When designing your Thanksgiving menu, the turkey and all its traditional side dishes, from cranberry sauce to mashed potatoes, may be on the forefront of your mind. After all, these recipes can require more meal-prep and planning. Thankfully, Thanksgiving appetizers can be easier to prepare ahead of time, making this step in your routine a lot less stressful than checking to see if the turkey is done.
Fall appetizers combine seasonal flavors and produce for a festive pre-dinner spread. From sweet potato apps to no-cook easy platters you can put together in a pinch, these Thanksgiving appetizers deliver on savory treats you won't be able to get enough of.
If you have guests attending your Thanksgiving dinner who follow a particular diet, there are also some appetizer ideas on this list that follow the keto diet or are on the lighter side of Thanksgiving dining. That's all to say, though, that Thanksgiving is a day of giving thanks and experiencing communion over food, so eat all of your favorite dishes and enjoy the seasonal delights you won't be able to find once fall turns into winter.
Prepare one or more of these Thanksgiving appetizers, depending on your party size. And perhaps keep a napkin note of any standout dishes that could work just as well for a Christmas appetizer down the line.
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1
Figs with Walnuts and Gorgonzola
This recipe is made with seasonal autumn ingredients, so it's guaranteed to be bursting with freshness and flavor come Thanksgiving Day.
Get the Figs with Walnuts and Gorgonzola recipe.
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2
Sausage and Sage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a seasonal treat you should definitely take advantage of this November. In under 30 minutes, you can have these stuffed squash-halves on the table. The fresh flat-leaf parsley and grated Parmesan will make the vegetarian dish look even more professional.
Get the Sausage and Sage-Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
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3
Sweet Parker House Rolls
You can prepare these one-bowl and pan rolls for Thanksgiving and even bookmark the recipe for upcoming December holidays if they are popular among our guests.
Get the Sweet Parker House Rolls recipe.
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4
Mushroom and Herb Stromboli
Filled with cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms, this savory stromboli is a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Mushroom and Herb Stromboli recipe.
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5
Lentil Hummus
Not only is this dip vegetarian, but it's also vegan so guests who follow these diets can enjoy their pre-dinner Thanksgiving options just as much.
Get the Lentil Hummus recipe.
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6
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter
Butternut squash and browned butter are always a dynamic duo that needs to make a presence at your Thanksgiving table in one way or another. And this appetizer idea only requires six ingredients.
Get the Hasselback Butternut Squash with Browned Butter recipe.
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7
Mexican-Style Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese and Lime Zest
Corn is a staple starch at Thanksgiving and this recipe adds tangy sour cream, fresh lime, and spice that your guests will love.
Get the Mexican-Style Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese and Lime Zest recipe.
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8
Pumpkin Patch Bites
Pumpkins and gourds are just as festive for Thanksgiving as they are for Halloween, so whip up these adorable pastries for kids and adults to nibble on.
Get the Pumpkin Patch Bites recipe.
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9
Squash Toasts
Make this squash mixture the day before, then assemble the toasts right before guests arrive to make meal prep a smidge easier.
Get the Squash Toasts recipe.
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10
Low-Carb Quiche Biscuits with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives
Thanksgiving dinner is notoriously a carb-heavy meal, so it may be a good idea to scatter some lighter options into your appetizer spread so guests can save room for what matters (a.k.a. seconds of pie).
Get the Low-Carb Quiche Biscuits with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives recipe.
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11
Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup
While autumnal soups can certainly be a part of your Thanksgiving dinner, you can also serve them in little flutes or bowls and pass around for a pre-turkey treat.
Get the Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup recipe.
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12
Pumpkin-Carrot Soup
And on the topic of soups, you'll fall in love with this recipe which calls for a sugar pumpkin and one pound of carrots to make a creamy orange soup that is so on theme.
Get the Pumpkin-Carrot Soup recipe.
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13
Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip
Keep your guests satisfied until dinner time with this delicious and flavorful cheese dip.
Get the Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip recipe.
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14
Honey-Glazed Carrots
With just six required ingredients, this veggie-focused appetizer is an easy recipe to make on Thanksgiving Day that can also turn into a side dish if there are any leftovers.
Get the Honey-Glazed Carrots recipe.
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15
Ricotta Dumplings
For a cheesy Italian appetizer that holds the meat, these dumplings are your one-stop recipe for a mouth-watering app to hold everyone over until the main course.
Get the Ricotta Dumplings recipe.
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16
Roasted Jerk Corn
This roasted corn recipe uses a medley of spices to pack a powerful burst of flavor.
Get the Roasted Jerk Corn recipe.
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17
Cheese and Pepper Cornbread
Cornbread is a Thanksgiving dinner essential, and this recipe offers a cheesy spin on a classic.
Get the Cheese and Pepper Cornbread recipe.
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18
Tangy Cranberry Meatballs
Turn store-bought meatballs into a delicious Thanksgiving appetizer by simply adding cranberry sauce.
Get the Tangy Cranberry Meatballs recipe.
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19
Curry Sweet Potato Cups
A spicy take on your classic sweet potatoes. The crunchy cups pair perfectly with the zesty sweet potato filling.
Get the Curry Sweet Potato Cups recipe.
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20
Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip
Guests can dip chips, crackers, or breadsticks into this melted hot onion appetizer.
Get the Hot Double-Onion Cheese Dip recipe.