39 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes That Always Feed a Crowd

Nobody wants guests pacing around the kitchen waiting for the turkey to finish. That’s where 39 Thanksgiving bites come in handy, keeping everyone entertained without stealing the spotlight. The beauty of this lineup is that there’s enough variety to handle picky eaters, snack hoarders, and that one uncle who eats like it’s a competitive sport.

Stuffed mushrooms with crispy shallots and parsley. — Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds. — Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Little sandwiches always bring guests together fast. Turkey Sliders get picked up quickly at big gatherings. People try new toppings and sauces every round. Kids reach for seconds without waiting. These sliders show up at every group event.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper. — Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheese gets a bold upgrade with spicy and crunchy extras. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls start off fun conversations about dipping styles. Spheres get passed from hand to hand. Friends ask for these at every party. Cheese balls always get noticed first.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Potato Skins

Crispy snacks help every group settle in for the main meal. Potato Skins keep hands busy before dinner. Guests chat about favorite dips and toppings. Bites disappear fast. Loaded potatoes have a way of stealing the appetizer spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spin-off bites quickly become favorites at busy tables. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites draw questions about restaurant tricks. People reach for them with cool sauces. Plates clear before anyone gets a refill. These bites go fast every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Creamy spreads add something fresh to snack boards. Caramelized Onion Hummus gets a lot of guesses about what’s inside. Dippers vanish from the platter quickly. Friends suggest ideas for next time. Onion hummus is always welcome as a change-up.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Pizza Rolls

Warm rolls with classic toppings make snacks more exciting. Pizza Rolls get picked up for movie nights or big meals. Kids create their own flavors on each try. Compliments go around for crispy edges. Pizza snacks never last long on a crowded table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Charcuterie Board

Colorful variety always gets people talking at holiday parties. Charcuterie Board sparks debates over cheese types and meat choices. Plates load up with crackers and extras. Friends linger around this spread. Boards turn into the centerpiece for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Shrimp Ceviche

Light seafood appetizers bring some buzz to the entry table. Shrimp Ceviche gets attention for its fresh bite and tang. Guests scoop up extra with chips or crisp breads. People share mix-in ideas. Ceviche recipes make gatherings more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stacked rolls work well for both quick snacks and bigger dinners. Roast Beef Sliders get requests for extra sauce every round. People enjoy talking about which bread fits best. Seconds are common before guests move to the next snack. Beef sliders win over every age group.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hot snacks are easy to pass around before dinner. Brats in a Blanket pair juicy meat with soft dough in an easy-to-eat shape. Kids ask for them by name. Guests dip them in sauces or eat them plain. Brats often get picked over other appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background. — Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Biscuits with a cheesy kick get picked up without delay. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits bring up chats about secret baking tricks. Warm pieces are gone before the next plate arrives. People always ask for more. Biscuits never get old at busy tables.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray. — Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy bites topped with different spreads make everyone happy. Crostini Appetizers let guests try lots of combinations. Bowls for toppings empty quickly. Groups swap favorite mix-ins. Crunchy crostini makes dinner parties easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls. — Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Rolls with spicy fillings stand out at every big gathering. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls draw in those looking for something bold. Guests talk about how much heat works best. Second helpings are common. Buffalo chicken gets extra love at busy tables.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture. — Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cheesy sausage nibbles quickly get passed around at family parties. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls inspire talk about secret seasonings. Plates never last long when hot. Friends ask for cooking tips. Sausage balls are always gone before the next course.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board. — Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh snacks keep things light before heavier plates show up. Caprese Appetizer starts up chat about favorite cheese pairings. Bites are claimed with quick forks. Kids enjoy building their own stacks. Caprese adds a pop of color to every spread.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background. — Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Egg appetizers get a big upgrade with little slices of seafood. Salmon Deviled Eggs invite conversations about new topping ideas. Platers clear as fast as they arrive. Compliments go to whoever made them. Eggs with salmon always get rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food goes mini for easy sharing. Cheeseburger Sliders are grabbed first from every platter. Kids run for seconds before dinner even starts. Everyone discusses their favorite toppings. Sliders fit all sorts of meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together. — Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Passed finger food gives everyone a chance to try something new. Party Crostini feature endless combinations of toppings. Guests talk about which mix-ins work best. Bowls for dips disappear fast. Crostini keeps parties moving along.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Mini sandwiches with a mix of flavors always find fans. Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders bring up swaps for different cheeses. Plates empty in minutes as friends grab extras. Second rounds go quick. Chicken sliders are simple and keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish. — Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Wrapped bites create excitement before the main meal arrives. Bacon Wrapped Smokies get passed around with toothpicks flying. People request extra batches all night. Kids grab these as fast as adults. Smokies are always the appetizer everyone wants.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled seafood snacks bring something special to group gatherings. Shrimp Cocktail keeps plates full with extra dipping options. Friends debate best sauces. Bowls for shells fill quickly. Shrimp appetizers make any dinner feel a bit more festive.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips. — Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm dips get people reaching for chips without thinking twice. Rotel Dip gets comments about thickness and heat. Bowls become the center of the snack table. Friends drop in more chips until the bowl is gone. Dip recipes like this are always a party hit.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Pigs in a Blanket

