49 Thanksgiving Appetizers That Taste Like the Holiday Started Early
Thanksgiving starts early with any of these 49 appetizers ready to surprise guests in every way. Each tray sparks lively conversation and sets the mood for sharing plates with new and classic flavors. These starters get people talking before the turkey even arrives. Dishes like these always find a spot on any holiday table.

Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Action picks up once bite-sized rolls hit the appetizer spread with a bit of heat leading the way. People focus on Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls while comments bounce around about bold flavor and tender texture. Chicken rolls bring a party atmosphere to every holiday gathering. The snack remains popular even after the last plate is cleared.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Spiraled snacks present a playful twist on celebration, creating moments worth sharing as soon as they are sliced. Savory Turkey Pinwheels always encourages guests to comment on gentle texture and familiar comfort. Pinwheels stay high on the request list year after year. The dish continues to start conversations during dinner.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Sweetness meets smooth cheese in appetizers that get snapped up on every serving tray. Picking up Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites gets attention for balanced flavor and gentle finish. Cranberry and brie bites earn applause at parties of all sizes. The appetizer creates buzz long after everyone is full.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites
Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Bold colors lead the spread as these bites make rounds quickly among all guests at the table. Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites earns feedback for vibrant layers and soft finish. Caprese appetizers generate cheerful energy at busy events. The recipe is remembered in stories after Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Rich aroma draws the crowd as trays of these mushrooms set the standard for early flavor. Comments spring up about Savory Stuffed Mushrooms with every fork tapping into gentle filling and warm bite. Mushrooms often become the surprise star at festive gatherings. The choice never goes unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Grill-inspired flavors find new life in these small bites that get picked up instantly on any occasion. Everyone talks about Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders with notes about melty layers and crowd-friendly texture. Sliders belong on every party menu. Requests for extra always appear in feedback forms.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders
Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Seafood shines in appetizers that catch the eye with freshness and exciting presentation from the start. Forks tap into Fresh Shrimp Ceviche while comments focus on mellow spice and cool finish. Shrimp dishes grab attention before the main course is served. Crowd energy returns for a second round.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Ceviche
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

Spiraled appetizers make trays look festive while plenty of bites fill plates with gentle charm. Guests enjoy Ham and Cheese Pinwheels and share feedback about balanced structure and soft chew. Pinwheels create repeat followers at family celebrations. Every new gathering features the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Creative boards turn tables into conversation hubs with dazzling colors and savory choices for every taste. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board sparks interest for arrangement and varied flavor. Charcuterie sets the tone for plentiful offerings. Guests keep talking about the centerpiece all evening.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Tender sliders kick off classic comfort while trays catch the eye for easy serving throughout the event. Discussion surrounds Savory Roast Beef Sliders with remarks about hearty bite and texture. Sliders are a staple of Thanksgiving appetizers. Comments about this recipe remain strong long after the party.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders
Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Crispy bread toppings deliver sophistication as soon as they leave the cutting board. Focus turns to Elegant Crostini Appetizers with reactions about structure and balanced toppings. Crostini brings flair to appetizer selections for any guest list. The offering always inspires repeat servings.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crostini Appetizers
Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Warm sliders provide gentle comfort with cheesy goodness bubbling in every bite. People notice Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders and compliment the mellow layers and soft finish. Sliders keep guests engaged while waiting for main dishes. Positive remarks flow steadily through the appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders
Loaded Potato Skins

Potatoes find a spot at every party thanks to crispy shells and hearty fillings that mark true celebration. Picking up Loaded Potato Skins gets guests talking about texture and flavor. Potato appetizers earn a spot as comfort food classics. Second servings appear consistently on Thanksgiving platters.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Tender bites bring a taste of tradition with flavors that travel from tray to plate without missing a beat. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders launches compliments on sweet touches and savory finish. Pulled pork sliders stand out on busy tables. Requests for these appetizers arrive before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders
Colorful Antipasto Skewers

