21 Thanksgiving Appetizers That Get the Feast Started Right

Before the turkey even hits the table, the right appetizers can make Thanksgiving feel special from the first bite. These starters are simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to hold everyone over until the main feast. Whether they’re savory, crispy, or a little sweet, each one earns a spot at your holiday spread. Get ready for appetizers that bring people together before dinner even begins.

A plate of golden-brown triangular samosas is placed on a marble surface. Surrounding the plate are scattered chickpeas, fresh cilantro, a red pepper, and a cutting board corner. The samosas appear crispy and seasoned. — Chickpea Samosas with Tamarind Samosa Dipping Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Duck Carpaccio

A black plate features beef carpaccio topped with arugula, grated Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. The thinly sliced meat is arranged with the garnishes spread evenly across its surface. — Duck Carpaccio. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Duck Carpaccio takes about 20 minutes to prepare and features thin slices of tender duck with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The taste is rich and silky with a clean, savory finish. Served chilled, it’s a refined way to open a big holiday meal. This elegant starter sets the bar for everything that follows.
Get the Recipe: Duck Carpaccio

Shawarma Chicken and Apple Bites

A plate contains skewers with cooked meat cubes and red apple pieces. The skewers are upright, resting on the plate. In the background, there are additional food items and a blurred bowl with a brown dip. — Shawarma Chicken and Apple Bites. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Shawarma Chicken and Apple Bites come together in around 25 minutes using seasoned chicken, crisp apple slices, and a touch of yogurt sauce. The flavor is sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy all at once. Each bite feels light but satisfying enough to kick off a feast. It’s an appetizer that disappears faster than it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Chicken and Apple Bites

Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly

Slices of beef on toasted bread with a dark berry sauce are arranged on a wooden serving board. A jar of Bonne Maman blackcurrant jelly is nearby. Another piece of plain toasted bread is on a plate to the side. — Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly takes about 30 minutes and layers duck breast, tangy jelly, and crisp bread. The mix of sweet and savory flavors tastes balanced and bold. Each bite feels like something from a restaurant but easy to make ahead. It’s a perfect way to impress before the main course.
Get the Recipe: Seared Duck Breast Crostini with Blackcurrant Jelly

Duck Breast Bruschetta

Slices of baguette topped with diced tomatoes, bacon, and basil leaves are arranged on a black slate surface. The ingredients are seasoned with cracked black pepper. — Duck Breast Bruschetta. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Duck Breast Bruschetta takes 25 minutes to make and uses seared duck slices, toasted bread, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The taste is juicy, smoky, and slightly sweet from the glaze. It’s hearty enough to satisfy without being heavy. This starter makes guests stop talking for a second bite.
Get the Recipe: Duck Breast Bruschetta

2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips

A speckled bowl filled with tomato sauce in the center, surrounded by a ring of crispy, thinly sliced plantain chips on a light surface. — 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips cook in just 15 minutes using ripe plantains and oil. The texture is crispy with a light natural sweetness. They taste great on their own or paired with dips. This quick snack keeps guests busy while the turkey finishes in the oven.
Get the Recipe: 2-Ingredient Air Fryer Plantain Chips

Air Fryer Cheese Bites

A plate of breaded chicken nuggets garnished with parsley. The nuggets are golden brown, and the dish is placed on a white surface with a striped cloth partially visible. — Air Fryer Cheese Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cheese Bites take about 10 minutes to make from cubes of cheese and a light coating of breadcrumbs. They come out golden and gooey with a salty crunch in every bite. The flavor lands somewhere between mozzarella sticks and baked cheese puffs. It’s an easy win for any Thanksgiving crowd.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

A plate of crispy tofu cubes garnished with cilantro is placed next to a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce in a blue dish. — Crispy Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Tofu cooks in 20 minutes and uses tofu cubes, soy sauce, and cornstarch for texture. The flavor is savory and slightly nutty with a crisp edge that makes it stand out. It’s a plant-based option that fits perfectly among traditional appetizers. Even non-vegans reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Tofu

Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip

A close-up of a bowl of hummus topped with chickpeas, olive oil, paprika, black pepper, and cilantro leaves. The hummus has a creamy texture and is visually garnished with spices and herbs. — Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip takes 30 minutes and blends roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and garlic. The flavor is creamy, earthy, and lightly sweet with a garlicky finish. Served warm or chilled, it pairs well with pita or crackers. It’s the kind of dip that keeps people near the table.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Sweet Potato Garlic Dip

Healthy Apple Nachos Recipe

A plate of sliced apples topped with dollops of yogurt, drizzles of almond butter, sprinkled pumpkin seeds, and fresh thyme leaves, displayed on a rustic wooden surface. — Healthy Apple Nachos Recipe. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Healthy Apple Nachos Recipe comes together in 10 minutes with sliced apples, nut butter, and granola. The taste is crisp, sweet, and just a little salty from the toppings. It’s light but feels special enough for the holidays. This quick treat bridges the gap between snacks and dessert.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Apple Nachos Recipe

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

A hand dips a slice of pizza roll with visible cheese and pepperoni into a bowl of red marinara sauce. A basil leaf is partially visible in the background, resting on a wooden surface. — Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls bake in about 25 minutes with pizza dough, pepperoni, and melted cheese. They taste cheesy, slightly spicy, and buttery on the edges. Each roll is bite-sized and perfect for grabbing while chatting. It’s comfort food made for sharing before dinner starts.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Want to save this?

