Our 30 Best Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Thanksgiving appetizers get your holiday meal off to a delicious start. We dug deep into our treasure trove of appetizer recipes and found that these top-rated snacks and apps are the best of the best, including seasonal sensations like stuffed mushrooms and cranberry meatballs, plus Thanksgiving-friendly dips, cheesy puffs, and assorted bite-size delights.

These golden puffed pastries are filled with a simple feta cheese mixture. "I made these for Thanksgiving, and my family requested more for Christmas dinner," says SHARARW. "Very, very easy. Plus, I assembled them the day before and baked them when everyone arrived. Tasty, elegant, and EASY!"

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Beef-Stuffed Mushrooms

Melissa Goff

A savory ground beef and bread crumb mixture is seasoned with garlic and chili powder and baked inside buttered button mushroom caps. "An 18th-century recipe that I have altered slightly," says Jennifer. "Better make a double batch because these go fast. Sausage can be substituted for ground beef if you'd like."

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Savory Pumpkin Hummus

NancyLou

Pumpkin purée puts a colorful and delicious twist on traditional hummus. Serve with cut veggies and pita bread! "I think I like my results. I stirred in a small handful of tamari-flavored pumpkin seeds just before serving and sprinkled a bit of paprika on top to make it look nice," says Georgia J Llewellyn.

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Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs

Deb C

Sweet and tangy cocktail meatballs are baked in a fruity, colorful cranberry sauce glaze in this recipe that originated on Cape Cod (cranberry country). "These cocktail meatballs are perfect for any party where you want to impress," says Robin Myshrall Ulery. "They are the first appetizer to go, and everyone wants the recipe.

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Baked Crab and Artichoke Dip

stacy

Here's a creamy crab and artichoke dip that's baked in a bread bowl. Cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise mix it up with Cheddar, herbs, and seasonings. The best part of baking this dip in a bread bowl? You can eat the bowl! The second best part? There's no serving dish to clean! Serve it hot with crackers.

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Balsamic Roasted Grapes

Yoly

"A surprisingly delicious treat," recipe creator Olivia says of this perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. "Easy to make and a hit with everyone who has tried them! Pairs well with wine and cheese."

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Cranberry Salsa

Carol

This sweet and tangy cranberry salsa gets a little fire from a jalapeño pepper. "I spread cream cheese on a platter and spread the salsa over the top of the cream cheese with whole cranberries for garnish," says CarolynWG. It's a "great balance of flavors and pretty too. This will be a regular for future holidays."

• 20 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers to Munch on Before the Main Event

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Cranberry Brie Bites

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"Tangy cranberry, creamy Brie, and crunchy walnuts come together in a buttery shell for an appetizer that will wow your guests," says Julie Hubert. "Bonus: These can be made up to three days ahead; wrap them in plastic wrap before the baking step and store in the refrigerator. Serve warm or at room temperature."

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Olive Cheese Ball

KGora

Cheddar cheese, green olives, onion, and a twist of lemon make this easy appetizer an all-time favorite. "This cheese ball is one our family has had and used for 20 years," says Cindy Carnes. "We love it. It's simple, and most of the ingredients are kept on hand. Roll it in nuts or parsley if desired. Serve with an assortment of crackers."

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Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts