Thanksgiving Appetizers

Prepare all of your guests’ appetites by serving any of these Thanksgiving Appetizers before the big dinner! So many options in this collection including dips, veggies, meats, and more!

MORE COLLECTIONS: Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, Thanksgiving Side Dishes, Thanksgiving Desserts, Super Bowl Appetizers

Thanksgiving Appetizers Collage with 6 different appetizers.

Turkey Day Appetizers

We are sharing all of our favorite classic appetizers, perfect for turkey day! Appetizers should be part of every Thanksgiving menu.

They can be served throughout the day as people gather to cook in the kitchen, or take breaks from football out in the yard. You could also wait to serve as guests arrive and wait for the rest of the food to finish!

Thanksgiving Appetizer recipes should be served about an hour before dinner. They are to wet your guests’ appetite in anticipation of the Thanksgiving Feast. Be prompt with dinner, otherwise guests will continue to fill up on appetizers, leaving less room for the delicious dinner that had been prepared. 

Thanksgiving appetizers - cranberry brie bites served on a plate.

planning tips

  • Choose appetizers that are easy to make, as well as ones that can be made ahead of time. 
  • When planning your dinner schedule, include time for heating up appetizers. 
  • Don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring appetizers to help ease your to do list.
  • Divide the appetizers on to several plates or tiers, and have them placed in various areas around the room. This way guests can partake from wherever they are.

How to choose appetizers: Balance the dishes by offering a mixture of hot and cold, protein and vegetables, light and heavy. Consider colors and textures as well.

Since appetizers will be served before a large meal, plan for each person to have 4-6 appetizers. 

  • 3 appetizer dishes: <10 guests
  • 5 Appetizer dishes: 10-20 guests
  • 7 appetizer dishes: 20-40 guests
  • 9 appetizer dishes: 40+ guests

Include seasonal produce

Both fruits and vegetables can be used to make delicious appetizers. Seasonal produce is fresher and cheaper than produce that’s not in season. Some favorite produce include:

  • Vegetables: Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Leafy Greens, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Turnips, Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini.
  • Fruits: Apple, Pear, Grape, Persimmon, Cranberries, Figs, Key Limes, Pomegranate, Banana, Kiwifruit, Lemon, Mango, Pineapple, Raspberry.
Thanksgiving appetizers - fried zucchini served with ranch dressing.

Serving Thanksgiving appetizers

Keeping the Right Temperature: Whether you make them ahead, or have set them out to be eaten, it’s important to keep certain dishes at the right temperature. 

  • Have two coolers, one for hot dishes and one for cold dishes. 
  • Once you’re done cooking the food, set the grill to a very low heat, and use it to keep food warm. You can also use crock pots or chafing dishes to keep the food warm.
  • Keep food cold by using a tray of ice placed under bowls and platters.
  • Don’t set out more than what can be eaten within 30 minutes. Refill as needed.

Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

We love to include a few tasty appetizers to munch on before the main Thanksgiving feast. These are great for serving as guests arrive. We’ve rounded up some of our best!

Slow Cooker Artichoke Dip – Crock Pot Artichoke is the same cheesy, savory dip you’ve always loved, but made in a slow cooker. Make this tasty dip ahead and save time!

Cranberry Brie Bites – With buttery crescent dough, melty brie, and sweet cranberry sauce all in one bite, these won’t last long around hungry family and friends!

Spinach Puffs – Buttery spinach puffs are cheesy and savory with pops of bacon. As you can imagine, they are a hit at parties!

Crack Chicken Dip – Bacon, Ranch, and cheddar cheese make this Crack Chicken Dip irresistible! It’s savory, gooey and a great appetizer for any occasion.

Pull Apart Bread – This pull apart bread is a favorite appetizer. With cheese, butter and seasonings, there is cheesy, delicious goodness in every bite!

Spinach Dip Bites – Spinach Dip Bites are crunchy, bite-size treats are cheesy and buttery, making them a great appetizer. They are a hit every time!

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls – This simple 3-ingredient appetizer is great for parties and get togethers and is so full of flavor! Everyone will love these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls.

Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños – These sausage stuffed jalapeños are also filled with cream cheese and baked to perfection. Trust us when we say they’re a must-have appetizer at your next party.

Sausage Rolls – Sausage mixed with delicious seasonings, all wrapped up in puffy pastry make these Sausage Rolls delicious and addicting!

Bruschetta – This yummy Homemade Bruschetta is simple and perfect for any party! It includes fresh ingredients and is the perfect Italian appetizer!

Brie And Pear Tarts – Decadent Brie and Pear Tarts are elegant, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes! Dazzle your guests with these refined hor d’oeuvres.

