21 Tasty Appetizers to Guarantee This Thanksgiving is One for the Books

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey; the right appetizers can set the tone for an unforgettable meal. These 21 starters are crafted to wow your guests from the first bite, ensuring your holiday spread feels complete. From savory bites to crowd-favorite dips, there’s something here for every palate, helping your gathering stand out. Serve up any of these appetizers, and your Thanksgiving will be one for the books.

A pile of pumpkin pockets. — Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

A stuffed mushroom topped with melted cheese and garnished with green herbs is centered on a speckled white plate. The plate rests on a wooden surface, and a tray with more stuffed mushrooms is in the background. — Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms offer a hearty, plant-based choice that makes Thanksgiving feel both inclusive and memorable. Filled with savory tofu, these mushrooms cater to everyone’s tastes, ensuring that even vegan guests feel indulged. Their bite-sized format and rich flavor profile make them easy to enjoy and hard to resist. Expect these to be a surprise hit that adds a modern touch to the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks make for an unforgettable Thanksgiving appetizer, with savory BBQ sauce coating each crispy piece. In just 35 minutes, you can have a plate of drumsticks that’s flavorful, tender, and a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings. The air fryer locks in the juices while creating an outer crisp, adding a satisfying contrast to the BBQ sauce’s tang. Put these on the table, and they’ll be gone before you know it!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked Butternut Squash Chips are a light, crispy snack that keeps Thanksgiving interesting, adding seasonal flavor to your appetizer table. These chips offer a refreshing, crunchy option that contrasts with heavier dishes, making them easy for guests to snack on while mingling. Their autumn appeal ensures they fit right into the holiday theme. These chips will keep guests happily munching as they await the main event.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate. — Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings seasoned with Italian spices bring a bold, herby flavor to Thanksgiving that complements the holiday spread. Ready in under 20 minutes, these wings offer a crispy, juicy bite that’s hard to resist. The air fryer keeps things simple while ensuring every wing has a crisp, golden coating, making them perfect for serving right when guests arrive. They’re sure to be a hit, adding a touch of familiarity with a festive flair.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Italian Seasoning

Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad

A close-up of zucchini rolls filled with seafood. — Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Zucchini Rolls with Crab Salad offers a refreshing, sophisticated start to your Thanksgiving, ensuring your appetizer spread is anything but ordinary. These rolls combine the freshness of zucchini with delicate crab salad, adding a light and refined choice to the mix. Their elegant presentation is perfect for a memorable holiday gathering. These will be a hit as guests appreciate the unique addition.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad

Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, and Honey

A person is dipping a piece of bread into a bowl of peach and pecan dip. — Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, and Honey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, and Honey adds a touch of decadence to Thanksgiving, making it an appetizer guests won’t forget. The gooey brie paired with sweet peaches and crunchy pecans brings a balance of flavors that feel festive and special. This warm, melty appetizer will have everyone coming back for more, setting the holiday mood from the start. Prepare for this to be a standout dish that guests rave about.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, and Honey

Colombian Cheese Arepas

Cheese arepa on a plate with toppings. — Colombian Cheese Arepas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian Cheese Arepas add golden, cheesy bites that make Thanksgiving feel even more special. Their crisp exterior and gooey center offer comfort in every bite, creating an appetizer everyone will want more of. Easy to make and satisfying, these arepas are perfect for guests new to the dish and those who already love it. Get ready for this dish to become a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Cheese Arepas

Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Baba ganoush on a plate with pomegranate seeds, parsley. — Lebanese Baba Ganoush. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Lebanese Baba Ganoush introduces a creamy, smoky dip that adds depth to your Thanksgiving spread, giving guests a memorable start to the meal. Its bold flavor complements a variety of dishes, ensuring your table stands out with unique, delicious choices. This Middle Eastern-inspired dip adds just the right contrast to traditional flavors. Serve it with pita, and watch it become a go-to favorite.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

A white oval plate holds six slices of baked eggplant topped with cheese, tomato, and fresh herbs. The platter is placed on a wooden table over a folded cloth napkin. — Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks bring a memorable richness to your Thanksgiving table, capturing the comfort of a classic appetizer with a fresh twist. Each stack combines crispy eggplant, vegan cheese, and fresh tomato, making it an unforgettable option for guests seeking something hearty. This dish promises a standout start to the feast, ensuring everyone remembers the variety on your table. Prepare for these to be the talk of the evening as everyone savors the layers of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Easy Baked Oysters Mornay

A glass dish filled with baked oysters topped with creamy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Lemon slices and oyster shells are placed nearby on a wooden surface, along with garlic cloves. — Easy Baked Oysters Mornay. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Oysters Mornay deliver a rich, creamy addition to your holiday appetizers, setting an upscale tone for a Thanksgiving to remember. The golden, cheesy topping over fresh oysters feels both festive and luxurious, making this dish hard to forget. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of elegance and impress even the most discerning guests. Start your holiday feast with this standout that’s sure to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Oysters Mornay

