33 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers and Finger Foods

33 Thanksgiving appetizers and finger foods, including savory bites, sliders, tartlets, pinwheels, cranberry appetizers, and make-ahead options perfect for your holiday gathering.

Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to keep everyone happy while the turkey finishes cooking.

From warm, cheesy bites to savory finger foods and easy make-ahead options, these Thanksgiving appetizers are great for serving before dinner, bringing to a holiday gathering, or setting out while guests arrive.

This collection includes 27 easy Thanksgiving appetizers and finger foods, with plenty of options for every kind of holiday spread.

You'll find cozy fall flavors, cranberry appetizers, bite-size recipes, warm appetizers, and simple dishes that can be prepared ahead of time.

Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

Not sure where to start? These are some of my favorite appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving because they're easy to serve, full of holiday flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Turkey Cranberry Sliders
• Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
• French Onion Tartlets
• Maple Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
• Sausage Cranberry Pinwheels

Whether you're looking for something warm and cheesy, a simple finger food, or an appetizer that can be made ahead, there are plenty of options below to mix and match.

How to Choose Thanksgiving Appetizers

When planning appetizers for Thanksgiving, I like to choose a few different types so there's a little something for everyone.

Try combining:

• One warm or cheesy appetizer
• One meat appetizer
• One lighter vegetable-based appetizer
• One cranberry or fall-flavored appetizer
• One make-ahead or cold appetizer

If Thanksgiving dinner is especially large, keep the appetizers fairly simple so guests still have room for the main meal. Bite-size appetizers, sliders, tartlets, pinwheels, and small savory bites are especially easy to serve without filling everyone up too much.

How Many Appetizers Should I Serve for Thanksgiving?

If appetizers are being served shortly before a large Thanksgiving dinner, plan on approximately 3 to 5 appetizer pieces per person.

For a longer gathering where guests will be snacking for an hour or more before dinner, you may want closer to 5 to 7 pieces per person.

You usually don't need a huge number of different appetizers. For most Thanksgiving gatherings, 3 to 5 different appetizer recipes give guests plenty of variety without making so much food that everyone is full before dinner.

1

Pumpkin Deviled Eggs

Pumpkin deviled eggs are a cute twist on the classic appetizer, styled to look like little pumpkins but made with classic creamy filling. A small chive stem gives them their festive pumpkin-like appearance.

Recipe

2

Pumpkin Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

Indulge in a festive fall twist on the classic cheese ball with our delightful Chipped Beef Pumpkin Cheese Ball. Crafted with savory chipped beef and creamy cheeses, shaped into a charming pumpkin for the fall season, Halloween, or Thanksgiving.

Recipe

3

Ham, Gruyère & Cranberry Puff Pastry Cups

Flaky puff pastry cups are filled with savory diced ham, Gruyère cheese, creamy Dijon filling, and a touch of cranberry sauce for an easy holiday appetizer.

Recipe

4

Turkey Cranberry Sliders

Turkey cranberry sliders are an easy way to use Thanksgiving leftovers with tender turkey, cranberry sauce, melted cheese, and buttery baked rolls.

Recipe

5

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

These easy sausage-stuffed mushrooms are filled with savory breakfast sausage, onion, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, then baked until hot and golden.

Recipe

6

Maple Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Maple bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a sweet and savory appetizer made with crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and maple syrup.

Recipe

7

Cheese and Ham Puff Pastry Bites

Cheese and ham puff pastry bites are filled with deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce in golden, crispy puff pastry sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning.

Recipe

8

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving charcuterie board is all the gobbling you need this Thanksgiving. It's packed with pumpkin-shaped cheese ball, stuffing bites, and seasonal treats-perfect for festive grazing and colorful holiday vibes!

Recipe

9

French Onion Tartlets

French onion tartlets are a savory holiday appetizer made with flaky puff pastry, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.

Recipe

10

Sausage Cranberry Pinwheels

Sausage cranberry pinwheels are an easy holiday appetizer made with savory sausage, sweet dried cranberries, and flaky pastry rolled into bite-sized spirals. They're perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday parties, and make-ahead entertaining.

Recipe

11

Mini Cornbread Bites

Mini cornbread bites with sliced deli ham, Swiss cheese, and mustard served between mini cornbread muffins.

Recipe

12

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Crispy air fryer bacon-wrapped asparagus is perfect as an appetizer for parties or for a side dish during the holidays. They're also perfect for grilling at summer barbecues!

