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    Home » Thanksgiving

    16 Easy Appetizers to Kick Off Your Thanksgiving Feast

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 16, 2025 · Published November 16, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 16 appetizers are perfect for starting your Thanksgiving celebration. They are simple to prepare and will please your guests while you get ready for the main meal. From savory bites to fresh dips, these options will set a festive tone for your gathering.

    Bacon Walnut Cheese Ball

    CHEESE BALL RECIPE WITH BACON & WALNUTS.
    Photo credit: Savory With Soul.

    This cheese ball with bacon and walnuts is easy to whip up and full of flavor. It's a great addition to any gathering, and you can tweak it however you like to match your preferences.

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    Pumpkin Hummus

    Pumpkin Hummus
    Photo Credit: Aleka's Get Together.

    Pumpkin Hummus is a creamy and tasty dip that fits right in at fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations. With its blend of warm spices and smooth pumpkin puree, this appetizer is both healthy and satisfying. It's a great choice that everyone will love.

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    Tomato Bruschetta

    Tomato Bruschetta.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Bruschetta is a quick and delicious appetizer that fits perfectly into any dinner setting. It's packed with flavor and super easy to whip up, which makes it a hit with everyone. This dish is sure to impress your guests without taking up too much of your time.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Brie

    A baked brie with bread.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baking brie is a quick process that takes under 25 minutes and uses simple ingredients you can easily adjust to your liking. This delicious appetizer pairs well with bread or crackers, making it a great option for family dinners or holiday get-togethers.

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    Bacon Wrapped Dates

    Bacon wrapped dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These appetizers are easy to whip up and are just right for Thanksgiving. They're a great way to start the meal without putting in a lot of work. Everyone will enjoy these tasty bites as you gather around the table.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Pâté

    Smoked salmon pâté.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Smoked salmon is a tasty and easy option that you can whip up in no time. This simple appetizer adds a bit of class to your Thanksgiving gathering.

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    Air Fryer Baked Brie

    Baked brie.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This cheesy snack is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It combines sweet, salty, crunchy, and cheesy flavors, making it a delightful treat. You can easily personalize it by adding your favorite nuts and berries.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip

    Roasted Garlic Goat Cheese Dip
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This goat cheese dip is easy to whip up and only takes 20 minutes to bake with just 10 ingredients, including salt and pepper. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the holiday without stress.

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    Caprese Garlic Bread

    Caprese Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Caprese Garlic Bread is a simple and tasty appetizer that you can whip up in no time. Using just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in about 10 minutes. This dish combines the classic flavors of garlic, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.

    Get the recipe

    Feta Stuffed Dates

    Feta stuffed dates.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These appetizers are perfect for any gathering, especially during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. They're simple to whip up and tend to go quickly, so it's smart to make a little extra. Whether you're hosting a big dinner or just having friends over, these easy bites will be a welcome addition to the table.

    Get the recipe

    Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Twice-baked potatoes.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Twice-baked potatoes are a tasty and easy choice for your Thanksgiving table. These potatoes are baked, not fried, and packed with flavor using just a few ingredients. They offer a comforting side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Caramelized Onion Dip

    Caramelized Onion Dip
    Photo Credit: Delish Knowledge.

    Caramelized onion dip is a fantastic option for gatherings. With Greek yogurt as a base, it offers a creamy texture that goes well with crispy homemade potato chips. This dip is easy to prepare and adds a delicious touch to any appetizer spread.

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    Smoked Salmon Sandwich

    Smoked Salmon Sandwich.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    This smoked salmon appetizer combines the rich taste of smoked salmon with creamy avocado mayo. It's an easy and classy bite that everyone will enjoy, making it a great choice to serve before the big turkey dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Pumpkin Cheese Ball

    Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
    Photo Credit: Aleka's Get Together.

    This cheese ball is packed with creamy cheese and warm spices, along with real pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist. It has a great presentation that will impress your guests, yet it's really easy to whip up. Perfect for adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving spread.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Feta & Olives

    Baked Feta Appetizer
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    Baked feta is an easy and quick appetizer that comes together with just a handful of ingredients, including olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and dried herbs. When baked with a block of feta cheese, it turns warm and creamy, making it a great option to enjoy with crispy crostini. This dish is perfect for gatherings and adds a tasty touch to your Thanksgiving spread.

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    Bacon-Wrapped Olives

    Bacon Wrapped Olives.
    Photo credit: Christina's Cucina.

    These appetizers are delicious and will be hard to resist before your guests arrive. They come together quickly and add a nice flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration. Perfect for keeping everyone satisfied while you prepare the main meal.

    Get the recipe

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.
      The Only Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Need for Thanksgiving
    • Corn casserole.
      12 Crockpot Recipes That Save Time and Oven Space This Thanksgiving
    • Roast chicken with potatoes.
      19 Easier Thanksgiving Dinners for When You Don’t Want to Cook a Full Turkey
    • Bacon potato casserole.
      20 Dump-and-Cook Sides That Will Save Your Thanksgiving

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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