What’s the very first thing people look for when they arrive at a holiday gathering? For me, it’s always the spread of Thanksgiving appetizers waiting on the table.
This year I ended up pulling together one of my biggest collections yet, from classic favorites to playful little bites that feel festive without being complicated.
I kept coming across creamy dips, colorful boards, and small seasonal plates that instantly set the mood long before the turkey is carved.
Starters like these are never just snacks—they open the holiday in the best way.
1. Mango Jalapeno Goat Cheese Crostinis
What I enjoy most about these crostinis is how three bold flavors meet in one bite. The mango softens the jalapeño heat, while goat cheese grounds everything with a creamy finish.
2. Mini Cheese & Cracker Pumpkin Pies
I can never resist appetizers that play tricks on the eye. These look like tiny pumpkin pies, but the surprise of cheese and crackers makes them savory instead of sweet.
3. Whipped Feta Hot Honey Crostinis
For me, whipped feta reaches its best moment with a drizzle of hot honey. The salty sharpness turns silky once it meets the sweetness, and every slice feels indulgent without weighing me down.
4. Cranberry Brie Flatbread
I love how flatbread works as both casual and festive. The brie melts into the crust, tart cranberries brighten the flavor, and fresh herbs scattered on top give it a polished look.
5. Pumpkin Deviled Eggs
What makes me smile about these deviled eggs is the pumpkin-like detail. The piped filling forms little ridges, and a chive stem on top completes the look.
6. Apple Baked Brie
There’s something about warm brie with apples that feels like the essence of fall. I like the way the soft cheese contrasts with crisp slices, and the sweetness rounds out all the savory notes on the table.
7. Baked Cranberry Brie Bites
I always think of these little bites as holiday jewels. The pastry is golden and flaky, the brie melts just enough, and the cranberry adds a bright pop that makes each one feel special.
8. Apricot Cheese and Pecan Bites
When I see fresh apricot paired with cheese and nuts, it reminds me how simple ingredients can feel refined. The sweetness at the base, the creamy middle, and the crunch on top all come together in a way that feels balanced and satisfying.
9. Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of those appetizers I return to again and again. I love how the earthy flavor deepens in the oven, and once stuffed with cheese, each one turns into a rich, savory bite that never lasts long on the platter.
10. Holiday Crostinis
On these crostinis, the flavors stack like layers of the season. Creamy cheese anchors the bite, a slice of apple adds brightness, prosciutto folds in a salty edge, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds finishes it with a burst of color.
11. Thanksgiving Cornucopia
I always picture the cornucopia as a symbol of abundance, so turning it into something edible feels fitting. I like how the shell can be filled with crackers, cheese, or fruit, and it instantly becomes a centerpiece that doubles as an appetizer.
12. Pumpkin Butter Brie Dip
There’s a comfort in dipping into something warm and creamy. The brie melts down beautifully, and the pumpkin butter swirls through with just enough sweetness to remind me it’s Thanksgiving.
13. Chicken Canape Crostinis
Small, crisp crostinis topped with tender chicken always strike me as an easy way to elevate the table. I enjoy the balance of crunchy bread beneath a savory topping.
14. Masala Stuffed Peppers
What excites me here is the burst of spice. The peppers bring color, the masala adds warmth, and the filling turns them into more than just a pretty plate—they’re bold little bites that keep things interesting.
15. Pumpkin Cheese Ball
I think of this appetizer as playful and nostalgic. Shaped like a pumpkin, it’s creamy and rich inside, but the look makes people pause before digging in.
16. Maple Apple Gouda Crostinis
I find the combination of maple, apple, and gouda comforting in the best way. The maple brings warmth, the apple adds freshness, and the gouda ties it all together with a mellow richness. Every slice feels like a small taste of autumn.
17. Mini Brie Honey Puff Pastry Turnovers
There’s a charm to these little turnovers that I can’t ignore. The pastry is light and flaky, the brie melts softly inside, and a touch of honey makes them just sweet enough.
18. Whipped Goat Cheese Crostinis
I enjoy how versatile whipped goat cheese can be. Spread across crisp bread, it creates a smooth base for almost anything—herbs, fruit, or nuts. The texture is airy, but the flavor stays sharp and memorable.
19. Baked Brie with Figs and Rosemary
What draws me in here is the contrast. The sweetness of figs plays against the earthiness of rosemary, and the brie becomes a canvas for both. It feels rustic yet elegant, the kind of appetizer that lingers in memory.
20. Eggplant Rice Krispies
I like how unexpected this one feels. Thin slices of eggplant crisp up into something light and crunchy, almost like a savory snack disguised as candy.
21. Mini Brie and Prosciutto Bites
I always think of these as a perfect mix of fancy and approachable. The brie feels creamy and soft, while the prosciutto adds a salty bite. Put together, they’re elegant little morsels that never last long on a tray.
Get the recipe here
22. Whipped Feta Cranberry Walnut Dip
What stands out to me here is the texture. The whipped feta is smooth, the cranberries bring tartness, and the walnuts give it a crunch that makes every scoop different from the last.
23. Cheesy Apple Crostinis
The fruit stays crisp and bright, the cheese melts into it with just enough richness, and the bread below holds everything in place. It’s a simple pairing that feels seasonal without effort.
24. Spicy Marinated Feta and Goat Cheese Stuffed Olives
If you’re someone who likes appetizers with a punch, these olives deliver it right away. The marinade brings steady heat, the cheese filling softens the edges, and the olive itself adds that sharp briny kick.
25. Apple Flatbread
Flatbread with apples always feels like autumn on a plate. The fruit softens just enough in the oven, and the base stays crisp, making every square both sweet and savory.
26. Pumpkin Stuffed Baked Brie
Inside a hollowed pumpkin, the brie turns into something rich and molten. I like how the shell itself feels like part of the presentation, with the cheese pulling in herbs, nuts, or dried fruit depending on what’s tucked inside.
27. Puff Pastry Cranberry Brie Bites
Flaky pastry, melty brie, and tart cranberry meet in one neat little package. Each bite feels crisp at first, then soft in the center, with a sweet-tart finish that makes it impossible to eat just one.
28. Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
The boldness of this dip always surprises me. Blended cranberries bring a sharp brightness, while jalapeño cuts through with heat, and the creamy base softens it all into something addictive.
29. Cheddar, Salami, Cornichon Bites
I like the balance here: sharp cheddar, savory salami, and a tiny pickle all stacked together. It’s briny, rich, and a little tangy—like a whole charcuterie board shrunk down into a single bite.
30. Brie Garlic Bread
Warm bread scented with garlic feels indulgent enough, but the brie adds an extra layer that melts into every slice. The combination leans cozy and familiar, yet still manages to stand out on a holiday table.
31. Loaded Baked Potato Slices
Whenever these show up, I’m reminded how good potatoes can be when they’re dressed up. Melted cheese, crisp bacon, and a touch of sour cream turn thin slices into little bites that feel just as satisfying as the full version.
32. Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie
What I love about this one is the illusion. Wrapped in dough and tied with string, the brie bakes into a golden pumpkin shape that looks almost too pretty to cut into. Once sliced, it’s creamy inside and playful on the outside.
33. Pickle Dip Cups
These are the kind of appetizers that make me laugh a little. Tangy dip tucked into small cups gives the crunch of pickles without being overwhelming, and it’s fun to eat something so unexpected in the middle of a holiday spread.
34. Camembert Apple Honey Bites
You can tell right away this recipe isn’t trying too hard, yet it feels special. The camembert gives depth, the apple brings a crisp lift, and the drizzle of honey adds just enough sweetness to make it memorable.
35. Spinach Artichoke Dip
There’s no holiday without this dip on the table. It’s creamy, garlicky, and rich, with just enough vegetables folded in to keep it from being too heavy. Scooping it with bread or crackers always feels like the start of the meal.
36. French Onion Soup Bites
The first thing I notice is the aroma—caramelized onions layered with gooey cheese on a crisp base. It’s everything I love about French onion soup, but in a version I can pick up with my fingers.
37. Brie Blueberry Puff Pastry Bites
I’m always surprised at how well blueberries pair with brie. Wrapped in puff pastry, the fruit bursts with sweetness while the cheese melts into something creamy and mild.
38. Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dip
This dip leans lighter than most on the table, which is exactly why I enjoy it. The garlic adds depth, the yogurt keeps it tangy, and together they create a fresh counterpoint to all the heavier holiday starters.
39. Air Fryer Ricotta Stuffed Prosciutto
If you’ve ever wanted an appetizer that feels indulgent without the fuss, this one delivers. The prosciutto turns almost paper-thin and crisp in the air fryer, while the ricotta inside stays lush and creamy.
40. Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
There’s something irresistible about pulling pieces of bread apart with melted brie and cranberries stretching between them. I always think of it as the centerpiece everyone gathers around, hands reaching in before the main meal even begins.
41. Pigs in a Blanket
I can never picture a party spread without these. The flaky dough wrapped around little sausages feels nostalgic, and they’re always the first thing to vanish no matter how many I set out.
42. Brie Apple Crinkle Tart
What draws me to this tart is the texture. The crinkled pastry bakes into delicate layers, the brie melts just enough, and thin apple slices bring sweetness that feels refined but approachable.
43. Roasted Stuffed Dates
I love how something so small can taste so indulgent. The dates turn caramel-like in the oven, and the filling adds richness that balances the natural sweetness. One or two are enough to make me stop and savor.
44. Balsamic Bruschetta with Roasted Peppers
For me, bruschetta never gets old. The roasted peppers soak up the balsamic, and together they create a juicy topping that feels both rustic and bright. Every bite has the kind of freshness I crave in the middle of heavier dishes.
45. Jalapeno Popper Dip
This dip always feels like comfort food turned festive. The creaminess anchors it, the jalapeño keeps things lively, and the crunchy topping adds the perfect finish.
46. Sweet Potato Casserole Bites
What excites me here is how a classic side dish turns into finger food. The sweet potato is smooth and rich, the topping gives a little crunch, and suddenly a casserole feels right at home on an appetizer tray.
47. Kabocha Squash Brie Bake
I find kabocha squash to be naturally sweet, and pairing it with brie makes the flavor even deeper. The cheese melts into the soft squash, creating a dish that feels earthy, cozy, and perfectly seasonal.
48. Pumpkin Hummus Board
You taste the familiar creaminess of hummus, but the pumpkin adds a velvety sweetness that makes it feel seasonal. Surrounded by crisp vegetables and crackers, the board looks abundant and turns into a centerpiece that feels as festive as it is inviting.
49. Fried Brie with Pistachios and Honey
The first bite of this always catches me off guard. The crust is hot and crisp, the cheese inside flows out, and the pistachios with honey give just the right balance of crunch and sweetness.
50. Layered Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
When you dig into this dip, the first thing that hits you is the contrast. The creamy base feels cool and smooth, the cranberries add a tart burst, and the jalapeño sneaks in with just enough heat.
51. Goat Cheese Endives with Dates
I like the elegance of this appetizer. The crisp endive leaves act as little boats, the goat cheese adds tang, and the sweetness of dates ties it all together in a way that feels both light and refined.
52. Cranberry Sliders
Sliders always feel playful, but with cranberries tucked in, they take on a holiday twist. I enjoy the mix of savory and tart in every bite, and they’re hearty enough to keep guests satisfied until dinner.
53. Miso Braised Leeks
What intrigues me here is the subtlety. The miso brings a savory depth, the leeks turn soft and delicate, and together they create an appetizer that feels unexpected but so rewarding.
54. Cranberry Pomegranate Salsa
There’s an energy to this salsa that I don’t get from anything else on the table. The cranberries bring tart brightness, the pomegranate bursts with sweetness, and together they refresh my palate right when I need it most.
55. Crispy Baked Boursin
The first bite of baked boursin always surprises me. The outside turns golden and crisp, while the inside stays creamy and full of herbs. It’s simple, but it feels luxurious in the middle of a holiday spread.
So those are the appetizer ideas I pulled together for this Thanksgiving. I’m planning to serve a cranberry baked brie at my table since it feels seasonal and always disappears quickly.
Which one are you most excited to try?