Rainbow trays spark the appetizer hour, letting bright vegetables bring cheer to each plate. Picking up Colorful Antipasto Skewers earns remarks about gentle bite and crisp finish. Antipasto rises above the crowd for group gatherings. Skewers always prompt questions about the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Skewers
Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Golden appetizers light up trays with rich aroma and easy portions for hungry guests looking for classic snacks. Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls triggers talk of hearty structure and gentle finish. Sausage balls quickly climb to the top of everyone’s best-of list. Positive reviews pop up soon after serving.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Parties run well when these sliders mix savory comfort with just a hint of sweet right in the middle. Turkey Cranberry Sliders creates storytelling about balanced flavor and gentle crumb. Sliders help build Thanksgiving tradition. Feedback remains strong into the next celebration.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Cranberry Sliders
Savory Brats in a Blanket

Sausage wrapped in golden pastry delivers a reliable crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Focusing on Savory Brats in a Blanket brings comments about rich bite and balanced texture. Brats gain popularity with every new event. Guests look for this dish in future invitations.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Fresh biscuits anchor table talk before the main meal even arrives with warm trays and comfort in every bite. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits leads to remarks on softness and homey taste. Biscuits get shared quickly at Thanksgiving. Sales of copies soar after happy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Appetizer tables draw fans with smoky plates and small bites that launch conversations fast. Picking up Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies shines a spotlight on gentle crumb and rich finish. Smokies move quickly from tray to plate. The dish builds new fans every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Loaded Italian Sliders

Flavors from sandwich shops meet holiday spirit in these handheld snacks for any crowd. Guests praise Loaded Italian Sliders with feedback on texture and balanced finish. Italian sliders keep trays busy all day. The buzz grows with every new recipe round.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Italian Sliders
Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy edges add interest across platters as guests scoop up new classics for sharing. Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes launches compliments about delicate bite and full flavor. Potato rounds suit group celebrations. Demand for this recipe shows up quickly.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Beautiful Charcuterie Board

Lively boards create a social centerpiece for gatherings with easy bites and bold color. Discussion leans toward Beautiful Charcuterie Board as guests remark on arrangement and wide selection. Charcuterie puts friendly energy on full display. Guests circle this appetizer until it is finished.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board
Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Strong flavors round out the selection for any party with bite-sized sandwiches built for busy tables. Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders gets feedback for balanced touch and smooth finish. Chicken sliders remain popular in review discussions. Plates return empty before dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Crispy Shrimp Toast

Crunch brings attention to trays filled with gentle seafood flavor and easy eating. Scooping up Crispy Shrimp Toast brings comments for golden edges and light filling. Shrimp toast creates new favorites at busy gatherings. Recipes always get shared before the table is cleared.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Slicing fresh bread sparks soft comfort as well as praise for gentle sweetness inside each bite. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread lands reviews focused on chewy texture and mild taste. Pull-apart bread remains a classic for sharing. Plates never see leftovers for long.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Decorative platters bring modern flair to old favorites with flavor built right in. Attendees talk about Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs with feedback on texture and subtle richness. This dish sets a new standard for appetizer trays. Each plate soon empties in group settings.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Party trays launch with these spicy bites as soon as guests arrive hungry for something new. Pulling up Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites gets comments about bold heat and creamy texture. Requests are made each time the plate goes out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Savory Sausage Balls

Simple rounds bring hearty structure to busy parties in need of easy eating options. Savory Sausage Balls set off a conversation around a gentle bite and savory appeal. This dish enjoys lasting reputation at celebration tables. The dish never fades from popular lists.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sausage Balls
Chicken Pinwheels

