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50 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. What could be better than sharing a delicious meal with family and friends all while celebrating what you are Thankful for! This is a collection of our 50 most popular and delicious Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving appetizers.

50 Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes!

1) Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups

Everyone loves a classic jalapeno popper but they can be tricky to make. These Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups are a crispy and creamy finger food perfect for make ahead! The filling is loaded with cheese, bacon, jalapenos and garlic. Baked in crispy wonton cups for a grab and go snack.

Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Wonton Cups plated in a mini muffin tin with orange towel

2) Cranberry Brie Bites

One of my favorite Thanksgiving sauces is cranberry sauce! These cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect cute and fancy appetizer to serve during the holidays. Light puff pastry baked until golden brown stuffed with brie, cranberry sauce and walnuts!

cranberry brie bites plated with cranberries, rosemary

3) Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

These fan favorite Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious two bite appetizer made in a flash with puff pastry! The filling is an irresistible combination of cream cheese, cheddar, ham and dijon mustard.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels on a marble cutting board with wood

4) Cranberry Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A twist on the classic sweet and sour meatballs, these cranberry Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a sweet and tangy appetizer! This is a great recipe to use up leftover cranberry sauce. You can use store bought or homemade cranberry sauce and meatballs.

5) Fall Kale Apple Salad

Don’t be afraid to serve a salad with your Thanksgiving meal! A nice light and fresh salad is the perfect balance to an often heavy Thanksgiving dinner. Our Kale Apple Salad with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon vinaigrette is simply perfect. Tender kale tossed with fresh apples, raspberries, nuts and seeds for the ultimate fall salad!

bowl of fall kale apple salad with an orange towel, wood spoons, salad dressing and green apple

6) Meatball Sub Cups

Everyone loves a saucy and cheesy meatball sub! These Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a bite sized version of the classic sandwich. A cute 2 bite appetizer your guests will devour. For quicker recipe you can use store bought meatballs to cut down on prep time!

7) Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup

A light and flavor packed soup is a great appetizer ahead of a Thanksgiving meal. Our Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup is a perfect twist on classic Italian wedding soup. This healthy soup comes together in just 30 minutes and can be made the day before.

a pot of turkey meatball orzo soup with bread, carrots, onion, garlic, parsley and parmesan cheese around the bowls

8) Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples

A nice fall salad is perfect for Thanksgiving. Our shaved Brussels Sprout salad has everything from sweet, salty, crunchy, and tangy flavors. It is also so beautiful to serve! It’s the perfect fall salad for your Friendsgiving meal.

9) Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Switch up your potato game this Thanksgiving with a Loaded Baked Potato Soup! Creamy potato based soup filled with all the classic baked potato toppings – sour cream, cheese, bacon and green onions. You can set up a baked potato soup station with bowls and all different toppings for your guests to enjoy.

two bowls of loaded baked potato soup on a wood background with two whole potatoes and a spoon

10) Pull Apart Meatball Sliders

A classic meatball sub is always a fan favorite. Let’s take them up a notch by making Pull Apart Meatball Sliders! A unique way to make meatball subs for a crowd. Garlic bread slider buns stuffed with cheese and meatballs for the perfect bite.

pulling apart a meatball slider

11) Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat)

Everyone knows and loves this classic soup from Olive Garden! It is a perfect creamy and cozy soup for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving! Your guests won’t believe you made this soup from scratch it is so delicious. The best part is it can be made in your kitchen in just 30 minutes!

Chicken Gnocchi Olive Garden Soup in bowls

12) Tortellini Antipasto Salad

Instead of a charcuterie board try this twist… an Italian Antipasto Salad! This pasta salad combines all the great flavors of antipasto and pasta salad. Each and every bite of this salad is a unique mix of charcuterie board favorites.

