21 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe Ideas Made for Gatherings During November

ByMandy Applegate

Crowds come together when 21 Thanksgiving appetizer recipe ideas get a spot at the table. Everyone finds it easy to try new dishes without feeling pressed to sample everything. Bringing out just a few appetizers lets people relax and connect before dinner begins. I like the way it encourages conversation and helps break the ice.

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.

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.

Warm, silky comfort greets everyone with this Creamy Pumpkin Soup served in mugs or bowls. Each spoonful brings together autumn color and a touch of cozy spice perfect for Thanksgiving. I like sharing this soup right before the main meal; folks always seem to ask for seconds. Fall gatherings feel more festive with soup like this.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

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.

A striking mix of colors and textures fills this Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board, encouraging guests to snack and mingle as the meal gets started. Bite-sized options let everyone try a bit of everything. I love how it draws people together while they wait for dinner. The board becomes an instant conversation piece on your table.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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

Buttery pastry gives way to a gooey middle in this Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites recipe made for holiday nibbling. Cranberry and cheese pair up for a sweet and savory treat that always disappears quickly. I set these out for guests who enjoy bite-sized snacks as they sip and chat. Brings a little bit of December cheer in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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.

Smiles show up fast when this Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball takes center stage. The playful look captures the feeling of the season, while creamy cheese spreads perfectly on any cracker. I’ve found that serving it creates instant excitement before dinner. It’s a party starter everyone remembers well after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Loaded Potato Skins

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

Savory comfort shows up at the appetizer table with this Loaded Potato Skins—crispy, golden, and ready for dipping. Each potato holds something familiar yet a bit more festive for the holiday. I serve these to hungry guests eager to nibble before the turkey comes out. Potato skins always vanish in record time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

A little heat and cheesiness come together for this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites recipe. Every bite surprises with a kick that livens up the appetizer lineup for Thanksgiving. I’ve brought out these bites at gatherings and always spot empty trays before the main course. People often ask for the recipe soon after.
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.

A crunchy exterior hides a juicy center in this Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries creation. Mushroom fries appeal to everyone looking for something a bit different but still crave-worthy. I make extra bowls since they disappear so quickly with dipping sauces. Mushrooms take on new life as a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

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.

Big holiday energy kicks in with rich, shareable bowls of this Creamy Beer Cheese Dip. The warmth of melted cheese paired with a malty finish keeps people circling back for more. I like to serve it with a pile of pretzels or small breads for dipping. Appetizers like this spark lots of laughter and eats.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

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.

One-bite sandwiches roll up the fun in this Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches idea, adding color and flair to your starter spread. Layers of flavor keep guests curious to try every variety. I pack a big tray for gatherings, and they’re usually gone before dinner begins. Pinwheels turn any table into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Hot right from the oven, this Savory Stuffed Mushrooms recipe always grabs attention with a combination of tenderness and bold filling. Mushroom caps are the perfect snack size for mingling. I bake these because they feel fancy but never fussy. They’re the go-to appetizer for special occasions and slow evenings alike.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

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.

Thinly sliced spuds fan out in this Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes dish, with golden edges everyone loves to pick apart. These potatoes pack impressive flavor into every bite. I serve them for parties and notice they vanish before any other side dish. Hasselbacks add style and fun to the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback 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.

Bold flavor takes the lead with creamy scoops of this Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread appetizer. Sweet and smoky meet up for an inviting dip everyone asks about. I place this on the table for an instant color boost and lots of happy snacking. Pita wedges make sharing simple and fun.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

A bowl of hummus with chickpeas and herbs.
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Autumn flavor gets a spotlight with this Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus bowl, right in the center of your appetizer spread. Pumpkin’s natural sweetness blends perfectly with smooth hummus for a new Thanksgiving tradition. I use it to surprise folks who think hummus is always the same. Dips like this become instant conversation starters.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

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.

An irresistible crunch makes this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes idea perfect for holiday nibbling. Each potato bursts with flavor in every crispy, golden bite. I find people gathering around to grab more before they’re gone. Potatoes always win the crowd, especially when prepared in a fun new way.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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.

Rich color and a tender bite define this Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges recipe, a great way to add warmth to your Thanksgiving lineup. Sweet potatoes feel right at home on a festive table. I serve wedges as a snack or shareable starter that’s gone in minutes. Their natural flavor makes them a fast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Lively flavors take center stage in this Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip with a tangy kick. The sweet warmth is perfect with crunchy chips or crisp veggies for dipping. I find this dip works well for both adventurous and traditional palates. Holiday tables light up whenever this bowl appears.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño 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.

Gooey, sweet portions pull apart effortlessly from this Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Brie and cranberry bring soft richness and tart bite in a crowd-pleasing treat. I break this bread for people to grab as they chat and wander. Each piece disappears so quickly during those early holiday hours.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

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.

Red, white, and green come together in this Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites platter, brightening up any Thanksgiving spread. Juicy, herby flavors pop in every bite, making simple ingredients feel special. I love how easy they are to assemble right before the meal. Guests enjoy the fresh option along with heavier starters.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer 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.

Your guests won’t believe how smooth this Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip feels, packed with spinach and flavor. Warm dips always rally a crowd at gatherings. I use this on game days and holidays because it’s gone before you know it. Creamy dips have a way of making memories last.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke 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.

Rich and aromatic, this Buttery Garlic Bread recipe is perfect for classic comfort during the biggest meal of the year. Toasted slices are great for scooping up dips or simply sharing among friends. I’ve noticed trays clear fast as the smell fills the house. Fresh bread brings out smiles every time.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic Bread

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.

Biscuits go from good to unforgettable with this Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe on your holiday table. Cheesy, herby bites make each roll impossible to resist, especially straight from the oven. I like them best warm, just as dinner kicks off. Guests never forget these biscuits after that first taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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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