This collection of show-stopping Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres and appetizers has something for everyone at the feast. From a salad held in a beautiful pepper and persimmon-melting brie, to glazed dried fruit and cheesy dips, your mouth will be watering even as you’re making your decision of which one to make.
Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres and appetizers are my favorite part 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?
Why are appetizers and hors d’oeuvres important?
They set the mood. And not just the culinary mood, but also the vibe of the gathering. I go for warmly spiced, a variety of textures and deep flavors — because for me, Thanksgiving is a cozy, warm holiday. Oh, and pretty — I like a good looking first bite.
Some of the following Thanksgiving hors d’oeuvres and appetizers 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!
Ten Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Hors d’Oeuvres and Appetizers
Click the titles and/or images for the recipes.
Cinnamon Persimmon Bacon Baked Brie
This appetizer is warm, smoky, sweet and over-the-top delicious!
Manchego-Prosciutto Port Glazed Fig Bites
A sweet and savory hor d’oeuvre that’s one bite, maybe two, of incredible rich flavors.
Caramelized Onion Cabrales Pear Crisp
A crispy wonton holds sweet caramelized onion with melting cabrales and a soft, warmly spiced pear. 
Cheddar Potato Bites with Cranberry Pecan Onions
These pretty, little bites are a sweet and savory explosion of delicious flavors.
Citrus Mint Caprese Kebabs
Made with tangerines, their vibrant colors and fresh flavors make these stunning kebabs so festive.
Gruyère Spinach Dip Recipe with Spices and Artichokes
Full of artichokes, spices and delicious warm flavors, this is a crowd pleaser for sure!
Roasted Enjoya Pepper Sweet Potato Rolls
I wrote this recipe for Enjoya.com, and these beauties are a festival of delicious fall flavors!
Potato-Pickled Tomato Bites
In this hors d’oeuvre, the varying textures, and the smoky, tangy flavors come together to create incredible deliciousness!
Bacon Basil Hasselback Dutch Yellow Potatoes
The smoky bacon and fresh basil, combined with the creamy potato will knock your socks off!
Enjoya Pepper Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
This stunning appetizer is another recipe I wrote for Enjoya.com and it’s lovely for a for a sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a first course like no other!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Eha says
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 says
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 says
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 says
I love a whole meal of appetizers. That’s a good idea, actually. 🙂
Caroline says
Those are some delicious sounding appetizers with some fantastic flavors in there – I’d have a hard time choosing!
valentina says
Thanks, Caroline. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tisha says
These are all so great! Definitely a wow factor for a Thanksgiving gathering!
valentina says
Thanks, Tisha. Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
Kelsey says
This is show stopping for sure! I love all of these appetizers how do you choose just one!
valentina says
I choose a few! 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!
Ron says
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 says
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 says
So many delicious hors d’oeuvres I’ve never seen before! I’m going to try the cheddar potato bites!
valentina says
Yay! Thanks, Jenna. I hope you love them as much as we do. 🙂
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Your appetizers are show stoppers, I’ve pinned several for a Christmas party next month.
valentina says
Thank you, Karen. So fun for a Christmas party. 🙂
David says
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 says
And a very happy (& delicious) Thanksgiving to you and yours! XOXO
Jeff the Chef says
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 says
Awesome, Jeff. Thanks. And the need not be saved for the holiday. 😉 Cheers, Valentina