I Can’t Host Without 29 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes Ready

Every year starts the same way: guests walk in, appetizers go out, and nobody asks when dinner is. With 29 different ways to keep hands full and mouths busier, chaos stays at bay. Even the pickiest cousin found three things to munch on without complaints. Thanksgiving runs smoother when the snacks show up before the questions do.

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.

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something about sharing a plate of Smoky Bacon Pig Shots that makes the room a little brighter. Each bite brings a gentle blend of smoky and salty, filling the air with excitement. These treats call hands from across the table, inviting everyone to laugh and linger. Nothing breaks the ice quite like this crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

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.

You can’t beat the way hungry friends gather when Cheeseburger Sliders take their place on the table. Small but stacked, each one feels like a mini feast. Bite after bite, the chatter grows as everyone grabs another. Sliders like these are always finished first.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger 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.

Bite-sized and wrapped up tight, Brats in a Blanket make any gathering more fun. When trays of these pass by, conversation turns light-hearted and easy. People reach for seconds, then sneak in thirds just as quickly. These bites set a playful tone for the whole night.
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.

Soft and inviting, Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits never last long once they’re served. Guests break them open, sharing stories and swapping favorite bites. The gentle cheese flavor lingers, adding comfort to every hand that reaches in. Warm biscuits have a way of bringing everyone back for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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.

A board filled with color always draws a crowd, and nothing does it like Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Each slice, each bite, invites friends to pause and soak up the moment. People love making their own perfect plate, sampling a little of everything. There’s usually a smile with every pick.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

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.

Bringing a bit of spice with each bite, Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers keep things lively around the table. These treats spark conversation and a small competition to see who gets the last one. You’ll spot people circling back, hoping for a refill. Layers of heat and crunch make memories in an instant.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

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.

Conversation comes easy when a tray of Sausage Balls lands in the center. They’re easy to nibble, so hands keep reaching back for more. These bites fill the air with a warmth that makes everything feel more relaxed. Moments shared over sausage balls tend to last.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

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.

Colorful, crisp, and open to all kinds of toppings, Crostini Appetizers get everyone in the mood to mingle. Friends enjoy picking favorites while chatting about nothing and everything. Each bite feels like it was made for sharing. There’s never a crumb left when these are in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s a certain magic when a loaded Charcuterie Board appears. People gather round, sampling, stacking, and sharing as stories unfold. The options make it easy to please every guest. Boards like this turn any group into old friends.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

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.

Rows of crisp lines make Mini Hasselback Potatoes stand out among the other snacks. Each bite gives a satisfying mix of texture and flavor. These potatoes fill out any spread with no fuss. You’ll find them disappearing faster than you’d think.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

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.

Golden and crisp, Shrimp Toast never fails to catch attention as the platter moves around. The gentle crunch welcomes each bite, making a nice start to any gathering. Stories often pause as someone reaches for another. These have a way of bringing people closer with every pass.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

These little bites, called Bacon Wrapped Smokies, are a celebration all on their own. Sweet, smoky, and simple, they bring out laughter and extra napkins. You’ll notice people gravitating toward the tray without even thinking. The only thing that may linger is a memory of their flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sharing a few Maryland Crab Cake makes the group feel like they’re somewhere special. Each delicate patty feels like a treat every time. Guests seem to find room on their plate, no matter how many other options there are. Names are often asked for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Those classic halves never get old, especially with Deviled Eggs at the center of the table. They’re bite-ready and easy to pass from one person to another. Light, smooth, and filling, deviled eggs always have folks reminiscing between bites. The plate always empties out in record time.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

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.

Creamy and bold, Rotel Dip brings people together around the bowl. Each scoop invites more chips, more conversation, and maybe even more laughter. It keeps the energy rolling from the first dunk to the last. Bowls of this dip rarely see leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

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.

Spirals always catch the eye, and Italian Sub Pinwheels have a knack for starting conversations. Bite-sized and full of layers, these are as fun to eat as they are to look at. Friends love grabbing a few to add to their plate. No gathering is ever quiet with a tray of pinwheels.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Caprese Appetizer

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

Fresh and bright, Caprese Appetizer keeps the spread feeling light and easy. It’s one of those plates where each bite snaps with a bit of color and energy. Guests often linger nearby, picking their favorites. Good bites like these often inspire talks about the next get-together.
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.

Ordinary splits into something special when there are Salmon Deviled Eggs on the table. The rich twist adds a nice surprise for egg lovers and new fans alike. Stories and compliments fill the air as people go back for more. This tray always empties faster than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Each Stuffed Mushrooms bite brings a mellow earthiness that changes up the pace from other snacks. They’re easy to eat with a single hand as the other waves through another story. Guests give them a nod of approval as they grab another. The platter tends to clear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Italian Sliders

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

Small sandwiches like Italian Sliders always make the crowd feel a little closer. Their layers pack punch in a way that’s comforting and fun. The sandwiches keep hands busy and faces happy. By the end, everyone is asking who brought them.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, Loaded Potato Skins are pure fun to share. Each skin is easy to hold, making them perfect for wandering guests. Choices for toppings let everyone personalize their pick. These always win over a mixed group.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Creamy and bold, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls add a jolt of fun to the lineup. Rolling one onto a cracker adds just the right amount of excitement. Watching the cheese stretch puts a smile on every face. Snacks like these bring everyone together for another round.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Party Crostini

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

Lively toppings stand out on crisp Party Crostini as guests gather near. Every bite brings something new, so sharing them sparks fresh chatter. Plates fill up quickly, but they empty even faster. These are the snacks that make people feel welcome from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

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.

Tender and hearty, Roast Beef Sliders feel like a handshake in food form. People love the ease of picking them up during a chat. Each slider is a little gift, making the rounds with a new smile each time. By the end, napkins fill with crumbs and everyone is content.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus proves that simple dips can still impress. It’s welcoming to all guests, fitting every choice and preference at the table. The orange color brightens plates in a subtle way. A little goes a long way, so even the smallest scoop is worth sharing.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nostalgia finds its way into the room when Pigs in a Blanket appear. Each one is snuggled up, ready to be dipped or eaten alone. Kids reach for them just as quickly as grown-ups. There’s never a leftover when these rolls come out.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

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.

Turkey gets a makeover in these bite-sized Turkey Sliders. Juicy and easy to handle, the sliders please a group that’s ready to eat, laugh, and move around. Plates feel heavier, but spirits stay light. These are handed out with a grin and a “try one.”
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl.
Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Shrimp goes cool and crisp in this version of Shrimp Ceviche. Friends scoop it up fast between stories and games. The bright, fresh bites keep people circling back for more. Ceviche like this makes even the simplest evening feel exciting.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

There’s something inviting about the bold flavor in Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. They pack a gentle kick that adds a twist to the usual party snacks. A plateful goes around the room, with friends reaching for another before the tray is finished. These bites have a way of bringing a smile to any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

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.

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