45 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes I Can’t Stop Making

Every Thanksgiving needs that early lineup of finger foods that make guests linger near the table. These 45 appetizer recipes aren’t fancy, but they have a way of disappearing faster than the pumpkin pie. They keep the crowd happy, the host relaxed, and the holiday mood rolling long before dinner begins.

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

Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley. — Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Little rolled bites fill up platters fast and folks run for them before anything else gets set out. Every plate of Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels is gone in minutes when the crowd is hungry. Potluck tables always have empty spaces where they used to be. Leftovers rarely make it to the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Italian Sub Pinwheels

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Bowls come out smooth and get scooped up for dipping snacks all day, making simple tables look fancier with little effort. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus brings extra requests, especially from hummus fans. Chips disappear quicker than you think. It’s always good for passing around while everyone’s still arriving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other. — Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm bites straight from the oven get people crowding around the pan just for one more piece. Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls always find their way onto party plates before anything else. Casual gatherings suddenly feel like game night. Second rounds never last long.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Crispy Pizza Rolls

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.

Breadsticks and crackers stack up quickly once this centerpiece lands in the middle of the crowd, making snack tables pop. Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball gets plenty of comments about how cool it looks. Neighbors send messages asking when it’ll show up again. It’s fun to smash into, and nobody leaves hungry.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background. — Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fancy bites keep faces smiling during cocktail hour or sit-down dinners, with a little twist on the classic. Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs makes even picky eaters reach for two. Plates empty before you have time to refill. The room hushes for just a moment while everyone samples them.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Salmon Deviled Eggs

Loaded Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese. — Loaded Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini sandwiches pile up on trays and go quickly, bringing everyone to the snack station more than once. Conversations usually turn to Loaded Italian Sliders with requests for extras. Every party gets better with these in the mix. People already start grabbing before you’re finished setting them out.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Italian Sliders

Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. — Flaky Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hands clear out plates in minutes once golden bites come out of the oven, even if a full dinner is coming. Each batch of Flaky Pigs in a Blanket draws a crowd by the stove. They’re easy to munch one by one while chatting. Families keep this as a must-have every time.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Pigs in a Blanket

Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish. — Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sizzling plates get emptied quickly when crispy snacks show up, filling the air with chatter. Small talks get interrupted by requests for more Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Sharing these never gets old. Bowls empty fast so always make extra.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl. — Fresh Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cool bites bring up stories about warm getaways and trips, making any table feel a bit more exciting. Fresh Shrimp Ceviche around gets everyone trying something new. It always finishes ahead of time. People start grabbing spoons as soon as the lid comes off.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible. — Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Gooey minis make conversation stop while hands grab for more and plates refill themselves almost without asking. Nobody skips Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders once they land on the tray. Even folks who usually pass on ham join in the fun. Parties seem to go better when these are around.
Get the Recipe: Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley. — Classic Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls lined with chilled bites pull people in with a “grab-it-quick” attitude that keeps plates busy. When Classic Shrimp Cocktail is around, conversations turn to how shrimp never lasts. The last piece disappears before you can blink. People talk about this one every year.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Tiny bites on toothpicks make for easy snacking while everyone stands and talks, perfect for any appetizer spread. Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites always disappear quickly once laid out. Plates look empty long before dinner starts. Guests ask for these by name.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Caprese Appetizer Bites

Crispy Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Crispy Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crunchy pieces set off the start of the party, getting people talking about snacks they haven’t seen in a while. Crispy Shrimp Toast works for solo nights or big gatherings. Leftovers are rare, if any. Snack tables look better with this dish in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

Savory Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background. — Savory Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Little sandwiches carry enough flavor to keep you reaching for another round even after a full meal. Nobody forgets Savory Meatball Sliders after the first bite. It fits every event, fancy or casual. Guests always ask how you made them taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Savory Meatball Sliders

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.

Plates of spicy snacks get wiped clean quickly, making folks talk about their favorite local restaurants. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites means everyone gets a taste of something familiar. Dipping sauces run out just as fast. These bites get top billing at any snack party.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Savory Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bites roll up neat and fill appetizer trays in a snap, making things simple for grab-and-go snacking. Families pass around Savory Turkey Pinwheels at every big dinner. It’s hard to have enough of these for everyone. No leftovers ever stay past the party.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Pinwheels

Cheesy Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips. — Cheesy Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chips pile up next to a bowl of creamy dip and folks line up just for a scoop during every game night. Cheesy Rotel Dip draws extra rounds when hungry guests show up late. Requests for more come non-stop. Bowls are empty by halftime every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

Loaded Potato Skins

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

Crunchy snacks stacked with familiar flavors find their way onto plates before the main dish even lands. Loaded Potato Skins means plates rarely come back for seconds, they’re gone from the start. Party guests joke about hiding them for themselves. It always gets a spot at the top of the favorites list.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Dippers go fast when bold colors stand out on the appetizer table and serve as the first stop for hungry guests. Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread starts conversations about global flavors and new recipes to try. Even simple snack trays get more attention. Second scoops bring lots of compliments.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Muhammara with Pita Bread

Savory Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds. — Savory Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mini sandwiches get handed off quickly and keep people happy between courses with easy flavors everyone loves. Hungry folks bring up Savory Turkey Sliders every time new guests arrive. They land on almost every menu. Cleanup is super fast since nothing stays behind.
Get the Recipe: Savory Turkey Sliders

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.

Festive spreads fill up faster when little spuds pop up on every platter, making friends reach for a piece over and over. Plates with Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes vanish with surprising speed. Snack tables almost always look better because of these. People end up picking them instead of chips.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Close-up of chicken bacon ranch sliders with grilled chicken, bacon, and melted cheese inside a golden bun, garnished with herbs. — Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hands reach for new rounds whenever these hearty snacks come out, especially on busy nights when people need quick bites. Every layer of Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders draws hungry guests back for more. You’ll hear folks ask about sauce options. Parties run smoother thanks to how easy they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish. — Crispy Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Golden crabcakes hit the table and start friendly debates about seafood and restaurant favorites. Crispy Maryland Crab Cake means plates return empty almost instantly. Nobody wants to leave any crumbs behind. These get requested for repeat events.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy. — Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy bacon bites come out of the oven crisp and get handed out before anyone settles in for dinner. Gathering around Smoky Bacon Pig Shots feels like a mini celebration before the meal. Quick to disappear from serving trays. Folks ask for extra napkins just for these.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter. — Classic Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sliced halves fill plates faster than you can refill them, making snack rounds simple at every event. Festival tables always have room for Classic Deviled Eggs no matter the menu. Old favorites stick around for a reason. Plenty of discussion about who makes the best every year.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

A turkey charcuterie board features a playful face design with sliced meats, cheeses, pretzels, grapes, olives, breadsticks, and two candy eyes on an apple. — Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheese, meat, and crackers bring a fun look to the start of every big meal, filling snack tables with color. When Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board makes its appearance, guests quickly grab and talk about pairing ideas. It’s easy to refill all night. A great option for busy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot bites keep hands moving and hearts full at parties where everyone wants a bit of spice. Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers gets folks talking about the heat level and what dip goes best. Crunchy outsides are always the first to go. Plates stack up empty faster than dessert.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Savory Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce. — Savory Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Soft bites fill trays and make any cocktail hour more fun with easy flavors and plenty of leftovers to snack on. When serving Savory Sausage Balls, guests always want the recipe. You’ll hear jokes about taking some home. It’s a staple for all big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sausage Balls

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich with pickles and red cabbage on a bun, held in hand, with chips in the background. — Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini buns fill plates with sweet and smoky notes, catching hungry hands long before anything else is served. Every time Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders sit out, folks ask for more sauce. No party ever has enough. These are always gone before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders

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.

Crunchy bites look great on big tables and get picked up by guests who know a good snack when they see it. Any round of Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes goes quickly during busy nights. There’s plenty of talk about flavor options. You can’t plan a party without these anymore.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

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.

Bowls stand out with bright colors and bold flavors, making people stop for a scoop before anything else. Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip helps turn regular nights into celebrations. Chips run out quick. Leftovers stay top of the wish list.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

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.

Fluffy rounds pull in crowds who rave about restaurant favorites and try to guess the secret behind that flavor. No Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits stops at one serving. Even bread baskets show off with these. Everyone asks for the recipe before heading home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Crispy Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together. — Crispy Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Toasted snacks line up quickly next to dipping trays for fuss-free eating while mingling around the table. Each batch of Crispy Party Crostini gets snatched up fast. Perfect for topping or stacking. They’re always a winner at group gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Party Crostini

Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites

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

Mini bites show off bright colors and fill up appetizer plates with just enough for two rounds each. Folks beg for Sweet Cranberry Brie Bites after trying them at any event. Leftovers are rare. These take center stage for most holiday parties.
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.

Dippable bites fill hungry bellies, especially when crowds gather near bowls of smooth cheese during big games. Requests continue to come in for more Creamy Beer Cheese Dip at casual events. Chips clean up fast. Always plan for a big batch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beer Cheese Dip

Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Savory Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Little sandwiches make snack tables more interesting, bringing comfort food with a twist for everyone. Savory Roast Beef Sliders around means plates disappear fast. Great with dipping sauces. No party goes without someone mentioning them.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray. — Elegant Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fancy toasted pieces start big meals with crunch and conversation, making friends pick them up while still standing. Any round of Elegant Crostini Appetizers disappears just as quick. They pair nicely with lots of toppings. Tables look better every time these show up.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crostini Appetizers

Savory Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Savory Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bite-sized wraps bring in the flavor and keep hands busy during casual nights or big game celebrations. Savory Brats in a Blanket gets people talking about their favorite snacks. Trays never last long. Extra rounds get requested a lot.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket

Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Smooth dip adds lots of flavor to plain veggies, crackers, or chips, livening up group gatherings instantly. Plates always rotate near Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus at potlucks. Folks like scooping extra for later. It’s a quiet crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Savory Caramelized Onion Hummus

Colorful Antipasto Skewers

A plate of antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, and a drizzle of green pesto. — Colorful Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Snack tables light up with bright veggies and meats stacked on sticks, giving guests something easy to pick up. Party talks always swing toward Colorful Antipasto Skewers and how to mix up the combos. They’re good for mingling. Not many leftovers show up.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Skewers

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.

Warm slices get pulled off by every hand at the table, stopping all conversation for just a moment. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread is like a magic trick—the bread vanishes. It works for breakfast and parties. Nobody leaves any behind.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls. — Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spicy bites set snack tables on fire and run out even quicker if guests like a kick in their food. Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls bring lots of heat talk around the room. Extra dips make these even better. Always top of the list for casual apps.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Rolls

Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates stack up with little sandwiches that fill bellies and make you forget about dinner for a while. Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders has guests cheering for more. Everyone’s got their favorite toppings. Not much cleanup is ever needed.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Beautiful Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam. — Beautiful Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Big spreads of snacks go all out with meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruit, turning regular nights into party time. Arranging Beautiful Charcuterie Board never gets old. Plates just look stronger next to it. Even picky eaters find something they want.
Get the Recipe: Beautiful Charcuterie Board

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Herb-packed rounds go fast, filling empty spots on snack tables and making guests ask for next year’s invite. Savory Stuffed Mushrooms brings new fans every time. Platters never have extras when it’s time for cleanup. Each bite brings out more questions about what’s inside.
Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms