Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year or headed to a loved one’s gathering with a dish in hand? Don’t let the stress of choosing Thanksgiving appetizers take away from the joy of good food, family, and gratitude.

To help you, I have 23 Thanksgiving appetizer ideas that are simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be loved by your guests.

How about something easy like ham roll ups with cream cheese, or something exotic like baked brie with apples? I also have fun cucumber feta rolls, feel-good pumpkin cheese balls, an exciting turkey-inspired veggie tray, and more.

Choose a few that take your fancy – they’re sure to bring the perfect balance of warmth, coziness, and festivity to your celebrations.

1. Chicken Salad Bites

Source: allnutritious.com

Everyone loves my chicken salad bites! They’re a tempting snack that’s refreshing, filling, savory, and a little sharp.

This combination of chicken, cream, and veggies is perfect for Thanksgiving.

For extra variety and a touch of elegance, mix in diced apples, grapes, dried cranberries, almonds, walnuts, or pecans.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 137
• Fats: 6.7g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 2.3g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 1.1g

2. Baked Brie with Apples

Source: allnutritious.com

Baked brie with apples is a sophisticated crowd-pleaser that guests will LUV.

This dish combines a creamy, mild buttery brie base with stewed apples and a lightly sweet sauce for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Braeburns, Honeycrisps, and Granny Smiths are my go-to as they keep their structure while baking and turn into the most deliciously tender bites.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 381
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Sugar: 21g

3. Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Source: allnutritious.com

Catering for vegetarian guests should not be stressful. They’ll love these crispy, sweet, caramelized, smashed Brussels sprout appetizers.

The sprouts are roasted in the oven to reduce the bitterness and add some delicious charred flavor. Serve them on large platters with bowls of tangy, zesty, garlic dipping sauce.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 305
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 8.2g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 5.2g

4. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

Source: allnutritious.com

This is another winning appetizer for Thanksgiving that your guests will love.

My cheesy cauliflower bites need only 3 ingredients – cauliflower florets, mature cheddar cheese, and egg. Add some herbs and spices, and you’re done.

It’s a great way to turn the humble cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing, finger-licking good treat.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 26
• Fats: 1.9g
• Protein: 1.6g
• Carbs: 0.7g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.2g

5. Ham Roll Ups with Cream Cheese

Source: allnutritious.com

Ham and cheese make the perfect comfort food, loved by all. Serve your guests these cute ham and cream cheese roll ups with tangy cheddar cheese, green onions, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce.

I always make extra because they disappear really fast when the kids are home on Thanksgiving break.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 140
• Fats: 9.1g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 2.3g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 1.3g

6. Parmesan Zucchini Bites

Source: allnutritious.com

Zucchini is such a versatile veggie, and this recipe highlights it beautifully, turning it into a tempting, cozy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

These tasty little bites are easy to eat as finger food and can be enjoyed on their own or with dipping sauces. Impress your guests with a choice of sweet chili sauce, marinara sauce, or garlic aioli.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 6.8g
• Fats: 0.3g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbs: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugar: 0.3g

7. Cheddar Cheese Bites

Source: allnutritious.com

My cute and tasty cheddar cheese bites are made with almond flour, so they’re perfect for guests following a gluten-free diet. They’re also a tasty treat for everyone else.

You only need 4 ingredients, and they can be prepped in just a few minutes.

The bites are crunchy, rich, full of flavor, extremely satisfying, and ideal to dip into bowls of creamy ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or tangy, sweet honey mustard.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 103
• Fats: 8.3g
• Protein: 5.6g
• Carbs: 1.9g
• Fiber: 0.8g
• Sugar: 0.4g

8. Cheese Board

Source: sugarandcharm.com

Eden from Sugar and Charm has a fab appetizer that brings all the feel-good vibes and cozy fall flavors while the turkey roasts and guests meet one another – a sophisticated cheese board.

It’s an eye-catching feast of roasted veggies, a selection of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and aged Gouda, charcuterie cured meats, clusters of grapes and figs, crusty bread, crackers, nuts, and more.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 353
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 62g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 37g

9. Pumpkin Pie Cheese and Crackers

Source: thedecoratedcookie.com

How cool are these little pumpkin pie cheese and crackers bites? They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to eat without breaking apart all over your Thanksgiving outfit.

They bring a fun crunch, a touch of sweetness, and a pop of bright fall colors to your table. Make a large batch, because the kids cannot get enough of them.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 35
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

10. Cucumber Feta Rolls

Source: goodlifeeats.com

If you’re stuck for Thanksgiving appetizer ideas, Katie from Good Life Eats offers this fab recipe.

Imagine – crunchy, fresh cucumber strips rolled up with a creamy filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.

It’s a simple and elegant appetizer that’s delicious, fancy, easy to make, and guaranteed to be enjoyed.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 68
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

11. Turkey Veggie Tray

Source: blackberrybabe.com

Roast turkey is the iconic centerpiece of Thanksgiving, symbolizing abundance and tradition on the holiday table. But, here’s a fun twist that’ll make your guests smile.

