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Home » Appetizers

29 Thanksgiving appetizers everyone wishes they had a second plate of

Published: Nov 9, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving appetizers set the tone for the whole feast, so they should be the kind of snacks people hover around and casually plot how to get seconds of without looking too obvious. These are the dishes that taste great, feel easy to pick up, and make everyone pause mid-conversation to say, “Wait, who made this?” Nothing fancy or complicated, just real crowd-pleasers that make the room go quiet for a moment in the best way.

Close-up image of Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer.
Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These stuffed baked potatoes use mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar for a dish that comes together in about half an hour. They bring a familiar and cozy flavor to the table, which makes them a natural fit as a Thanksgiving appetizer when you want something comforting but easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on a wooden board, crispy and golden, topped with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes use only a few ingredients and about 45 minutes from start to finish. Their crisp texture and straightforward prep make them a practical Thanksgiving appetizer when time and simplicity matter.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls cook crisp and golden in around 20 minutes, filled with seasoned vegetables that taste light but flavorful. They add a fun crunch as a Thanksgiving appetizer without requiring much cooking effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Baked Samosas

Top view image of healthy samosas on a black plate with additional samosas on a cooling rack.
Baked Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Indian samosa recipe uses pantry staples and can be baked or air-fried for crisp results. Its gentle spice and handheld size work well as a Thanksgiving appetizer when you want something easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas

Mushroom Tartlets

A close up image of a single mushroom tartlet on a serving plate.
Mushroom Tartlets. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom tartlets use flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and mushrooms to create something polished in just over half an hour. Their neat presentation helps them stand out as a Thanksgiving appetizer that looks thoughtful with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tartlets

Pesto Flatbread

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate.
Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This pesto flatbread with ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and pesto on a naan base is ready in about 20 minutes. It works nicely as a lighter Thanksgiving appetizer that comes together quickly while still feeling substantial enough to share.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms mix breadcrumbs, cheese, walnuts, and cranberries for a noticeable contrast of tastes and textures. They feel special without being difficult, making them a meaningful Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Veggie Pinwheels

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.
Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Veggie pinwheels use hummus and fresh vegetables in a simple roll-up that takes just minutes. They bring a fresh, colorful touch to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread with almost no prep stress.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan drumsticks have a crisp outside and tender inside that make them a standout among plant-based options. They add something hearty and fun to a Thanksgiving appetizer table where variety matters.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Brie cranberry bites use puff pastry, brie, and cranberry sauce to create a rich, soft texture. Their festive look makes them a memorable Thanksgiving appetizer that feels right for the season.
Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites Appetizer

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan.
Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick pizza sliders melt cheese and sauce into soft rolls that bake in minutes. Their shareable size makes them an easy Thanksgiving appetizer when feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blue cheese steak crostini layer steak, blue cheese, and balsamic on toasted bread for a small but bold bite. They bring a slightly more refined touch to a Thanksgiving appetizer assortment.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan buffalo cauliflower wings bake or air-fry to a crisp texture with a spicy coating. Their lively flavor adds energy to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread where something punchy can be appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Avocado Deviled Eggs

A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.
Avocado Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Avocado deviled eggs mix creamy avocado with classic seasoning for a fresh twist. Their smooth texture and simple prep make them fit naturally as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs

The Best Baked Feta

The Best Baked Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Baked feta with olives, herbs, and olive oil becomes a warm, savory dip in little time. Its Mediterranean-style character adds contrast to a Thanksgiving appetizer lineup that may lean heavier.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Feta

Vegan Cabbage Fritters

An overhead image of cooked cabbage fritters in a pan.
Vegan Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan fritters fry up crisp in minutes with cabbage and onions. They bring a simple, comforting flavor to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread without requiring long prep.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Fritters

Hummus and Falafel

A close up image of falafels on a bowl of hummus.
Hummus and Falafel. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy hummus served with falafels creates a protein-focused snack ready in under an hour. It helps balance richer dishes on the Thanksgiving appetizer table.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Falafel

Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring

Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The cranberry brie crescent ring shapes creamy cheese and tart cranberries into a festive wreath. Its presentation and familiar flavors make it a centerpiece-style Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cranberry Brie Crescent Ring

Sweet Potato Skins

A horizontal image of baked sweet potato skins.
Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Loaded sweet potato skins bake creamy and cheesy with just about an hour of prep. Their cozy flavor matches the season well as a Thanksgiving appetizer that feels both hearty and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

Easy Air Fryer Samosas

An image of air fryer samosas on a plate that's ready to be served.
Easy Air Fryer Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer golden samosas turn crisp with minimal effort while keeping their flavorful filling. They work smoothly as a handheld Thanksgiving appetizer that people can enjoy easily.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Samosas

Air Fryer Falafel

Air Fryer Falafel. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer falafel becomes crisp outside and tender inside with straightforward ingredients. These small bites fit neatly into a Thanksgiving appetizer spread that emphasizes shareable choices.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

An image of pimento cheese sandwiches.
Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pimento cheese sandwiches assemble in about five minutes using a creamy cheese spread between soft bread. They work well as a quick Thanksgiving appetizer when you want something simple but memorable in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Delicata Squash Flatbread

Delicata Squash Flatbread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delicata squash flatbread with pecans, dried cherries, ricotta, and sage layers fall flavors on a crisp base. Its seasonal taste makes it a thoughtful Thanksgiving appetizer with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Delicata Squash Flatbread

Honey Butter Biscuits

An overhead image of a stack of biscuits on a plate.
Honey Butter Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Honey butter biscuits bake soft with a light sweetness in about half an hour. Their quick timing and balanced flavor make them easy to include as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Biscuits

Spicy Hummus Stuffed Roasted Potato Bites

Spicy Hummus Stuffed Roasted Potato Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hummus stuffed potato cups bring seasoned hummus into small roasted potatoes for something slightly unexpected. They help add variety to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Stuffed Roasted Potato Bites

Cottage Fries

An overhead image of cottage fries arranged on a plate.
Cottage Fries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cottage fries crisp in about 30 minutes using just a few ingredients. Their simple crunch pairs smoothly with other Thanksgiving appetizer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Fries

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Pesto smashed potatoes combine a creamy center and crisp exterior using an easy cooking method. They bring both texture and flavor interest to a Thanksgiving appetizer spread with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Nachos

A close-up imag of loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, avocado chunks, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
Air Fryer Nachos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer nachos come together in under 10 minutes with melted cheese and toppings. They work as a quick Thanksgiving appetizer when you need something fast and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Nachos

Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Close-up of four flaky buttermilk cheddar cheese biscuits arranged on a white plate.
Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Flaky cheddar biscuits bake with a mild garlic aroma in about 45 minutes. Their comforting texture makes them right at home as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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