15 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

These Thanksgiving appetizers are ideal for grazing before the main meal! Choose from baked brie, cranberry salsa, and more.

Want some finger foods for munching on before the big meal? Try these Thanksgiving appetizers! There’s nothing more fun than anticipating the deliciousness that will ensue at the table. So here are some fall appetizer recipes to get the party started! There’s everything from tried and true favorites like bake brie to more unique ideas like pumpkin hummus and cranberry salsa. Either way: they’re built around the featured flavors of the season. Ready to get started?

And now…our top Thanksgiving appetizers to start the party!

Baked Brie

At the top of our easy Thanksgiving appetizers…Baked Brie! There could not be an easier appetizer recipe. Here’s what you need to know about making a melty, delicious pile of brie. The great part? The toppings are versatile depending on your preferences, and you can make a beautiful platter with little effort. Try honey, cranberry sauce, apricot jam, or pomegranate seeds.

Step it up: Make a platter with sliced pears and apples, grapes, crackers, nuts, and more!

Easy Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin hummus? Yes, and it’s surprisingly good: creamy, savory and with an undertone of autumnal goodness. This easy hummus recipe is quick to whip up: just 10 minutes in an food processor.

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Looking for a great healthy Thanksgiving appetizer recipe for entertaining? Try these simple stuffed mushrooms! These little bites have everything going on: they’re savory, meaty, and herby, with a tender exterior and a crunch in each bite. Even better, this recipe is incredibly easy: no need to sauté filling ingredients. Chop them up, fill, and bake!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Who doesn't love a great spinach artichoke dip? This tangy, creamy dip recipe is such a crowd pleaser that it might interfere with the conversation when you serve it (sorry!). Serve with pita chips or crostini.

Red Wine Caramelized Onion Dip

For a stunning Thanksgiving appetizer, try this red wine caramelized onion dip! It’s rich and creamy, with a deep earthy flavor from the wine–and paired with potato chips it’s absolutely heavenly. To offset the richness, make a platter with colorful vegetables of all kinds: plus tangy artichoke hearts and olives.

Pumpkin Dip with Apple Slices

Ready for the best, coziest Thanksgiving appetizer to hit your table? Try this easy Pumpkin Dip! It tastes like everything you love about the season: pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. And it takes only 5 minutes to stir together. Serve with apple slices as a healthy appetizer idea.

Sweet Potato Bread

Here’s a quick bread that’s begging to be part of your Thanksgiving appetizer spread: this Sweet Potato Bread! This alterative to pumpkin bread is even more fun than the classic, we think. Why? It’s incredibly moist and sweetly spiced, with cinnamon and a beautiful nuance from the sweet potato. This recipe makes a tall, fluffy loaf that looks impressive. (You can also whip it up as sweet potato muffins.)

Whipped Ricotta & Honey

Got 5 minutes? Then you can whip up this stunningly simple appetizer: Whipped Ricotta! The pairing of fluffy, savory cheese and gooey golden honey will have everyone licking their plates. It’s creamy, salty sweet perfection scooped up with some warm bread. It’s the ideal starter to get any meal rolling: and it couldn’t be easier to whip up.

Marinated Olives

This dish will make an olive lover out of anyone. Using the correct type of olives here results in smooth, rich flavor: not briny or overly salty. The garlic, lemon and herbs make a symphony of flavor! Every time we make these and set them out on the table, people go crazy for them.

Easy Deviled Eggs

These easy deviled eggs are totally classic and taste amazing. They’ve got a twist: Greek yogurt in the filling along with the mayo. Along with both yellow and Dijon mustard, it adds the perfect flavoring to these eggs without being overly rich! Garnish with dried dill or smoked paprika, or a mix of the two to make it festive.

Fresh Cranberry Salsa

This cranberry salsa is a fun Thanksgiving appetizer that's all about the flavors of the season! Use fresh or frozen cranberries here, then whiz them up with jalapeño, lime and honey. Serve with pita chips or crusty bread!

Easy Pinwheel Recipe

A good pinwheels recipe is classic in an appetizer spread! This recipe is full of Italian-style flavors: mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of spices. They're easy to make ahead and look absolutely stunning on a platter.

Goat Cheese, Honey & Thyme Crostini

This Thanksgiving appetizer idea could not be easier: honestly, it’s more an idea than a recipe. Bake up some homemade crostini, top with goat cheese and honey, and you’ve got the most delicious sweet and savory taste treat. The flavor of soft goat cheese is so perfect in itself that you don’t need any other seasoning.

Shrimp Cocktail

What’s more classic than shrimp cocktail? This 1960’s appetizer might seem a little retro, but it’s a timeless recipe that truly never goes out of style! Why buy one of those sub-par trays from the grocery store when you can make an incredible version of shrimp cocktail at home? Homemade is always the best (in our opinion), and this recipe really shines.

Easy Stuffed Dates

Last up in our Thanksgiving appetizers: stuffed dates! These beauties are incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. There’s the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates. Pair that with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. Or, stuff them with almond butter and top with chunky sea salt.

More Thanksgiving resources

Need help choosing recipes? We’ve got all the ideas for the big day. Here are a few more Thanksgiving recipes for whatever you need:

Pair these Thanksgiving appetizers with a signature drink from our Top 20 Thanksgiving Cocktails
Pick from 35 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Browse our 55 Best Thanksgiving Recipes
End the meal with 15 Thanksgiving Desserts to Wow Everyone
Go fresh and breezy with 10 Thanksgiving Salad Recipes