25+ Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Made for Sharing

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Fun Thanksgiving Appetizers

You’ll love using this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball that mixes creamy cheese and sharp cheddar with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans for a festive holiday starter.

It’s one of those make ahead Thanksgiving appetizers you can prep chill the day before and serve with sturdy crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. I’ve even tried it with sweeter graham crackers, and digestive cookies, for a more unique and tasty option.

Set it out before the feast so hungry guests can have a ball while dinner finishes cooking.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball 

Creamy, tangy yolk filling is piped into pumpkin shaped swirls and finished with smoky paprika and fresh chive stems.

My kids love them, and will eat quite a few, when plain boiled eggs are a no go. So they’re great for both kids and adults.

Make them ahead for an easy savory bite that looks festive on your holiday appetizer table.

Get the recipe: Cute Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

These Cranberry Brie Bites layer gooey brie, fruity cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, and crunchy pecans inside golden crescent dough.

Give thanks for easy appetizers because these festive little bites look impressive without requiring much work.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

⭐️ For more Thanksgiving inspiration try these easy Thanksgiving Apple Desserts, and fun no bake Turkey Oreo Cookies.

4. Three Cheese Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella make these three cheese Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms irresistibly creamy, while garlic, onion, and Italian herbs add plenty of savory flavor.

Since they travel and reheat well, you can prep them for Thanksgiving dinner at home or bring them along when visiting family and friends.

There’s always room for one more stuffed mushroom I say.

Get the recipe: Three Cheese Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

It’s easy to make and endlessly dippable, your favorite comfort food fall flavors.

I like to use graham crackers as dippers, but my kids like the salty sweet taste of pretzel crisps with it too.

Get the recipe: Warm Baked Apple Pie Dip

6. Turkey Veggie Tray

How cute is this Turkey Veggie Tray?

Colorful peppers, cucumber, peas, and baby carrots surround a bowl of creamy dip to create a healthy appetizer that looks like a festive turkey.

Kids and adults can choose their favorite vegetables, making it a fun addition to your Thanksgiving snack table.

Get the recipe: Turkey Veggie Tray

⭐️ You may also

It’s creamy, tangy, with just the right amount of salty goodness.

Basically, all the things you love about pickles rolled into one scoopable, snackable dip for veggies, chips or crackers.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, spinach, and tender artichoke hearts create a rich appetizer with plenty of savory flavor.

Add this easy Thanksgiving dip to your snack spread with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Get the recipe: Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

These slow cooker Cranberry Meatballs simmer in a sweet and tangy sauce made with cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings.

Keep them warm right in the slow cooker so guests can help themselves throughout the gathering, or stick them with toothpicks and put them out on a plate for an easy finger food.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Made with pantry staples like pretzels, Bugles, and Chex cereal, then loaded with chocolatey treats and classic candy, it’s a crowd pleaser for all ages.

I’ll often play with the ingredients and add salty nuts, more pretzels, and reduce the chocolate and candy a bit if it’s a before dinner snack.

Get the recipe: Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix

11. Turkey Cheese Ball

Let the kids decorate this Turkey Cheese Ball with pretzel feathers, candy eyes, and a pepperoni beak for a fun holiday kitchen activity.

Ranch seasoning and Colby Jack give the creamy base a savory flavor that pairs well with crackers and fresh vegetables.

Of all the turkey appetizers on your table, this adorable centerpiece may be the first one guests gobble up.

Get the recipe: Turkey Cheese Ball

Spoon it over potatoes, grilled vegetables, or tofu, or offer it with crusty bread for dipping.

Jarred peppers make this version simple to prepare, and you can easily adjust the spice level and texture to suit your guests.

Get the recipe: Mojo Picón (Canarian Red Pepper Sauce)

Quick to prepare and easy to decorate, these Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs are a fun appetizer that may even tempt kids who normally avoid deviled eggs.

Add them to your holiday spread for a playful alternative to the usual party snacks.

Get the recipe: Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs

14. Brie and Fig Jam Crostini

Kick start the party season with Brie and Fig Jam Crostini, an elegant appetizer that takes very little time to prepare.

Crisp baguette slices are layered with creamy brie, sweet fig jam, crunchy pecans, and a touch of fresh thyme.

Homemade or store bought jam both work well, making these bite sized crostini an easy addition to your celebrations, parties and potlucks.

Get the recipe: Brie and Fig Jam Crostini

This Tuscan inspired Panzanella Salad turns toasted sourdough into a colorful appetizer with tomatoes, red onion, olives, and tangy capers.

