15 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Your Guests Will Love
Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and good food. While the turkey and sides are the stars of the main event, the appetizers set the tone for the entire day. They keep hungry guests happy, give everyone something to gather around, and make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.
The Best Thanksgiving Appetizers
If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving dinner, you know there’s that stretch of time when the turkey is resting, the rolls are warming, and everyone is standing around asking, “Is it almost ready?”
That’s where easy Thanksgiving appetizers save the day. Some of these are make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers, and some are easily put together in minutes just before you want to serve them.
Having a few simple bites out keeps guests from hovering over the stove and lets you finish cooking without feeling rushed.
I like to choose a mix of warm dips, fresh options, and something a little fun or festive to enjoy before the main meal.
Easy Appetizers for Thanksgiving
You don’t need to make 20 different appetizers for Thanksgiving – it is Thanksgiving Day afterall – the best meal of the year!
But a handful of reliable, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer ideas can make the big day so much better!
These easy Thanksgiving appetizers can be prepped ahead of time and set out when guests arrive.
Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving feast or a smaller holiday meal, these appetizers help make the whole day feel relaxed and special.
Here are 15 delicious Thanksgiving appetizers from RoseBakes.com that are perfect for your holiday menu.
1. Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
This savory pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is always a conversation starter and the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. Creamy, flavorful, and perfect with crackers or veggies, it is festive (thanks to the orange cheddar cheese on the outside) and easy to make ahead.
Why it works
• Make-ahead friendly
• Festive fall presentation
• Always a crowd pleaser
3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
These slow cooker meatballs are sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. These little bites are hearty enough to satisfy hungry guests without filling them up before the Thanksgiving meal.
Why it works
• Only 3 ingredients
• Great for feeding a crowd
• Easy to serve with toothpicks
Easy Turkey Veggie Tray
This turkey-shaped veggie tray is colorful, fresh, and the perfect appetizer for balancing out heavier appetizers. It is a simple way to add something healthy to your Thanksgiving menu. This is also great for kids if you want to serve fun Thanksgiving appetizers!
Why it works
• Light and fresh option
• Kid-friendly
• Prep ahead friendly
Creamy Spicy Corn Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, this corn dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips. It is one of those appetizer recipes that always disappears fast, and it’s one of our favorite appetizers that we have every Thanksgiving.
Why it works
• Big batch recipe
• Easy to make ahead
• Crowd favorite
Creamy Bacon Cheese Dip
Warm, rich, and packed with flavor, this dip is perfect for fall gatherings. Serve it hot with crackers or crusty bread for a comforting holiday appetizer.
Why it works
• Warm option for cooler weather
• Savory and filling
• Easy to double
Mexican Queso Dip
You can never go wrong with queso. It is simple, familiar, and perfect for grazing while guests mingle before the big dinner.
Why it works
• Quick to prepare
• Always popular
• Great with chips or veggies
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
For a sweet option, this pumpkin dip brings all the cozy fall flavors. Serve it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or apple slices.
Why it works
• Simple ingredients
• Seasonal flavor
• Doubles as appetizer or dessert
Cold Veggie Pizza with Crescent Rolls
This cold veggie pizza is a fresh and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for Thanksgiving grazing. Fluffy crescent roll crust topped with a creamy spread and crisp vegetables makes for light Thanksgiving appetizers, satisfying bite that guests can nibble while chatting.
Why it works
• Easy no-bake appetizer
• Colorful and fresh
• Great balance to richer dishes
Strawberry Salsa with Chocolate Dipped Graham Crackers
If you like offering something unexpected, this sweet strawberry salsa is fresh and fun. It adds a bright flavor to your holiday menu and pairs beautifully with chocolate dipped graham crackers.
Why it works
• Unique appetizer option
• Sweet and fresh
• Great for a mixed age crowd
Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board
A dessert board can work beautifully as part of your appetizer spread. Fill it with cookies, candies, mini treats, and seasonal favorites.
Why it works
• No cooking required
• Doubles as dessert
• Beautiful presentation
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Bites
These slow cooker kielbasa bites are simple, savory, and perfect for the holiday season. With just four ingredients, they cook in the crockpot while you handle the rest of your holiday prep.
Why it works
• Only 4 ingredients
• Warm and hearty
• Perfect for serving straight from the slow cooker
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
These colorful stuffed mini peppers are simple, fresh, and full of creamy flavor. Sweet mini peppers filled with a tangy cream cheese mixture make an easy, no-bake Thanksgiving appetizer that looks beautiful on a board and doesn’t ruin your appetite for the main course.
Why it works
• Bright, colorful appetizer
• Kid friendly and make-ahead friendly
• Fresh flavor that balances rich dishes
Strawberry Jalapeño Baked Brie
This sweet-and-spicy baked brie is creamy, gooey, and totally irresistible. Topped with a fresh strawberry jalapeño jam and baked until bubbly, it’s the kind of appetizer that gets eaten before your guests even sit down for the big meal.
Why it works
• Sweet and spicy flavor combo
• Warm and shareable
• Perfect centerpiece for an appetizer board
Instant Pot Asian Glazed Chicken Wings
Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor, these Asian glazed chicken wings are totally addictive. Made in the Instant Pot for juicy, tender meat with a caramelized sauce finish, they make a perfect warm appetizer for Thanksgiving gatherings. Add some ranch and blue cheese dressing, and you’re all set!
Why it works
• Bold flavor everyone loves
• Easy Instant Pot prep
• Great warm appetizer for fall menus
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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Buffalo chicken dip meets a spicy, delicious
Thanksgiving Appetizer for Kids
This fun turkey-shaped kids appetizer is perfect for little guests (and adults who are young at heart). Mozzarella sticks become turkey legs, and meatballs pair with homemade marinara for dipping — a playful option that keeps kids happy while grownups chat.
Why it works
• Kid friendly and fun to assemble
• Great way to involve children in holiday prep
• Simple ingredients most families already have
With so many easy Thanksgiving appetizers ideas to choose from, you can mix and match to create a spread that fits your family and your holiday menu. Whether you prefer warm dips, slow-cooker bites, fresh veggie trays, or sweet-and-savory combinations, having a few simple appetizers ready makes hosting feel so much easier.
The key is choosing recipes that can be prepped ahead and set out without stress.
Thanksgiving Day appetizers should feel joyful, not overwhelming. A thoughtful appetizer table gives your guests something delicious to enjoy while the turkey rests and the final dishes come together.
Pick a few favorites, keep it simple, and enjoy the time gathered around the kitchen with the people you love most.
Cute idea. I’m sure those would keep the kids busy until dinnertime. #client
This is absolutely adorable and creative.
Thank you so much!