Italian antipasto tortellini pasta salad recipe in a black bowl with basil garnish

13) Roast Beef Sliders

Everyone loves a good roast beef sandwich! Now what about a mini garlic bread roast beef slider?! These are piled high with cheese, caramelized onions and garlic bread buns! A must try recipe for sandwich lovers and perfect for an entertaining appetizer.

roast beef sliders with cheese and caramelized onions on a sheet pan garnished with rosemary

14) Avocado Corn Tomato Salad

I love a fresh corn salad! The corn is crisp, sweet and so bright and colorful. Our Avocado Corn Tomato Salad is a healthy appetizer your guests will love! Sweet corn paired with cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion and a lemon lime dressing.

avocado corn tomato salad in a white bowl with burlap in the background

15) Greek Feta Potato Salad

Everyone loves a classic potato salad but have you ever tried Greek Feta Potato Salad? Tender baby potatoes with feta cheese and a garlicky lemon dressing (and no mayonnaise)! A quick and impressive side dish to switch up your classic Thanksgiving potato recipe.

Greek feta potato salad on a blue plate with feta, lemon zest and parsley

16) Greek Beet Salad

Beets are the perfect fall root vegetable. They are sweet, colorful and so delicious when paired with feta. Greek Beet Salad features tender beets in a garlicky Greek salad dressing topped with feta cheese and pickled red onions.

Greek beet salad garnished with crumbled feta cheese, pickled onions, parsley and oregano on a white plate

17) Zuppa Toscana

One of the most popular soups at Olive Garden is their Zuppa Toscana! It is creamy, packed with potatoes, sausage, kale and bacon! So simple yet so delicious. Not to mention it is so quick and easy to make.

Copycat Olive Garden zuppa toscana recipe in a white bowl

18) Breadsticks (Olive Garden Copycat)

Is there anything better than a fresh butter, garlicky bread stick? Olive Garden Breadsticks are light, airy, chewy, and covered in garlic butter. They are a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving spread as everyone loves a classic breadstick.

copycat olive garden breadsticks with a green checkerboard towel and marinara sauce to dip

19) Olive Garden Salad Copycat

When looking for a quick and delicious salad a garden salad is perfect. It’s a crowd pleasure and a sure hit. Olive Garden Salad is a fresh side dish with a zesty Italian dressing and lots of fresh vegetables! From red onion to cucumber, tomato, olives and parmesan cheese, this is a fan favorite salad.

copycat olive garden salad in a glass bowl

20) Pear Fennel Arugula Salad

Having a simple yet delicious salad at your Thanksgiving meal is essential. There will always be at least one guest who is looking for a salad side dish. Our Pear Fennel Arugula Salad is a simple side perfect for entertaining. A sweet and savory salad with a tangy lemon Dijon vinaigrette!

pear fennel arugula salad with goat cheese and pecans on a white platter

21) Jalapeno Popper Chicken Dip

This unique and delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Dip is always a fan favorite! A creamy dip packed with jalapenos, chicken, green onions and garlic. Serve with tortilla chips to dip and your guests will be asking you for the recipe!

jalapeno popper chicken dip with tortilla chips on the side

22) Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes

Switch up your regular baked potato game with these delicious broccoli cheddar twice baked potatoes. These potatoes are loaded with cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic and broccoli. They are flavor packed and a unique potato appetizer.

Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes on a white plate

23) Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is perfect for making ahead for a crown. A nice light and fresh Greek Orzo Pasta salad compliments a Thanksgiving meal. A quick 20 minute appetizer combining all your favorite Mediterranean flavors with a simple delicious Greek salad dressing.

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

24) Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Feta is one of my favorite cheeses! Did you know that you can transform feta into a creamy dip?! This quick and delicious appetizer is served with warm pitas. The best part is that it only takes 5 minutes to make.

Feta Roasted Red Pepper Dip in a white bowl with pita

25) BLT Pasta Salad

This BLT Pasta Salad turns the classic sandwich into a salad! It is a unique twist on the classic sandwich. Crispy bacon with sweet cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pasta and a healthier ranch dressing.

