Thanksgiving Appetizers: Start the Celebration Off Right
by Laura McManus, President of Mackenzie Limited and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes & More
Thanksgiving is a time for family, laughter, and of course, amazing food. While the turkey often takes center stage, the first bites of the day set the tone for the celebration. Appetizers aren’t just starters, they’re an invitation to gather together before dinner, linger in conversation, toast the occasion, and savor the season.
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate Thanksgiving dinner, a thoughtfully chosen selection of appetizers can make entertaining feel effortless. They give guests something to nibble on while the main course finishes cooking and create moments to connect over drinks and conversation. Gourmet ready-to-serve options, or ones that can be prepped in advance, can be a helpful way to save time while still offering elegant flavors and presentation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the day with your guests rather than rushing in the kitchen.
Why Appetizers Matter
Appetizers do more than whet the appetite; they set the mood. A mix of warm, cold, simple, healthy, and indulgent appetizers can feel cozy, elegant, or playful, depending on your style and your guests’ tastes. Serving them as guests arrive or at least 2 hours before dinner, ideally with a festive drink in hand, creates a welcoming atmosphere and gives everyone a chance to come together and mingle well before sitting down for the main course. Even a few thoughtfully arranged store-bought options can feel special, perfect if you want to keep things stress-free while still offering a memorable experience.
My Top 5 Thanksgiving Appetizers
1. Mini Crab Cakes
Mini Crab Cakes are always a hit. Sweet, delicate blue crab meat is lightly seasoned and mixed with just a few ingredients, giving each bite a satisfying crisp exterior with tender, flavorful crab inside. Serve them with your own remoulade sauce or classic cocktail sauce, and they instantly elevate your appetizer table with a touch of indulgence. These bake up in just a few minutes in the oven from frozen, allowing you to spend more time mingling.
2. Baked Brie en Croute
Brie en Croute is a classic for a reason. Creamy French Brie is topped with an addictive savory filling, wrapped in buttery puff pastry ready for you to bake until perfectly golden and melty. It’s ideal for serving a crowd, simply slice it into triangles or serve whole so everyone can enjoy a bite. You can make this yourself with a brie round, cranberry or fig jam to bring a seasonal touch as a topping and pre-made puff pastry. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and is always a conversation starter.
3. Vanilla Bourbon Bacon Lollipops
For something fun and unexpected, Vanilla Bourbon Bacon Lollipops are a delightful appetizer treat. The combination of thick-cut smoky bacon with the included vanilla bourbon sauce makes these skewered bites playful yet sophisticated. They’re perfect for surprising your guests and adding a whimsical touch to your appetizer spread. Serve them warm from the oven or pre-cook for a quick reheat.
4. Maryland Crab Dip
If you’re craving something creamy and indulgent, a decadent Creamy Crab Dip is the way to go. I can’t remember a holiday with family that didn’t start with this favorite. If you want to make it yourself, I’m sharing my recipe here, or you can always try our Crab Dip featuring copious amounts of sweet blue crab. If you make your own this is a great make-ahead appetizer, just needing a bake on Thanksgiving. Serve either version with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a rich, flavorful dip that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Asparagus Asiago Spears
For a lighter starter, these vegetarian bites hit the spot. Tender asparagus spears are wrapped in flaky puff pastry and topped with nutty Asiago cheese, simply bake until golden and crisp. These elegant bites are both visually striking and delicious, offering a fresh, savory option that balances richer appetizers on your Thanksgiving spread. Serve these Asparagus Asiago Spears warm straight from the oven or prepare ahead and reheat quickly for easy entertaining.
Pro Tip: Mixing warm and cold appetizers adds variety in both texture and flavor and makes it easy for guests to grab exactly what they want without waiting. For individual appetizers, plan on about 3-6 pieces per person.
Presentation & Styling Tips
Even simple appetizers feel special with thoughtful presentation. Try using tiered trays and wooden cutting boards to add height and dimension to your table. Seasonal touches like sprigs of rosemary, cranberries, mini pumpkins, or edible flowers can make the spread feel festive without requiring extra effort. Pairing your appetizers with sparkling wine, cider cocktails, or even a cozy mocktail enhances the overall experience and invites guests to linger.
Small details like decorative napkins or dishes make your table feel abundant and elegant without adding stress. And don’t be afraid to get out the fine china or crystal glasses, I have a turkey platter that makes an appearance every Thanksgiving, it was passed down through the generations and makes me feel nostalgic.
Make It Easy On Yourself
Thanksgiving hosting should be joyful, not stressful. Having a few ready-to-serve or easy-prep appetizers lets you focus on your guests and the moments that matter, like sharing a toast, catching up with loved ones, or seeing the kids sneak an early bite from the table. Even minimal prep in advance can make your spread feel abundant, festive, and inviting. I start with a list several days before Thanksgiving and get as much done in advance as possible.
Mixing a variety of textures and flavors helps keep things interesting. Include something warm, something cold, something creamy, and something crunchy so there is a little something for everyone. A few thoughtful touches, whether a playful napkin or festive plates can elevate your table while still keeping entertaining manageable.
Pro Tip: Set out small plates and napkins nearby so guests can grab appetizers easily. Pre-plate a few items to make the table look full and festive from the moment everyone arrives.
Have Fun!
Appetizers do more than start the meal; they create moments of connection, anticipation, and celebration. Experimenting with flavors, textures, and presentation makes your Thanksgiving gathering memorable from the very first bite.
Which appetizers are your Thanksgiving must-haves? Share your favorites in the comments and inspire others to start their celebrations in style. I’d love to hear from you!
Maryland Crab Dip Recipe
From the kitchen of Laura McManus, President of Mackenzie Ltd and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes & More
Ingredients (serves 8–10)·
16 oz block cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, 3 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or to taste), 1 lb Crab Meat (you can use our Colossal Crabmeat, fresh Jumbo lump, or lump), 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 1 tsp. grated horseradish.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and Old Bay until smooth. Season to taste with Old Bay, it can be spicy or not!
3. Gently fold in the crab meat, trying not to break up lumps. If too thick (it will loosen when cooked), you can adjust to taste with more mayonnaise, cream cheese, or Cheddar cheese.
4. Spread the mixture in a medium baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle more Old Bay on top if desired.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
6. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.
Optional Variation: Double the recipe and add a can of drained, chopped artichoke hearts. Substitute Vidalia onion if desired for added sweetness.
Coming Soon: The Stress-Free Host’s Guide to Thanksgiving Planning