Roll-up snacks go first at family dinners. Pigs in a Blanket help keep little hands busy before the main course. Guests chat about must-have dipping sauces. Plates refill as soon as they empty. These bites work for any size crowd.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese. — Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwiches with bold fillings are a favorite for every age. Italian Sliders get loaded up with extra cheese and sauce by guests. Plates pile up quick. Friends talk about how to make them for the next event. Italian snacks become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Creamy spreads with a fresh twist show up for snack time. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus makes dippers more fun and colorful. Guests talk about the pumpkin flavor. Bowls empty out early. Pumpkin hummus is a regular request during big meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center. — Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Potato slices score attention with their fun shape. Mini Hasselback Potatoes fill snack trays with crunch and color. Friends ask about what to put on top next time. Second helpings are normal. Hasselback potatoes are snack stars every time.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Deviled Eggs

Simple appetizers go a long way at dinner parties. Deviled Eggs invite fun swaps with herbs or spices. Platers often get cleaned before anything else shows up. Guests share stories about different filling styles. Eggs never last on a busy table.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Loaded Potato Skins

Hearty bites get people talking before dinner begins. Loaded Potato Skins become guests’ first pick every time. Bowls for toppings empty quickly. Compliments come in for the crunchy ends. Potato skins are easy crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

A turkey charcuterie board features a playful face design with sliced meats, cheeses, pretzels, grapes, olives, breadsticks, and two candy eyes on an apple. — Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mixed snack boards turn group meals into events. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board has guests trying all kinds of new pairs. Friends share tips on building the best plate. Kids enjoy picking something new from each section. Charcuterie boards start up every meal.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Little sandwiches make snack time quick and easy. Ham and Cheese Sliders get extra attention for their gooey center. Kids enjoy stacking their own with mixes. Plates refill as soon as the tray hits the table. Ham sliders stay popular with all ages.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley. — Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rolled sandwiches offer snack options for every guest. Italian Sub Pinwheels get people chatting about classic deli meats. Bites go fast in big groups. Friends ask for extra sauce choices. Pinwheels are always welcome before the main dish arrives.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Antipasto Skewers

Skewered snacks keep fingers busy and plates full. Antipasto Skewers get passed around while everyone tries something new. Colorful bites spark chatter about matching flavors. Kids enjoy building their own. Skewers work for snacks or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Maryland Crab Cake

Seafood cakes are dinner table stars at big events. Maryland Crab Cake creates buzz around seasoning blends. Friends fight for the last piece once sauces show up. Compliments fly for crispy edges. Crab cakes add something special to starter spreads.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background. — Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pulled pork goes mini to make snacks easy for groups. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders spark talk about flavor combos with pineapple. Plates stack quick before dinner begins. Kids request seconds for these. Pulled pork sliders suit every big meal.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce. — Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick snacks on a tray fill plates with ease. Sausage Balls get friends talking about family recipes from childhood. Warm bites make it hard not to grab extra. Bowls empty out fast. Sausage snacks work for breakfast or dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy snacks wrapped in bacon disappear fast at group meals. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers lead to talk about favorite heat levels. Hands reach for seconds right away. Compliments show up for the crunchy bite. These poppers go quick every single time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bread appetizers with seafood keep things lively at the table. Shrimp Toast draws attention for the crispy edges. Guests look for new dips to go with them. Bites are gone in no time. Shrimp toast brings something different to any snack lineup.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background. — Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini sandwiches filled with meat keep guests busy before dinner. Meatball Sliders start conversations about sauce preferences. Kids add their favorite toppings. Plates are empty by the time the main dish comes. Meatball snacks stick in people’s memory.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Stuffed Mushrooms

Bite-sized veggies packed with filling are always popular. Stuffed Mushrooms make smart use of fun mix-ins. Friends suggest new toppings for next time. Bites are gone quickly at group dinners. Mushrooms with filling always get extra praise.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

She’s 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.