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    Home | Recipes | Recipe Collection

    41 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers & Sides

    Published: Sep 5, 2022 · Modified: Mar 30, 2023 by Sarah Mock As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

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    Thanksgiving is for enjoying unforgettable moments with loved ones! Show them how much you care with one of these elegant yet easy Thanksgiving appetizers and Thanksgiving side dishes.

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    My personal favorites are packed with melty cheese but there are also some healthier options like salad and vegetables. 

    You just HAVE to serve delicious and easy appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner! This will really get your guests excited about the main course. Try any one of these wonderful recipes like crostini, salads, dips, or even soup. 

    Jump to:
    • 🧀 Cheese Appetizers
    • 🥖 Dips for Thanksgiving
    • 🦐 Seafood Appetizers
    • 🦴 Meat Options
    • 🍆 Vegetarian Options 
    • 🥣 Soup
    • 📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
    • 🍱 More Recipes To Explore
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Appetizers & Sides
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
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    🧀 Cheese Appetizers

    Bourbon Maple Bacon Crostini 

    Bourbon Maple Bacon Crostini image for round up.

    Bourbon Maple Bacon Jam Crostinis are the ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer recipe, especially for the holidays. Every time I make it for my family they always beg for more. They are super versatile too, you can make them sweet, salty, savory, or a mix.

    Brie Bruschetta Crostini

    Brie Bruschetta Crostini image for round up.

    Festive Brie Bruschetta Crostini is an easy Thanksgiving Appetizer that is exceedingly gorgeous on a plate. So if you’re looking for an amazing balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, this is the starter for you!

    Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Dip

    hand holding rotel dip on a scoop chip.

    This quick and easy Rotel sausage cream cheese dip is a crowd pleaser and has the perfect balance of heat, meat and spice. Rotel dip made in a crockpot is an easy Thanksgiving appetizer.

    Goat Cheese Croquettes 

    Goat Cheese Croquettes.

    The holiday season demands lots of merrymaking, which in turn requires plenty of impressive food and beverages. 

    All you need to make this recipe is goat cheese, thyme, honey, walnuts, and almonds. They all taste so delicious together too. 

    Pistachio Grape Cheese Bites 

    Pistachio Grape Cheese Bites

    This tasty pistachio grape cheese Thanksgiving appetizer is not only gorgeous, it’s also fast and easy to pull off. With just three ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, you can impress your guests with this festive hors d’oeuvre.

    Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Bites 

    Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Bites.

    Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Bites are easy to prepare and even freeze ahead of time. It’s a great recipe to use up honey, goat cheese, and cream cheese. The recipe can be adjusted to tone down the goat cheese flavor and amp up the cream cheese instead for those who aren’t goat cheese lovers.

    Loaded Mixed Cheese Ball 

    Loaded Mixed Cheese Ball.

    This loaded mixed cheese ball is simple, elegant, and the ultimate party food! It’s a lovely Thanksgiving appetizer, side dish for cocktail hour, or even wine night!

    🥖 Dips for Thanksgiving

    Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip.

    Slow cooker spinach artichoke dip is full of gooey, hot, melty, and cheesy goodness. It is super easy to make and perfect for a crowd of all sizes. When you create this dip it will be the hit of the party.

    Cranberry Jalapeño Dip 

    Cranberry Jalapeño Dip.

    I think it’s safe to say that we could all use a little bit of delicious dip in our lives! Especially since this cranberry jalapeño recipe is made with simple, amazing ingredients. It is a fool-proof recipe that will impress your friends.

    Dill Pickle Dip

    Dill Pickle Dip.

    Dips & sauces make meals so much better, right? Serving the perfect appetizer dip is seriously one of the best things for Thanksgiving too. All you need is pickles, cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and some herbs and spices!

    Eggnog Dip

    Eggnog Dip.

    This fluffy, sweet and creamy Thanksgiving dessert dip is the perfect blend of festive flavors. Make it for all your holiday parties. Eggnog Dip is simple to make and a wonderful appetizer you can serve with gingerbread cookies. 

    White Queso Dip

    White Queso Dip.

    The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year! The Thanksgiving season has always been my favorite holiday because of the delicious food. Like this White Queso Dip that’s ready in just 15 minutes. 

    Caramel Onion Dip

    Caramel Onion Dip.

    Learn how to make caramelized onion dip for an easy appetizer idea with just a few simple ingredients!

    This is the perfect dip to make on the spot when you have guests over, because it takes 15 minutes at the most. 

    🦐 Seafood Appetizers

    Garlic Cheese Mussels

    Garlic Cheese Mussels.

