Keep everyone happy while the turkey cooks with this roundup of easy Thanksgiving appetizers that are light, flavorful, and simple to make. From savory bites to fresh, make-ahead options, these recipes are perfect for grazing all day without spoiling your appetite for the main feast.
Thanksgiving revolves around the kitchen, with the turkey roasting, side dishes simmering, and the house filled with cozy holiday aromas. But while the main meal is still hours away, family and friends are already gathering, and appetites are building. Having a few easy Thanksgiving appetizers ready helps bridge that long stretch between breakfast and dinner.
These starters should be light and meant for nibbling, not full meals. A few thoughtful bites keep everyone content without spoiling their appetite. Think a small charcuterie board or appetizers that bring sweet and savory together, just enough to take the edge off hunger without overdoing it. The goal is to offer variety, not volume, so guests can still fully enjoy the main event when it’s finally served.
Serving easy Thanksgiving appetizers also draws everyone into the heart of the home. People naturally gather in the kitchen to chat, snack, and share stories while the parade or football game plays in the background. It’s a warm, welcoming way to start the holiday and gives the cook a little breathing room. With a few light, make-ahead options, you’ll keep guests happy and the atmosphere festive, all without anyone filling up before the turkey and dressing make their grand appearance.
Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers
Smoked salmon cucumber bites make a fresh, elegant addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Cool cucumber slices topped with creamy and savory flavors offer a light, refreshing option that’s perfect for grazing before the big meal.
Italian Bread Dipping Oil (with crusty bread)
This restaurant-style Italian Bread Dipping Oil is an easy and flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer everyone will love. The blend of olive oil, herbs, and spices pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread and adds a touch of elegance to your holiday grazing table.
Steamed Edamame with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Steamed edamame sprinkled with Everything Bagel Seasoning make a light, protein-packed appetizer that’s perfect for Thanksgiving snacking. They’re quick to prepare, easy to eat, and offer a nice balance to the richer holiday dishes. Serve them warm in a bowl with a little sea salt for a simple, healthy option everyone can enjoy while waiting for the main meal.
These Old Bay Shrimp simmered in beer, butter, and herbs make a flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer that’s easy to serve and impossible to resist. The bold seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, and when chilled and served cocktail-style, they bring a coastal twist to your holiday spread.
Charcuterie Skewers are a fun and festive twist on the traditional board, making them perfect for Thanksgiving snacking. Simple to assemble and easy to serve, these handheld bites combine meats, cheeses, and extras in one tidy skewer—ideal for grazing while the turkey finishes roasting.
These Tomato Pesto Caprese Skewers make a fresh and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer lineup. Layered with tomatoes, mozzarella, and a touch of pesto, they’re light, flavorful, and easy to prepare—an elegant way to balance the richer dishes on your holiday table.
These marinated olives are a simple yet flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly, they bring a burst of savory flavor to any charcuterie board or grazing table and pair perfectly with cheeses, meats, and crusty bread.
Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board
This charcuterie board can be customized to you and your guests favorite fruits, crackers and cheeses. It awfully darn cute too!
Chunky Avocado Salsa (with chips)
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, chunky avocado salsa is a light and refreshing choice for your Thanksgiving appetizer spread. With creamy avocado, zesty lime, and crisp veggies, it adds a bright contrast to the heavier holiday dishes and is perfect for scooping with tortilla chips while you wait for dinner.
More Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes
- Small Vegan Charcuterie Board
- Spinach and Goat Cheese Tartlets from Grits and Pinecones
- Crispy Italian Fried Artichoke Hearts from Mangia with Michele
- Goat Cheese Balls with Cranberry Pistachios and Honey from Grumpy's Honey Bunch
- Giant Deviled Egg Dip from Souffle Bombay
- Cranberry and Brie Tartlets from Swirls of Flavor
- Air Fryer Scallops Wrapped in Bacon from The Foodie Affair
- Roasted Sweet Bell Peppers
- Maple Bacon Roasted Pumpkin Seeds via Swanky Recipes
- Onion Tart via Beyond the Chicken Coop
- Easy Baked Oysters via Amy Casey Cooks
- Prosciutto, Blue Cheese and Pear Bites
- Greek Shrimp Skewers
- Air Fryer Pita Chips with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese
- Chipotle Lime Roasted Peanuts via Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Also see my collection of Shrimp Appetizer Recipes for Parties and 15 Easy Make Ahead Appetizers to Serve at Room Temperature.
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