BLT pasta salad in a glass bowl with a side jar of ranch dressing and a green plaid towel

26) Rosemary Focaccia

Focaccia is a flat oven-baked Italian bread similar in style and texture to pizza. It is one of the easiest and most delicious breads! Get creative and make beautiful focaccia art!

Focaccia Bread on a plate

27) Jalapeno Ranch Sliders

Chili’s Big Mouth Bites are the best two bite jalapeno ranch, bacon cheeseburger sliders! They are perfect as an appetizer or as a main course!

chili's big mouth bites jalapeno ranch bacon sliders on a platter

28) Feta Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Feta Bruschetta a simple delicious classic Italian appetizer. Finely diced fresh tomatoes seasoned and topped with salty feta cheese. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze!

Feta Bruschetta on a white plate

29) Meatball Subs on a Stick

Meatball Subs on a Stick a unique appetizer or main course the whole family will love! This twist on the classic meatball sub so is so easy and fun to make.

Meatball Subs on a Stick on a wood board with marinara sauce to dip

30) Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls are a combination of two classic and popular appetizers. This unique appetizer features a light and crispy egg roll wrapper stuffed jalapeno, cheese and bacon. A must try finger food!

Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls on a green plate with a cactus

31) Asparagus Bacon Tortellini

Asparagus Bacon Tortellini is an easy creamy side dish or main course! Crispy bacon paired with fresh asparagus and peas in a quick light creamy sauce. Made in only 20 minutes this is a dish the whole family with love!

bowls of asparagus bacon and pea tortellini pasta

32) Crispy Pierogi with Cajun Dip

One of my favorite ways to make crispy pierogi is air fried! They turn out so crispy and delicious and are a great finger food! Served with a smokey Cajun dip these are SO addictive!

Air Fried Perogies with Cajun Dip

33) Reuben Egg Rolls

Reuben Egg Rolls are quite possibly my favorite unique appetizer. So simple and delicious the filling is just 3 ingredients. Serve with Thousand Island dressing to dip!

reuben egg rolls on a blue plate with thousand island dipping sauce

34) Chili Cheese Dog Dip

Chili Cheese Dog Dip wreath is the ultimate game day dip! Crispy pigs in a blanket baked in a wreath shape with the center filled with a delicious chili cheese dip!

chili cheese dog dip ring

35) Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread

Jalapeno cheddar corn bread is the perfect side dish to your summer BBQ. Not only is this recipe quick to put together, it is incredibly delicious and moist!

jalapeno cheddar corn bread in a blue bowl on a wood board

36) Spinach Feta Palmiers

Spinach Feta Palmiers are golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped bites with melted cheeses and hearty, garlicky spinach, shaped into cute little spirals! Such an easy delicious appetizer. 

spinach feta palmiers on a metal plate

37) Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups

This crispy, cheesy appetizer will vanish quickly at your next party or potluck! Be warned these spinach artichoke dip wonton cups are HIGHLY addictive!

Spinach Artichoke Dip Wonton Cups on a wood board

38) Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are a classic snack that are very easy to make with this shortcut recipe. Light and airy puff pastry wrapped around crispy sausage, topped with your favorite toppings and baked until golden brown!

39) Garlic Breadsticks

Crazy bread is the ultimate bread stick! Light and airy bread soaked in garlic butter, topped with parmesan cheese… I’m drooling just writing this. These are a must try!

crazy bread on parchment paper and wood board

40) Crab Rangoons

Crab Rangoons are one of my favorite appetizers! They are the perfect two bite (one bite when I’m really hungry) sweet and savory appetizer. Fried wontons filled with cream cheese, crab and green onion.