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week.

Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus

A bowl of green hummus garnished with black sesame seeds, chickpeas, and herbs sits on a wooden board. A hand dips a piece of pita bread into the hummus. Slices of pink and white radish are visible on the board. — Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus takes 10 minutes and mixes ripe avocado, chickpeas, and lemon juice. The texture is smooth and rich with a bright, tangy flavor. It works with chips, bread, or veggies for dipping. This quick recipe adds something fresh to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado and Chickpea Hummus

Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips

A black bowl filled with dark red beet chips sits on a white surface. In the background, there is a small white bowl containing a creamy dip with green herbs. — Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips cook in 15 minutes with thinly sliced beets and a drizzle of oil. They’re lightly sweet and earthy with a crisp finish that rivals potato chips. The color alone makes them stand out on any platter. They add crunch and color without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Beet Chips

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

A white speckled bowl filled with crispy, dark green kale chips sits on a light surface. The kale chips appear roasted with some edges curled and slightly browned. — Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips are ready in 10 minutes using fresh kale, olive oil, and salt. The flavor is lightly bitter with a satisfying crunch that feels surprisingly indulgent. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat. This healthy snack keeps hands busy while dinner’s in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Close-up of a plate of seasoned and grilled chicken wings garnished with herbs. Lemon wedges are visible in the background, adding a hint of color. The wings appear crispy and well-cooked, resting on a dark plate. — Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning cook in 25 minutes and use wings, olive oil, and Italian herbs. The flavor is savory, garlicky, and perfectly crisp without the grease. They’re hearty enough to count as a pre-dinner meal. These wings bring game-day comfort to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings With Italian Seasoning

Berry Dip Recipe with Fresh Berries

A hand dips a cracker into a platter of whipped cheese topped with a berry sauce, fresh berries, herbs, and olive oil, set on a beige marble surface. A plate with more crackers is visible in the corner. — Berry Dip Recipe with Fresh Berries. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Berry Dip Recipe with Fresh Berries takes 15 minutes and combines cream cheese, yogurt, and mixed berries. It tastes light, tangy, and naturally sweet. The smooth texture pairs well with crackers or fruit. It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Berry Dip Recipe with Fresh Berries

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

A hand dips a fried zucchini fritter into a small bowl of white cream sauce on a gray plate. Other fritters and lemon wedges are arranged around the bowl on a marble surface. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta take 20 minutes and combine shredded zucchini, feta, and egg. The taste is savory with a soft inside and crisp edges. They’re light enough to start the meal but full of flavor. Each fritter feels like a warm, simple bite of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Plate of bacon-wrapped peppers filled with cheese, garnished with parsley, next to a grated cheese block and grater on a wooden board. — Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers bake in 15 minutes with jalapeños, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs. The flavor is creamy and spicy with just enough crunch. They come out golden without the mess of frying. These little bites wake up everyone’s appetite right away.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate. — Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe cooks in 10 minutes with fresh asparagus, olive oil, and seasoning. The flavor is bright, tender, and slightly smoky from the air fryer. It’s an easy way to sneak greens into a holiday spread. The simplicity makes it one of the easiest crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

A black plate with a halved avocado filled with a shrimp salad, garnished with lime. A fork rests beside it. A wooden board holds more avocado halves in the background. A wooden bowl with mixed salad ingredients is partially visible. — Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados take about 20 minutes and combine shrimp, avocado halves, and a light dressing. The flavor is creamy, citrusy, and refreshing. It feels fancy but takes almost no effort. This dish brings a cool, fresh note before the heavier courses arrive.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocados

Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers

A white plate with thin apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon. A crumbled cookie is partially visible on the left side of the light blue wooden table. — Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers come together in 10 minutes using labaneh, apples, honey, and cinnamon. The flavor is creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy. It’s light but feels festive and unexpected. This easy snack bridges the gap between savory starters and dessert flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon-Kissed Labaneh and Apple Crackers

Chickpea Samosas with Tamarind Samosa Dipping Sauce Recipe

Chickpea Samosas with Tamarind Samosa Dipping Sauce Recipe take about 40 minutes and include spiced chickpeas wrapped in crisp pastry. The flavor is savory, mildly spicy, and balanced with the tangy-sweet sauce. They’re perfect for serving warm right from the oven. These samosas bring a touch of global flair to Thanksgiving appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Samosas with Tamarind Samosa Dipping Sauce Recipe