Bacon Wrapped Smokies – Bacon wrapped little smokies sprinkled with brown sugar, and baked to perfection. These bacon wrapped weenies are the ultimate appetizer for any party, and always the first to disappear!

Sweet Potato Skins – Crispy Sweet Potatoes are a delicious buttery parmesan crusted appetizer. Whip these up for your next party!! 

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites – BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are simple, quick, and delicious. Chicken smothered in barbecue sauce and wrapped in bacon make for a popular appetizer at any gathering!

Baked Brie Puff Pastry – Buttery & Flaky Baked Brie Puff Pastry is cheesy with a pop of bright apricot jam. It is fancy and delicious!

Cranberry Salsa – Tangy cranberry salsa has just the right amount of zip. It is a gorgeous snack or appetizer for any gathering, especially during the holiday season!

Deviled Eggs – Nothing better than a smooth deviled egg appetizer! You’ll be surprised with how easy these are to make. Tons of flavor, super delicious and perfect for parties and holidays.

Jalapeno Jelly – Jalapeño Jelly is a delicious sweet and spicy spread for toast or crackers and can even be used as a glaze or sauce on meats.

Dill Vegetable Dip – The perfect go-to veggie dip for parties and snacking. Use it for vegetables, chips, or whatever you feel like! Even if you don’t like dill pickles, you’ll love this Dill Vegetable Dip.

Brie Phyllo Tarts – Show-stopper Brie Phyllo Tarts are simply elegant and absolutely delicious. They are ready to enjoy in only 15 minutes!!

Cheese Ball Bites – Mini Cheese Ball Bites taste just like a loaded cheese ball, but mini! They are perfect grab and go appetizers.

Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Take some stress out of the day by including a few easy appetizers. Whether they can be made ahead of time, or whip up in a flash, there are plenty of easy options to choose from!

Velveeta Spinach Dip – Cheesy Velveeta Spinach Dip is a simple 5 ingredient dip that everyone will love! It’s quick, easy, and SO tasty!

Pigs in a Blanket – A yummy appetizer kids will love! Homemade pigs in a blanket with delicious crescent dough and a sprinkling of sesame seeds on top!

Jalapeño Popper Dip – Jalapeño Popper Dip is packed with 4 kinds of cheese, just enough spicy Jalapeños to give it a kick, and a golden crispy topping. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next party!

Fried Zucchini – Whether you serve it as a side or an appetizer, this restaurant style Fried Zucchini is a family favorite. Fried to perfection, this dish is simply addicting, especially dipped in ranch and marinara!

Crockpot Meatballs – Sweet + savory Crockpot Meatballs are packed with flavor, and perfect for parties. They are SO easy, yet SO tasty!

Spinach Artichoke Dip – This is the BEST Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe, and the ultimate dip for any get together! Filled with spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, and more – this dip is sooo cheesy and perfect for any gathering!

Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus Rolls – Asparagus wrapped in Puff Pastry, filled with cream cheese and topped with parmesan. So simple and delicious, it’s the perfect side for any meal.

Brown Sugar Beanie Weenies – With only 5 minutes of prep and 3 ingredients, these Brown Sugar Beanie Weenies are by far one of the easiest appetizers! And they taste amazing!

Grape Jelly Meatballs – Delicious 3-ingredient Grape Jelly Meatballs. They take just minutes to prep and are the perfect dinner or appetizer for any party or get together.

Fried Green Beans – Crispy fried green beans making all of your appetizer dreams comes true! Breaded with seasoned bread crumbs and fried to crunchy perfection!

Easy Meatball Recipe – This Homemade Meatball recipe is way better than store bought, and easy too – they take minutes to put together! Made from ground beef mixed with parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder, milk, and eggs. These ground beef meatballs are perfect alone or mixed in with pasta!

Barbecue Pineapple Meatballs – Easy Barbecue Pineapple Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer for parties and get togethers or a delicious side dish for dinner.

Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers

It’s nice to include a few healthy options in your appetizer spread. These tasty choices utilize veggies, and are on the lighter side!

Veggie Cup Appetizers – Quick and Easy Veggie Cup Appetizers – filled with dressing and veggies, this mess-free snack is great for so many occasions.

Charcuterie Board – We all love to graze during holidays and parties, and what better way to do it than with a Charcuterie board?! Customize with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!

Caprese Kabobs – Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.

Homemade Hummus – If you need a quick healthy snack or party appetizer, you can whip up this Homemade Hummus in 5 minutes or less! With just a few simple ingredients, this delicious hummus is perfect for dipping pita bread, fresh veggies, and tortilla chips.

Turkey Veggie Tray – The most festive vegetable tray you will ever make! Perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family. Both kids and adults will be impressed!

Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups – These delicious Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups are made from a rolled tortilla filled with Ranch Veggie dip, and chopped veggies, making them the perfect bite-sized party appetizer!

