The First Thing Gone Is Always From My 29 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

There’s a reason the appetizers vanish before anyone even finds their seat. With 29 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes to choose from, the hardest part isn’t making them, it’s trying to keep them on the table. These are the foods people hover around like they’re guarding treasure.

Italian Sliders

Guests often skip straight to these little sandwiches, leaving the platter empty before the main course even begins. Italian Sliders offer a bold mix of flavors layered in a compact size, making them perfect for grazing before the big meal. They’re easy to grab and packed with unique ingredients that feel like a complete meal in a bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

It’s no surprise these disappear quicker than anything else on the table. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls combine hearty ingredients in bite-sized portions that are so addicting you’ll never have enough of them. As soon as they hit the plate, they’re usually the first thing to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Italian Sub Pinwheels

There’s something about foods with a swirl that gets people excited. Italian Sub Pinwheels are an effortless hit, combining classic deli flavors with an unexpected twist. Their bite-sized shape makes it easy to grab one or several without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sub Pinwheels

Party Crostini

Whenever these show up on an appetizer spread, they draw a crowd. Party Crostini feels both familiar and fresh, offering a crispy base topped with layers of flavor that people can’t resist. Even the pickiest eaters will find themselves going back for one more.
Get the Recipe: Party Crostini

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

It’s hard to resist a dish that’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls bring together creamy, smoky, and spicy notes in a way that keeps guests coming back for another scoop. Whether paired with crackers or veggies, they’re usually the first thing to empty out at a Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Crostini Appetizers

Most people hesitate when they see something fancy on the table, but not with these. Crostini Appetizers have an approachable charm while adding a little elevation to your spread. Compact and loaded with interesting textures, they disappear much faster than you think.
Get the Recipe: Crostini Appetizers

Cheeseburger Sliders

Little bites with familiar flavors go a long way at a feast. Cheeseburger Sliders bring that comfort food vibe in a handheld size, keeping guests entertained while everything else is cooking. Between juicy layers and soft buns, they vanish as quickly as they arrive at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Loaded Potato Skins

Finger foods always have a special place during Thanksgiving appetizers. Loaded Potato Skins take something simple and transform it into a crisp, savory bite that guests rave about. They’re easy to handle, loaded with delicious toppings, and always gone before anyone notices.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Something with a slight kick to it always gets people curious. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites play with bold flavors in a way that grabs attention instantly. These treats seem to vanish because of their bite-sized, snackable nature and fascinating mix of textures.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Turkey Sliders

Sliders fit perfectly into any Thanksgiving spread, but these are a step up. Turkey Sliders not only share a nod to the holiday theme, but their clever combination of flavors feels like a full meal in miniature form. This might explain why they’re the first choice for a second helping, even among other appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Antipasto Skewers

Foods that come on sticks always seem to disappear first at gatherings. Antipasto Skewers combine little bites of bold, flavorful ingredients in the easiest way to enjoy them. Their presentation makes them irresistible, but their flavors keep people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Brats in a Blanket

Surrounded by puff pastry goodness, these are the kind of appetizers people can’t seem to pass up. Brats in a Blanket provide a unique yet nostalgic twist to anything else on the Thanksgiving table. Their warm, hearty nature makes them disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Brats in a Blanket

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Guests tend to light up when appetizers bring together bold flavors. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers offer a kick with a crispy outer layer that steals the show. These bites don’t just go fast; they seem like the most talked-about dish in the room, with flavors that surprise even frequent snackers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Caprese Appetizer

Simple finger foods always seem to steal the spotlight when done right. Caprese Appetizer brings that clean, refreshing vibe that feels like a small meal in one bite. Layered for both visual and flavor appeal, this is one dish that’s almost always gone right as the turkey comes out.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bite-sized snacks with a smoky twist go quicker than you’d think. Bacon Wrapped Smokies add the perfect balance of sweet and savory to the table, making them almost impossible to put down. These bites are hard to resist, especially when paired alongside other flavors at the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Deviled Eggs

Whenever these hit the table, they don’t stick around long. Deviled Eggs have a way of disappearing faster than anything else, thanks to their creamy filling and smooth texture. They’re a go-to option everyone seems to love, especially at Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Shrimp Ceviche

Guests always seem to circle back for “just one more” taste of this appetizer. Shrimp Ceviche stands out with its fresh and light flavors, making it a refreshing change from heavier dishes. It’s the kind of starter that vanishes quickly while sparking conversation about how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

Rotel Dip

You wouldn’t guess how fast this warm and creamy treat clears out until you serve it. Rotel Dip has a reputation for being the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with its rich, cheesy goodness. Whether scooped with chips or crackers, it’s always gone before anything else. Friends and family can’t seem to stop grabbing another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Roast Beef Sliders

These little sandwiches have a way of making their absence noticeable almost immediately. Roast Beef Sliders combine soft bread and robust flavors that make people grab two instead of one. They’re perfect finger food for a Thanksgiving gathering, leaving your guests full of compliments.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef Sliders

Maryland Crab Cake

Appetizer tables always feel a bit fancier when these are included. Maryland Crab Cake offers a bite-sized seafood option that’s elegant yet approachable. Even those who aren’t big seafood fans are tempted to grab one before they’re all gone. These always seem to be the star of the spread, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cake

Salmon Deviled Eggs

It’s hard not to notice when these disappear the second they’re placed out. Salmon Deviled Eggs offer a rich and unique twist compared to their classic counterpart. Guests love the combination of creamy fillings and an added touch of protein. These feel like a slight upgrade that always leaves people asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Deviled Eggs

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Putting out this stunning appetizer makes for a conversation starter long before people start picking at it. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board adds a playful yet practical centerpiece to any Thanksgiving. It’s not just pretty to look at – everyone takes something, and soon there’s little left but crumbs.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Once someone tries one, they’re bound to reach for another right away. Mini Hasselback Potatoes steal the show on a Thanksgiving appetizer spread with their soft and golden texture. They’re fun to eat and bring a comforting element to the table. Platters holding these usually empty out faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes

Sausage Balls

It’s almost too easy for people to grab a handful of these without even noticing. Sausage Balls blend hearty and flavorful elements into little bites that disappear fast. They’ve got a way of being the first thing to go, long before anyone moves on to the main course. Expect to hear how addictive these are after every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Potato Skins

You might want to double your batch with how fast these tend to go. Potato Skins check all the boxes for a great appetizer: filling, flavorful, and easy to grab. People appreciate how loaded they are and how they bring something familiar but special to the table. No one can seem to have just one, making them an instant hit.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Shrimp Toast

When these are served, they’re one of the first things guests make a beeline for. Shrimp Toast combines a great crunch with rich, satisfying flavors everyone seems to love. They bring a little something different to the table that stands out as a crowd favorite. This one’s a must for your holiday appetizer rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Set these out and watch them disappear in record time – that’s a guarantee. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are the kind of appetizer that gets people talking because of their bold flavor. They’re not just fun to look at; they pack in layers of smoky goodness that keeps everyone coming back.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Stuffed Mushrooms

These go from platter to plate before you even realize it. Stuffed Mushrooms remain a classic choice for Thanksgiving spreads, with their rich and savory filling. People love how easy they are to nibble on, making them one of the first appetizers to vanish. If you’re serving these, don’t expect any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Pigs in a Blanket

There’s no explanation needed for why these disappear in minutes. Pigs in a Blanket are always a crowd favorite, probably because they balance simplicity and flavor perfectly. Holiday gatherings feel incomplete without these being scooped up as soon as they hit the table. It’s no wonder people ask for them every year.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket