I Keep Getting Invited Back for My 19 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

ByMandy

When a plate keeps coming back empty, that’s usually a good sign, and apparently, 19 different times is enough to make someone a regular guest. These appetizers have a way of starting conversations before anyone even sits down. They’re the kind of crowd-pleasers that make people suddenly “need help” in the kitchen.

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.

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.

Charcuterie Board loaded with many options for everyone. A selection like this brings people together, whether you’re chatting, snacking, or trying new combinations. Crowd-pleasing mixes offer something for anyone who wants to mingle and nibble. It always seems like there are more hands than there are pieces left by the end.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

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.

Friends always look for Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers first when they arrive. This bite has a mix of crunch and heat that draws people in right after they walk through the door. You can see the excitement when people see these lined up on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

A wooden bowl of hummus garnished with chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and herbs, drizzled with olive oil and paprika.
Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

It’s common to spot someone pointing out Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus to friends at parties. I like seeing people try options like this even if they’re not vegan, because it’s something new and easy to share. Everyone can grab a scoop, and it helps folks with different tastes join in.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

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.

Some guests come over and immediately find Brats in a Blanket before anything else on the table. These little bites are easy to enjoy while you chat and mingle. There’s always a range of ages grabbing for them, so I bring them every year. That’s a staple on my Thanksgiving lineup because people depend on it.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Caprese Appetizer

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

Every time I serve Caprese Appetizer, guests talk about its fresh twist compared to the other hearty bites. It brings a quick and light break to the spread, and people start picking it up before they know it. You’d be surprised how many say this is their top pick.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

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.

Lots of people have asked me to bring Smoky Bacon Pig Shots to gatherings because they are a fun surprise every time. The way the bite layers flavors makes it stand out among all the starters. Folks reach for these as soon as they spot them, knowing they’re a memorable pick.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Deviled Eggs

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

People expect Deviled Eggs at my gatherings now, and if I forget, they ask about them. This dish sparks conversation every year, and it never lasts long on the plate. Having something familiar reassures everyone and gets them ready for more. That tradition keeps my Thanksgiving group coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

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.

When Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls land on the table, hands go straight for them before anything else. Their mix of taste and texture has a way of getting people excited and sharing stories. These rolls disappear fast, and every time I’m asked for the recipe. That says a lot about why these starters make me a regular invitee.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

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.

Guests light up when they see Maryland Crab Cake in the appetizer lineup, often asking where it came from. They’re a reliable conversation starter, and you’ll notice people sharing them with new friends. That’s what I enjoy most – seeing old and new guests connect over this dish.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

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.

Every party gets more lively with Cheeseburger Sliders on the starter tray. People can pick up a couple and keep chatting without leaving the table. These always spark fun memories of casual get-togethers, which people really enjoy. Having them ready at Thanksgiving makes my invitations more frequent year after year.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

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.

Guests often stop and look at how unique Mini Hasselback Potatoes are before grabbing a few. People like the way these bites offer something different from other classic choices. One or two of these on a plate, and you can see smiles all around. These potatoes have earned their spot in my list of must-have Thanksgiving starters.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

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.

You know people can’t resist Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits when you bring them to a party. Everyone reaches for them fast and sometimes comes back for seconds. This soft and warm choice brings a sense of comfort to any celebration. Thanks to these biscuits, I’ve become known for memorable Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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.

New guests always ask about Italian Sub Pinwheels as soon as they spot them on the table. It’s easy to tell this pick stands out, because people love the mix of textures and flavors in each bite. You’ll see these disappear quickly, which makes them a regular on my appetizer list.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

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.

When people want something crisp, they go straight for Crostini Appetizers every time. These bites bring a good balance to the spread, and groups often gather around for a quick snack. You’ll notice these are easy to customize for everyone’s taste.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

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.

Kids and adults both get excited when Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board comes out. It’s fun, looks keep the mood light, and everyone takes turns finding their favorite bits to try. This board pulls together different snack options that fit any crowd. If I leave it out, guests request it for the next Thanksgiving right away.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

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.

You notice groups form around Roast Beef Sliders soon after they hit the table. These starters are easy to enjoy and spark small talking circles that last until dinner. People still mention these sliders when we get together later. That popularity means my Thanksgiving invitation stays strong.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Salmon Deviled Eggs

Close-up of Deviled Eggs topped with a red currant and garnished with fried leeks. Fresh red currants are in the background.
Salmon Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When Salmon Deviled Eggs appear on the platter, people rush in for something a bit out of the ordinary but easy to share. These bites always get people discussing the spread and trying new things. Someone always asks how I came up with this idea for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

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.

Big crowds often gather around Shrimp Cocktail after spotting it among the appetizers. You can see folks taking turns picking up each piece because it’s a classic crowd-pleaser. Serving this every Thanksgiving has built a tradition that people expect now. It’s another way I keep getting invitations back every year.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Nothing gets the table buzzing like seeing Loaded Potato Skins on the tray. Everyone offers these to new guests, making sure everyone gets to try at least one. It’s fun watching people chat and swap stories over something so simple. I bring these every Thanksgiving, and people always cheer when they spot them.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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