Nothing Kicks Off the Season Like 19 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Before the big feast takes over, there’s that magic window where snacks steal the spotlight. These 19 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes make sure no one’s stomach grumbles while the main dish takes its sweet time. They spark chatter, laughter, and a few sneaky grabs when no one’s looking.

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.

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

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

No one stands far from the tray when Savory Stuffed Mushrooms join the party. Those little bites get passed around with lots of excitement. Each one vanishes fast as people swap snack ideas. Folks always ask for more next time.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Potato Skins

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

Plates fill up quick when Loaded Potato Skins roll out before dinner. These snacks combine crunch with plenty of toppings for every taste. Each skin gives people a reason to hang around the table longer. No leftovers for later.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Soups get their spotlight with ladles full of Creamy Pumpkin Soup at the start. Silky bowls make people reach for some bread. Friends tell stories while sipping. Everyone wants seconds when the first round is gone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries

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

Friends fight over the last Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries every year. Crunchy bites line up with cups of sauces all over the table. These fries start new snack trends. Empty trays mean everyone got what they wanted.
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 decorations go next level when someone drops off a Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Cheers start as people dip into that cheesy center. The snack is almost too fun to eat. Dippers fly off plates until the cheeseball is just crumbs.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

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.

Snack spreads stay simple with bowls of Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Dippers gather around and keep the fun going while snacking. Nobody asks for more options. It’s gone fast with every round of chips or warm bread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

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.

People crowd around once bowls of Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip arrive. The mix sparks stories about bold snack combos. Chips never get a break on the side. This dip leaves folks asking for more every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

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.

Potatoes always get attention with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes on deck. Crunch plus cheesy bites launch the meal with smiles. Guests race for the last piece. Conversations kick up loud around the pan.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

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

Group tables hum when bowls of Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus get set out. Smooth dips keep hungry guests happy before the main event. Pita pieces pile up on every plate. People ask for the recipe before even finishing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

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.

Platters fill up with Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes before big meals. Golden edges make diners grab extras fast. Someone always wants to know how to get them so crunchy. These bites line every snack board.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

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.

Parties heat up quickly with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites served early. The little kick gets reactions across the table. Friends challenge each other to finish a whole tray. These bites set the mood for the rest of the night.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

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.

Bread baskets must include Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread when family shows up. Melty cheese plus cranberry sends hands reaching again. Plates stay busy until all the bread is gone. This one always wins snack points.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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

Little snacks like Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites become instant favorites for any hungry group. Each bite sticks with folks who want something quick. Trays empty just as plates fill up. Everyone asks when they’ll show up again.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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.

Events kick into gear with bowls of Creamy Beer Cheese Dip on the corner table. Chips dunk away as people talk over old times. Classic snack spot for every group. The dip disappears long before the main plates come out.
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.

Platters stacked with Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches get everyone talking from the first bite. The colorful swirls mix flavors in every roll. Easy to grab while chatting or walking around. Guests always circle back for one more before dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

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.

Snack boards feel complete every holiday with slices of Buttery Garlic Bread ready to grab. People hold onto their piece for every soup or dip. Little squares of bread cheer up any table. No one leaves a crumb after this pick.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Garlic 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.

Color lines up neatly on trays with Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites ready for sharing. Every skewer balances flavor in one quick bite. Perfect for mingling and light snacking. These appetizers always disappear first at any table.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

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.

Dipping starts soon when bowls of Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread come out. Pita bites get passed along plate to plate. New snack fans join in every time for the smoky twist. No one complains about sharing on this dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

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.

Wedges always get a round of cheers when sharing plates of Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges with friends. The color pops on every platter. Dips mix things up for each guest. Snack trays never stay full for long at big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

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