Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas

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If you’re looking for easy last minute Thanksgiving appetizers, I’ve got you covered! I prefer to have a later Thanksgiving dinner, which leaves my guests HUNGRY for the hours leading up to the big feast. That’s why I always have several appetizers available to satisfy their cravings. From delicious dips to easy finger foods, here are some of my favorite last minute appetizers to to compliment your Thanksgiving menu main event.

30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas

Some of my go-tos include Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, and Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs. They always disappear first. You’ll also find classic party favorites like Buffalo Chicken Dip and Stromboli that never fail to impress. Pick a few, mix them up, and you’ll have plenty to snack on while the turkey finishes in the oven. Some of these are even great last minute Thanksgiving appetizers for when you didn’t really think that far ahead. 🙂

1

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip

This pumpkin dip is one of the best Thanksgiving appetizers and comes together in less than 15 minutes! Using common pantry staples you likely have already, this easy dessert dip is made with cream cheese, pumpkin, and vanilla pudding. Perfect for dipping with vanilla wafers, Oreos, graham crackers or ginger snaps.

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2

Gingerbread Dip

Creamy, fluffy, and full of warm holiday spice, this 15 minute Gingerbread Dip tastes like gingerbread cookie dough in a bowl. Grab the graham crackers because it's always the first thing gone.

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3

Peanut Butter Dip

This Peanut Butter Dip takes only 10 minutes to make and is delicious with apples, pretzels, cookies, or anything!

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4

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Dip

Creamy Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Dip is perfect with pretzels or graham crackers! Dive into this sweet and addicting summertime dip! 

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5

Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Crockpot Cranberry Turkey Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender little bites that practically make themselves. Simmered in a cranberry barbecue sauce, they’re the easiest festive appetizer.

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6

Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe

This Sweet and Sour Meatball Recipe is so simple to make and are perfect appetizers. Odds are you have all the ingredients already on hand!

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7

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

This Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms recipe is savory and cheesy, filled with a delicious sausage, panko and herb mixture with two kinds of cheese. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, these savory bites are a great Thanksgiving appetizer.

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8

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

These little sausage and cheese ball bites are a real crowd pleaser. Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix is combined with savory sausage, cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese…you’ll be drooling for seconds!

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9

Easy Deviled Eggs

A classic Deviled Eggs Recipe, just in time for Easter! This is the quintessential appetizer that everyone seems to love. 

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10

Classic Hummus Recipe

This Hummus Recipe is a simple and basic Middle Eastern dip that only takes about ten minutes to make. Use a blender or a food processor for best results.

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11

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip is the best appetizer! It’s creamy, cheesy and has the perfect blend of flavors with big chunks of artichoke hearts. It’s easy to make, popular and is always the first thing eaten. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or veggies.

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12

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip Recipe

Jalapeno Artichoke Dip is creamy, tangy, zingy, spicy, salty, addictive. Basically, world peace in an appetizer. Enjoy with friends or alone!

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13

3-Ingredient Easy Onion Dip Recipe

My Hot Onion Dip Recipe is the easiest appetizer ever with only 3-ingredients! Sweet Vidalia onions, Swiss cheese, and mayo are baked until hot and bubbly. It's my favorite go-to when I'm asked to make a last minute appetizer for game day, holiday buffets or any occasion! Serve with pita, tortilla chips, bread or if even fresh veggies if you want to keep it low carb.

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14

Everything Bagel Stuffed Peppers

Get ready for quite literally the EASIEST recipe ever! Everything Bagel Stuffed Peppers have only 3-ingredients that come together in no time. Great make-ahead low carb snack or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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15

Pigs in a Blanket with Crescent Rolls

A classic appetizer for kids and adults alike, Pigs in a Blanket will be the first thing you run out of at your next party. Simply roll mini sausages in a crescent roll and bake! Dijon mustard or shredded cheese, along with coarse salt take these over the top!

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16

Mom’s Canned Salmon Dip

Try this Canned Salmon Dip Recipe! Made with only three main ingredients in 10 minutes or less, this is certainly a crowd pleaser.

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17

Cowboy Caviar Recipe

This Cowboy Caviar Recipe is a Tex-Mex inspired dip that has been around for years! Enjoy on its own, with chips or spooned onto tacos! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. 

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18

Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Truffles

Creamy, crunchy, savory and slightly sweet, these fresh goat cheese truffles are sure to please your Thanksgiving guests. They're one of my favorite things to add to a holiday menu.

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19

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe

This Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe is perfect for any get together or for a snack! It’s also super kid-friendly thanks to the sprinkles. 

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20

Holiday Cranberry Salsa

Holiday Cranberry Salsa is a whole mix of wonderful things! Sweet, but a little spicy. Juicy and salty with a little crunch. And super festive!

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21

Baked Brie with Brown Sugar Hazelnuts

Baked Brie recipe with Brown Sugar Hazelnuts adds a sweet and crunchy element to the creamy melted cheese. It is pure heaven!

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22

Candied Pecans

This classic Candied Pecans recipe is a great addition to your Holiday festivities. Made with cinnamon sugar and the seasonal flavor of a few other warm spices, this EASY and simple recipe is sure to be a hit this holiday season.

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23

Cinnamon Candied Almonds

Sweet and spicy Cinnamon Candied Almonds will make your holidays merry and bright! Crunchy, toasty, and divine they are a delicious appetizer for your Thanksgiving guests.

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24

Soft Pretzel Recipe

These Homemade Soft Pretzels are golden, chewy, and just the right amount of salty. They’re surprisingly easy to make and taste just like the ones from the mall—only better fresh from your oven.

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25

Pepperoni Ranch Chip Dip

Pepperoni Ranch Chip Dip is the perfect cheese-inspired appetizer for any party! It's a hot, bubbly, pepperoni-ranch party in your mouth and it tastes amazing!

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26

How to Make Stromboli

Learn how to make Stromboli at home with layers of cheese, meats, and golden pizza dough. This easy recipe works for dinner or as a game day appetizer.

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27

Buffalo Chicken Dip

This easy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is creamy, spicy and perfect for a party appetizer! Pair with chips, veggies and/or crackers. Enjoy!

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28

Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked chicken wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with deep, smoky flavor throughout. Easy to prep and packed with bold seasoning, these wings are always a hit.

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29

Crockpot Chicken Wings

For Crockpot Chicken Wings all you need are a few chicken wings and some BBQ sauce. Then finish them off on the grill or under the broiler!

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30

Lasagna Dip

Hot, cheesy, meaty, savory and delicious, this Cheesy Lasagna Dip will easily become a crowd favorite. Serve with garlic bread for ultimate flavor!

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Looking for more Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out my HUGE list of Thanksgiving Recipes (160+)!

Remember, the key to easy last-minute appetizers is simplicity. Use ready-made ingredients or those that require minimal preparation. I hope you find inspiration in some of these easy Thanksgiving appetizers for the big day. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration!

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.