When you’re planning the menu for your Thanksgiving or holiday party, appetizers can often fall by the wayside. Somewhere between the main course and dessert, you forgot about the little bites that really get the party started! Have no fear — here are 20 easy Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your guests while you finish cooking up the main meal. Just remind everyone to save room for turkey and pie!
Host the Toast
Easy Cranberry Chipotle Cocktail Meatballs
A seasonal take on the Pinterest-famous jelly meatballs, these have just the right amount of spice for those who can’t stomach too much heat, while still staying tart and sweet. (via Host the Toast)
The Kitchn
Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Customize some leftovermashed potatoes with your favorite flavors: curry, Italian seasonings, or even spinach and goat cheese! These bite-sized appetizers are warm and creamy inside and crispy on the outside. It doesn’t get any better than that! (via The Kitchn)
Crowded Kitchen
Vegan Jalapeño Poppers
Crunchy, spicy, and creamy all at the same time, these vegan jalapeño poppers are easy to prep with minimal ingredients. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Well Plated
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Presenting the ultimate make-ahead Thanksgiving appetizer recipe: these bites can be assembled and frozen — either baked or unbaked — weeks before a party. Oh, and they’re delicious. (via Well Plated)
Averie Cooks
Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
For the brine lovers out there, this pickle-flavored cheese ball delivers all the best flavors. Serve with crackers for a total Thanksgiving snack win. (via Averie Cooks)
Whitney Bond
Roasted Cranberry Pancetta Sweet Potato Skins
The best appetizers are definitely sweet and salty. Reduce some food waste from your Thanksgiving dinner with this recipe by using the skins from your mashed sweet potatoes, and extra cranberries from your cranberry sauce! (via Whitney Bond)
Real House Moms
Onion, Cranberry + Pecan Cheese Ball
Skip the fancy appetizers — people always go for the simple and delicious ones. You can never go wrong with a cheeseball. The pecans and cranberries make this one a new holiday classic. (via Real House Moms)
Completely Delicious
Spicy Maple Baked Chicken Wings
Maple is a staple flavor when it comes to fall foods – combine it with some spice, and you’ve got something truly magical on your hands, and ultimately, in your belly. (via Completely Delicious)
Fit Foodie Finds
Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Paleo, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free… this recipe is perfect for almost any dietary restrictions your guests may have (minus vegetarian or vegan). And bacon-wrapped anything is delicious, right?! (via Fit Foodie Finds)
Kitchen Konfidence
Rosemary Spiced Mixed Nuts
Nuts are always great to have on hand for an easy appetizer! Prepare them up to four days before your party and store at room temperature in an airtight container to keep every bite fresh. (via Kitchen Konfidence)
Lemon Tree Dwelling
Pumpkin Pecan Baked Brie
Wrap pumpkin butter, pecans, and brie in some puff pastry and bake it for out-of-this-world perfection. Serve this dish with crostini, crackers, or even apple and persimmon slices! (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)
Let’s Get Together
Cranberry Salsa
Even if you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, you’ll be a fan of cranberry salsa. Make a little extra for leftover turkey burritos. (via Let’s Get Together)
Sugar Apron
Salami + Cream Cheese Roll Ups
An upgrade on plain old cheese, crackers, and salami, no one can say ‘no’ to this salty, savory snack. (via Sugar Apron)
A Pumpkin and A Princess
Stuffed Mushrooms
Make a touch too much stuffing? Fill up some mushroom caps with the stuffing leftovers, sprinkle on a little cheese, and pop them in the oven for a quick savory bite that still has all the fall flavors you love. (via A Pumpkin and A Princess)
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This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.