    Looking for a fabulous starter to serve with some drinks, friends and family? You will adore garlic baked mussels filled with cream cheese and topped with melted cheddar cheese! It’s recommended to use New Zealand green-lipped mussels for this recipe

    Moules Marinieres

    Moules Marinieres.

    Moules Mariniere doesn’t have to be one of those dishes you only eat in restaurants. This traditional French Mussels recipe is simple to whip up at home. It's super delicious and a one-pot dish that is ready in a flash.

    Smoked Salmon Cakes

    Smoked Salmon Cakes.

    Impress your Thanksgiving guests with this appetizer for smoked salmon cakes. These seafood patties are a must-try! They’re slightly crispy on the outside and light and flakey on the inside. 

    Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Sauce  

    Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Sauce.

    Make some roasted Shrimp Cocktails with this homemade sauce recipe. It will really elevate any get-together or party to another level. This simple recipe will be the star of the table at your next festivity. 

    Crab Toast 

    Crab Toast.

    This recipe will be the go-to starter for your soirees and parties. Crab toast is fancy, creamy, and ready in 20 minutes. It is a decadent little taster that is perfect as an appetizer! Topped with a bit of cheese, tomatoes, and parsley.

    🦴 Meat Options

    Mini BLT Sliders 

    Mini BLT Sliders.

    I never would have thought to make something like this! Little BLT sliders are a creative Thanksgiving appetizer, but be careful because if it were me I’d eat them all! With 

    vibrant flavors of bacon lettuce and tomato on a little toothpick. 

    Bisquick® sausage cheese balls 

    Bisquick Sausage Balls with a serving spatula

    This recipe for Bisquick sausage cheese balls have 3 ingredients and the first batch is ready to serve in 30 minutes. My Thanksgiving appetizer platter is never complete unless these are on it!

    Chicken Liver Pate 

    Chicken Liver Pate.

    Chicken liver pâté is easy to pick up and eat, and your guests will love the flavors of these small bites — especially the red onion marmalade. It’s a fancy yet fuss-free starter for holiday guests. 

    Mini Sausage Party Tarts

    Mini Sausage Party Tarts.

    The sausage party tart recipe is super easy and fresh with elegant colors that look so pretty on the plate. This dinner party starter can be made up to two days ahead of time. It is one of my favorite appetizers to serve on special occasions, especially when I want to spoil company.

    Cream Cheese Sausage Balls

    CREAM CHEESE SAUSAGE BALLS on a latter ready for serving

    This recipe for cream cheese sausage balls is a tender and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer.

    Ham And Gruyère Puff Pastries

    Ham And Gruyère Puff Pastries.

    This classic French dish is fancy without being expensive and it doesn’t need too much time and effort. I usually serve soft and buttery ham and cheese puff pastry twists anytime my family travels a long way to visit. They are sweet, and savory, and you can eat them with your hands.

    Sausage Apple Flatbread

    Sausage Apple Flatbread.

    Sausage apple flatbread is a very easy dish and goes a long way. If you end up with some leftovers after your dinner party it will make amazing next day leftovers. Made with pizza dough, shredded Mozzarella cheese, Italian sausage, apples and fresh rosemary. 

    Steak Salad With Ponzu  

    Steak Salad With Ponzu.

    Enjoy steak salad with ponzu sauce for a quick Thanksgiving side or game day snack! Making the steak is very straightforward and there are only a few easy steps. This classic is full of flavor! And did I say it's very easy to make it?

    Amish Broccoli Salad with bacon and cheese

    horizontal image of Amish broccoli salad in a clear glass serving bowl, green cloth napkin the the background.

    This easy recipe for Amish broccoli salad combines chopped broccoli, chopped cauliflower, diced red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins combined with a creamy dressing all topped with crispy bacon bits.

    Prosciutto Wrapped Cashew Cheese Dates 

    Prosciutto Wrapped Cashew Cheese Dates.

    With the holidays around the corner, I felt like sharing a couple of extra special recipes. Since Thanksgiving dinner shouldn’t be stressful for the host, this easy appetizer can be made in under 15 minutes & only uses a couple of ingredients. 

    🍆 Vegetarian Options 

    Air Fryer Carrot Fries 

    Air Fryer Carrot Fries.

    Are you looking for healthier options to add to your dinner parties and holiday gatherings? If so try carrot fries, one of the best Thanksgiving sides. Sweet, salty, and oh so satisfying- serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. 