Choose firm tomatoes to keep the salad from becoming soggy before it reaches your Thanksgiving table.

Get the recipe: Panzanella Salad with Sourdough Bread

Flaky pastry wraps around creamy melted brie, while apples, pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon add a sweet, buttery finish.

Elegant enough for Thanksgiving yet simple to prepare, it also makes a lovely choice for a wine and cheese night with friends, or a weekend sweet treat, just because.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

A sprinkle of brown sugar balances the smoky, salty bacon with just the right amount of sweetness.

Prepare the bundles with only a handful of ingredients, then bake them to your family’s preferred level of crispness.

Get the recipe: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Juicy Roma tomatoes, tangy feta, green onions, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar are layered together and seasoned for a Mediterranean inspired bite.

Ready in under 10 minutes, Tomato Feta Dip pairs nicely with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Get the recipe: Tomato Feta Dip

19. Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa

Bright red cranberries bring bold colors, while jalapeño, lime, red onion, and maple syrup create a sweet, tangy kick.

Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking, this Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa works equally well as a dip or a condiment for the holiday meal.

Choose this unique Thanksgiving appetizer when you want a fresh change from heavier cheese based starters.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Salsa

These sweet potato appetizer bites pair roasted sweet potato rounds with a creamy feta and Greek yogurt filling, savory herbs, and fresh green onion.

They offer a lighter, less sugary way to enjoy this seasonal favorite at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites

21. Marinated Mozzarella Balls

A few simple Italian ingredients turn fresh mozzarella pearls into a flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving Day appetizers.

Gently warmed olive oil draws out the flavors of garlic and herbs before lemon adds a fresh, bright finish.

Prepare these Marinated Mozzarella Balls several hours ahead, then add them to an antipasto platter or serve them with toasted bread, crostini or crackers.

Get the recipe: Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Creamy goat cheese is rolled in pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and toasted pecans, then topped with cranberry sauce, honey, and cracked black pepper.

Much of the preparation can be done ahead, and I really like that you can use either homemade or store bought cranberry sauce. Because I need all the short cuts I can get prepping ALL the things.

Toasted walnuts, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze bring salty, tangy, and crunchy contrasts to every flaky bite.

Frozen puff pastry keeps the preparation manageable, even when you’re planning a full Thanksgiving menu.

Get the recipe: Savory Pear Tartlets

24. Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Sometimes I’m tired of the usual appies. This is when this creamy coconut shrimp comes in handy.

Crispy shrimp coated in a rich, sweet coconut sauce offers your guests or family something unexpected and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe

25. Prosciutto Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese

Only three ingredients are needed to make these elegant Thanksgiving Hors D’oeuvres.

See I can use fancy words too LOL!

Sweet Medjool dates are filled with tangy goat cheese, wrapped in salty prosciutto, and baked until the edges turn crisp.

Assemble them ahead of time, then pop them into the oven shortly before guests arrive for a warm appetizer in under 20 minutes.

Get the recipe: Prosciutto Wrapped Dates With Goat Cheese

26. Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

Tart cranberries and bright citrus cut through the rich cream cheese base in this Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball.

Chives add a savory note, while a coating of chopped pecans gives every bite a nutty crunch.

Shape it in advance, refrigerate, and bring it out with crackers, bread, fruit, or fresh vegetables for snacking.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

27. Warm Boursin Cheese Dip

Thirty minutes is all it takes to turn Boursin cheese into a creamy, garlicky warm dip idea for Thanksgiving.

Simply layer in the sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, and spinach, then let the oven handle the rest.

Baking isn’t your only option. The dip can go into the slow cooker or be enjoyed cold.

Get the recipe: Warm Boursin Cheese Dip

Final Thoughts: Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Whether you’re hosting the whole family or bringing a dish to someone else’s home, a good mix of appetizers makes Thanksgiving feel more relaxed. Choose a few classy appetizers for the adults, add some kid friendly appetizers for younger guests, and balance rich bites with fresh vegetables.

I like to include both cold and hot appetizers so there is always something ready to eat, even if oven space becomes tight. From festive cheese balls and creamy dips to puff pastry bites, meatballs, and veggie trays, these Thanksgiving food ideas give you plenty of variety.

Pick the recipes that suit your gathering, prep what you can ahead, and enjoy more time visiting with the people around your table. After all, that’s what the holiday is about.