Are you looking for the perfect Thanksgiving Appetizer? Here are a handful of delicious ideas. From Persimmon Baked Brie to Port Wine Glazed Figs with Manchego Cheese, there's something for everyone, and they will all wow your guests!
Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvres and appetizers are often a highlight of the feast.
Okay fine, I'm a pretty big fan of the whole shebang, but there's something special about those first bites. Know what I mean?
Appetizer and hors d'oeuvres can set the mood. And not just the culinary mood, but also the vibe of the holiday gathering.
I go for warmly spiced, a variety of textures and deep flavors -- because for me, Thanksgiving is a cozy, warm holiday.
Some of the following Thanksgiving appetizer recipes are easy to prepare, and some are a bit more complex, and those are the ones that are perfect when you're a guest contributing to someone else's feast.
All of these recipes will ensure a super delicious first bite!
Top 10 Thanksgiving Appetizers
Persimmon Baked Brie
This appetizer is warm, smoky, sweet and over-the-top delicious!
Port Glazed Fig Bites with Manchego
A sweet and savory hor d’oeuvre that's one bite, maybe two, of incredible rich flavors.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Pecans
Fill a bowl with these delicious pecans and everyone will thank you!
Mini Potatoes with Cheese and Cranberries
These pretty, little bites are a sweet and savory fusion of delicious flavors.
Mini Citrus Caprese Kebabs
Made with tangerines, their vibrant colors and fresh flavors make these stunning kebabs so festive.
Spicy Gruyère Spinach Dip
Full of artichokes, spices and delicious warm flavors, this is a crowd pleaser for sure!
Small Charcuterie Board with Persimmon Preserves
Persimmon preserves are a tad spicy and are especially tasty with prosciutto, brie and arugula, with a lovely rustic bread.
Potato-Pickled Tomato Bites
In this hors d'oeuvre, the varying textures, and the smoky, tangy flavors come together to create incredible deliciousness!
Roasted Red Pepper Baked Feta
An easy and scrumptious recipe with a beautiful presentation, that can be made almost entirely ahead of time!
Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon
The smoky bacon and fresh basil, combined with the creamy potato will knock your socks off!
I hope you love these Thanksgiving appetizers as much as my family and I do!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Eha
Well it may not be Thanksgiving in Australia come next week and turkey may not be on the menu but this must be the most exciting, innovative, appetizing lot of 'before' recipes I can remember ! Who would have room for turkey afterwards . . . ? Love the persimmon baked brie and caramelized onion crisp the most, but all methinks will be tried . . .thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a happy cook for your loved ones . . .
valentina
Thank you so very much! I hope you can get persimmons where you live. They are truly so delicious this time of year -- especially with melting brie! And thank you for the Thanksgiving well wishes. Cheers to you! 🙂
Danielle
This is such a fabulous list of appetizers for Thanksgiving! They almost look better than the meal will! I think I'll try the Cinnamon Persimmon Bacon Baked Brie.
valentina
I love a whole meal of appetizers. That's a good idea, actually. 🙂
Caroline
Those are some delicious sounding appetizers with some fantastic flavors in there - I'd have a hard time choosing!
valentina
Thanks, Caroline. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tisha
These are all so great! Definitely a wow factor for a Thanksgiving gathering!
valentina
Thanks, Tisha. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Kelsey
This is show stopping for sure! I love all of these appetizers how do you choose just one!
valentina
I choose a few! 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!
Ron
What a great group of appetizers you've put together. Like Eha down in Australia, we don't celebrate turkey day here either. But, we have an annual "American Thanksgiving Party" and your Gruyère Spinach Dip will be included. I'm really liking the Cinnamon Persimmon Bacon Baked Brie as well. Thanks for sharing.
valentina
Thanks so much, Ron. Fun to have your own special Thanksgiving over there. I lived in Spain for a year, years ago, and we put on an "American" Thanksgiving for our Spanish friends. They loved it. I hope you enjoy the dip. It's one of my favorites. 🙂
Jenna
So many delicious hors d’oeuvres I've never seen before! I'm going to try the cheddar potato bites!
valentina
Yay! Thanks, Jenna. I hope you love them as much as we do. 🙂
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Your appetizers are show stoppers, I've pinned several for a Christmas party next month.
valentina
Thank you, Karen. So fun for a Christmas party. 🙂
David
So many wonderful ideas here! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
(Have to go re-subscribe to COTW - I accidentally hit the unsubscribe link! 🙄)
xo
valentina
And a very happy (& delicious) Thanksgiving to you and yours! XOXO
Jeff the Chef
I'm not sure which one of these I want to try first, but it's either the pepper pear salad or the baked brie! (I love persimmons.)
valentina
Awesome, Jeff. Thanks. And the need not be saved for the holiday. 😉 Cheers, Valentina