19 Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas Everyone Will Be Talking About Before Dinner

ByMandy Applegate

Before the turkey hits the oven, I look for appetizers that spark conversation. With 19 Thanksgiving ideas in this list, there’s no need to settle for anything less than memorable snacks. After years of hosting, I know these appetizers keep everyone grinning and talking long before dinner ever begins.

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into creamy cheese dip sprinkled with paprika and black pepper.
Creamy Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Game day energy finds its way onto the Thanksgiving table with Creamy Beer Cheese Dip. The scent of cheese mixed with malty notes draws a crowd before dinner starts. I always serve extra pretzels on the side because guests scoop until the bowl is scraped clean and ask how to make it at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Buttery Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Buttery Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm slices of Buttery Garlic Bread add comfort and nostalgia to autumn gatherings. Crisp edges with soft centers go quickly, leaving everyone reaching for more. I serve this whenever I want an appetizer that feels like a hug and notice that leftovers never seem to make it past the meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Each spoonful of Creamy Pumpkin Soup sets the holiday mood with its smooth texture and orange hue. Guests take notice, often pausing to compliment the seasonal aroma. I enjoy welcoming everyone inside with this soup – it lets the flavors of fall take center stage before the main event.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Crispy 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.
Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes turn heads as trays circulate the room. People marvel at how the crunchy layers pair with autumn’s chill. I slice these for gatherings when small bites need to impress and watch guests compete to grab the last piece.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Bite-sized portions of Savory Stuffed Mushrooms create a spark of anticipation for the festive meal ahead. Guests chat about the savory filling while reaching for seconds. I like serving these when I want something elegant but easy; they always prompt requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

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.

Spicy surprises from Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites fuel group laughter and chatter as soon as they arrive. I’ve learned to make extra because these go fast and spark exchanges about favorite appetizers. The golden outside and bold flavor bring everyone together during pre-dinner mingling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Deep brown on the outside, Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries deliver rich flavor with each crispy bite. Friends tend to dip one after another, loving the crunch and hint of smokiness. These fries spark stories about favorite appetizers year after year, so I never risk leaving them off the menu.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface.
Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Table centerpieces become edible with Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. The bright color and playful design spark conversations and snapshots. I find guests linger around this dish, nibbling crackers and commenting on the festive look. It’s the kind of treat that blends tradition with a touch of fun.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

A tray of cranberry brie bites with walnut topping.
Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chewy, warm, and perfectly sized, Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites always draw “oohs” from guests. The tart berry mingles with creamy cheese, creating a flavor people remember. I host with these often and notice they’re among the first appetizers finished every year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Close-up of a baked spinach and artichoke dip in a dark dish, showing a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping with a portion scooped out, revealing the creamy interior.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Aromas from Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip fill the space with comfort before the turkey even emerges. Folks gather around and start conversations by the dip bowl. I serve this knowing it’s a classic, and every time, guests ask for a refill or the recipe to take home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs.
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hands dig into Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread as soon as it hits the table. The soft dough and sweet fruit always bring people together, prompting smiles and comments about what makes Thanksgiving special. I’ve watched plates empty faster than expected, especially when the aroma drifts across the room.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Breakable bites from Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes hit just the right note for Thanksgiving mingling. Guests enjoy the texture, each crispy crack ending in a soft center. These potatoes end up as conversation starters, earning nods of approval during the first tasting round.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

A bowl of tomato-based dip garnished with chopped parsley and walnuts, with pita bread pieces on the side.
Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread prompt curiosity across the table. Guests scoop onto their plates and discuss flavors uncommon on a holiday spread. I enjoy bringing this dip out for gatherings where a touch of fall warmth needs something new.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful patterns from Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches catch eyes as platters rotate among the guests. I notice lively discussions arise about fillings and presentation, and these bites often get packed up for later snacking. Whenever I want a grab-and-go appetizer, these sandwiches fit the bill.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

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

Autumn gatherings find balance with Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites. The mix of bright greens and reds creates appealing trays and lively conversation. I reach for this recipe as a lighter starter, offering something fresh that still matches the festive mood of Thanksgiving day.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs.
Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp edges and soft centers make Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges a favorite for guests seeking a gentle start to the meal. Comments about flavor float around the room, and I encourage everyone to dip and enjoy. These wedges never last long during busy holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables arranged like a turkey on a wooden board, with a bowl of hummus decorated as a face using olives and a carrot.
Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Arrangements of colorful bites like those on Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board encourage sampling and conversation. People always try new pairings, and I love layering flavors across autumn vegetables. Perfect for sharing, this board lets everyone snack while enjoying the beauty of fall’s bounty indoors.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions.
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Heat meets tart in Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. The fusion makes guests pause before each bite and sparks comments about bold choices. I add this dip to the holiday table when people want new flavors mingling with tradition – requests for the recipe often follow.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Loaded Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gatherings always circle back to Loaded Potato Skins once the appetizers hit the table. Crunch from the shell and creamy centers pull people in and prompt enthusiastic whispers. I set out extras since they seem to disappear right away. These potato skins offer big flavor and holiday spirit in every bite, keeping pre-dinner chatter going strong.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

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