I Always Make 29 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes First

ByMandy

The beginning of Thanksgiving can make or break the vibe. When 29 appetizer recipes appear, the table suddenly becomes a game everyone wants in on. Plates get shuffled, opinions get argued over, and laughter fills the room before the main course even shows up. It’s the appetizers that start the party without even trying.

Slices of toasted bread stacked together.
Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Parties start strong when grab-and-go sandwiches keep hands busy and plates clean. Italian Sliders always vanish first at family gatherings or potlucks. Easy for kids and adults to eat without fuss. Seconds never last long on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish.
Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Friends get excited for something special when seafood shows up on appetizer trays. Maryland Crab Cake fits any dinner crowd who likes a bit of crunch. Works well for small bites or mini sandwiches. Plates clear out quickly every time.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Snack plates get attention when bites come soft on the inside with a golden outside. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls heat up fast for game day or late-night snacks. Extra batches always finish by the next morning. Good for both kids and grown-ups.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a Blanket, small sausages wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden brown, and sprinkled with coarse salt are displayed on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Pigs in a Blanket. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smiles pop up when mini rolls fill up plates at casual gatherings. Pigs in a Blanket are simple finger food for kids and adults. Come out of the oven fast and disappear even quicker. No leftovers after parties end.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baked skins get picked over first when toppings pile up on each one. Loaded Potato Skins go quick at game nights or family dinners. Great for dipping or grabbing single bites on busy days. Friends always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small bites make a big impression when smoky flavors meet crispy edges. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots hold up well for tailgates or kitchen parties. Kids love the fun shape almost as much as the taste. Plates stay empty through the night.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture.
Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sliders always bring people together for easy sharing at crowds both big and small. Cheeseburger Sliders work especially well for lunch buffets or picnics. Simple to hold without making a mess. No tray goes untouched at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, pickles, green olives, blue cheese, breadsticks, baguette slices, grapes, a jar of honey, and a round cheese topped with a dollop of jam.
Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Boards pile up fast when meats, cheeses and extras sit side by side. Charcuterie Board brings everyone to the table for snacks and chats. Guests build their own mix every time. There’s never a single crumb left by dessert.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and salty snacks go over big when bacon wraps around one-bite starters. Bacon Wrapped Smokies fire up the crowd at birthday parties. Always the quickest tray to empty. Repeat requests come in for every event.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

A plate of sliced, roasted baby potatoes is garnished with herbs. A small bowl of creamy sauce is placed in the center.
Mini Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fun shapes grab eyes before dinner when potatoes are shredded into thin slices. Mini Hasselback Potatoes turn snack time into a favorite moment. Good for dipping or eating plain. Friends pass them around without waiting for plates.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold appetizers keep the mood fun with every slice revealing a creamy center. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls stay popular at holiday events or birthdays. Easy to spread on crackers or veggies. Nobody leaves a piece behind.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Crostini Appetizers

Toasted bread topped with smoked salmon, capers, cheese, walnuts, and herbs on a decorative silver tray.
Crostini Appetizers. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Toasted slices stay crunchy under an endless mix of toppings for any party. Crostini Appetizers look great on snack tables and go quickly with dips or spreads. People change up their picks every round. Always gets compliments from the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Round snacks round out appetizer trays whenever hunger hits quickly. Sausage Balls work for every type of gathering, from picnics to potlucks. They travel well without losing any flavor. Kids always grab a handful for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Italian Sub Pinwheels

A plate of tortilla pinwheel sandwiches filled with spinach, cream cheese, red peppers, and herbs, neatly stacked and garnished with parsley.
Italian Sub Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Swirls on snack tables catch attention when cold cuts go mini and easy to manage. Italian Sub Pinwheels make good lunch box fillers too. No need for plates or forks. Clean up takes seconds at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mini sandwiches get picked for family parties before the big meal even starts. Turkey Sliders help balance out all the heavier treats on the table. Easy to hold for even the youngest guests. Go fast on any spread.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Potato Skins

Potato skins with sour cream and sliced scallions.
Potato Skins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crowd-pleasers always pop up on party trays with crispy outsides and soft middles. Potato Skins handle toppings well for grab-and-go bites. Extra trays don’t last long with a hungry group. Both kids and adults love them.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background.
Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple finger foods win every round with rich flavor and easy sharing. Roast Beef Sliders deliver in both big meetings and backyard cookouts. Leftovers turn into great snacks later. Everyone comes back for another piece.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with crispy shallots and parsley.
Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Platters always look fuller when small mushrooms bring a rich filling to the party. Stuffed Mushrooms go quickly, whether passed around or left at the center of the table. Good, both hot and cold. Rarely any are left by dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds.
Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mini sausages in warm rolls get chosen ahead of bigger dishes on every game day. Brats in a Blanket bake up quickly for school lunches or after-work snacks. Bring classic flavor in a small package. Plates don’t stay full for long.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized snacks win crowds when crispy shells hide a bold center. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites keep popping up at every potluck and game night. Simple for sharing around big tables. Friends always want the instructions after trying one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone lines up for scoops when warm dip mixes up spicy and creamy in one bowl. Rotel Dip sticks around for all-day snacking. Works great with chips, crackers or veggies. No dip left after halftime.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Parties move along smoothly when cool shrimp line up with a dipping sauce. Shrimp Cocktail keeps plates light for guests who want something quick. Simple to refill when trays empty out. Never goes to waste at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy bites can make quiet crowds cheer with a crunch on the outside. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers go fast as soon as the tray hits the table. Good, both hot and cooled down. Gone by the time drinks get poured.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

A turkey charcuterie board features a playful face design with sliced meats, cheeses, pretzels, grapes, olives, breadsticks, and two candy eyes on an apple.
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Snack tables stand out when fun shapes bring a holiday vibe to mixed meats and cheeses. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board offers a way for everyone to build their own plate. Children love reaching for the fun parts first. Adults keep coming back to pick at leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic snacks get snapped up with a creamy center in every bite. Deviled Eggs show up at every kind of party, from brunch to backyard cookouts. Plates always come back clean. Easy enough for even the kids to make.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Small crispy snacks catch attention fast whenever shrimp shows up on crunchy rounds. Shrimp Toast moves quickly at busy snack tables or happy hours. Easy to eat with one hand while talking. Friends always ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh appetizers stand out whenever bright bites stack up on small plates. Caprese Appetizer keeps things light between heavier party foods. Good for sharing or for healthier choices. Always gets picked as a first-choice bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bread baskets empty fast when soft rolls carry a familiar taste everyone loves. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits always please both kids and parents. Come together without much waiting. Trays never need to be cleared.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Party Crostini

Slices of toasted bread stacked together.
Party Crostini. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snack time gets a boost when crispy slices meet spreads for easy building. Party Crostini invites everyone to top their own plate their way. Handy for any gathering where people want a mix. Friends always wish for more toppings.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

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