    Pineapple Cheeseball

    pineapple cheeseball with pecans on the outside, triscuits on the side

    The combination of the sweet pineapple and the tang of the green pepper is an unexpectedly delightful combination. Balanced out with seasoned salt and my favorite, pecans! This cheeseball makes for a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer.

    Cold Tortellini Skewers

    Cold Tortellini Skewers.

    These delicious tortellini skewers are an easy appetizer recipe that everyone will love! You could also serve them for a fun family dinner or a quick snack. It's a great way to use up leftover pasty. 

    Mushroom Crostini  

    Mushroom Crostini.

    This mushroom crostini recipe ticks all the boxes. Drizzled with a robust wine, earthy flavors, fresh herbs and butter - you have an easy party food idea that will be talked about for years to come. Plus it’s an elegant party appetizer and ready in 20 minutes! 

    Butternut Squash And Cabbage Salad 

    Butternut Squash And Cabbage Salad.

    Need a simple, crowd-pleasing salad for your next holiday gathering? If you have an hour and a handful of ingredients, this butternut squash recipe will make this Thanksgiving side the talk of the neighborhood. 

    Kale And Brussels Sprout Winter Salad 

    Kale And Brussels Sprout Winter Salad.

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…there is nothing better than simple and bold flavors! When you have good ingredients, there is not much you need to do, such as with kale and Brussels sprouts winter salad.

    Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Stuffing

    Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Stuffing.

    That recipe is simple but packs so much in a one bite. you have a beautiful appetizer ready in 20 minutes. These Georgian Eggplant Rolls With Walnut Filling are delightful, healthy, and vegan. Plus you only need 3 ingredients!

    🥣 Soup

    Roasted Cauliflower Soup 

    Roasted Cauliflower Soup.

    This is my favorite soup recipe, and I make it every holiday season. There’s a little bit of everything in this salad – crunchy, creamy, tart, and sweet. Roasted cauliflower soup with celery is a wonderful winter starter and super simple to make. 

    Squash Carrot Ginger Soup

    Squash Carrot Ginger Soup.

    This easy yet super delicious roasted butternut squash carrot ginger soup has a lovely combination of two underrated vegetables: squash and carrots! It’s creamy and perfect chilly-weather food.

    Autumn Squash Soup

    white bowl filled with panera autumn squash soup with garnish, on a wooden board, spoon to the left.

    Copycat Panera autumn squash soup recipe and while it is not exact (who can replicate Panera anyway?) it is delicious, creamy, and full of fall flavors, perfect for a thanksgiving soup. You will be surprised how easily it is made at home.

    Pumpkin Coconut Soup

    Pumpkin Coconut Soup.

    Creamy and surprisingly satisfying and with just 10 minutes of prep time, it's an easy, healthy (vegan and gluten-free), and robust soup. Pumpkin soup with coconut milk and vegetables is luxurious with a depth of flavors. 

    Cheddar Cheese Soup

    Homemade version of Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup from Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT in a white bowl with bacon crumbles, chive garnish

    This soup makes a large batch, feel free to cut the ingredients in half to make a smaller batch. If white cheddar is not available any extra sharp cheddar will work.

    Light Potato Soup

    Light Potato Soup.

    Light instant pot potato soup is the best Thanksgiving appetizer. It’s packed with flavor yet is healthy and plant-based. I always appreciate a health-conscious option when I go to holiday events. 

    The Fall season and the holidays are my favorite time of year. I love all the pretty decorations, seeing family and friends, parties and, most of all, the food. That is why these appetizers and side dish recipes are must-makes for your guests!

    📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

    What do you serve before Thanksgiving dinner?

    You just HAVE to serve delicious and festive appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner! This will really get your guests excited for the main course. Try any one of these wonderful recipes like crostini, salads, dip, or even soup.

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    Thanksgiving Appetizers & Sides

    Sarah Mock
    Thanksgiving is for enjoying unforgettable moments with loved ones! Show them how much you care with one of these elegant yet easy Thanksgiving appetizers and Thanksgiving side dishes. My personal favorites are packed with melty cheese but there are also some healthier options like salad and vegetables.
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    Course Recipe Collection
    Per Serving

    Ingredients
     

    • Bourbon Maple Bacon Crostini
    • Brie Bruschetta Crostini
    • Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
    • Goat Cheese Croquettes
    • Pistachio Grape Cheese Bites
    • Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Bites
    • Loaded Mixed Cheese Ball
    • Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
    • Dill Pickle Dip
    • Eggnog Dip
    • White Queso Dip
    • Caramel Onion Dip

    Instructions
     

    • Choose your favorite recipe
    • Gather the ingredients
    • Make the recipe according to the recipe instructions

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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    👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

    CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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