30 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers: Make-Ahead Bites, Dips & Boards

Keep hungry guests out of the kitchen with simple Thanksgiving appetizers. These 30 ideas are light enough to save room for turkey, and many can be made the day before Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26, 2026).

Make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizers

1. Cranberry brie bites in mini phyllo cups.
2. Deviled eggs with paprika or bacon.
3. Pumpkin hummus with pita chips.
4. Stuffed mushrooms with sausage or spinach.
5. Pinwheels with turkey, cream cheese and cranberry.
6. Cheese ball rolled in pecans.
7. Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze.
8. Bacon-wrapped dates.

Warm dips

9. Spinach artichoke dip.
10. Buffalo chicken dip.
11. Baked brie with honey and walnuts.
12. Caramelized onion dip.
13. Sweet potato and goat cheese dip.

Charcuterie and grazing boards

14. Fall charcuterie board: cheeses, cured meats, apples, figs, nuts and crackers.
15. Turkey-shaped board with crackers and cheese as feathers.
16. Dessert board with mini pies and chocolate.
17. Veggie board with three dips.

Light and healthy starters

18. Roasted butternut squash soup shots.
19. Cucumber bites with herbed cheese.
20. Apple slices with honey and almond butter.
21. Marinated olives and feta.
22. Roasted chickpeas with fall spices.
23. Shrimp cocktail.

Kid-friendly Thanksgiving snacks

24. Turkey veggie tray (vegetables arranged as feathers).
25. Pilgrim hat cookies.
26. Cheese and cracker “turkeys.”
27. Popcorn snack mix with candy corn.
28. Mini corn dogs.

Easy hot bites

29. Sausage balls.
30. Mini meatballs in cranberry glaze.

How many appetizers do you need?

For a Thanksgiving dinner, plan 2–3 appetizers and about 3–4 pieces per person. Keep them light so everyone still enjoys the main meal.

Plan the full menu with our Thanksgiving side dishes and Thanksgiving desserts, then add fun with Thanksgiving jokes.

FAQ

What are good Thanksgiving appetizers?

Cranberry brie bites, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, spinach artichoke dip and a fall charcuterie board are crowd favorites.

Can I make Thanksgiving appetizers ahead?

Yes. Dips, cheese balls, pinwheels and deviled eggs can be made the day before.

How many appetizers should I serve before Thanksgiving dinner?

Two or three light options are enough, since the main meal is large.