20 Crowd Pleasing Thanksgiving Appetizers
Set the stage for the most epic Thanksgiving feast with one (or a few) of these 20 crowd pleasing Thanksgiving appetizers. From dips and boards to finger food and salads, you’re sure to find a hit from this list.
While the turkey and the side dishes may be the main event on Thanksgiving, appetizers are an important part of the holiday.
Whether you’re having a small gathering or large, looking for a classic standby or to mix it up, these 20 crowd pleasing Thanksgiving appetizers are designed to tantalize your taste buds and ensure your guests have a memorable and delicious start to their holiday celebration.
Each recipe post includes helpful photos, tips and answers to frequently asked questions. The recipes are vetted by many reviews to make you feel confident you’re bringing a crowd pleasing winner to the table.
Whipped Goat Cheese and Squash Dip
I am starting this list out with a bang! This is easily one of my most favorite recipes I’ve ever created. This dip features a creamy whipped goat cheese base, roasted winter squash and a savory walnut, pumpkin seed and shallot topping. Serve with toasted baguette slices for the most delectable autumn appetizer.
Epic Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Cheese and charcuterie boards are always a hit in my family. They offer so much variety and are aesthetically pleasing. Find all the best tips and tricks for shopping for and building the perfect charcuterie board, as well as some of my favorite product recommendations.
Roasted Delicata Squash and Burrata Salad
Roasted delicata squash and burrata salad is a unique appetizer option that delivers some veggies and a bit of freshness before a big meal. The creamy and mild burrata is a surprisingly fantastic pair with the delicata squash and peppery arugula. This recipe also makes for a great side dish!
Bloody Mary deviled eggs is such a unique and delicious twist on traditional deviled eggs. They feature ingredients like slaw dressing, pickle juice, tomato paste, paprika, and more, to make gourmet deviled eggs with a Bloody Mary feel.
Bacon jam is a combination of chopped bacon, caramelized onions and shallots, balsamic vinegar and maple syrup all reduced down into a jammy consistency. The savory sweet combination is a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.
You can certainly use store bought bacon jam. However, the homemade version in this recipe, while a labor of love, is absolutely worth the effort!
Everybody loves spinach and artichoke dip, but try switching it up this year with these bite sized phyllo cups. Creamy cheesy spinach artichoke dip is stuffed into flaky phyllo cups, topped with sun dried tomato and baked to perfection. Using store bought phyllo cups means that this recipe is ready in 30 minutes!
Leek, Potato and Cauliflower Soup
I love this leek, potato and cauliflower soup because it is hearty and comforting, yet healthy and nutrient dense. You could serve small bowls as an appetizer and set out a toppings bar with bacon, shredded cheese, scallions and more so guests can customize their own bowls.
These bacon stuffed mushrooms are a delicious savory appetizer that even people who don’t usually like mushrooms will love! Baby Portobello mushrooms are stuffed with cream cheese, smoked gouda, garlic, caramelized onions and crispy bacon for the ultimate poppable bite.
I don’t think I know anyone that doesn’t like baked brie. Warm, gooey brie cheese wrapped in a buttery flaky puff pastry shell and served with a variety of dippers. You can’t beat it! Plus, it is incredibly easy to make.
To switch it up just a little bit, I recommend serving apple slices along with crackers and toasted baguette. The sweetness of the apple paired with the savory melted brie is unmatched!
Roasted Garlic Butternut Hummus
Look at how gorgeous this hummus is! I love it because it is simple and made with minimal ingredients but still boasts the delicious flavors of fall. The best part about this hummus is it is naturally vegan and gluten free, so everyone can enjoy!
Goat Cheese, Bacon and Fig Jam Crostini
Who doesn’t love any of these ingredients? This recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser and, while it looks and sounds fancy, it is a really easy appetizer to put together.
Autumn Harvest Salad with Quinoa
So many beautiful flavors of fall come together in this Autumn harvest salad. Sweet apples, roasted butternut squash, quinoa, crunchy pumpkin seeds and almonds, dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. It is a lighter option that is perfect if you don’t want to fill up too much on appetizers before the main event.
If you are looking for something a little more unique but sure to be a winner, then these wonton cheeseburger cups are for you. They are easy to make, sneak in some hidden veggies and the kids will love them!
This easy flatbread recipe uses store bought flatbread for a quick and easy appetizer idea. It features juicy pears, creamy brie, salty prosciutto and sweet honey drizzle. Make the flatbreads and then cut each into 8 small pieces for perfect bite sized snack.
Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball Bites
Both jalapeño poppers and cheese balls are popular appetizer options, so I love that this recipe combines the best of both worlds in a bite sized treat. These mini balls are loaded with jalapeño, bacon, cream cheese and cheddar and are perfect atop a cracker or added to a cheese and charcuterie board for extra wow factor.
A quintessential Thanksgiving appetizer that is always a crowd pleaser. This recipe only requires 5 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep. These bites are flaky on the outside and gooey and tart on the inside.
Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip
Sweet and spicy has never been better! This beautiful and festive dip is made with fresh cranberries and jalapeño peppers poured over a smooth Parmesan and cream cheese base for a stunning and delicious appetizer that is so easy to make!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it appetizer, then these meatballs are for you. This appetizer recipe is everything you could want – easy to make, delicious and healthy. They require just a few ingredients, two easy steps and the slow cooker does all the cooking for you.
Caramelized Onion Brie Tartlets
These elegant and delicious bite sized Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie are sure to be a show stopper. Crispy phyllo cup shells are filled with savory and sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese. These are an irresistible treat everyone at your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving will want more of.
Vegan Butternut Squash Tomato Soup
If you’re looking for a bit of a different appetizer idea and/or have vegan friends or family coming to Thanksgiving this year, this naturally vegan butternut squash tomato soup is a great option. It’s packed with flavor, made with simple wholesome ingredients and is warm and comforting.
More Thanksgiving Ideas
If you make any of these 20 crowd pleasing Thanksgiving appetizers this holiday, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. More importantly, let the blogger who created the recipe know if you enjoyed it by going to their recipe page and leave a rating and review!
Happy cooking, happy eating and have a wonderful safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
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