Snack on charcuterie boards, party dips, and dinner rolls.
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Thanksgiving is undoubtably the biggest event of the fall season! With a show-stopping turkey at the center of the table and all those Thanksgiving side dishes, it's the one meal of the year that certainly requires a bit of planning. So, you might not think to add Thanksgiving appetizers to your holiday menu. But, here's the reason why you should: everyone shows up to Thanksgiving dinner feeling hungry! And if you want to hold your guests over until the main event, these easy small bites are the way to go. From party dips to bite-sized finger foods, these Thanksgiving appetizers will keep everyone satisfied while you put the finishing touches on your holiday pies.
Of course, we've made sure to include plenty of fall appetizers that are as comforting as your favorite mashed potatoes. For instance, there's gooey, melty baked brie, cozy co*cktail meatballs, and tons of fall soup recipes. Looking to keep things a little lighter? We get it! The Thanksgiving meal is packed with hearty dishes, so you might opt for an appetizer that isn't too filling or too complicated, like the shaved Brussels sprouts salad or the pumpkin hummus. If time is your concern, don't panic! Many of these starters are make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, like the easy spiced-up potato chips or the cranberry-pecan cheese ball. You'll never be stuck with hungry guests again! Just be sure to pour them a Thanksgiving co*cktail while you're at it.
1
Sausage Dip
You only need three ingredients and five minutes to whip up this hearty, warm dip. It's perfect for when Thanksgiving guests start to arrive at your house early.
Get the Sausage Dip recipe.
2
Popovers
If you're looking for a dinner roll, check out these light and fluffy homemade popovers! They're easy to make (no kneading required) and even better when served fresh from the oven.
Get the Popovers recipe.
3
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Blue cheese-stuffed dates get a sticky-sweet and spicy twist when they're wrapped in bacon, topped with jalapeños, and covered in a honey glaze.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
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4
Upside Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts
Here's an elegant autumnal appetizer: radish tarts! Inspired by TikTok, this viral recipe calls for store-bought puff pastry so you can quickly prep a batch that's perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Upside Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts recipe.
5
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Over-the-top charcuterie boards are so popular these days, and this one is perfect for a fall holiday. The cheeses and meats are accompanied by jam-stuffed brie and pumpkin hummus.
Get the Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board recipe.
6
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies
Cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeño peppers are all you need to make these crowd-pleasing bites. Ree suggests doubling or tripling the recipe based on the number of people you're serving.
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Thingies recipe.
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7
Stuffed Artichokes
Pull off one of the tender artichoke leaves and you'll reveal a golden-brown breadcrumb filling that's loaded with cheesy, lemony flavor. Once you start eating them, it'll be hard to stop!
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
8
Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
This twist on a classic appetizer makes it even more fun to eat pigs in a blanket! That's because the wreath-like shape is perfect for holding a bowl of honey mustard right in the center.
Get Ree's Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
9
Spinach-Artichoke Dip
Spinach-artichoke dip is always a hit, especially if you're armed with Ree's foolproof recipe. It's creamy, cheesy, and delicious not matter what you serve it with!
Get Ree's Spinach-Artichoke Dip recipe.
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10
Thanksgiving Salad
Start your meal off with something light and refreshing, like a salad that's packed with seasonal fall flavor! This one combines crispy lettuces with pickled apples, blue cheese, and smoked almonds for crunch.
Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.
11
Gougères
They might sound fancy, but gougères are basically just cheesy pastries that you can make ahead. Stash them in the freezer and heat them up when you're ready to serve guests.
Get the Gougères recipe.
12
Potato Rolls
Make some extra mashed potatoes for these light and fluffy rolls. It's worth the effort, especially when served up with softened butter.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
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13
Pepper Jack Queso
It wouldn't be a party without melty queso! The spicy cheese dip is fun to dress up with garnishes like black beans, corn and jalapeño pepper.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Queso recipe.
14
Arancini
These crispy rice balls are stuffed with fontina cheese so you get that ultimate cheese pull with every bite. You can also stir in thawed frozen peas or chopped roasted vegetables to the rice mixture if you'd like!
Get the Arancini recipe.
15
Million Dollar Dip
The "rich" and indulgent ingredients (like bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise) make this dip taste like a million bucks! Little will your guests know just how easy it is to make.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
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16
Couscous Salad
Add a pop of color to your holiday table by kicking things off with a veggie-packed couscous salad. Pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs make it even more flavorful.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
17
Ham and Cheese Sliders
This hearty appetizer is perfect for a Friendsgiving or potluck celebration. Then again, it's also great for those families who come to the feast extra hungry.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
18
Spinach Dip
There are so many ways to serve up this cool, creamy dip. Whether you like it with chips, veggie sticks, or slices of toasted bread, you can't go wrong.
Get the Spinach Dip recipe.
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19
Deviled Eggs
This a good, classic recipe for deviled eggs that isn't too fussy, but that's exactly what we love about it. You can serve it any time of year and for any type of celebration.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
20
Blooming Onion
Watch out, turkey! This appetizer might just steal the spotlight. It's a crispy centerpiece that everyone will reach for.
Get the Blooming Onion recipe.
