15 Festive Thanksgiving Appetizers

Thanksgiving is all about the big dinner, but everyone loves a little nibble before the main event. These festive appetizers will do the trick.

L’Auberge Chez François Herbed Cottage Cheese Spread

This irresistible spread made from cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic, and fresh herbs comes from the renowned L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, Virginia.
Candied Pecans

Wildly addictive, these candied pecans are perfect to serve with cocktails or toss over salads — and they take just 15 minutes to make!
Cheese Ball (AKA “Party Magnet”)

Made with goat cheese, scallions, chopped dates, and roasted pecans, this cheese ball makes a delicious addition to any charcuterie board or appetizer spread.
Baked Brie en Croûte with Honey, Dried Cherries, Rosemary & Pecans

Made with store-bought puff pastry, this baked brie is an easy yet impressive appetizer for a party. You’ll love my foolproof technique for wrapping the cheese.
Sriracha Deviled Eggs

These Sriracha deviled eggs are truly devilish and pop-in-your-mouthable.
Pimento Cheese

Delicious on crackers and crudités, this tangy and creamy cheese spread is often referred to as the pâté of the South.
Smoked Salmon Dip

This elegant smoked salmon dip is delicious on crackers. Bonus: leftovers are wonderful on bagels the next day.
Cheddar & Herb Cheese Straws

Homemade cheese straws specked with fresh herbs make a delicious and fun hors d’oeuvre.
Gougères (French Cheese Puffs)

Gougères are savory cheese puffs made from pâte à choux with a generous amount of cheese folded in. They’re the perfect little bite to serve with sparkling wine or cocktails.
Union Square Cafe Rosemary Nuts

Sweet, salty, and spicy, these rosemary nuts are perfect with cocktails or for snacking. But don’t say I didn’t warn you: they’re crazy addictive!
Spicy Maple Candied Bacon

This candied bacon has all the makings of a crowd-pleasing party nibble: it’s crispy, chewy, smoky, salty, sweet, and spicy.
Classic Deviled Eggs

A classic deviled eggs recipe with a creamy, fluffy filling that you can dress up any way you like.
Pigs in a Blanket with Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce

Made with cocktail sausages and puff pastry, these fancy pigs in a blanket are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Nigella Lawson’s Party Popcorn

A little sweet and a little salty, Nigella Lawson’s party popcorn is downright habit-forming.
Restaurant-Style Spinach Artichoke Dip

Learn to make spinach artichoke dip — the cheffy way.