This colorful tray uses broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, and radishes to create a fabulous turkey-feather-inspired display. Complete the fun design with a smiley face made of bell peppers sitting in a bowl of bean, ranch, or sour cream dip.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 122
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

12. Cranberry Baked Brie

Source: joyousapron.com

Welcome to foodie heaven – melted brie and sweet cranberry jelly, topped with crunchy pecans.

Easy to make and even easier to love, this ultimate Thanksgiving appetizer is perfect for scooping up with crispy crackers and kicking off your feast in style.

If brie is your holiday obsession, Minshien from Joyous Apron has plenty more festive recipes that make this creamy cheese the star of the Thanksgiving table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 253
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

13. Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Source: momfoodie.com

If you are “all pumpkin’d out” this Thanksgiving, but still want to pay tribute to the iconic orange veggie, why not make these fun pumpkin-shaped cheese balls as centerpieces for your cheeseboards or appetizer trays?

It looks like a pumpkin but doesn’t taste like a pumpkin. Instead, it’s a delightful ball of creamy cheese, covered in crunchy, crushed nacho chips.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 177
• Fats: 12.9g
• Protein: 5.56g
• Carbs: 10.53g
• Fiber: 0.83g
• Sugar: 0.84g

14. Baked Brie with Maple Spiced Apples

Source: theroastedroot.net

As you may have noticed, I can’t get enough brie! So, I had to include this delish recipe from Julia at The Roasted Root.

Imagine a scrumptious bowl of soft, melty brie, topped with sweet, spicy, buttery, maple-drizzled baked apples. Serve it with crackers or toasted baguette slices and delight your guests.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 172
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g

15. Pumpkin Bean Dip

Source: momfoodie.com

This festive fall dip whirls together creamy white beans, pumpkin puree, garlic, olive oil, and a gentle kick of chili, all with zero cooking required.

It’s healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and full of fiber – perfect for guilt-free snacking during your Thanksgiving celebrations, and guaranteed to vanish fast.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 104
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 0g

16. Crescent Roll Appetizers

Source: julieblanner.com

Golden crescent rolls filled with salty prosciutto, buttery fontina cheese, and sweet pear slices – Yes, Please! Your guests will love this finger-food combo of sweet, salty, and savory.

Best of all, you only need four ingredients and under 25 minutes from prep to plate. Julie’s recipe is proof that fancy and fun doesn’t have to be fussy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 257
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

17. Mini Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites

Source: conservamome.com

These fun little treats are hard to resist – they’re shaped like pumpkins but don’t contain pumpkin – just loads of creamy cheese, shaped into a ball, smothered in crushed Cheez-Its, and served on a Ritz Cracker.

I love making these bites because there’s no cooking involved. I can whip them up in minutes before guests arrive and have the cutest little trays waiting to welcome them.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 85
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

18. Cranberry Brie Crostini

Source: neighborfoodblog.com

My crostini appetizers always looked a bit bland until I discovered this fantastic recipe from Neighbor Food.

Courtney roasts fresh cranberries with rosemary, sugar, and balsamic vinegar until they burst into a glossy, sticky-sweet glaze. She then spoons them over creamy, melted brie and finishes the dish with a sprig of festive thyme.

It’s a show-stopping, decadent, and indulgent appetizer, sure to wow your guests.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 144
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

19. Whipped Pumpkin Ricotta Dip

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

Take your ricotta dip to the next level by blending it with pumpkin, warm spices, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer – cozy, creamy, and pure fall on a plate.

For dipping, offer your guests a choice of apple slices, halved strawberries, gingersnap cookies, salty pretzels, and toasted crostini bread.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 99
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 5g

20. Prosciutto Wrapped Apple Bites

Source: culinaryginger.com

When I make these prosciutto wrapped apple bites, my guests are convinced that I ordered out from a fancy restaurant.

Janette’s recipe is indulgent, classy, and so easy to make. Think – sweet apples wrapped in Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and basil, brushed with honey, and then placed under the broiler to crisp the prosciutto and soften the cheese.

It’s a dream on a plate. 

Per Serving:

• Calories: 197
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 19g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

21. Sausage Pinwheels with Apple, Sage, and Gruyere

Source: rachelcooks.com

Imagine flaky puff pastry rolled up with savory sausage, sweet apple, fragrant sage, and nutty Gruyère. It’s Hello-Thanksgiving in every bite.

These pinwheels are stunning to look at and even better to eat – elegant, cozy, and irresistibly flaky. Prep is quick (in just 10 minutes), then pop them in the oven while you mingle. Guests will think you’ve been cooking all day.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 200
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

22. Goat Cheese and Bacon Balls

Source: saltycanary.com

For me, the perfect appetizer is no-stress, quick-to-make, super-tasty, will get guests talking, and won’t spoil the main meal.

Living up to all my demands is this fab recipe from Salty Canary.

They’re grown-up lollipops, filled with tangy cheese, smoky bacon, and crunchy walnuts, served on dried apple slices or crackers. Fabulous!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 96
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

23. Cranberry Dip

Source: twohealthykitchens.com

Last up – another irresistible appetizer that your guests will love.

A creamy, tangy goat cheese layer topped with vibrant, tart cranberry dip makes every crostini feel like a festive flavor explosion, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Better make extra – these cozy holiday appetizers will be gone before you can say Happy Thanksgiving.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 60
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g