37 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers to Serve Before the Feast

Thanksgiving is known for hearty dishes and indulgent desserts, but starting the day with lighter bites can make the whole meal more enjoyable. Offering a spread of small, flavorful appetizers keeps guests happy without weighing them down before the main event.

In this collection of 37 light Thanksgiving appetizers, you’ll find fresh, festive recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients and set the perfect tone for the feast ahead.

Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

These Sausage Stuffing Bites are everything you love about holiday flavors packed into one perfectly poppable bite. They’re savory, just a little sweet from the cranberries, and come with a tangy cranberry dipping sauce that makes them even more addictive. Get the recipe

Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl

Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl is a show-stopping holiday appetizer that always draws a crowd. Warm, melty Brie baked inside a crusty bread loaf and topped with cranberry sauce feels festive, indulgent, and perfect for sharing. It’s the kind of dish that immediately becomes the centerpiece of the table. Get the recipe

Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs

These Thanksgiving Deviled Eggs are a fun, festive twist on the classic. With warm herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary, they bring those cozy holiday flavors into every bite. The pumpkin shape makes them extra cute on a party platter. Get the recipe

Warm Beer Cheese with Pretzels

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy dip surrounded by soft, salty pretzel bites. This beer cheese skillet is made for sharing, with golden pretzel rolls baked to perfection and a creamy, melty cheese dip in the center that stays warm and dippable. Get the recipe

Mushroom Puff Pastry Tartlets

These Mushroom Tartlets combine the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with a savory mushroom filling, enriched by garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme. Topped with Gruyère cheese, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re a little bit earthy, creamy, and crisp all at once. Get the recipe

Pumpkin and Rosemary Puff Pastry Bites

These pumpkin and rosemary puff pastry bites are the kind of appetizer that feels a little fancy without any of the work. Flaky pastry holds a savory pumpkin filling with just the right touch of garlic, parmesan, and rosemary. They’re golden, crispy, and perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy snack board. Get the recipe

Burrata with Cranberries & Pistachios

Festive Burrata with Cranberries and Pistachios is a show-stopping appetizer that brings elegance and vibrant flavors to your holiday table. Creamy burrata is the star, topped with a jazzed up cranberry sauce and crunchy pistachios for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Get the recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

For something seasonal, snackable, and a little unexpected, try this creamy pumpkin hummus. It’s a fall-inspired twist on classic hummus that’s perfect for parties, appetizer boards, or a quick snack with veggies and crackers. Get the recipe

Cranberry Brie Bites

These Cranberry Brie Bites are a simple and tasty appetizer with just three ingredients: cranberry sauce, brie, and filo dough. It couldn’t be easier to make and it’s a great finger food. Although you can make them ahead if you need to, these brie and cranberry canapes are best served fresh from the oven, while the cheese is still melty and hot. Get the recipe

Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls

These Pumpkin Cheese Balls are festive, flavorful, and just the right amount of fun. They’re creamy and cheesy on the inside, with a crunchy, colorful coating that makes them look like mini pumpkins. Perfect for fall parties, Halloween get-togethers, or Friendsgiving appetizers. Get the recipe

Sausage Cheese Phyllo Bites

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings flavor without the fuss? These Sausage Cheese Phyllo Bites are savory, creamy, and just the right amount of crispy. They bake up in minutes and disappear just as fast, whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick snack for game day. Get the recipe

Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage & Herbs

These stuffed mushrooms are everything you want in a savory party bite. They’re juicy mushrooms filled with a rich, herby sausage mixture and topped with golden, cheesy goodness. They’re baked until the tops are perfectly crisp and the centers are creamy, making them an easy go-to for gatherings or a low-effort appetizer that still feels a little fancy. Get the recipe

Pear & Brie Salad Skewers

The combination of sweet pears, creamy brie, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts drizzled with balsamic glaze is such a great appetizer for any party. I love to see salad skewers on an appetizer spread, so that’s a huge win. But these skewers are also really pretty, which gives some decoration and life to the spread as well. Get the recipe

Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and easy fall dessert. By tying kitchen string around cinnamon roll dough, you get a cinnamon roll that is shaped like a pumpkin! Get the recipe

Cheesy Bacon Twists

Cheesy Bacon Twists are the ultimate savory treat. These delicious bites combine crispy bacon and cheese wrapped in flaky pastry. The combination of flavors and textures is crispy, cheesy, and smoky, which makes every bite great. Get the recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Brie

Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the ultimate indulgent appetizer, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extra special. The creamy, melty brie is infused with rich garlic butter, creating a decadent combination that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crisp crackers. Get the recipe

Mushroom Crostini

If you love rich, hearty flavors in an easy-to-make appetizer, Mushroom Crostini is a must-try. The combination of buttery mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and crispy bread makes for an irresistible bite. Get the recipe