Swirled appetizers offer quick bites designed for sharing in lively settings with hungry guests. Guests pick up Chicken Pinwheels then provide feedback on overall texture and mild flavor. It encourages mixing and matching other appetizers. Remarks about ease continue after every event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pinwheels
Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Warm dips relax the crowd while plates fill up quickly in anticipation of the holiday meal. Dipping into Creamy Beer Cheese Dip spurs reaction about velvet texture and gentle balance. This cheese gains recognition quickly among appetizers. Trays rarely see a drop left.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip
Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Bowls of smooth hummus get applause from those looking for something light before the main course begins. Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus launches remarks about mellow finish and mild layers. It stands out in group reviews. Sharing the appetizer always brings the recipe out.
Get the Recipe: Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Baked potatoes remain a staple of holiday comfort with crunchy bite and savory notes to delight every plate. Everyone talks about Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with comments for structure and bold finish. These potatoes fill the appetizer round easily. Requests for these appear each year.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Dips find new energy with bowls of smooth pumpkin designed for guests eager for new flavors. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus elicits responses on gentle creaminess and subtle taste. It finds fans in creative partygoers. The recipe remains in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Classic shrimp trays keep tradition alive at any holiday start with cool bites arranged for easy sharing. Classic Shrimp Cocktail sets off talk about freshness and gentle texture. It stands the test of time in celebration stories. Appetizer fans want this every Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Bold spreads push party plates toward full flavor while trays offer gentle crunch in each bite. Scoop up Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread and find feedback about creaminess and mild spice. Muhammara creates new excitement for appetizers. The pairing makes this dish stand out.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread
Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Kick off appetizers with heat built right inside bacon wraps for bold party energy. Comments center on Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with notes for texture and gentle spice. These poppers earn reviews of excitement year after year. The peppers keep guests talking long after the event.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Seafood fans find new favorites as golden crab cakes set the bar high for appetizer rounds. Crispy Maryland Crab Cake on the serving tray creates lively remarks about mellow taste and gentle finish. These cakes shine aloud in guest feedback. The classic recipe stays on every list.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Maryland Crab Cake
Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Parties highlight fun shapes that make appetizers memorable while gentle flavors hit the mark. Everyone points out Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball when reviewing the snack board. It attracts positive feedback quickly. The cheeseball is featured every season at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball
Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls

Extra crunch delivers the excitement people look for in quick appetizers before the main feast begins. Guests mention Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls with remarks about gentle filling and warm flavor. These rolls line up as a favorite snack. Repeat requests are heard at every table.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls
Classic Deviled Eggs

Appetizer platters get a boost from this classic offering filled with gentle comfort and simple presentation. Reaching for Classic Deviled Eggs triggers feedback about mellow structure and familiar taste. These eggs remain at center stage for every menu. Second servings always follow quickly.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs
Crispy Party Crostini

Bread rounds pile up for easy serving and gentle crunch that draws guests near the tray again and again. Crispy Party Crostini sets off remarks on soft toppings and bold bite. Crostini recipes enjoy top billing in holiday reviews. Plates clear with every pass.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini
Savory Turkey Sliders

Small sandwiches bring classic comfort with flavors that gather praise at first glance. Focusing on Savory Turkey Sliders draws commentary about texture and gentle finish. These sliders turn heads for their simple appearance. The dish stays in rotation every year.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Sliders
Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

Bites with bold layers show off their appeal for guests eager to graze on classic sandwich flavors. Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels stimulates feedback for balanced taste and hearty bite. Pinwheels create cheerful moments at every table. Recipe notes are often requested after the party.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels
Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Baked dough wraps bring easy eating and gentle chew for guests moving fast between tables. Flaky Pigs in a Blanket opens discussion of soft texture and savory finish. It remains a simple favorite. The appetizer returns every year for its popularity.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket
Savory Meatball Sliders

Hearty bites settle appetizer cravings before main dishes move into focus. Sinking teeth into Savory Meatball Sliders elicits comments on robust crumb and mild sauce. These sliders win top marks from guests. Appetizer tables always feature a tray of these.
Get the Recipe: Savory Meatball Sliders
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Small bites pack bold flavors that shift the party conversation within a single round of serving. Mention of Smoky Bacon Pig Shots gets attention for gentle crunch and savory finish. It sparks requests after every gathering. New fans join every time the tray is shared.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Cheesy Rotel Dip

Melty bowls set the tone for quick relaxation as appetizers fill the gap before holiday dinner. Cheesy Rotel Dip brings feedback about soft texture and warm flavor. It has been proven reliable for busy gatherings. Everyone talks about this recipe as a must-have.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Wrapping up the holiday with appetizers sets high expectations for flavor and fun before dinner starts. Positive remarks focus on Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls giving full feedback on texture and balanced spice. The cheese balls hold attention through the entire event. Recipe requests are delivered before the last plate is finished.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
Sheās all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
