stuffed mushrooms are a hearty, savory bite everyone will appreciate. Start by removing the stems from about 20 button mushrooms, then sauté 1/2 pound of Italian sausage with 1/4 cup diced onions until cooked. Mix the sausage with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and some fresh parsley, then stuff the mushroom caps. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. These stuffed mushrooms bring a rich and satisfying flavor to the table with a touch of holiday spice.

Butternut Squash Crostini with Ricotta and Honey

This crostini is a flavorful and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Start by roasting cubed butternut squash tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 25 minutes. Spread ricotta cheese on toasted baguette slices, then top with roasted squash and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, finishing touch. This appetizer combines creamy, sweet, and savory notes that are perfect for the holiday season.

Mini Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

Mini turkey meatballs are a fun, easy-to-eat appetizer with a holiday twist. Mix 1 pound ground turkey with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Roll into small balls and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice until smooth, then toss the meatballs in the glaze. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating, and enjoy a Thanksgiving-inspired flavor in every bite.

Sweet Potato Bites with Marshmallow and Pecan

These sweet potato bites bring the classic casserole to appetizer form. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds, brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Top each round with a small marshmallow and a pecan, then return to the oven for 5 minutes until the marshmallow is gooey. Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup if desired. This bite-sized treat is sweet, crunchy, and comforting, perfect for a festive start to the meal.

Pumpkin Hummus with Pita and Veggie Sticks

Pumpkin hummus is a delicious and festive dip that’s simple to make. In a food processor, combine 1 can of chickpeas, 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blend until smooth and season with salt, cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon. Serve with pita chips, sliced carrots, and celery sticks for dipping. This creamy hummus has a subtle hint of pumpkin spice, making it a seasonal favorite.

Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry

These cranberry brie bites are quick to assemble and perfect for any holiday spread. Cut a sheet of puff pastry into 12 squares and place each in a mini muffin tin. Add a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce to each square, then fold the corners over. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. These bites are sweet, creamy, and flaky, making them an instant hit at the table.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan shrimp is an easy appetizer that packs a lot of flavors. Toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the cheese is golden. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with parsley. These shrimp are savory, garlicky, and perfect for those who love seafood.

Cheddar and Chive Biscuits

Homemade cheddar and chive biscuits are a warm, comforting start to the meal. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cold butter, mixing until crumbly. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped chives, then add 3/4 cup milk. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. These biscuits are cheesy, fluffy, and perfect with a bit of butter.

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts

These tarts are rich and flavorful, with a deliciously flaky crust. Start by sautéing sliced onions in olive oil over low heat for 25 minutes until caramelized. Spread goat cheese on puff pastry squares and top with caramelized onions. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes until golden. The sweet onions and tangy goat cheese make these tarts an elegant and tasty appetizer.

Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon

Elevate classic deviled eggs with a touch of smoked salmon. Hard boil a dozen eggs, then halve them and mix the yolks with 1/4 cup mayonnaise, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and some chopped dill. Spoon the filling back into the whites and top each with a small piece of smoked salmon. These deviled eggs are creamy, savory, and a great bite-sized treat for guests.

Herb-Roasted Olives with Garlic and Lemon

Warm roasted olives are an easy and flavorful appetizer. Toss mixed olives with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Roast at 375°F for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm with toothpicks for an easy, savory snack that’s full of Mediterranean flavor. These olives are fragrant and delicious, making them an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving starter.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Cups

This colorful appetizer is fresh, tangy, and visually appealing. Roast cubed beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 25 minutes until tender. Fill small lettuce cups with a spoonful of beets, a crumble of goat cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving. These cups are healthy, vibrant, and bring a unique flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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