18 Light Recipes for Thanksgiving Appetizers

Looking for creative yet light Thanksgiving appetizers? Check out the recipe list below. With 18 light Thanksgiving ideas ranging from reimagined classics to new, creative appetizer recipes, you’re bound to find something you and your guests will love! Including recipes for shrimp appetizers, cheeseballs, appetizers, bacon appetizers, fruit appetizers, appetizer salads, and more. Happy Thanksgiving!

by Nina L. Palmer

Nina L. Palmer

Nina Palmer is a recipe developer and editor for Eatwell101 since 2013. She is passionate about food and culture and specializes in sweet recipes, desserts, baking, as well as developing editorial content.

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Updated Feb 24, 2026

1. Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls

These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

2. Fresh Cranberry Dip

This fresh cranberry dip is a sweet and spicy holiday appetizer. The Cranberry dip recipe is perfect for serving with tortilla chips or your favorite crackers!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

3. Spicy Deviled Eggs

This spicy deviled eggs recipe is a classic, bite-size hors d'oeuvre for an elegant Easter buffet.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

4. Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These bacon and Brussels sprouts bites are a perfect addition to your snack table for a festive dinner!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

5. Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds

Sweet & Savory Roasted Almonds are a quick heathy snack the whole family will enjoy. Roasting almonds in the oven is the best way to bring out their natural flavor!
Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

6. Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels sprouts salad with an apple cider salad dressing is a family favorite side salad that goes well with everything.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

7. Honey-garlic Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Crisp and sticky - The ultimate last-minute appetizer!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

8. Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

These super festive bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls make for a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

9. Roasted Butternut Parmesan

These crisp-tender butternut parmesan bites are so easy to make and over-the-top delicious.
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

10. Garlic Butter Sautéed Mushrooms

Garlic mushrooms with rich deep flavor! In this easy recipe mushrooms are sautéed in herb garlic butter. These delicious mushrooms are sauté until caramelized to a deep golden brown. The sautéed mushrooms are a staple around here - They're so good, you’ll be serving these mushrooms with everything.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

11. Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe

Trust us, these tiny bacon wrapped dates and cheese will disappear from the buffet table before you can say "Come on in."
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

12. Butternut Hummus Recipe

Try this butternut hummus recipe a great option that's perfect for a fall party or a quick meal on the go.
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

13. Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Appetizers

Crispy Shrimp and Chorizo drizzled in an irresistible Roasted Pepper sauce so easy and incredibly delicious. This is one MUST make appetizer for any special occasion!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

14. Radishes with Chive Butter

A quick appetizer that works for every party.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

15. Cherry Tomato and Prosciutto Toasts

A quick and easy appetizer to please your guests at any spring or summer event.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

16. Last-Minute Appetizer: Goat Cheese Grape Balls

This simple, elegant appetizer is perfect for a last-minute New Year’s Eve get-together!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

17. Easy Tomato Bruschetta

This easy tomato bruschetta recipe is a quick appetizer that will leave everyone satisfied and returning for more. Bruschetta are perfect for summer parties, weeknight dinners, or weekend brunch!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

18. Garlic and Parsley Marinated Mushrooms

You’ve been warned: These marinated mushrooms are ultra addictive.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

19. Beet & Citrus Salad

Beat the winter blue with this winner packed with vitamins and amazing flavor.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

Did you make one of these light Thanksgiving appetizers? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!