17 Irresistible Thanksgiving Appetizers to Kick Off the Feast

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Searching for the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving feast and get everyone excited for the main event? Look no further! This curated collection of 17 irresistible appetizer ideas is designed to impress your guests, satisfy early cravings, and set a truly delicious and festive tone for the entire meal. From elegant bites to comforting crowd-pleasers, you’ll find everything you need to make your holiday gathering unforgettable.

Crispy Breaded Fried Goat Cheese

Golden, crispy fried goat cheese rounds with irresistibly creamy centers—perfect for elevating salads or enjoying as a snack. Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Get The Recipe: Crispy Goat Cheese Beet Salad

Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

A hand dips a crispy, golden-fried shrimp into a creamy dipping sauce, with lime slices and more fried shrimp on a plate in the background—perfect for your next round of picnic recipes.

Perfectly crispy, golden coconut shrimp fried to a mouthwatering crunch and paired with a creamy, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy chili sauce. Each bite is a burst of tropical flavor—crunchy, rich, and so good you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Get The Recipe: Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms

A plate of fried breaded garlic mushrooms next to a bowl of dipping sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to the deep fryer! Our Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms offer an irresistible crunch paired with a delicious garlicky punch – all guilt-free and fryer-free! Get ready to indulge in a savory treat that will leave you craving more!

Get The Recipe: Baked Breaded Garlic Mushrooms

Southern Deviled Eggs

Close-up of a hand holding half a deviled egg. The egg white is filled with a creamy, yellow mixture, garnished with small green herbs. The background is softly blurred. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the ultimate party favorite—Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs! Made with rich mayo, tangy mustard, briny capers, and topped with a smoky paprika finish, these bites are bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or any gathering where you want to impress!

Get The Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs

Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

Dive into the delightful charm of homemade goodness with this Savory Galette! Picture a flaky crust brimming with creamy spinach and tangy feta, creating a rustic masterpiece that’s not just a dish but a show-stopping centerpiece for your table. This simple recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!

Get The Recipe: Savory Galette with Spinach and Feta

Teriyaki Meatballs

A skillet filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions—perfect for fans of Asian recipes. Nearby, bowls of steamed broccoli, white rice, and extra sesame seeds sit on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Sink your teeth into these irresistible meatballs! Each bite bursts with juicy, savory flavor, perfectly balanced by a hint of sweetness and the deep umami notes of white miso, garlic, and ginger. Whether you bake them in a flash or let them slow-cook to tender perfection, they’re a guaranteed weeknight hero that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Get The Recipe: Teriyaki Meatballs

Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms topped with breadcrumbs and herbs are garnished with parsley and a slice of lemon on the side, making them an ideal party food. Perfect for New Year's festivities, this baked dish boasts a crispy golden-brown crust that pairs wonderfully with various dips. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover how to create irresistible stuffed mushrooms with simple tips and tricks. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these savory bites are sure to impress!

Get The Recipe: Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Puff Pastry Breakfast Squares

A flaky pastry square filled with a sunny-side-up egg, chopped herbs, and cheese; the yolk is broken and oozing onto the plate—perfect for a special Mother’s Day Brunch. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These golden, flaky Puff Pastry Breakfast Squares are super easy to whip up, look fancy, and are ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a savory brunch win!

Get The Recipe: Puff Pastry Breakfast Squares

Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Hot nachos fresh from the oven topped with guacamole and sour cream. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser: oven-baked nachos! Perfect for game days or satisfying those after-school cravings, these nachos are loaded with gooey cheese, crispy chips, and endless topping options. It’s a fun and easy recipe that the whole family will love digging into!

Get The Recipe: Oven Baked Nachos and Cheese

Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip

A piece of bread coming out of the dip with a string of cheese stretching from the dish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip is a creamy, cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s the ultimate appetizer for party fans, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Get The Recipe: Hot Eggplant Spinach Dip

Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of a hand holding a cheesy quesadilla with melted cheese, grilled vegetables, and a golden, crispy tortilla, oozing onto a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These super easy chicken and cheese quesadillas are packed with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and plenty of veggies! They’re just perfect for busy weeknights or as a snack that everyone will enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas

Homemade Sausage Rolls

A plate of golden-brown sausage rolls, perfect for Christmas gatherings, some with bites taken out. The flaky pastry is crisp and the filling visibly savory, arranged in a slightly overlapping pile on a white plate—a tempting delight straight from cherished family recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These sausage rolls are a delicious treat, featuring juicy pork sausage wrapped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry shell. Serve them up as a snack, appetizer, or even the main dish, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Sausage Rolls

Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

close up of Crostini with burrata cheese, tomato jam and basil — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in this delightful appetizer that’s a breeze to make! Picture perfectly toasted Italian bread topped with creamy burrata cheese and drizzled with a tangy, savory tomato jam—every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more!

Get The Recipe: Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

Garlic Butter Shrimp

A bowl of shrimp garnished with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon. The shrimp appear cooked, with a pinkish hue, and are mixed with herbs and seasonings. A slice of crusty bread is visible at the edge. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe is ready in just 10 minutes! It’s a super easy starter or a midweek dinner that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp

Feta and Caramelized Onion Tarts

These Red Onion & Feta Tarts are the ultimate bite-sized delight! Imagine the cozy comfort of cheese and crackers, elevated into a scrumptious and versatile tart. Perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party, a fun picnic treat, or just a delicious snack for yourself—indulge in these tasty morsels and savor every bite!

Get The Recipe: Feta and Caramelized Onion Tarts

Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

a close up image of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms on a plate with herbs in the background — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Why wait for a reservation? Whip up these delightful Easy Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and bring the restaurant experience right to your kitchen in just 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Brie Bites with Bacon

A plate of 4 baked brie bites with a white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who knew Brie and Bacon could be best friends? These Brie Bites are a revelation! Bite-sized puff pastry cups are filled with gooey Brie cheese, a burst of cranberry sweetness, and the salty magic of crispy bacon.

Get The Recipe: Brie Bites