15 simple Thanksgiving appetizers (even grandma will be impressed!)

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Keep the pre-dinner chatter lively with these 15 Thanksgiving appetizers! Bursting with flavor and perfect for nibbling, they’re ideal for keeping guests happily occupied until the turkey is served. With a mix of savory options and lighter bites, these starters are sure to kick off a holiday meal to remember!

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

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 and golden flatbread topped with smooth goat cheese, this appetizer brings a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table with ease! The harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors makes it a standout snack as guests mingle. It’s an effortless way to keep everyone engaged while they wait for the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Flatbread

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 until perfectly crispy and tossed in a bold, zesty sauce, these Spicy Cauliflower Bites bring excitement to your appetizer lineup! The spicy kick and crunchy texture make them a hit for casual snacking. Quick to prepare, they add a lively twist to the gathering before dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Lentil Quesadillas

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

Made with hearty lentils and crisped to perfection, these Lentil Quesadillas are a flavorful and shareable appetizer! They’re a breeze to make and provide a satisfying alternative to traditional starters. Their savory filling and satisfying crunch are sure to keep guests chatting while waiting for the feast.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Quesadillas

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.

Flaky crescent rolls stuffed with tender chicken and gooey cheese make these appetizers a crowd favorite! These Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. Whether served as a quick snack or brought as a contribution, they’re a tasty way to start the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls

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.

Bright and refreshing, these Fruit Pinwheels are a sweet and colorful addition to the appetizer spread! Creamy filling and fresh berries rolled into bite-sized treats make them a visually appealing and easy-to-eat option. They’re light, quick to assemble, and sure to brighten up the table.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pinwheels

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 combination of roasted sweet potato and creamy avocado provides a nourishing appetizer that’s light yet satisfying. Sweet Potato Avocado Toast is easy to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy your company. It’s a flavorful option that guests will appreciate before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

Festive Cheese Balls

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

Bring a festive vibe to the table with these bite-sized cheese balls, blending rich cheese and tangy cranberries. Easy to prepare, they’re a seasonal treat that adds flair to the spread. They’ll be a favorite among guests, ensuring everyone stays content before dinner begins.
Get the Recipe: Festive Cheese Balls

Mushroom Hummus

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

Rich and creamy, this mushroom-infused hummus is a simple yet impressive appetizer that pairs beautifully with crackers or veggies. With minimal ingredients and effort, Mushroom Hummus offers a refined snack option that guests can enjoy while catching up.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus

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.

Bursting with fresh vegetables and a hint of lime, this Chipotle-style corn salsa brings bold flavors to the table. Its mix of sweetness and spice works beautifully as a dip or topping, offering a vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer to keep guests mingling.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

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.

These mini tartlets feature flaky pastry filled with smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. Perfectly portioned for easy snacking, they deliver rich flavor with minimal effort. A great way to keep guests happy while they await the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

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.

Loaded with savory ingredients, these stuffed mushrooms are a hearty and warming appetizer option. They’re quick to prepare and bring robust, earthy flavors to the table, making them a perfect choice for guests looking for a satisfying bite.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

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.

Flaky crescent rolls with a warm spiced pumpkin filling bring the essence of fall to your appetizer spread. These Mini Pumpkin Croissants are quick to assemble and offer a cozy, bite-sized snack that complements the season’s theme.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe

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.

This fresh and tangy pickle-based salsa is a playful twist on the classic. Paired with chips or used as a topping, Pickle de Gallo offers a unique flavor that keeps the appetizer table exciting and the conversations flowing.
Get the Recipe: Pickle de Gallo

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.

Crispy and golden on the outside with a creamy, cheesy interior, these Loaded Smashed Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent snack. Topped with bacon and cheese, they’re a hearty appetizer to keep guests content before the turkey arrives.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

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

Flaky puff pastry filled with melty cheese makes these pockets a simple yet irresistible appetizer. Quick to prepare, they offer a warm and satisfying bite that’s perfect for enjoying while spending time with guests.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cheese Pockets

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