Recipe

13

French Onion Stuffed Mushrooms

French onion stuffed mushrooms are filled with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese for an easy bite-size appetizer packed with classic French onion flavor.

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14

Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy Applebee's spinach artichoke dip copycat is a delicious appetizer with chopped spinach and artichokes that's baked with melted mozzarella on top.

Recipe

15

https://blackberrybabe.com

Easy Turkey Veggie Tray for Thanksgiving

Make this Thanksgiving turkey veggie tray for a cute, healthy option for Thanksgiving dinner. It's an adorable centerpiece or appetizer.

Recipe

16

https://mommychristmas.com

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These cranberry brie puff pastry bites are the ultimate holiday appetizer-flaky, creamy, sweet, and savory. Made with puff pastry, Brie cheese, homemade cranberry sauce, and herbs, they're perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and festive gatherings!

Recipe

17

https://littleblackskillet.com

Cheddar Cheese Sausage Balls

These crowd-pleasing sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for all your holiday and potluck get-togethers. They have all of the flavors you love in a cheesy sausage breakfast biscuit, but in a bite-size form. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or ranch.

Recipe

18

https://homecookingcollective.com

Holiday Cranberry Baked Brie

This yummy appetizer is great for the holidays! Melted brie cheese topped with tart cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of herbs. Serve with crackers.

Recipe

19

https://www.easypartyeats.com

Pumpkin Pie Crackers

These adorable Pumpkin Pie Cheese & Crackers are perfect for Thanksgiving parties, fall gatherings, or after-school snacks.

Recipe

20

https://alatinflair.com

Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle

Sweet and spicy pecans made with flavorful Mexican spices for a deliciously crunchy bite.

Recipe

21

https://littleblackskillet.com

Homemade Holiday Party Mix

This knock-off Doo Dads recipe is perfect for holiday gift-giving. It's so much better than store-bought Chex Mix and is easily customizable. Bet you can't stop at one handful!

Recipe

22

https://www.appetizeraddiction.com

Simple Pumpkin Cheese Board

This pumpkin-shaped cheese board is an easy way to serve snacks. A fun idea for Thanksgiving dinner, Halloween party, or a Friendsgiving get-together.

Recipe

23

https://thecookinchicks.com

Mom's Baked Ricotta Dip

This Baked Ricotta Dip is the perfect quick and simple appetizer recipe! It's a great option to serve at a dinner party or for game day!

Recipe

24

https://insearchofyummyness.com

Brie Stuffed Mushrooms

If you love the buttery, garlicky mushrooms at a great steakhouse, these brie-stuffed mushrooms are about to become your new favorite appetizer.

Recipe

25

https://kalynskitchen.com

Sweet Potato Bites with Feta

Sweet Potato Bites with Feta are a healthy appetizer or side dish, and sweet potato fans will go crazy over these!

Recipe

26

https://feelslikehomeblog.com

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

This savory pumpkin hummus is a fun twist on the traditional dip, made creamy with chickpeas, pumpkin puree, almond butter, and warm fall spices blended in one bowl.

Recipe

27

https://mymoneycottage.com

Easy Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are the perfect sweet and savory party bite, made with creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, and a pop of tart cranberry. They come together quickly, can be prepped ahead, and always look impressive on any holiday or game day spread.

Recipe

28

https://cookingorgeous.com

Chicken Liver Pâté

An easy chicken liver pâté recipe made with livers cooked in brandy, then blended with butter and cream. It’s a great make-ahead appetizer for Thanksgiving.

Recipe

29

https://thevgftable.com

Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs

These dill pickle deviled eggs are tangy, creamy, and easy to make. A fun twist on a classic appetizer that pickle lovers will want!

Recipe

30

https://www.asweetalternative.com

Savory Stuffed Dates

These delicious savory stuffed dates are packed with flavor, perfect for the holidays, and can be prepared in advance.

Recipe

31

https://whippeditup.com

Butternut Squash and Prosciutto Deviled Eggs

These butternut squash and prosciutto deviled eggs are heavenly and might surprise you. They are a delicious twist on traditional deviled eggs.

Recipe

32

https://www.dontsweattherecipe.com

Pepper Jelly Brie Bites

Pepper jelly brie bites are crispy phyllo shells filled with slightly spicy pepper jelly topped with creamy brie cheese. Sweet and savory bites of flaky deliciousness!

Recipe

33

https://www.areinventedmom.com

Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese

Cranberry crostini recipe is an easy and last-minute holiday appetizer idea. You only need a few pantry ingredients, and it's ready in less than 20 minutes!

Recipe