8 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes to Start the Feast Right

Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie—it’s about gathering, sharing, and enjoying food from start to finish.

While the main course often steals the spotlight, appetizers set the stage for the entire meal.

The right small bites can keep guests happy while the turkey finishes roasting and give your table a festive, welcoming feel.

Below are eight delicious Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that balance traditional flavors with creative twists. Each one is simple enough for a busy holiday but tasty enough to impress your guests.

8 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

Flaky puff pastry cups filled with creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce create the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These bite-sized treats are elegant yet easy, making them a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 6 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut puff pastry into 2-inch squares and press into a greased mini muffin tin.
2. Add a cube of brie into each pastry cup. Top with 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with rosemary sprigs before serving.

2. Stuffed Mushrooms

Juicy mushrooms filled with a garlicky, cheesy breadcrumb mixture are a warm, savory appetizer that always disappears quickly.

Ingredients

• 16 large white mushrooms, stems removed
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean mushrooms and remove stems.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and parsley in a bowl.
3. Fill mushroom caps with the mixture and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

3. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese

These colorful bites pair roasted sweet potato slices with tangy goat cheese and a drizzle of honey for a festive, flavorful appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 2 tbsp honey
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush sweet potato rounds with olive oil and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Spread goat cheese on each roasted slice.
3. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

4. Deviled Eggs with a Twist

Classic deviled eggs get a holiday upgrade with Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of paprika, creating a creamy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions

1. Peel boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and mash in a bowl.
2. Mix yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar until smooth.
3. Spoon or pipe filling back into egg whites.
4. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

5. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

A smooth and velvety soup served in small shot glasses makes for a cozy yet elegant starter that warms everyone up.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft. Add squash and broth, then simmer until squash is tender.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve warm in small shooter glasses for easy sipping.

6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Crispy prosciutto wrapped around tender asparagus spears makes a salty, savory, and elegant finger food.

Ingredients

• 16 asparagus spears, trimmed
• 8 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of prosciutto.
2. Arrange on a baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil.
3. Roast for 12–15 minutes until asparagus is tender and prosciutto is crisp. Serve immediately.

7. Mini Pumpkin Pies

All the flavors of a pumpkin pie in a bite-sized form—perfectly spiced, creamy, and festive.

Ingredients

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut pie crust into small circles and press into mini muffin tins.
2. Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, and spice until smooth.
3. Spoon filling into crusts and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Cool slightly, then top with whipped cream.

8. Cheese and Charcuterie Board

A no-cook appetizer that combines cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and crackers for an eye-catching holiday spread.

Ingredients

• A variety of cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda, blue cheese)
• Sliced cured meats (salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
• Fresh fruits (grapes, apple slices, figs)
• Nuts and crackers

Instructions

1. Arrange cheeses and meats on a large wooden board.
2. Add clusters of fruits, small bowls of nuts, and stacks of crackers.
3. Garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
4. Serve at room temperature so flavors shine.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving appetizers don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. From warm, cheesy bites to fresh, colorful options, these recipes offer something for everyone.

By serving a variety of flavors and textures, you’ll set the perfect tone for the feast ahead and keep your guests happy while the turkey cooks.

With these eight recipes, your Thanksgiving table will feel complete from the very first bite.