17 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes You'll Want To Make This Year

In case the turkey is taking longer than expected, keep your family and friends happy (yet still hungry!) with these 17 holiday appetizers. From classics to more unsuspecting picks, there's a perfect choice for everyone here.

Sausage balls in a bowl at a table with glasses of wine and some table napkins — Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

The last thing you want on Thanksgiving is to keep your family and friends waiting for the main event, stomachs grumbling, nothing to nibble on.

Here are 17 different ways to offer a little something to keep them occupied while the turkey finishes up in the oven. From classic cheese balls and shrimp cocktail to fun takes on deviled eggs and crostini, there's sure to be at least one fitting pick for your pack.

1. Mushroom Crostini

Three crostini topped with savory mushrooms and caramelized onions on a white plate. — Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

"If you're not a fan of goat cheese, swap it for cream cheese, whipped feta, or mascarpone." —Jessica Gavin, Simply Recipes Contributor

2. Homemade Veggie Dip

Platter of Vegetables and a Bowl of Veggie Dip — Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

"While full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise will make the creamiest, most flavorful dip, you can use low-fat instead. For a slightly different take, swap half or all of the sour cream for whole milk Greek yogurt." —Laurel Randolph, Simply Recipes Senior Editor

3. Crash Hot Potatoes with Smoked Salmon

A platter of smoked salmon-topped potatoes. — Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

"Whenever you serve these, make sure they are warm or just coming down to room temperature—the fresher they are, the better the contrast between the crispy potatoes and the cool cream cheese and salmon." —Coco Morante, Simply Recipes Contributor

4. Prosciutto and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Savory pinwheels on a white platter. — Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

"For a convenient swap, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning instead of all the fresh herbs." —Jessica

5. Easy Spinach Dip

Bowl of Easy Spinach Dip Surrounded by Veggie Strips and Pita Triangles — Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

"You can make the dip several days in advance if it’s more convenient. Refrigerated and covered, spinach dip will last for about 5 days." —Sally Vargas, Simply Recipes Contributor

6. 3-Ingredient Sausage Puffs

"These three-ingredient gems are incredibly easy to make, but I will note one big tip: temperature is key. Your sausage has to be room temperature and your cheese has to be cold. Otherwise, it’s too hard to mix and all of the cheese will melt out as soon as it hits the oven." —Laurel

7. Sour Cream and Bacon Deviled Eggs

"The richness of full-fat sour cream really gives the deviled eggs a nice creamy texture, and I love the slight sour flavor, but if you prefer your deviled eggs with mayo, feel free to swap half of the sour cream for mayo or any amount that suits your taste." —Lisa Lin, Simply Recipes Contributor

8. Classic Cheese Ball

Cheese ball with crackers ready to serve — Nick Evans

"The best thing about cheese balls is you can make a few and keep them in the fridge for up to a week for easy snacking. Just roll them in nuts (or your coating of choice) and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap." —Nick Evans, Simply Recipes Contributor

9. Herb-Spiced Mixed Nuts

"Please use unsalted nuts that you can buy bagged in the baking aisle or in bulk—not the kind you find in those cocktail mixes, which tend to be salted. You’re basically making your own mix here, except way better." —Carrie Havranek, Simply Recipes Contributor

10. Caramelized Onion Tart with Gorgonzola and Brie

"Tarragon is a summer herb, if you can't find any, you may crush a few fennel seeds (maybe half a teaspoon) and sprinkle over the tart. Or top with fresh chopped fennel fronds, after the tart has been taken out of the oven." —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder

11. Cheese Straws

Cheese Sticks on a Lined Baking Sheet — Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

"Increase or decrease the spices to suit your tastes. This recipe is mild and cheese-forward, so amp up the cayenne if you like spice. I sometimes add a generous dusting of freshly ground black pepper to the mix." —Laurel

12. Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie

Baked brie with cranberry sauce and candied walnuts on a serving tay with crackers and fruit set around it. — Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin

"For the most oozy consistency, enjoy the brie within 20 to 30 minutes of baking. Once the cheese is exposed to room temperature, it will stay warm, but it will start to firm up." —Jessica

13. 3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Crostini

3-ingredient appetizers (goat cheese crostini) on a wooden board — Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

"Apricot preserves (thicker and chunkier than jam) provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart. If apricot preserves aren’t available, fig preserves make a good substitute—the natural, honey-like sweetness compliments the pungent goat cheese." —Julie and Amy Luxemberg, Simply Recipes Contributors

14. Classic Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushroom caps on an appetizer tray — Sally Vargas

"You can prepare the filling and stuff the mushrooms (without baking them) for up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them, and then cook them right before serving." —Elise

15. Whipped Feta with Figs, Pistachio, and Honey

Whipped feta with figs, nuts, and honey in a bowl. — Karishma Pradhan

"Keep in mind that feta varies in saltiness depending on the kind you purchase. Once you blend the feta and cream cheese, make sure to taste the dip before seasoning it (it may already be salty enough)! If it's too salty, you can add in some extra cream cheese." —Karishma Pradhan, Simply Recipes Contributor

16. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail + Shrimp Cocktail Sauce — Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

"If you are using frozen shrimp, the safest way to defrost them is in a bowl of ice water in the refrigerator. I like to buy tail-on, shell-on, deveined shrimp. Of course, use what you can find at the market." —Jaden Hair, Simply Recipes Contributor