14 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers That Won’t Stress the Chef

Having easy Thanksgiving appetizers on hand is key to a successful holiday. Why? Because let’s face it, Thanksgiving meals are rarely ready on time. There’s nothing worse than being stressed about cooking while guests hound you with questions of “When will it be ready?” and “Are you almost done?” Don’t even get me started on people stealing bites from the pans and pots on the stove. With that in mind, there are three things that easy Thanksgiving appetizers must do.

First, they need to be easily prepped or made ahead of time. Between making sure the turkey isn’t burning, and the mashed potatoes are thoroughly mashed, the last thing the chef needs is appetizer stress. Second, they shouldn’t be too filling. No appetizers should take away from the main meal. That would be a disgrace to turkeys everywhere. Finally, they need to be able to just sit on the counter and be done with. No reheating or retouching required.

14 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers to Keep Hungry Guests Happy

The best appetizers shouldn’t cause any stress after the moment they’re brought out. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of easy Thanksgiving appetizers that satisfy all three of these requirements and are delicious. With just one or two of these, your Thanksgiving guests will be thoroughly satisfied until the turkey timer dings. 

Tarte Soleil

A stunning centerpiece that’s also easy AND delicious? How could you pass up on including this tarte soleil on your Thanksgiving menu?

Baked Brie Charcuterie Board

It just doesn’t get better than a savory, creamy baked brie in the center of your holiday table. This stunning board is oriented around everyone’s favorite cheese, and it’s one recipe that’s already on my Thanksgiving menu.

Ricotta Board with Pears and Honey-Toasted Pistachios

A simple twist on charcuterie, this board takes creamy ricotta and makes it the star of this board with crisp pears and pistachios. This is a throw-together appetizer that everyone will munch on until dinner.

Spinach Artichoke Tarts

This may be the simplest show-stopper appetizer you’ve ever thrown together for a gathering. If you, too, are a fan of spinach and artichoke dip but don’t feel like going through the messy post-dip cleanup, this is the recipe for you.

Baked Feta

Cheese-centric charcuterie boards are a simple way to keep everyone entertained until the main course. If you want to go above and beyond, try this delicious spiced baked feta dip to throw on your board.

Burrata Toasts With Caramelized Walnuts and Mint-Pomegranate Pesto

Could a holiday appetizer get more festive? These mini burrata toasts are the perfect hand-held snack to pass around the table pre-dinner.

Sweet Potato Crostini

Crostinis are always a great go-to appetizer, but why not use a seasonal ingredient like sweet potatoes to turn them into something spectacular?

Maple Roasted Holiday Snack Mix

Crunchy, spicy, salty, and sweet, all in one bowl! This maple-roasted snack mix is perfect to munch on—and kids are guaranteed to love it, too.

One-Pot Apple Chutney

Cheese boards are never a bad idea when it comes to entertaining. This apple chutney is perfect to add to any cheese board or maybe just to serve with some fruit and crackers if you’re in a pinch. Either way, there’s no lack of fall flavor here.

Smoky Eggplant Spread

This dip is my go-to for just about any hosting occasion. Add it to your charcuterie board, or serve with fresh sliced bread or crackers. Whatever way you present your guests with this dip, they’ll be begging you for the recipe.

Fall Charcuterie Board

When it comes to hosting, there are few things better than displaying an all-star lineup of all of our favorite snacks in one big spread for everyone to enjoy. Plus, a great charcuterie board is visually stunning, easy to prep ahead of time, and a great way to welcome the season’s best flavors. 

Roasted Delicata Squash & Kale Salad

Sheela Prakash shared this recipe with us a few years back, and it has been a fall-favorite ever since. It’s wholesome, colorful, and incredibly flavorful. This recipe has the perfect tangy dressing, is gluten-free and vegan, and boasts plenty of satisfying, crunchy components.

Blue Cheese & Asian Pear Tartines

This is essentially a no-recipe recipe. All you have to do is assemble a few ingredients for the perfect bite-sized appetizer. These crostinis use cambozola cheese, which, if you haven’t tried, has the texture of a triple cream brie and flavor of a mild blue. Camille notes that “this flavor combination of creamy cambozola cheese, crisp Asian pear, and savory thyme sprigs is one seriously perfect bite that I couldn’t keep to myself.”

Carrot Turmeric Hummus

A healthy and yummy dip is a simple appetizer that everyone will love. Pair it with lots of fresh veggies and some crackers for a light, pre-feast snack. This carrot turmeric hummus is also dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone can snack to their heart’s content.