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey

A plate of hummus garnished with slices of cherry tomato, a parsley leaf, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and spices. The dish is placed on a marble surface next to a partial view of a plate with sliced bread. — Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey brings a warm, festive taste of the Middle East to your Thanksgiving table. The creamy feta and roasted carrots create a smooth base, while dukkah adds a satisfying crunch and the honey gives a touch of sweetness. This dip makes an elegant addition to holiday appetizers, offering a vibrant, flavorful option for guests to enjoy. Set alongside pita or crackers, it’s a unique way to start the Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey

Classic Mushroom Bourekas

Stuffed mushrooms on a wooden cutting board. — Classic Mushroom Bourekas. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Classic Mushroom Bourekas add an irresistible crunch and depth to your Thanksgiving appetizers, guaranteeing a memorable start to the holiday. Filled with mushrooms and caramelized onions, these pastries are rich, satisfying, and perfect for guests looking for something unique. Their hearty nature makes them stand out on the appetizer table, giving guests a flavor experience to remember. These savory pockets will be talked about long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mushroom Bourekas

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

A plate of crispy tofu cubes garnished with cilantro is placed next to a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce in a blue dish. — Crispy Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu is a perfect addition for any Thanksgiving gathering, bringing a texture and taste that appeals to both seasoned guests and first-timers. This appetizer is ready in just minutes, with the air fryer giving the tofu a light, crunchy coating that pairs well with dipping sauces. It’s an easy choice for a snack that holds its own among the holiday spread, especially for those seeking a meat-free option. Set these crispy bites out early to kick off your Thanksgiving with something everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Moroccan Zaalouk

A rustic table setting features bowls of eggplant and tomato dip. — Moroccan Zaalouk. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Moroccan Zaalouk brings a unique, spice-infused dip to your Thanksgiving spread, ensuring this holiday feels like one for the books. With its bold roasted eggplant and tomato flavors, it provides a refreshing alternative to heavier options, adding variety and intrigue to the table. This dip’s rich taste and creamy texture make it an unforgettable choice. Watch as it quickly becomes the crowd’s new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Zaalouk

Creamy Baked Feta Dip

A close-up of a dish featuring a block of feta cheese topped with a mix of chopped nuts and herbs. Two hands with light pink nails are holding the dish, which is placed in a light blue rectangular baking tray. — Creamy Baked Feta Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Creamy Baked Feta Dip combines sweet dates, hazelnuts, and honey with tangy feta to create a Thanksgiving appetizer that stands out. Its unique combination of flavors makes this dish a memorable centerpiece on the holiday table. This simple-to-make dip adds a luxurious feel to your spread, giving guests something to remember. Expect this dip to be one of the evening’s highlights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip

Sweet Potato Hummus

Sweet Potato Hummus adds a vibrant and unexpected twist that’s sure to make Thanksgiving one for the books. With its earthy sweetness and colorful presentation, it brings a fresh energy to the holiday spread. This version stands out as both eye-catching and festive, giving guests something new to enjoy. Expect this crowd-pleaser to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes add a simple, rustic charm to your Thanksgiving spread, giving guests a cozy and familiar appetizer to enjoy. Their crispy texture and soft center make them both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for kicking off a memorable meal. They’re an easy choice that guests of all ages can enjoy, adding to the welcoming holiday feel. These potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone gathered around the table.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Potato Skins

Potato Skins bring a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer to Thanksgiving, offering a savory, cheesy bite that’s hard to forget. Their crispy skins and warm, melty center make them a favorite that adds comfort to the spread. Perfect for both adults and kids, they’re a versatile option that everyone can enjoy. Set these out early and watch as they become an instant hit.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites add a fresh and colorful option to Thanksgiving, making the appetizer table feel even more inviting. These bite-sized zucchini snacks bring a savory stuffing that balances lighter flavors with heartiness, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Their bright look and satisfying taste make them memorable. Guests will appreciate the creative touch as they reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Zucchini Mini Bites

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms are a classic Thanksgiving appetizer, offering rich and comforting flavors that set the holiday mood. Filled with a savory blend of ingredients, these mushrooms make for a hearty start that feels right at home on the holiday table. Their depth of flavor pairs well with other traditional dishes, creating a seamless addition to the spread. They’ll be a go-to for guests who crave a warm, savory start.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets capture the warmth of the season in a flaky crust, making them an unforgettable start to Thanksgiving. Each bite brings fall flavors of pumpkin and caramelized onions, adding a comforting and festive note to the spread. Simple yet satisfying, these pockets bring out the best of seasonal ingredients. Expect them to be a favorite that guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets