I Bring 17 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes That Keep People Happy

Thanksgiving feels easier when 17 appetizers keep everyone busy and out of the kitchen. They show up early, disappear fast, and make the wait for the main dish a lot quieter. Nobody complains when plates stay full before dinner even starts. If something’s holding the peace, it’s probably one of these.

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.

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.

Holiday gatherings get a fun twist when Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are served. Packed with just the right balance of chew and bite, these little snacks easily stand out. Perfect for nibbling while catching up with family. A simple yet crowd-friendly idea to keep everyone happy before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

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.

You want something familiar but still exciting? Loaded Potato Skins deliver just that with layers of flavor packed into crispy potato boats. These are easy to serve and always a hit at group meals. Perfect for sharing at larger gatherings, too.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

For those who love options, Crostini Appetizers offer bite-sized perfection. Each piece brings something unique to the table, making them great for group gatherings. They’re easy to grab, eat, and enjoy in just a few bites. A great way to mix things up for appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

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.

Something small can pack big festive vibes. Turkey Sliders bring bite-sized comfort to collections of Thanksgiving appetizers, instantly reminding people why they’re gathered. Perfectly portioned bites draw guests in without overwhelming them. They’re a winner for both casual snacking and making smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

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.

These plates are always a hit at tables. When you serve Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you’ll see guests reach for seconds without hesitation. There’s something about their unique appeal that keeps plates from staying full. People bond over moments when these bits make rounds.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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.

Want something packed with flavor in just one bite? Smoky Bacon Pig Shots stand out with their rich taste and compact design. These bites are easy to grab and keep guests excited for what’s next. They’re hard to resist on appetizer spreads.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Party Crostini

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

Groups come together better over shared bites like this. Party Crostini holds simplicity and versatility, ensuring your guests always have a reason to stick around the appetizer table. It’s a crowd-pleaser without being too indulgent or heavy. Whether it’s two bites or three, it keeps people talking and enjoying.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Deviled Eggs

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

Almost everyone has a soft spot for Deviled Eggs, and with good reason; they’re timeless. These tiny classics are always one of the first trays to clear out. Their rich flavor makes them hard to resist. A no-fuss pick for any party.
Get the Recipe: 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.

Bite-sized seafood flavors can be hard to turn down. Shrimp Cocktail makes an elegant but approachable appetizer that’s perfect for mingling moments. Its fresh appeal fits seamlessly into any Thanksgiving gathering. Guests will keep going back until there’s nothing left to offer.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Foods shaped for sharing make the gathering worthwhile. Brats in a Blanket offer a fun twist and give guests an easy grab-and-go choice near other appetizers. Mini portions keep things engaging without needing heavy plates. This addition blends nostalgia and new traditions hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

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.

Big spreads like this steal attention right away. People naturally gravitate toward this Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board due to its visual appeal and endless customizable options. It helps guests mingle while casually building their small stacks of bites. Boards like this become conversation starters effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl.
Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Appetizers that feel refreshing yet simple have a place here. Shrimp Ceviche adds a seafood tang with a light snack feeling meant for keeping gatherings cheerful. Its breezy setup perfectly complements heavier holiday dishes nearby. People often grab a second portion after a quick taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Who wouldn’t love single-serving potatoes like Mini Hasselback Potatoes, where every piece offers crispiness? Their unique look makes them an immediate hit. They’re surprisingly simple but perfect for special occasions. Small snacks don’t often taste this good.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Stuffed Mushrooms

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

Small bites with big personality, that’s what Stuffed Mushrooms bring to the table. They’re a satisfying part of any gathering where variety matters. Perfect for the mushroom lovers at the party. Their shape makes them neat and easy to handle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

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.

The beauty of this spread lies in variety. A Charcuterie Board naturally invites guests to dive in at their own pace and creates a casual, fun atmosphere. It’s visually appealing, interactive, and keeps guests focused on shared fun and bites. This setup never feels out of place during gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie Board

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.

Seafood fans at the gathering will love this option. Maryland Crab Cake stands out for its rich flavors and bite-sized convenience that naturally draws people’s attention. It’s ideal when serving small classic plates with distinct character. Expect this dish to be gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

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.

Small sandwiches like Roast Beef Sliders pack a lot of flavor in just a couple of bites. Guests tend to pick these up quickly when they see them. They’re simple to grab and enjoy during casual conversations. It’s hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

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