If you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming up your Thanksgiving menu – and let’s be honest, the appetizers always steal the show!
Whether you’re hosting the whole family this year or bringing a dish to share at someone else’s party, these crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to kick off the holiday.
From buttery brie bites to colorful crostini and a healthier take on the classic charcuterie board, these recipes are festive, full of delicious flavors, and surprisingly simple to pull together.
So grab a glass of wine, preheat that oven, and let’s get inspired with some tasty ideas to start your Thanksgiving feast off right.
Surimi Vol Au Vent Appetizers
These puff pastry shells are filled with a creamy and simple surimi and cucumber salad, then topped with smoked salmon and fresh chives for some extra flavor. They’re a very light appetizer that looks incredibly beautiful, and if you’re using store-bought vol-au-vent shells, the whole thing will come together in just 15 minutes.
Cranberry Brie Pinwheel Bites With Puff Pastry
Flaky and golden, these cranberry brie puff pastry pinwheels are filled with melty brie, tangy homemade cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of walnuts. They’re the perfect little bite and a classic Thanksgiving appetizer that is elegant, sweet, and savory all at once.
Blueberry Crostini Appetizer With Brie & Arugula
Toasted crostini topped with stewed blueberries, creamy brie, and a handful of peppery arugula make for a colorful and unexpected party appetizer that feels fancy but is oh-so-easy to make.
Bruschetta Cucumber Bites
These refreshing little cucumber bites use crisp cucumber rounds instead of bread and are topped with a classic bruschetta mix (finely diced onion, tomatoes, and herbs), plus mini mozzarella balls, and a festive slice of green olive to make it really fancy!
Smoked Salmon Flatbread Rolls
Think of these as grown-up pinwheels – flatbread filled with smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, and greens, then rolled up and sliced into elegant little spirals. They’re the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer that is super easy to make.
Apple and Brie Crostini Appetizers
Sliced apples, creamy brie, and salty serrano ham come together on crunchy crostini in this Thanksgiving appetizer option, finished with arugula, crushed walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s seriously delicious and full of all the autumn flavors.
Healthier Charcuterie Board
A lighter spin on the traditional charcuterie board, my healthier version features an inviting mix of fresh veggies, soft cheeses, sliced meats, and pickled goodies. It’s a great option for grazing while the turkey finishes roasting.
Cranberry Brie Bites in Mini Toast Cups
These cranberry brie mini toast cup appetizers are filled with gooey brie, a dollop of cranberry jam, and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts and dried thyme. These cranberry brie bites are super easy to prep ahead and are always a hit at the table.
