19 Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas to Start the Celebration on a Delicious Note

Thanksgiving feels more special when the first bites are just as good as the main event, so here are 19 appetizer ideas that spark the celebration on a delicious note. These picks help transform a cozy night or a festive spread into something everyone remembers. Passing plates and chatting before dinner becomes part of the fun.

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

A bubbling bowl of this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip always draws a crowd as soon as guests walk in. The aroma alone is enough to send everyone hunting for a piece of bread or pretzel to dunk. Laughter flows easier when something this comforting kicks off the festivities. People inevitably ask how there’s so much flavor in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

With this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, you’ll notice guests circling back long before dinner begins. The satisfying crunch brings instant cheer to the gathering. I love the way they disappear from the platter almost immediately. You may want to double up, since they inspire more conversation than small talk does.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Buttery Garlic Bread

Bringing out this Buttery Garlic Bread fills the kitchen with rich, warm scents everyone finds inviting. There’s a simple pleasure in that first bite, which always gets people ready for the meal ahead. I see smiles light up as soon as it hits the table. Every piece disappears faster than you’d think possible at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Everyone’s interested in trying something new once they see this Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries arrive on the scene. They disappear quickly, thanks to the perfect golden coating and tender centers. Conversations become more animated as people reach for another fry. It’s a creative way to start a memorable holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Bold flavors come together in this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites, making them the go-to before the main feast. There’s a little kick in every bite, and the curiosity draws people to the platter. I often find myself making a second batch just to keep up with demand. Even the skeptics come back for a taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Serving this Creamy Pumpkin Soup at Thanksgiving feels like wrapping everyone in a soft blanket. Its gentle warmth sets a relaxed tone for the celebration. Guests settle in a little closer to their bowls, lingering over every spoonful. It’s an opener that makes fall flavors feel new all over again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

With their beautiful color, this Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges add a burst of energy to any appetizer spread. There’s something special about the balance of crisp edges and soft centers. People always grab a wedge while chatting before the meal. The moment you serve them, the room feels instantly more festive.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Spreading this Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus over crackers or veggies has a way of piquing everyone’s interest. The autumn-inspired flavor brings both coziness and curiosity to the table. I’ve watched guests hunt for extra dippers just to keep the experience going. It turns a simple starter into a highlight of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

No matter how crowded the table gets, this Savory Stuffed Mushrooms earn plenty of attention from guests. There’s always a little competition for the last one, since each bite is packed with comforting flavor. You’ll notice plates come back empty every time. Holiday gatherings just feel more exciting when these are served first.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

I always serve this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip for gatherings because the oohs and ahhs start the moment it comes out. It’s an appetizer that feels both special and familiar. People linger around the bowl, dipping and sharing stories as they eat. It brings everyone together and sets a cheerful tone for the meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

One spoonful of this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip will have guests talking. The mix of sweet and heat grabs attention and keeps people coming back to sample more. It brings unexpected energy to the Thanksgiving table, right from the start. I see eyes widen with curiosity, and the excitement builds for what’s coming next.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Loaded Potato Skins

Few appetizers create as much excitement as this Loaded Potato Skins do during the holidays. The crisp shells filled with savory goodness offer classic comfort with every bite. Laughter often grows louder with each handful passed around. Before you know it, guest plates are empty and everyone’s ready for another round.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Presenting this Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes never fails to turn heads before the main course arrives. Each bite offers layers of texture that get people reaching for more. The golden exterior invites compliments and encourages sharing. Even the quietest guests usually grab one and break into a smile once they try it.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

The contrast of gooey brie and tart cranberry makes this Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites a favorite among holiday starters. These little bites become conversation pieces, with each tray disappearing in no time. People find them hard to resist and usually ask for the recipe before the meal is done. It brings together all the best flavors of Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Rolling out this Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball is sure to earn you a spot as the life of the party. The playful shape instantly brings smiles and snaps of interest from the crowd. It’s both decorative and delicious, leaving guests raving before dinner even starts. You’ll want to make extra for the inevitable second round.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board makes the table look like a feast before dinner even appears. There’s a little something for everyone, which sparks friendly debate over favorites. I enjoy watching guests experiment with different pairings. Moments like these set a joyful mood to carry through the rest of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Nothing brightens a fall table quite like this Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites. The colorful presentation stands out among the comfort foods and sets off the flavor celebration. Guests reach for them quickly, appreciating a lighter option before digging in. They offer a refreshing start while hinting there’s more excitement to come.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Bite-sized and packed with color, this Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches keeps hands busy and the mood lively. People love the swirl and the crunch in every mouthful. These little sandwiches let guests nibble while mingling without missing a moment of fun. I make sure to have plenty, since they vanish before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Color and smoky depth come together in this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread, making it perfect for festive gatherings. Its bold flavor gets people dipping again and again. Conversation always sparks up with so much to explore on the appetizer table. By the time dinner’s ready, guests are already in celebration mode.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread