27 Must-Have Thanksgiving Appetizers for a Festive Holiday

ByMarigold Banks Updated
Thanksgiving Appetizers - Guyo's Guide

I used to think Thanksgiving appetizers were just a fancy way to make everyone wait for the turkey. But then I realized—they’re the real stars that kick off the feast! 

From warm, cheesy bites to crispy little snacks, these dishes bring everyone together before the main event. 

Ready to wow your guests before dinner even starts? Let’s get started!

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

A photo of a close-up shot of a puff pastry appetizer, likely a cranberry and brie bite. Each pastry consists of golden, flaky puff pastry that has puffed up around the edges, forming a square-like shape with crinkled, light brown corners. Inside the pastry cup, there is a filling of rich, dark red cranberry sauce or jam. The cranberry filling is glossy and slightly textured, with visible chunks of cranberries. Sprinkled on top of the cranberry filling are small pieces of crushed pistachios, adding a pop of green color. The pastry appears warm and fresh, sitting on a clean white surface, likely a serving plate. The overall look is festive and appetizing.
Photo by our team – Guyo’s Guide

If Thanksgiving had a personality, these would be it—warm, gooey, and a little fancy. 

Puff pastry squares cradle creamy brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. 

A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of rosemary make them sweet, savory, and perfectly festive. 

They vanish fast—trust me.

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2. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese

A rectangular wooden tray holds a circular arrangement of roasted sweet potato rounds, each approximately one-half inch thick and displaying caramelized edges. Dollops of whipped goat cheese, each about one tablespoon in size, are strategically placed atop the sweet potato rounds, while coarsely chopped candied pecans are sprinkled evenly across the entire surface. A thin, glistening line of maple syrup is drizzled in a spiral pattern over the goat cheese and pecans. The tray sits on a smooth, bright white kitchen countertop, with a faint texture visible on the wood grain of the tray and a subtle reflection of overhead lighting on the countertop surface.

These elegant little bites are autumn on a platter. 

Roasted sweet potato slices become the base for whipped goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. 

The mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet makes them addictive. 

Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead.

3. Pumpkin Hummus

A small, hollowed-out orange pumpkin is filled with a vibrant orange pumpkin hummus, swirled decoratively across the top surface. A thin stream of olive oil is drizzled in a circular pattern over the hummus, followed by a light dusting of paprika powder. Surrounding the pumpkin bowl are small, neatly arranged piles of golden-brown pita chips, thinly sliced green apple wedges, and sticks of celery and carrot. The entire arrangement rests on a bright, plain white kitchen countertop with a black linen napkin folded neatly in the lower corner, all placed on a circular white tray.

Pumpkin spice meets savory comfort in this twist on classic hummus. 

Blend chickpeas with roasted pumpkin, garlic, and a dash of cumin for a creamy, fall-inspired dip. 

Serve it in a hollowed mini pumpkin for wow factor. 

Pita chips, crackers, or apple slices all pair beautifully.

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4. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts 03 1
Source:fitfoodiefinds.com

Even the “I don’t eat Brussels sprouts” crowd will go back for seconds. 

Crispy bacon hugs tender sprouts, caramelizing as they roast. 

Brush with a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. 

They’re salty, smoky, and the perfect handheld bite of Thanksgiving magic.

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5. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

Four small, clear glass shot cups are filled with smooth, golden butternut squash soup, each topped with a delicate swirl of white cream and a sprinkling of three toasted pumpkin seeds. The cups are precisely aligned in a single row on a rectangular wooden serving board with visible grain patterns and slightly rounded edges. A few intentional drips of soup trail down the sides of the cups, contributing to a sense of realism. The wooden board sits on a bright, clean white kitchen countertop, reflecting the light and providing a stark contrast to the warm, autumnal colors of the soup.

Think cozy soup—but make it party-friendly. 

Velvety butternut squash soup is served in tiny cups or shot glasses, topped with a swirl of cream and toasted pumpkin seeds. 

It’s comforting, elegant, and looks straight out of a food magazine. Sip, smile, repeat.

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6. Mini Stuffing Muffins

WGC Muffin Stuffing 1 copy 819x1024 1
Source: whatsgabycooking.com

All the best parts of stuffing—crispy edges, herby flavor, and that buttery, savory goodness—baked into adorable little muffins. 

These are easy to grab and perfect for mingling. 

Serve them warm with a dab of cranberry sauce on top for an instant crowd favorite.

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7. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears

Thin slices of prosciutto are wrapped around segments of ripe, yellow pears, creating bite-sized appetizers. Each appetizer is topped with a sprinkle of crumbly blue cheese and a light drizzle of golden honey, which pools slightly on the surface. The pear wedges and prosciutto slices are arranged diagonally across a long, rectangular marble platter with subtle veining patterns. The platter sits on a bright, plain white kitchen countertop, with the backdrop extending to reveal a stainless steel sink and a portion of a pale grey cabinet.

Sweet pear slices wrapped in silky prosciutto are the easiest way to look like a culinary genius. 

Add a sprinkle of blue cheese or a drizzle of honey for extra sophistication. 

The balance of salty, sweet, and creamy makes them utterly addictive—and totally elegant.

8. Deviled Eggs with a Twist

A close-up shot of deviled eggs arranged neatly in rows on a white ceramic tray. Each appetizer features a smooth, creamy yolk filling topped with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. The yolk’s golden color glows under natural light, while the whites appear pristine. The tray is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, creating a crisp, classic presentation perfect for Thanksgiving.

A Thanksgiving upgrade to a timeless favorite! 

Mix your yolks with Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and crispy bacon bits. 

The result? Creamy, savory perfection with a little crunch. 

Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear faster than pumpkin pie.

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9. Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli

Six golden-brown crab cakes are arranged in a circular pattern on a white ceramic serving plate. Each cake has visible flecks of finely chopped parsley, chives, and panko breadcrumbs creating a slightly textured surface. A small white ceramic bowl filled with pale yellow lemon aioli sits in the center of the circle, its surface smooth and glossy. The plate rests on a bright, clean white kitchen countertop with a single sprig of fresh dill positioned to the right of the plate.

Golden, crispy crab cakes in bite-sized form feel luxurious but never fussy. 

They’re tender inside, crunchy outside, and made even better with a zesty lemon aioli for dipping. 

Serve them warm with a sprig of dill—your guests will think you hired a caterer.

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10. Caramelized Onion Tartlets

A beautifully styled image of bite-sized tartlets filled with glossy, caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. The appetizers are garnished with tiny thyme leaves and arranged casually on a parchment-lined tray for a rustic look. The shot is illuminated with warm natural light, enhancing the golden pastry edges and rich brown onion filling. The tray is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, providing a clean, elegant backdrop that emphasizes the food's warm tones.

Rich, sweet caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese nestled in flaky pastry shells—these tartlets are tiny bites of pure comfort. 

The buttery crust balances beautifully with the deep, savory filling. 

Add a pinch of thyme, and you’ve got elegance in every bite.

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11. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms 1
Source:thecozycook.com

These are hearty, flavorful, and nearly impossible to stop eating. 

Juicy mushrooms are filled with a mixture of herbed sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, then baked until golden. 

They’re the kind of appetizer that earns you recipe requests year after year.

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12. Apple Cheddar Crostini

A bright and inviting overhead shot of small, toasted baguette slices topped with sharp cheddar cheese, thin apple slices, and a drizzle of honey. A few crushed walnuts are scattered across the crostini for added texture and flavor. The image is taken in natural light. The crostini are placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, making the warm hues of the apples and cheese stand out against the clean, neutral backdrop. They are placed on a grey ceramic tray.

A little sweet, a little savory, and all kinds of delicious. 

Toasted baguette slices topped with sharp cheddar, crisp apple slices, and a drizzle of honey make a quick, colorful appetizer. 

It’s the ideal balance of flavors—and the perfect nod to fall.

13. Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups

Several individual phyllo pastry cups sit neatly arranged on a rectangular white serving tray. Each cup is filled to the brim with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip, exhibiting small bubbles on the surface and visible strands of melted mozzarella cheese. The golden-brown pastry edges of each cup appear crisp and flaky, creating a textural contrast with the smooth filling. The tray rests on a bright, plain white kitchen countertop with subtle shadows from an unseen light source, showcasing the arrangement against a clean background.

Your favorite creamy dip, but make it bite-sized! 

Spoon spinach and artichoke dip into crispy phyllo shells and bake until bubbly. 

They’re warm, cheesy, and perfectly portioned for guests to enjoy without spoons or double-dipping drama. 

Serve hot and watch them vanish.

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14. Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese Balls

A close-up shot of small, round goat cheese balls coated in toasted pecans and drizzled with honey. The cheese is creamy, and the pecans add a nice crunch. The appetizers are placed on a simple white plate, surrounded by slices of crisp green apple for contrast. The photo, captured in natural light, enhances the glossy appearance of the honey and the warmth of the nuts. The plate is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, allowing the food to take center stage against the clean background.

Fancy-looking but secretly effortless. 

Roll soft goat cheese in toasted pecans, drizzle with honey, and serve with apple slices or crackers. 

They’re creamy, nutty, and just a little tangy—the kind of appetizer that disappears while you’re still setting out napkins.

15. Roasted Grape and Ricotta Crostini

A rustic yet elegant shot of toasted baguette slices topped with smooth ricotta cheese and roasted grapes. The grapes, deep purple in color, are caramelized and slightly wrinkled, adding a sweet richness to the creamy cheese. The crostini are garnished with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprig of fresh thyme. The image is captured in natural light, which emphasizes the beautiful contrast between the creamy ricotta and the roasted grapes. The crostini are placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, with the warm colors of the food popping against the white surface. They are placed on a black round tray.

Unexpected and elegant, these crostini are pure autumn charm. 

Roasted grapes become sweet and jammy, pairing beautifully with whipped ricotta on crunchy baguette slices. 

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a show-stopping appetizer that tastes as good as it looks.

16. Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze

A close-up photo of perfectly round, golden turkey meatballs glistening with a thick cranberry glaze. The glaze is rich, with visible flecks of fresh herbs and a touch of sweetness. The meatballs are neatly arranged on a white plate, with a small bowl of dipping sauce placed next to them. The photo, shot in natural light, highlights the texture of the meatballs and the glossy cranberry coating. The plate is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, creating a crisp and clean background that emphasizes the vibrant red of the glaze.

These bite-sized beauties bring all the Thanksgiving vibes in one mouthful. 

Juicy turkey meatballs are simmered in a glossy cranberry glaze that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. 

Serve them warm on toothpicks, and you’ve got a festive crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and celebratory at the same time.

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17. Maple Roasted Nuts

A photo of a plate of roasted nuts coated in a glossy maple syrup glaze, sprinkled with rosemary and a touch of sea salt. The nuts, which include pecans, almonds, and cashews, are spread out on a white parchment paper. The parchment paper is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop. The nuts have a warm, inviting scene. The image is bathed in natural light, which highlights the golden, caramelized sheen of the maple glaze.

Your kitchen will smell heavenly while these roast. 

A mix of pecans, almonds, and cashews tossed with maple syrup, rosemary, and a dash of cayenne turns into a crunchy, addictive snack. 

They’re perfect for nibbling with cocktails while the turkey finishes roasting.

18. Caprese Skewers with a Fall Twist

A vibrant photo of skewers lined with roasted butternut squash cubes, fresh mozzarella balls, and bright green basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a glossy finish, and the ingredients are arranged artfully. The skewers are neatly placed on a white plate, with the contrasting colors of yellow, white, and green standing out in natural light. The plate is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, providing a clean canvas that makes the fall-inspired Caprese skewers look even more appetizing.

Give the classic Caprese skewer a Thanksgiving makeover! 

Swap out summer tomatoes for roasted butternut squash cubes, then layer with mozzarella pearls and fresh sage. 

A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties it all together. They’re colorful, classy, and perfectly seasonal.

19. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A small, round, white ceramic bowl holds cranberry jalapeño dip with bright red, finely chopped cranberries and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers scattered across the top surface. The dip itself has a creamy, light pink hue with visible flecks of red pepper. Arranged around the bowl are an assortment of dipping options, including square-shaped wheat crackers, triangular tortilla chips, and carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks neatly arranged on a circular, light brown wooden tray. The entire arrangement sits on a bright, plain white kitchen countertop with a slight sheen from the overhead lighting.

This dip brings the perfect mix of zing and creaminess to your spread. 

Chopped cranberries, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions are spooned over whipped cream cheese for a vibrant, festive look. 

It’s tangy, a little spicy, and dangerously good with buttery crackers.

20. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds

A crisp, refreshing image of cucumber slices topped with a dollop of herbed cream cheese, a small slice of smoked salmon, and a garnish of fresh dill. Each bite-sized appetizer is arranged neatly in rows on a white ceramic plate. The natural light highlights the vibrant colors of the green cucumber, pink salmon, and white cream cheese. The plate is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, creating a fresh, light, and inviting feel, perfect for a light Thanksgiving appetizer.

Light, crisp, and elegant—these are the calm before the feast. 

Thick cucumber slices topped with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of dill make the perfect refreshing bite. 

They add a touch of sophistication without being heavy.

21. Mini Potato Pancakes with Applesauce

A warm, inviting shot of mini potato pancakes stacked neatly on a white plate. Each crispy pancake is golden-brown with slightly crisp edges and topped with a generous dollop of creamy applesauce. A small spoon of sour cream is placed beside the stack, completing the dish. The image, captured in natural light, highlights the crispy texture of the pancakes and the smooth applesauce. The plate is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, allowing the rich golden tones of the pancakes to stand out against the clean white background.

Crispy on the outside, tender inside—these mini latke-inspired bites are pure comfort. 

Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and spiced applesauce for a sweet-savory balance. 

They’re nostalgic, cozy, and perfect for passing around before the big meal.

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22. Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms

Large portobello mushrooms are generously stuffed with creamy brie cheese, with the melted cheese visibly oozing out from between the mushroom caps. The mushrooms are generously topped with golden-brown breadcrumbs and a delicate sprinkle of fresh thyme sprigs. The mushrooms sit on a black rectangular tray, which is placed on a bright, plain white kitchen countertop. The countertop extends to the background, with subtle reflections of light visible on its smooth surface.

Take creamy brie, tuck it inside juicy mushroom caps, and bake until molten and bubbly. 

A sprinkle of herbs and crushed walnuts on top adds crunch and elegance. 

These are decadent, earthy, and just the right size for an indulgent one-bite treat.

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23. Harvest Flatbread

A rustic yet elegant shot of a flatbread sliced into bite-sized squares, topped with caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The flatbread is golden and slightly crispy around the edges. The image is bathed in soft natural light, bringing out the rich, autumnal colors of the squash and the deep brown of the balsamic glaze. The flatbread is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, allowing the food's colors and textures to stand out with clean, minimalist appeal. Place it on a circle dark pink tray.

If autumn were a pizza, this would be it. 

A crisp flatbread topped with caramelized onions, roasted squash, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction—it’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to cut into bite-sized squares. 

Perfect for guests to grab between sips of cider.

24. Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Mini Chicken Pot Pies 8 of 9 730x1094 1
Source: julieseatsandtreats.com

These are pure, flaky nostalgia in mini form. 

Golden pastry shells hold creamy chicken, veggies, and herbs for the ultimate comfort appetizer. 

Serve them warm from the oven, and watch guests’ eyes light up. 

They’re hearty, homey, and always a hit.

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25. Roasted Beet and Feta Bites

A vibrant image of roasted beet slices topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. The beets are deep red, with the cheese adding a creamy contrast. Each bite is topped with a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. The photo, captured in natural light, emphasizes the rich colors of the beets and the white feta. The beets are placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, allowing their bold colors to stand out against the clean background. They are placed on a dark green plate.

Bright, earthy, and oh-so-pretty. 

Layer roasted beet slices with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of pistachios. 

Add a drizzle of honey and a tiny mint leaf for color. 

The flavors are fresh and tangy, making these bites a beautiful, refreshing contrast to rich holiday dishes.

26. Cornbread Mini Muffins with Honey Butter

An overhead shot of fluffy cornbread mini muffins placed in a neat row on a white ceramic plate. Each muffin is golden and slightly cracked, with a dollop of honey butter melting gently on top. The soft natural light brings out the warm golden hues of the cornbread and the creamy texture of the honey butter. The plate of muffins is placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, making the food pop with its inviting, rustic charm against the clean white backdrop.

Soft, golden, and a little sweet—these mini muffins bring Southern charm to the table. 

Whip up some honey butter for spreading, and you’ve got an irresistible pairing. 

They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for balancing out the savory appetizers on your spread.

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27. Caramel Apple Skewers

A playful shot of five skewers with crisp green apple slices drizzled in warm caramel sauce, topped with crushed nuts and a dash of cinnamon. The skewers are arranged in a try, and the caramel glistens in the light. The natural light accentuates the glossy sheen of the caramel and the bright green apples. The skewers are placed on a bright plain white kitchen countertop, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the apples and caramel to pop against the clean, neutral background. They are placed on a large shiny dark blue tray.

End on a playful note! 

Thread apple slices onto skewers, drizzle with warm caramel, and sprinkle with crushed nuts or a dash of cinnamon. 

They’re a fun, mess-free take on a classic fall treat—sweet, crisp, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Thanksgiving Appetizers
Marigold Banks's avatar
Marigold Banks

Marigold Banks is a food writer at Guyo's Guide. With a rich background as a chef and event planner, she brings a unique culinary perspective and flair for detail to her articles. Marigold's passion for food and expert insights make her a valued voice on our blog.

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