20 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving guests always arrive hungry, and a few easy appetizers keep everyone happy while the turkey finishes and rests. This collection gathers 20 simple starters that look festive, taste great and do not take over the oven or the stove.

You will find no-cook boards and dips, quick crostini and bites, warm baked brie and stuffed mushrooms, and a few lighter options to balance the big meal ahead. Most can be prepped in advance, so you can set them out and enjoy the party.

1. Fall Cheese Board

A generous board of three cheeses, seasonal fruit, nuts and honeycomb is the easiest crowd-pleaser there is. It needs no cooking, just a little thoughtful arranging.

Servings: 10 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz sharp aged cheddar
• 8 oz brie
• 6 oz blue cheese
• 2 cups red grapes
• 4 fresh figs, halved
• 2 pears, sliced
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup candied pecans
• 4 oz honeycomb or 1/4 cup honey
• Assorted crackers

Instructions

1. Take the cheeses out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
2. Place the cheeses on a large board, spacing them apart.
3. Fill the gaps with grapes, figs, pears, apricots and pecans.
4. Add the honeycomb and crackers just before serving. Toss the pear slices with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.

2. Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip

A sweet and spicy cranberry relish with jalapeño and green onions is spooned over cream cheese for a colorful dip. Serve it with crackers and watch it vanish.

Servings: 10 · Total time: 15 minutes, plus chilling

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• Crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Pulse the cranberries, sugar, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, lime juice and salt until finely chopped.
2. Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.
3. Spread the cream cheese on a plate and spoon the cranberry mixture over the top. Serve with crackers.

3. Turkey Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom caps filled with browned turkey sausage, cream cheese and Parmesan bake into savory, bite-size appetizers. They can be stuffed a day ahead.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 cremini mushrooms, stems removed and chopped
• 8 oz turkey sausage, casings removed
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the sausage with the chopped stems and garlic for 7 minutes until cooked to 165°F (74°C).
3. Mix with the cream cheese and half the Parmesan and fill the caps.
4. Top with the remaining Parmesan and panko and bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden. Sprinkle with parsley.

4. Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Sweet dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in turkey bacon bake into irresistible sweet-and-salty bites. They take five ingredients and 25 minutes.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 24 Medjool dates, pitted
• 3 oz goat cheese
• 12 slices turkey bacon, halved crosswise
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Fill each date with a little goat cheese and wrap with a half slice of turkey bacon, securing with a toothpick.
3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until the turkey bacon is crisp, brushing with maple syrup for the last 3 minutes.
4. Cool slightly before serving.

5. Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Tender mini turkey meatballs are baked, then tossed in a sticky sweet-tart cranberry glaze. They are perfect for a buffet and stay warm in a slow cooker.

Servings: 10 · Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 (14-oz) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the turkey, panko, egg, onion, sage, salt and pepper and roll into 40 small meatballs.
2. Bake on a lined sheet for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked to 165°F (74°C).
3. Simmer the cranberry sauce, chili sauce, sugar and vinegar for 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve with toothpicks.

6. Butternut Squash and Ricotta Crostini

Toasted baguette slices topped with creamy ricotta, roasted squash, honey and crispy sage taste like fall in one bite. Every component can be made ahead.

Servings: 20 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, diced small
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the bread
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 1 tbsp honey
• 12 sage leaves, fried crisp

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the squash with the oil and salt for 20 minutes.
2. Brush the baguette slices with oil and toast 6 to 8 minutes until crisp.
3. Spread each toast with ricotta, top with squash, drizzle with honey and add a sage leaf.

7. Apple Cheddar Crostini

Sharp cheddar and crisp apple on toasted baguette, finished with honey and thyme, is a simple pairing that always works. It takes just 15 minutes.

Servings: 20 · Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz sharp white cheddar, thinly sliced
• 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Flaky salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the bread with oil and toast 6 minutes.
2. Top with cheddar and return to the oven for 2 minutes until just melted.
3. Add an apple slice, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme and flaky salt.

8. Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Ball

A creamy cheddar cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a pepper stem is a fun centerpiece for the appetizer table. Make it up to two days ahead.

Servings: 12 · Total time: 20 minutes, plus chilling

Ingredients

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup finely shredded orange cheddar, for coating
• 1 bell pepper stem, for decoration
• Crackers and pretzels, for serving

Instructions

1. Beat the cream cheese, cheddar, spices and green onions until combined.
2. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour.
3. Roll in the orange cheddar, then use kitchen string or the back of a knife to make pumpkin ridges. Add the pepper stem on top.
4. Chill until serving and serve with crackers.

9. Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans

A whole wheel of brie warmed until gooey and topped with honey, toasted pecans and a pinch of cinnamon is impossibly easy and elegant. Serve it with crackers and apple slices.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz) wheel brie
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Crackers and apple slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brie in a small baking dish.
2. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until soft in the center.
3. Mix the honey, pecans and cinnamon and spoon over the top. Sprinkle with thyme and serve warm.

10. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese

Roasted sweet potato slices make a gluten-free base for creamy goat cheese, cranberries and pecans. They are colorful, easy and naturally sweet.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced 1/3 inch thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sweet potato rounds with the oil and salt and roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once.
2. Cool slightly, then top each round with goat cheese, cranberries and pecans.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve.

11. Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Flaky puff pastry rolled around a creamy spinach and Parmesan filling bakes into golden swirls that are perfect finger food. Freeze them unbaked for an even easier day.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix the cream cheese, spinach, cheeses and garlic and spread over the pastry.
3. Roll up tightly, chill 10 minutes and slice into 24 rounds.
4. Place on a lined sheet, brush with egg and bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden.

12. Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Creamy white beans blended with sweet roasted garlic, lemon and rosemary make a smooth, healthy dip. Serve it with crunchy vegetables and pita chips.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 head garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Vegetables and pita chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, wrap in foil and roast 35 minutes.
2. Squeeze the garlic into a food processor with the beans, lemon juice, rosemary, salt and remaining oil and blend until smooth.
3. Spread in a bowl, drizzle with oil and serve with vegetables and pita chips.

13. Pear and Blue Cheese Endive Bites

Crisp endive leaves hold sweet pear, tangy blue cheese and candied walnuts for a light, elegant bite. They need no cooking and look beautiful on a platter.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 heads Belgian endive, leaves separated
• 1 ripe pear, finely diced
• 3 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup candied walnuts, chopped
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions

1. Arrange the best 24 endive leaves on a platter.
2. Fill each with pear, blue cheese and walnuts.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chives just before serving.

14. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Bites

Mini cornbread muffins studded with cheddar and jalapeño are a savory bite that pairs perfectly with chili or a cheese board. They bake in just 15 minutes.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 jalapeño, minced

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients, then stir in the buttermilk, egg and butter until just combined. Fold in the cheddar and jalapeño.
3. Fill the cups and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Serve warm with honey butter.

15. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower florets baked until crisp and tossed in buttery hot sauce deliver all the flavor of wings with none of the fuss. Serve with celery and blue cheese dip.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the flour, water, garlic powder and salt into a batter, coat the florets and bake 20 minutes, flipping once.
3. Mix the hot sauce and butter, toss with the cauliflower and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until crisp.
4. Serve with celery and blue cheese dressing.

16. Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

Baby potatoes are hollowed out and filled with a cheesy, creamy mash, then baked until golden. They are bite-size comfort food that kids and adults love.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 baby potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the potatoes with the oil and salt and roast 25 minutes until tender.
2. Halve and scoop out the centers, leaving a thin shell.
3. Mash the flesh with the butter, sour cream, half the cheese and the chives and pipe back into the shells.
4. Top with the remaining cheese and bake 10 minutes until melted.

17. Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled poached shrimp with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce is an elegant, light start before a heavy meal. Both the shrimp and the sauce can be made a day ahead.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 25 minutes, plus chilling

Ingredients

• 2 lb large shrimp, shell on, deveined
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with the lemon halves and salt. Add the shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes until pink and 145°F (63°C).
2. Transfer to ice water, then peel, leaving tails on, and chill.
3. Mix the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and hot sauce.
4. Arrange the shrimp around the sauce on ice with lemon wedges.

18. Herbed Ranch Veggie Platter

A colorful spread of crisp vegetables with a homemade herby ranch dip is a fresh, light option among the richer appetizers. It is perfect for guests who want to save room for dinner.

Servings: 10 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, snap peas and broccoli, for dipping

Instructions

1. Whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, garlic and salt. Chill at least 30 minutes.
2. Cut the vegetables into sticks and florets.
3. Arrange around a bowl of the dip and serve.

19. Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers

Sweet mini peppers filled with herbed cream cheese and topped with everything bagel seasoning are crunchy, creamy and colorful. They take only 15 minutes and need no oven.

Servings: 24 · Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

1. Mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic and herbs.
2. Pipe or spoon into the pepper halves.
3. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning and chill until serving.

20. Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn

Freshly popped popcorn tossed with rosemary butter and Parmesan is a fun, easy snack to set out for guests. Make a big bowl for watching the football games.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and kernels in a large covered pot over medium-high heat, shaking often, until popping slows.
2. Melt the butter with the rosemary.
3. Toss the popcorn with the rosemary butter, Parmesan and salt and serve.