Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

When it comes to appetizers, you don’t always need a recipe! Here’s a favorite standby: Brush a bunch of bread slices with olive oil and rub with a garlic clove. Then toast them top each one with a dollop of ricotta, a piece of smoked salmon, a sprinkling of minced chives, and a little grind of black pepper. Voila! Easy, a little elegant, and delicious!

Dips are also really easy, especially as you can prepare them in advance. This spinach-artichoke dish is a favorite of ours because it’s a real crowd pleaser.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

This Florentine Spinach Dip won first prize in The 2015 Old Farmer’s Almanac Recipe Contest!

Stuffed Mushrooms

How about stuffed mushrooms? Pass a tray of these at your next party and watch them disappear. They’re also great to make ahead and reheat just before serving. 

Best-Ever Cheese Ball

No holiday party is complete without a giant cheese ball! It will disappear before your eyes. Note: The cheese ball tastes even better when made a day ahead.

Cranberry Chutney

Slather our cranberry chutney over melted brie on crackers, crostini—or a baked round of brie. This chutney’s best if you make it in advance (at least the day before). 

(The chutney’s also an excellent condiment with roasted pork or poultry.)

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Salty bacon wrapped around sweet scallops is a luscious appetizer. They may look fancy, but they’re easy to make.

Baked Stuffed Artichokes

This is a very special appetizer for your Thanksgiving feast! You could serve this as a side dish, too.

Tasty Mini-Quiches 

These delicious quiches are highly customizable, making them the perfect addition to any holiday party. 

Roasted Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus 

This is essentially a two-ingredient dish, and it is always a hit. If you do have any left over, serve it chilled in a salad.

Spiced Nuts 

Tasty, easy to make, and a great “snackable” appetizer. You’d better grab a handful while you can!

Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Dip

Move over hummus! We want to dip everything in this Roasted Butternut and Red Pepper Dip.

Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes? See our Thanksgiving Dinners, Thanksgiving Sides, and Thanksgiving Desserts!

What are your go-to holiday appetizers? We’d love to hear in the comments below.