15 Thanksgiving starters to keep the conversations flowing until turkey time

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Keep the conversation flowing before the turkey hits the table – these 15 Thanksgiving starters are just what you need! Packed with flavor and perfect for snacking, they’ll keep your guests munching and chatting while they wait for the main event. From savory bites to light treats, these appetizers set the tone for a memorable holiday feast!

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Front view of 2 stuffed chicken Crescent rolls on a white plate garnished with parsley.
Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are the perfect way to keep the conversation flowing before the big meal! Wrapped in buttery dough and packed with savory chicken and melted cheese, they’re easy to prepare and fun to share. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these rolls make it easy to kick off your Thanksgiving feast with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

A plate with puff pastry cheese pockets on it.
Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

For a snack that’ll keep guests nibbling until turkey time, these Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets are a must! The flaky puff pastry combined with melted cheese is simple but packs a punch. They’re quick to whip up, so you’ll have more time for everything else. These pockets make it easy to enjoy your guests’ company while snacking on something warm and comforting!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

Festive Cheese Balls

A plate with pomegranate cheese balls and grapes on it.
Festive Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Add some holiday cheer to your Thanksgiving spread with these Festive Cheese Balls! They combine savory cheese with cranberries for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for munching between conversations. These cheese balls come together easily and offer a taste of the season in every bite. They’ll be the talk of your gathering, ensuring everyone stays satisfied until the big feast begins!
Get the Recipe: Festive Cheese Balls

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A plate of loaded smashed potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green chives.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Golden and crispy on the outside, these Loaded Smashed Potatoes deliver all the comfort your guests will need before the turkey hits the table! With bacon, cheese, and a creamy center, they’re hard to resist and will keep everyone snacking while they chat. Perfect for keeping everyone happy and full of energy as they wait for the main course!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Lentil Quesadillas

Halved lentil quesadillas on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs, next to a fork.
Lentil Quesadillas. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Filled with hearty lentils and crispy on the outside, these Lentil Quesadillas are a great way to keep the conversation flowing before the big feast! Packed with flavor, they’re quick to make and easy to share. Their crunch and savory filling provide a nice break from the usual appetizers. They’re ideal for making sure everyone stays satisfied without stealing the spotlight from the turkey!
Get the Recipe: Lentil Quesadillas

Goat Cheese Flatbread

A close-up of a goat cheese flatbreads topped with caramelized onions, arugula, and black blueberries, served on a white plate.
Goat Cheese Flatbread. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

A crisp, golden flatbread topped with creamy goat cheese, this Goat Cheese Flatbread adds sophistication to your Thanksgiving spread without any fuss! Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it irresistible as guests mingle. It’s the perfect snack to keep your guests engaged and excited as they wait for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Flatbread

Pickle de Gallo

A wooden bowl filled with pickle de gallo salsa, surrounded by whole grain crackers and wooden utensils, on a white cloth.
Pickle de Gallo. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Crisp, tangy pickles mixed with fresh veggies create a bold salsa that brings something new to your appetizer lineup! This Pickle de Gallo is a refreshing twist on traditional salsa that adds a playful touch to your Thanksgiving spread, making it easy to snack while you chat. Serve it with chips or as a topping, and you’ll keep the conversation going until the turkey is ready!
Get the Recipe: Pickle de Gallo

Spicy Cauliflower Bites

A plate of baked spicy cauliflower bites with red sauce next to it.
Spicy Cauliflower Bites. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Baked to crispy perfection and coated in a zesty sauce, these Spicy Cauliflower Bites bring heat and flavor to your Thanksgiving appetizers! The spice will get everyone talking, while the crispy texture makes them a fun finger food to enjoy while mingling. They’re a quick and easy dish that adds a bold twist to your spread, perfect for keeping the mood lively before the main event!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe

Mini pumpkin crescent rolls with dipping sauce on a plate.
Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Warm, flaky crescent rolls filled with spiced pumpkin bring all the cozy fall flavors to your appetizer spread! These Mini Pumpkin Croissants offer the perfect bite-sized snack to nibble on while the conversations heat up before dinner. They’re incredibly easy to make, giving you more time to focus on your guests. With each bite, the rich pumpkin filling will have everyone eagerly awaiting the turkey!
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe

Mushroom Hummus

Hummus with mushrooms and crackers on a white plate.
Mushroom Hummus. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

A creamy, earthy hummus with mushrooms makes for a simple yet impressive snack that keeps the chatter going before the big meal! With just a few ingredients, this Mushroom Hummus feels fancy without any stress. It’s easy to prepare and a great option for guests to dip into as they catch up!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

A plate of cheese and spinach tartlets on a white plate.
Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach is the kind of bite that disappears fast at any gathering! These Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets are perfectly sized for snacking, making them ideal for mingling before the feast begins. The rich flavors and easy prep make them a standout choice for keeping everyone satisfied!
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

Fruit Pinwheels

Sliced fruit and cream cheese pinwheel sandwiches arranged on a slate serving board with fresh strawberries.
Fruit Pinwheels. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

A colorful and refreshing treat, these Fruit Pinwheels are a light and sweet way to keep the conversation lively while waiting for dinner! Fresh berries rolled up with creamy filling make them the perfect snack to pass around. They’re quick to assemble, and the vibrant colors make them a crowd-pleaser on your appetizer table!
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pinwheels

Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

A bowl of corn salsa with diced green peppers and red onions, served in a wooden bowl on a white cloth.
Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

A vibrant corn salsa packed with bold flavors of fresh veggies and tangy lime makes for a snack that keeps the conversation flowing! This Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa brings a restaurant-quality bite to your Thanksgiving spread, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether served as a dip or topping, it’s simple to make but packed with flavor. It’s the kind of appetizer that encourages people to stay and mingle as they savor each bite!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

A white plate with vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms garnished with cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms filled with savory ingredients are a hearty appetizer that brings warmth and satisfaction without taking too much time to prepare! They’re perfect for guests who want something hearty as they await the main meal. Their deep, rich flavor will keep everyone talking, making them a perfect starters for your Thanksgiving gathering!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

Plate of sweet potato halves topped with guacamole, chopped tomatoes, and sesame seeds. Halved avocado and chopped tomatoes in the background.
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This Sweet Potato Avocado Toast offers a fresh, wholesome bite that keeps your guests snacking without weighing them down! The combination of creamy avocado and roasted sweet potato makes for a satisfying and energizing snack. It’s quick to prepare, so you can focus on spending time with your guests while they enjoy every bite. This simple yet flavorful option will have everyone returning for more as they chat before dinner!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

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