Crab Rangoons and Thai Chili Dip on a wood cutting board

41) Shrimp Artichoke Dip

Shrimp Artichoke dip is the ultimate easy and creamy appetizer that is perfect for sharing! Packed with flavor from fresh garlic, green onions and Old Bay Seasoning this is a must try dip!

shrimp artichoke dip plated with crackers

42) Mushroom Asparagus Risotto (Instant Pot Recipe)

This creamy mushroom asparagus risotto loaded with fresh vegetables and Parmesan cheese is on the table in a flash. With this Instant Pot recipe you don’t need to stir the rice continuously while you make the risotto! How amazing is that?

Mushroom Asparagus Risotto in a bowl on a wood board

43) Twisted Brioche Buns

Twisted Brioche Buns are the literal twist on classic Brioche Buns. They are incredibly flaky, buttery, and will melt in your mouth.  They are simply delicious! You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy these are to make!

twisted brioche buns

44) Ham and Cheese Puffs

Ham and Cheese Puffs are a delicious and savory delight to enjoy with your family or friends. The recipe is very simple and quick to make.

Ham and Cheese Puffs on a wood board

45) Stuffed Mushrooms (Olive Garden Copycat)

Olive Garden’s famous stuffed mushrooms are made with clams, seasoned bread crumbs, and two different cheeses. Then baked drenched with butter and more cheese. They are so easy to make… prepare to be addicted!

Stuffed Mushrooms Cheesecake Factory Copycat

46) Chicken Wing Lollipops

Chicken wings are a great finger food, but you can make them even more convenient, not to mention cute, by turning them into chicken wing lollipops.

chicken wing lollipops air fried

47) Coquilles St. Jacques

Coquilles St Jacques is a must try French recipe! Shrimp and scallops baked in a creamy sauce surrounded by mashed potatoes, topped with cheese and broiled to perfection.

coquilles st jaques plated on a wood board

48) Reuben Hasselback Potatoes

Twist on the classic Reuben Sandwich and baked potato. Thinly sliced potato stuffed with Swiss cheese and corned beef. Broiled to perfection and topped with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. Reuben hasselback potatoes are a must try!

Reuben Hasselback PotatoeS on a blue plate

49) Sweet Chili Chicken Wonton Tacos (Apple Bee’s Copycat)

Sweet Chili Chicken Wonton Tacos are the perfect starter or party finger food! Flavor packed chicken tossed in sweet chili sauce, served in crispy wonton taco shells with an Asian slaw.

Sweet Chili Chicken Wonton Tacos on a blue plate

50) Shrimp Mozambique

Shrimp Mozambique is a famous Portuguese peel and eat shrimp dish. Loaded with garlic, pimenta, white wine and fresh parsley both the shrimp and sauce are to die for!

Portuguese shrimp mozambique with lemon and parsley

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I hope you enjoy these recipes and have a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with your family and friends. Please leave a comment below with your favorite recipe you made!

Enjoy!

– Sab

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission.

50 best thanksgiving appetizers

50 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

A collection of the best ever Thanksgiving Appetizers. Everything from dips, to finger foods, egg rolls, sliders and salads! These are the best and easiest appetizers for your Thanksgiving enteratining.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 – 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Refer to each recipe post for the ingredients

Instructions
 

Prep

  • Plan out your Thanksgiving meal and appetizers at least 3-4 days in advance. Make a grocery list of everything you will need. Prep as many ingredients as you can in advance. Our recipes include make ahead instructions, tips and tricks. The more you prep and plan in advance the smoother your Thanksgiving day meal will go.

Cook

  • Follow each recipes cooking instructions. Make note of the cooking time and temperature for each so you can time out your appetizers, main course and dessert.

Serving

  • The day before, set your table, buffet station, drink station and decorations. Lay out all of the serving platters, warming trays and any ramekins/bowls needed for sauces/ dips. This way everything is already laid out for you and ready to plate your appetizers, main course and desserts once they are cooked.

Notes

Nutrition Information varies based on recipe(s) prepared. See individual recipes for nutrition information
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NUTRITION

Calories: 200kcal
This nutrition information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. See our full nutrition disclosure here.

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