Deviled Eggs with Bacon Crumbles

Deviled Eggs are a classic for a reason, but when you add crispy bacon crumbles on top, they go from nostalgic to irresistible. These little bites are creamy, savory, and just indulgent enough to steal the spotlight at any potluck or party. Get the recipe

Bite-Sized Caprese Skewers

Bite-Sized Caprese Skewers are a fresh and flavorful appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, these mini skewers are a perfect addition to any gathering. Get the recipe

Pear, Brie, & Honey Crostini

This Pear, Brie, & Honey Crostini recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect appetizer for gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. The creamy brie pairs beautifully with the fresh, juicy pears, while a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness. Here’s how to make this delicious treat. Get the recipe

Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels

Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Pinwheels are the ultimate party snack with all the creamy, tangy flavors of the classic dip, wrapped in golden, flaky pizza dough. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready to serve. Get the recipe

BLT Crostini

Elevate your appetizer game with these deliciously simple BLT Crostinis! Combining the classic flavors of a beloved sandwich into a delightful bite-sized treat, these crostinis feature crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes atop perfectly toasted baguette slices. Get the recipe

Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Whether you’ve just carved a pumpkin or have a stash of seeds from cooking, roasting pumpkin seeds is the ultimate no-waste snack. They’re crisp, salty, and so easy to customize with your favorite seasonings. Best of all, you can make them in the oven or the air fryer for a quick, crunchy treat. Get the recipe

Baked Fontina Dip

If you’re looking for an easy, melty dip that’s all about the cheese, this Baked Fontina Dip is it. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it bubbles up golden and gooey in the oven, ready for crusty bread or crackers. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast—because who can resist hot, bubbling cheese? Get the recipe

Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers

If you’re after an easy finger food that disappears fast, these Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers are a solid choice. Mini peppers are filled with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture and baked until soft and melty. They’re colorful, easy to eat, and pair well with almost any spread. Get the recipe

Pigs in a Blanket

Who can resist pigs in a blanket? It’s a classic appetizer for a reason. The classic version is essentially a savory cocktail sausage or a small hot dog, snugly wrapped in a blanket of light and fluffy dough, and then baked to golden perfection. Get the recipe

Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs

These Apple Cider Glazed Meatballs are tender and juicy, flavored with warm notes of sage, fennel, and apple. The sweet and tangy cider glaze is the kind of thing that disappears quickly at any party. Don’t expect leftovers. Get the recipe

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

When it comes to entertaining, a beautifully arranged fruit platter can be a showstopper that adds color and freshness to your table. Imagine a vibrant array of seasonal fruits, artfully arranged on skewers and presented in a dramatic circular display. Get the recipe

Easy Falafel & Hummus

A Falafel & Hummus Appetizer Tray is one of the easiest ways to put out a fresh, flavorful appetizer without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. Crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and bright herbs come together in one simple tray that is ready to serve in about 30 minutes of active time. Get the recipe

Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Celery

Cream Cheese & Bacon Stuffed Celery is one of those timeless snacks that always finds a spot on the table. Crisp celery sticks filled with creamy, savory spreads offer just the right balance of fresh and rich. It’s easy to prep ahead and endlessly customizable, making it a reliable go-to for just about any occasion. Get the recipe

Herb Veggie Cups

These Herb Veggie Cups combine creamy herb spread with crisp vegetables in a crunchy phyllo shell. They’re simple to prepare and make a fresh, light appetizer for any gatherings. This recipe is a simple way to serve fresh vegetables in a fun-to-eat crunchy cup. Get the recipe

Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Bites are everything you love about the classic appetizer, just in a smaller, easier-to-serve package. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, spicy, and crunchy. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast at any party. Get the recipe

Wedge Salad Skewers

This creative appetizer takes the traditional elements of a wedge salad, including crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bacon, and creamy dressing. But this transforms them into fun, bite-sized skewers. Perfect for barbecues or casual gatherings, these skewers not only look visually appealing but also make it easy for guests to enjoy a classic salad in a new way. Get the recipe

Quick & Easy Veggie Cups

When you need a healthy, grab-and-go snack or appetizer, Quick & Easy Veggie Cups are the perfect solution. Packed with crisp, colorful veggies and a flavorful dip, they’re great for parties, meal prep, or lunchbox additions. Get the recipe

Mini Bacon Cheese Balls

This is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of spices, making them a delightful addition to any party or gathering. Get the recipe

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix

This Sweet & Salty Chex Mix recipe is a perfect blend of flavors that are irresistible. The combination of crunchy Chex cereal, toasted pecans, and peanuts coated in a rich mixture of brown sugar, butter, and dark corn syrup creates a delicious snack. Get the recipe

Prosciutto & Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze

Prosciutto & Ricotta Crostini with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect appetizer that balances savory and sweet flavors in every bite. With its simple preparation and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your gatherings. Get the recipe