10 Appetizers for Thanksgiving That Will Impress Your Guests

Start Thanksgiving with Flavor and Festivity

1. Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

These tiny golden pastries are filled with creamy brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce. They’re sweet, savory, and beautifully festive, making them the perfect bite-sized welcome for your guests.

2. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

If your guests think they don’t like Brussels sprouts, this appetizer will change their minds. Each sprout is wrapped in bacon, brushed with maple syrup, and roasted until crisp. The balance of salty, smoky, and sweet flavors makes them irresistible.

3. Pumpkin Hummus with Warm Pita Chips

Pumpkin adds a seasonal twist to traditional hummus. Blended with tahini, garlic, and spices, this dip is smooth, flavorful, and ideal for vegan or dairy-free guests. Serve with warm pita chips or veggies for a colorful starter.

4. Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

These tender mushrooms are filled with a creamy mix of cream cheese, herbs, garlic, and parmesan. They’re rich, savory, and aromatic—the kind of appetizer that disappears quickly from the platter.

5. Sweet Potato Crostini

Toasted baguette slices topped with roasted sweet potato, goat cheese, pecans, and a drizzle of honey create a beautiful autumn-inspired bite. They’re elegant enough for a formal table yet simple enough for casual gatherings.

6. Mini Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs

These festive meatballs bring classic Thanksgiving flavors into a compact, party-friendly form. The cranberry glaze adds tangy sweetness, making them a standout addition to your appetizer spread.

7. Spinach Artichoke Phyllo Cups

A twist on the beloved dip, these phyllo cups are filled with a creamy spinach-artichoke mixture and baked until golden. They’re crisp, delicious, and perfect for guests who want something warm and comforting.

8. Harvest Charcuterie Board

Combine cheeses, cured meats, nuts, fruits, and spreads to create a board that doubles as a centerpiece. Include figs, pears, grapes, candied pecans, pumpkin seeds, and rosemary sprigs for a true fall aesthetic.

9. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

Light, flavorful, and elegant, shrimp skewers brushed with garlic herb butter offer a refreshing change from heavier Thanksgiving dishes. They cook quickly and bring restaurant-style presentation to your table.

10. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

Serve velvety butternut squash soup in small glasses for an elevated and cozy appetizer. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy sage for a beautiful finish that captures the essence of fall.

Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Appetizers

Offer a variety of textures and flavors: creamy, crunchy, warm, and fresh.

Keep portions small to leave room for the main meal.

Prepare what you can in advance to stay relaxed and present.

Display appetizers on wooden boards or seasonal platters to enhance presentation.

1. Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Few appetizers look as festive and refined with so little effort. Buttery puff pastry squares are baked with creamy brie and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, creating a delicious balance of textures. As they bake, the brie melts into the pastry while the cranberry adds brightness and color. These bite-sized treats are perfect for greeting guests with something warm and elegant, and they never fail to disappear quickly.

2. Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

If you want an appetizer that turns skeptics into believers, this is it. Brussels sprouts are wrapped in thin slices of bacon, brushed with maple syrup, and roasted until caramelized and crisp. The combination of smoky, salty, and sweet is irresistible. Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking, and you’ll be surprised how many guests come back for seconds—and thirds.

3. Pumpkin Hummus with Warm Pita Chips

This seasonal twist on traditional hummus is packed with fall flavor. Smooth, creamy, and lightly spiced, pumpkin hummus pairs perfectly with warm pita chips, crunchy vegetables, or pretzels. It’s an excellent option for vegan or dairy-free guests without sacrificing richness or taste. The warm orange color also makes it a beautiful addition to your appetizer spread.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms with Herb Cream Cheese

Stuffed mushrooms are a classic appetizer for good reason—they’re savory, satisfying, and easy to customize. This version uses a filling made from cream cheese, garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The mushrooms become tender as they bake, while the filling develops a golden top and irresistible aroma. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.

5. Sweet Potato Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pecans

This appetizer captures the essence of Thanksgiving in a single bite. Toasted baguette slices are topped with creamy goat cheese, thin rounds of roasted sweet potato, crushed pecans, and a drizzle of honey. The combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy creates a beautifully balanced appetizer. Not only are these crostini delicious, but they also add gorgeous autumn color to your table.

6. Mini Turkey & Cranberry Meatballs

These bite-sized meatballs bring classic Thanksgiving flavors together in a fun, finger-food format. Made with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and herbs, they’re baked until tender and served with a tangy cranberry glaze or dipping sauce. They’re hearty enough to satisfy hungry guests but small enough to leave plenty of room for the main meal.

7. Spinach Artichoke Phyllo Cups

If you love spinach artichoke dip, you’ll adore this elegant version served in crispy phyllo cups. Each cup holds a spoonful of warm, creamy filling made from spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and parmesan. They bake into golden, crunchy bites that pack a punch of flavor without feeling heavy. They’re also easy to serve and won’t leave guests needing utensils.

8. Harvest-Inspired Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are more popular than ever, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to create a seasonal version. Include a mix of cheeses such as sharp cheddar, aged gouda, and creamy brie, along with cured meats, figs, grapes, pear slices, candied pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Add small bowls of honey, grainy mustard, and cranberry chutney for dipping. Finish the board with mini pumpkins or rosemary sprigs for a rustic autumn look. This appetizer doubles as edible décor and encourages easy grazing.

9. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

For a touch of elegance, serve shrimp skewers brushed with garlic herb butter and grilled or baked until they shimmer with flavor. These skewers feel fancy but cook quickly, making them ideal for hosts who want high-impact dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve with lemon wedges or a light aioli to heighten the flavor.

10. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

If you want to truly impress your guests, serve warm butternut squash soup in small shooter glasses or mini cups. The soup’s velvety texture, combined with hints of nutmeg, sage, and cream, creates a cozy start to the meal. Top each shooter with toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy prosciutto, or a swirl of cream for visual appeal. This appetizer feels elegant, seasonal, and wonderfully comforting.

Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Appetizers

Keep portions small so guests still have room for the main feast.

Offer a mix of flavors—sweet, savory, warm, and fresh—to appeal to all tastes.

Prep in advance to keep your kitchen stress-free on Thanksgiving Day.

Pair appetizers with a signature drink, like apple cider spritzers or spiced sangria.

Present dishes beautifully, using wooden boards, ceramic platters, and seasonal décor to elevate the experience.

Make Your Thanksgiving Unforgettable

Great appetizers bring warmth and anticipation to the Thanksgiving table. They set the mood, awaken the palate, and create a welcoming start to the holiday feast. Whether your guests love traditional Thanksgiving flavors or enjoy trying something new, these ten appetizers will leave a lasting impression. This year, start your celebration with dishes that celebrate the beauty of fall, the joy of gathering, and the delicious flavors of the season.