Festive Bites 20 Appetizers to Start Your Thanksgiving Feast

Start your Thanksgiving feast on a high note with these 20 mouthwatering appetizers that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re craving something cheesy like Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie, something bold like Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, or something elegant like Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion, this collection has you covered. With a mix of classic crowd-pleasers and creative bites, these appetizers will set the perfect tone for your holiday gathering and leave everyone eagerly awaiting the main course.

Stuffed Dates

Medjool dates: nature’s candy with a gourmet twist! Stuffed with creamy dairy-free cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet or savory surprises, they’re the friendly appetizer that shows good things come in small, tasty packages!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Dates

Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce

Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce: The perfect game day snack and a fun family dinner option too!

Get The Recipe: Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce

Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders

Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders: Gooey cheese inside, perfectly golden and toasty outside, topped with a mouthwatering garlic sesame butter. Yum!

Get The Recipe: Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders

Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

Put on your chef’s hat and whip up some delightful tarts with puff pastry! Load them up with creamy French cheese, savory bacon, sweet fruits, and a sprinkle of red onions. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s bound to make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Get The Recipe: Cranberry Brie Tarts with Bacon & Red Onion

Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Log

This recipe is only the tip of the iceberg! Get creative and throw in some funky herbs, zesty spices, or even a medley of shredded veggies to whip up a cream cheese log that screams “you!” It’s the ultimate appetizer that’s as versatile as your mood—easy to make and even easier to love!

Get The Recipe: Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Log

Tzatziki

Dive into the zesty world of homemade Tzatziki—a creamy Greek yogurt delight that’s as cool as a cucumber! Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or transforming your meals into flavor fiestas, this dip is like the life of the party for your taste buds! Get ready to elevate your dishes with a refreshing twist!

Get The Recipe: Tzatziki

Brie Bites with Bacon

A close-up of a silver tray filled with puff pastry tarts. The tarts are topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a red fruit preserve. The pastries are golden brown and slightly flaky, highlighting their freshly baked texture. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who knew Brie and Bacon could be best friends? These Brie Bites are a revelation! Bite-sized puff pastry cups are filled with gooey Brie cheese, a burst of cranberry sweetness, and the salty magic of crispy bacon.

Get The Recipe: Brie Bites

Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Craving a tasty and flexible appetizer? Stuffed Cherry Peppers are here to save the day! This recipe lets you unleash your inner cheese artist with all sorts of creamy fillings. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a laid-back hangout or a fancy shindig—these little flavor bombs are sure to impress!

Get The Recipe: Stuffed Cherry Peppers

Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

close up of Crostini with burrata cheese, tomato jam and basil — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in this delightful appetizer that’s a breeze to make! Picture perfectly toasted Italian bread topped with creamy burrata cheese and drizzled with a tangy, savory tomato jam—every bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more!

Get The Recipe: Burrata Crostini With Tomato Jam

Vegan Pizza Dip

Get ready to dive into a world of flavor with this delicious vegan pepperoni pizza dip! It’s the perfect easy party starter or cozy movie night treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pizza Dip

Fried Taco Pizza Pockets

Spice up your party appetizers and after-school snacks with Mini Fried Taco Pizza Pockets! These bite-sized goodies are packed with yummy taco flavors, making them a fun and easy treat for any get-together. Whether you’re throwing a party or just want a quick, tasty snack, these mini pockets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Fried Taco Pizza Pockets

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, but it gets even better with a perfectly seasoned Italian-spiced tomato-basil topping. This appetizer is super easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite!
Get the Recipe: Bruschetta

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Start with cheesy mac and cheese, roll it into balls, bread it, and fry to perfection. The result? Crispy mac and cheese balls! They’re perfect as appetizers and make a fantastic kid-friendly treat for parties.
Get the Recipe: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

You can’t beat these simple and easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers for a snack! Stuffed jalapeño peppers are perfectly cooked in an air fryer, making a delicious appetizer you can enjoy any time of the year!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Cheese Ball Recipe

This is the best cheese ball recipe for holiday parties! No Christmas or NYE gathering is complete without this delightful classic appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball Recipe

Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

These Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs are a tasty addition to your appetizer lineup! They’re super easy to make and totally irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs

Best EVER Chicken Wings

Chicken wings on a wood block with dipping sauce in the background — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Turn your chicken wings from “blah” to “wow” with this no-fuss marinade! It strikes the perfect harmony of savory and sweet, giving you a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?” Get ready for some serious wing envy!

Get The Recipe: Best EVER Chicken Wings

Best EVER Potato Wedges

a metal basket filled with crispy, golden Potato Wedges — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Turn those boring potatoes into crispy, golden wedges that will have your taste buds dancing! This simple recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters in your family will be shouting, “More, please!”

Get The Recipe: Best EVER Potato Wedges

Crispy Baked Onion Rings

A basket of onion rings with a salt shaker in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Crispy Baked Onion Rings recipe serves up a guilt-free side that’s just as crunchy and delicious as its fried cousins—because who said you can’t have your rings and eat them too?

Get The Recipe: Crispy Baked Onion Rings

Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie

A baked brie en croûte with cranberry filling, partially sliced open, sits on a gold plate as the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer. Surrounding it are crackers, a knife, and a jar of cranberry sauce. A glass of rosé and scattered herbs complete the rustic setting. — Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest

Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie: absolutely delicious and perfect for holiday entertaining! It’s festive, simple to make, and always a crowd favorite!

Get The Recipe: Pastry Wrapped Cranberry Baked Brie