Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving dinner may be the main event, but in my house people are usually ready to eat long before the turkey hits the table. Between family arriving, drinks being poured, and everyone hanging around the kitchen, I like having a few easy Thanksgiving appetizers ready to keep people happy while I finish up dinner.

Thanksgiving appetizer collage with cranberry cream cheese dip, Ritz cracker sandwiches, bacon cheeseball bites, warm cheese dip, and spiced nuts.

The trick with Thanksgiving appetizers is not going overboard (harder than it seems!). There is already a huge meal coming, so I usually stick with dips, small bites, cheese, pinwheels, and snacks that are easy to grab without filling everyone up.

I also like having a mix of recipes I can make ahead, serve cold, or keep warm in a slow cooker. Anything that keeps me from fighting for oven space on Thanksgiving Day is a win. If you are putting together your holiday menu, here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving appetizers to serve before dinner is ready.

Cranberry and Brie Thanksgiving Appetizers

Cranberry and brie are two flavors that fit right into a Thanksgiving appetizer table. Cranberry dips can usually be made ahead and chilled, while baked brie is an easy way to put something warm and cheesy on the table without a lot of prep.

Warm Thanksgiving Dips

A warm dip is always one of the first things to disappear when everyone starts gathering around the kitchen. Serve these with crackers, toasted bread, pretzels, or fresh vegetables and let everyone snack while Thanksgiving dinner finishes cooking.

Thanksgiving Finger Foods and Savory Bites

Finger foods work especially well for Thanksgiving because no one needs another plate while you are trying to get dinner on the table. Small savory bites can be set out on a platter and guests can grab one or two as they mingle.

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Appetizers

Anything I can make before Thanksgiving Day gets bonus points. Cold pinwheels, cheese balls, and simple cream cheese appetizers can be prepped ahead and pulled from the refrigerator when guests start arriving.

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Appetizers

Oven space is valuable on Thanksgiving, so slow cooker appetizers are especially useful. These recipes can stay warm while you concentrate on the turkey, casseroles, and all those side dishes that actually need the oven.

Easy Thanksgiving Snacks for Grazing

Not every Thanksgiving appetizer needs to be a full recipe that requires a plate and fork. I also like putting out a few snack-style appetizers that people can grab by the handful or add to a small appetizer plate.

Nuts are especially easy because they can be made ahead, and seasonal dips or boards are simple additions when you want something a little sweeter mixed in with all the savory food.

Planning the Rest of Thanksgiving Dinner

I try to keep the appetizer table simple because there is plenty more food coming. A couple of dips, one or two warm appetizers, and something easy to snack on is usually more than enough to keep everyone from digging into Thanksgiving dinner before it is actually time to eat.

For even more easy party ideas, take a look at my roundup of cold appetizer recipes, with make-ahead dips, finger foods, and simple bites that are easy to serve.