These Thanksgiving appetizer recipes give guests something to nibble while the turkey rests and the last dishes come together. Choose from dips, cheese balls, finger foods, and easy snacks that you can set out before the main meal.
Mix a cool, make-ahead option with one warm bite and something fresh or crunchy. A smaller spread lets everyone enjoy dinner, too. For the full menu and hosting timeline, see our Thanksgiving Meal Planning Guide.
Tips for Planning This Course
For a dinner that follows soon after guests arrive, plan roughly 3–5 appetizer bites per person. Two choices usually work for a group of up to 10; add another choice as the guest list grows.
Prepare cheese balls and cold dips ahead, then add crackers or vegetables just before serving. Warm one item at a time so it does not compete with the turkey and sides for oven space.
Offer a range of textures: a creamy dip, a bite-sized protein, and a crisp snack or vegetable. Put out modest portions and replenish them if dinner runs late.
Dips and cheese boards
Cheese balls and dips can be prepared before the last-minute cooking rush. Set out crackers and vegetables separately.
Smoked Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
Share the joy of this Smoked Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball! This creamy, smoky, and tangy appetizer is the perfect addition to any gathering!
A fan-favorite appetizer made easy! This Gluten Free Spinach Artichoke Dip is creamy, cheesy, with a healthy twist and perfect for dipping veggies, chips, or crackers.
Warm and creamy with a little kick, this Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon has everything you want in a skillet dip—melty cheese, smoky bacon, and peppers in every delicious bite!
Share the goodness with this Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip! Creamy, zesty, and versatile, it’s perfect for casual gatherings or solo snacking with your favorite chips or crackers.
Everyone will rave about this Raspberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip! Sweet and Spicy Raspberry Chipotle Sauce poured on top of smooth cream cheese to create the perfect appetizer!
This boldly flavored Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is smooth, creamy and makes a scrumptious dip or spread. The best part is that it all comes together in less than 10 minutes!
These bites are easy to pass around while guests arrive.
Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutesminutes
Theses are the Best Deviled Eggs you will ever make! They are creamy, zesty, and loaded with irresistible flavor! They're so good, you’ll wonder why they’re called 'deviled' when they taste this heavenly!
Impress your guests effortlessly with these Easy Antipasto Kabobs. These Antipasto skewers are fun, colorful, and the perfect addition to your party spread.
A bowl of snack mix lets guests help themselves without filling a plate.
Thanksgiving Snack Mix Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutesminutes
Savor the festive cheer with our Thanksgiving Snack Mix! In a quick 10 minutes, whip up a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, sure to delight both kids and adults!
How many appetizers should I make for Thanksgiving?
For a group of about 10, choose two different appetizers and plan about 3–5 small bites per guest when dinner is the main event. Add another choice for a larger gathering.
Which Thanksgiving appetizers can I make ahead?
Cheese balls and many dips can be prepared in advance according to their recipe directions. Keep crackers and crisp vegetables separate until serving.
What can I serve without using the oven?
Try deviled eggs, cheese balls, hummus, antipasto kabobs, and snack mix. A pressure-cooker appetizer can also keep the oven free.
Should I serve hot and cold appetizers?
A mix is useful: guests can start with a ready-to-serve cold option while a single warm appetizer finishes cooking.
