Your Thanksgiving meal already takes a lot of effort to put together, so let us help you cut some corners. If you want to serve up an assortment of appetizers to keep your holiday guests munching while you finish all the main courses, we have almost 50 simple recipes to give you a head start. There's everything from an assortment of dips to food you can throw in your slow cooker the day before and forget about. Keep reading for all the possibilities that'll keep your guests on their toes this year!
For a savory start to your holiday meal, try these bite-size treats.
Get the recipe: prosciutto-wrapped feta-stuffed dates
Take a classic caprese combination and put it on a skewer for a handheld appetizer.
Get the recipe: caprese skewers
Kick your appetizer up a notch with this spicy dip that goes perfect with bread or crackers.
Get the recipe: spicy pimento cheese
It's so easy to lay out a beautiful cheese plate to keep your houseguests content while you finish the main courses.
Get the recipe: cheese plate
A simple vegetable platter is made even better with this tasty herb dip.
Get the recipe: creamy herb dip
This appetizer has a sweet tang to it, thanks to the flavor combination.
Get the recipe: feta with honey and pine nuts
Your guests won't be able to eat just one of these delicious cheesy straws.
Get the recipe: Gruyère cheese straws
This delicious appetizer comes together in practically no time — and with so few ingredients.
Get the recipe: roasted fig and goat cheese
You can't go wrong with a cheeseball! This classic cheeseball recipe will be loved by everyone.
Get the recipe: cheeseball
Start your meal with Fall flavors right off the bat with this cranberry dish.
Get the recipe: cranberry crostini
You could serve your deviled eggs with your meal, but if your guests are hungry before the rest of the meal is ready, these make a great appetizer.
Get the recipe: deviled eggs
These tiny appetizer bites pack a huge flavor punch.
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper and bacon goat cheese truffles
Who says toast is only for breakfast? It also makes a killer appetizer.
Get the recipe: roasted grape crostini with brie and fresh thyme
Turn your favorite Fall ingredient into an appetizer with this dip.
Get the recipe: pumpkin dip
Put a new spin on hummus by making it with pumpkin seeds.
Get the recipe: roasted pumpkin seed hummus
These crunchy little snacks will keep your guests happy before the big show.
Get the recipe: sweet potato souffle cups
Set these crackers around your house for people to munch on.
Get the recipe: sweet and spicy rosemary cheddar and Gorgonzola pumpkin crackers
These bite-size appetizers are so full of cheesy goodness.
Get the recipe: Gruyère gougères
Pecans get an upgrade with the addition of hearty rosemary.
Get the recipe: rosemary pecans
These stuffed peppers couldn't possibly be easier to put together.
Get the recipe: peppadew peppers stuffed with whipped feta cheese
This savory dip goes great with pita.
Get the recipe: artichoke and sun-dried tomato dip
Try this recipe for a different kind of bacon cheeseball.
Get the recipe: cheddar bacon cheeseball
Anything wrapped in bacon is a great start to a meal.
Get the recipe: bacon-wrapped asparagus with cream cheese
Stick with the ultimate classic caprese bruschetta to kick off your Thanksgiving this year.
Get the recipe: caprese bruschetta
These little treats look a lot more elaborate than they really are.
Get the recipe: pumpkin and brie crostini with candied nuts
Try making your cheeseball with sun-dried tomatoes for a heartier flavor.
Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato cheeseball
All it takes is stacking a few ingredients on top of one another to make this appetizer.
Get the recipe: smoked salmon, avocado, and cucumber bites
These meatballs have a fun ingredient you wouldn't expect: grape jelly!
Get the recipe: slow cooker grape jelly meatballs
If you can find green tomatoes, fry them up for an appetizer.
Get the recipe: fried green tomatoes with buttermilk feta dressing
Do something different with your typical spinach-and-artichoke combination by making them into wontons.
Get the recipe: spinach artichoke wontons
There's a little bit of everything in each of these tasty bites.
Get the recipe: crispy smashed potatoes with green goddess goat cheese
You'll get a hearty serving of vegetables with this appetizer.
Get the recipe: grilled zucchini roll-ups with feta
These little appetizers will look so classy on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the recipe: brie, fig, and prosciutto crostini
Throw all your ingredients on a stick to make it easier for your guests to grab and go.
Get the recipe: prosciutto potato skewers with cherry goat cheese
You'll need some hefty pieces of broccoli for this recipe.
Get the recipe: margherita-style charred broccoli slabs
The Gouda in this appetizer will get you super excited to dig into your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the recipe: loaded smoked Gouda garlic bread
There are seven layers of delicious to this appetizer.
Get the recipe: 7-layer dip
If you've got good enough weather to grill outside, you can whip up these shrimp.
Get the recipe: grilled shrimp
Make your deviled eggs spicy with a touch of sriracha.
Get the recipe: sriracha deviled eggs
These pastries look like a lot of work, but they're super simple.
Get the recipe: asparagus and brie puff pastry with thyme honey
Dip crackers or bread into this red pepper concoction.
Get the recipe: roasted red pepper dip
Make a different kind of chip by baking these zucchini slices.
Get the recipe: baked zucchini chips
These bite-size appetizers have a whole lot of zing from the pesto.
Get the recipe: pesto Parmesan spinach balls
The real star of this appetizer is the tahini ranch.
Get the recipe: spicy cauliflower cheese bites with tahini ranch
Start your meal on a refreshing note with this salad.
Get the recipe: baby kale and roasted sweet potato salad with pomegranate and toasted pine nuts
This dip is ooey and gooey and might keep your guests too preoccupied to show up for turkey!
Get the recipe: cheesy Tuscan sausage dip