Last Minute Thanksgiving Appetizers

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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.

Thanksgiving Table setting

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.

pumpkin dip on a tablescape

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.

cooked sausage-stuffed-mushrooms on plate

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!

sausage balls in bowl

Grazing Board: These are my favorite! You literally just pull out every cheese, cracker, chip, vegetable, etc. that you have in your fridge and pantry and spread them out on a board (or entire counter like I do) and command people to graze! 🙂 Skip the boring veggie tray and create this perfect last-minute Thanksgiving appetizer.

charcuterie board

Deviled Eggs: The basic deviled egg recipe comes down to perfectly cooking hard-boiled eggs and then making a creamy filling that pairs well with that egg flavor. These will FLY off your Thanksgiving appetizer platter.

Classic deviled eggs

Hummus: You need a Hummus recipe in your arsenal because homemade hummus tastes one million times better than store bought. You can make it how you like it (extra drizzle of olive oil for me, please!) and watch it get devoured on Thanksgiving day. Add in some roasted red peppers or pumpkin puree to make it a red pepper hummus dip or a pumpkin hummus – so festive!

Hummus in a bowl with dipping options around it

Spinach and 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.

Spinach Artichoke Dip 4

Hot Onion Dip: My Hot Onion Dip Recipe is the easiest appetizer with only 3-ingredients! Sweet Vidalia onions, Swiss cheese, and mayo are baked until hot and bubbly. Serve with pita chips, tortilla chips, baguette bread or if even fresh veggies if you want to keep it low carb. Cook the onions first, if you’d like to make this into a caramelized onion dip!

close up on heaping spoonful of Hot Onion Dip on a spoon

Everything Bagel Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers: Everything Bagel Stuffed Peppers have only 3-ingredients that come together in no time. This might be the easiest Thanksgiving appetizer ever! These cream cheese stuffed mini peppers are great as a make-ahead, low carb, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

peppers filled with cream cheese and seasoning on a plate

Guacamole: Everyone loves Guacamole. This easy recipe is perfect for a last minute Thanksgiving appetizer, and is always a winner. This is a classic recipe made with avocados and lime juice and add in any extras you like! Comes together super quickly with a food processor.

Rosa Mexicana Guacamole

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.

candied-pecans-in bowl

Pigs in a Blanket: 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. These mini cocktail sausages are rolled in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection!

pigs in a blanket on plate

Salmon Dip: Need a fast and easy appetizer that pleases the masses? Try this Salmon Dip Recipe! Made with only three main ingredients in 10 minutes or less. Serve with chips, crackers or veggies and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. This is also a great way to get some nutrients in your body before all the heavy Thanksgiving food is ready.

bowl of salmon dip with veggies

Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Balls: 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.

top down view of goat cheese truffles

Fresh Fruit Platter: Chop any fruit your heart desires such as strawberries, melons, grapes, bananas, other berries, apples and more and serve alone or with a delicious fruit dip.

fresh fruit platter

Sweet and Sour Meatballs: This Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe is so simple to make and is the perfect appetizer. The odds are you have all the ingredients already on hand!

Sweet Sour Meatballs the perfect and easiest appetizer ever

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!

cranberry salsa in a bowl with chips on the side

Baked Brie Recipe with Brown Sugar Hazelnuts: Baked Brie with Brown Sugar Hazelnuts adds a sweet and crunchy element to the creamy melty cheese. It is pure heaven and such a show stopping appetizer!

Baked Brie with Brown Sugar Hazelnuts 1

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.

gingerbread caramelized almonds in a bowl


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.

thanksgiving recipes

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