17 Must-Try Thanksgiving Appetizers to Wow Your Guests This Year

The last thing you need during Thanksgiving is to have your guests, with their stomachs rumbling, waiting for the turkey to be ready without anything to snack on.

Here are 17 delightful appetizers to keep everyone satisfied while the turkey is cooking. You’ll find everything from traditional cheese balls and shrimp cocktails to creative twists on deviled eggs and crostini, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

1. Mushroom Crostini

“If goat cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to use cream cheese, whipped feta, or mascarpone instead.” —Jessica Gavin, Simply Recipes Contributor

2. Homemade Veggie Dip

“While full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise create the creamiest, most flavorful dip, you can opt for low-fat versions. Alternatively, consider replacing half or all of the sour cream with whole milk Greek yogurt for a twist.” —Laurel Randolph, Simply Recipes Senior Editor

3. Crash Hot Potatoes with Smoked Salmon

“Always serve these hot or at room temperature to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy potatoes with the cool cream cheese and salmon.” —Coco Morante, Simply Recipes Contributor

4. Prosciutto and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

“For an easy substitute, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning instead of fresh herbs.” —Jessica

5. Easy Spinach Dip

“Feel free to make this dip several days ahead. When stored in the fridge and covered, it will stay fresh for about 5 days.” —Sally Vargas, Simply Recipes Contributor

6. 3-Ingredient Sausage Puffs

“These are simple to make, but remember: the sausage must be at room temperature and the cheese needs to be cold. If not, they won’t mix properly and the cheese will just melt away in the oven.” —Laurel

7. Sour Cream and Bacon Deviled Eggs

“The full-fat sour cream adds a lovely creamy texture and a slight tang to the deviled eggs, but if you prefer, you can substitute some of the sour cream with mayo to suit your taste.” —Lisa Lin, Simply Recipes Contributor

8. Classic Cheese Ball

“You can make these ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a week. Just roll them in nuts or another coating, and wrap tightly in cling film.” —Nick Evans, Simply Recipes Contributor

9. Herb-Spiced Mixed Nuts

“Start with unsalted nuts from the baking aisle or bulk section—not the salted kinds from cocktail mixes. You’re crafting your own superior mix here.” —Carrie Havranek, Simply Recipes Contributor

10. Caramelized Onion Tart with Gorgonzola and Brie

“If tarragon is unavailable, you can use half a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds or fresh chopped fennel fronds as a topping after baking.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder

11. Cheese Straws

“Adjust the spices to your preference. This recipe is mild and focuses on the cheese, but you can increase the cayenne for more heat. I sometimes add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.” —Laurel

12. Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie

“For the best gooey texture, enjoy this brie within 20 to 30 minutes after it comes out of the oven. It will start to firm up as it cools.” —Jessica

13. 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Crostini

“Apricot preserves provide a perfect sweet and tart balance. If you can’t find them, fig preserves are a great alternative, offering a natural sweetness that pairs well with the robust goat cheese.” —Julie and Amy Luxemberg, Simply Recipes Contributors

14. Classic Stuffed Mushrooms

“You can prepare the stuffed mushrooms up to 24 hours in advance, just cover and refrigerate them, then bake just before you’re ready to serve.” —Elise

15. Whipped Feta with Figs, Pistachio, and Honey

“Since feta cheese varies in salt content, taste your whipped feta after blending with cream cheese before adding any extra seasoning. If it’s too salty, just mix in some more cream cheese.” —Karishma Pradhan, Simply Recipes Contributor

16. Shrimp Cocktail

“When using frozen shrimp, the safest method to thaw them is in a bowl of ice water inside the fridge. I recommend purchasing tail-on, shell-on, deveined shrimp, although you should use whatever is available at your local market.” —Jaden Hair, Simply Recipes Contributor

17. Angels on Horseback

“When you substitute oysters with stuffed prunes or dates, these become known as devils on horseback.” —Simply Recipes Editors