Thanksgiving dinner might be the star, but great appetizers set the mood. These festive starters bring a mix of elegance, comfort, and big flavor — perfect for keeping guests happy while the turkey finishes roasting. From cheesy bites to seafood favorites and warm, seasonal treats, this spread has something for everyone.
Warm, melty brie topped with tart cranberries, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of honey. It’s festive, gooey, and the perfect starter for a holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
Savory, cheesy, bite-sized sausage balls baked until golden. A nostalgic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast from any holiday table. And they only take 4 ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Sausage Balls
Crispy on the outside, tender and crab-packed inside. These classic bites bring coastal charm and a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes
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A warm block of feta roasted until soft and creamy, served with tomatoes, olive oil, herbs, and crusty bread. Simple, Mediterranean, and incredibly addictive.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta
Pan con Jamón is our new favorite appetizer out of Spain! Good bread, good olive oil, and good dry cured ham. So simple, so delicious!
Get the Recipe: Pan con Jamón
A cozy, creamy bowl of tender oysters, aromatics, and buttery broth — a traditional holiday appetizer that adds warmth and sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Oyster Stew
A unique, tangy, savory appetizer with sausage, kraut, and cream cheese rolled into crisp, golden bites. Totally unexpected and shockingly delicious.
Get the Recipe: German Sauerkraut Balls
Sweet figs, salty prosciutto, melty cheese, and a drizzle of honey all baked on flatbread. Elegant, seasonal, and always a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread
Soft, gooey brie paired with toasted nuts and warm honey — simple, beautiful, and perfect for pairing with crackers or sliced apples.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey
Chilled shrimp tossed in tangy, Creole-style remoulade, served in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, flavorful starter with a little Southern flair. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Remoulade
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I’m Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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