Cold Thanksgiving Appetizers

We love to have appetizers out and ready when guests arrive, so they have something to graze on before dinner.

Many of these cold appetizers can be made ahead of time. They can be served with veggies or crackers (that can even be part of a Charcuterie Board).

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball – This Bacon Ranch Cheese ball is the perfect partner for your veggie tray! With cheese, bacon, and ranch flavors, you can do no wrong!

Homemade Ranch Dressing – Delicious homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is made in minutes and is better than any store bought version!

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip – This Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is one of the best fruit dip recipes you will ever try! It takes just 5 simple ingredients – cream cheese, vanilla, sugar, marshmallow fluff, and cool whip – and ALWAYS vanishes in minutes!
Pumpkin Dip
– Delicious and creamy Pumpkin Gingersnap Dip recipe. A rich and smooth dip for cookies! Ingredients include cream cheese, solid-pack pumpkin, cinnamon, and marshmallow fluff.

Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip – Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip is one of our favorite appetizers. It is is delicious and takes just 1 minute to make!!

Apple Brickle Dip – This 5-Ingredient Apple Brickle Dip recipe takes minutes to make and is so delicious! Plus, it uses common ingredients including, cream cheese, brown sugar, sugar, & vanilla.


We know that everyone likes to graze on food and snacks while they wait for the main food to be finished, and we are so glad they are so many easy appetizer options.

Whether you choose a dip or bite-sized snack or something else, we feel like you can never go wrong with a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board.

What’s great about them is you can easily customize it based on your favorite food. We love to do a mix of fruits and veggies and dips, but the best part about them is – anything works!

Here is what you’ll need for it:

30+ Thanksgiving Appetizers – Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

5 from 13 votes
Customize this Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board with all your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies, fruits and dips!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine French
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 278 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Equipment

  • Large Wooden Serving Board

Ingredients

  • 2 small cups dip, I like Ranch and Veggie Dip
  • 15 slices deli pepperoni
  • 8 slices Prosciutto
  • 9 slices deli salami
  • 1/4 cup Colby jack cheese cubes
  • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
  • handful blueberries
  • 1-2 cups grapes
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup dried fruit
  • 1/2 cup nuts
  • 1/2 cup candy corn
  • 2 cups round crackers, such as Ritz, Toasteds, Multigrain
  • 1 cup seasoned crisp crackers
  • Have serving prongs or toothpicks near the tray
  • mini pumpkins, for decor

Instructions
 

  • Place the small bowls of dip on opposite sides of the board.
  • Fold, or roll the deli meats. Place the pepperoni along one side of the tray. Put the salami along a different side and the prosciutto on a third side.
  • Add the different cheese cubes on opposite sides of each other.
  • Place the different types of crackers around the board.
  • Finally, fill in any empty spots with the nuts, produce, candy and mini pumpkins.
  • Be sure to place out serving prongs, toothpicks and small plates near the tray.

the complete list

Here are the picture cards for ALL of the fantastic Thanksgiving Appetizers listed above.

Nothing gets the excitement of a holiday meal started better than a tasty appetizer and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect ones for your get together on this list!

1 Pigs in a Blanket Recipe

Main Course Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 112 votes
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2 Sweet Potato Skins Recipe

Side Dish Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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3 Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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4 Homemade Hummus Recipe

Side Dish Homemade Hummus Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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5 Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe

Appetizer Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.91 from 11 votes
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6 Dill Veggie Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Snack Dill Veggie Dip Recipe
Total Time: 7 minutes
5 from 32 votes
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7 Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe

Dressing Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
4.95 from 37 votes
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8 Fruit Dip Recipe

Dessert, Snack Fruit Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.98 from 74 votes
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9 Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 124 votes
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10 Velveeta Spinach Dip Recipe

Appetizer Velveeta Spinach Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.87 from 15 votes
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11 Crack Chicken Dip Recipe

Appetizer Crack Chicken Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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12 Crock Pot Artichoke Dip Recipe

Appetizer Crock Pot Artichoke Dip Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 18 votes
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13 Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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14 Turkey Veggie Tray Recipe

Appetizer Turkey Veggie Tray Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.98 from 162 votes
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15 Veggie Cups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Cups Recipe
5 from 3 votes
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16 Fried Zucchini Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Fried Zucchini Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 96 votes
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17 Fried Green Beans Recipe

Appetizer Fried Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.91 from 42 votes
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18 Spinach Dip Bites Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Dip Bites Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.97 from 103 votes
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19 Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe

Appetizer Brie and Pear Tarts Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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20 Spinach Puffs Recipe

Appetizer Spinach Puffs Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.96 from 107 votes
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21 Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe

Appetizer Veggie Tortilla Roll Ups Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
5 from 30 votes
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22 Caprese Kabobs Recipe

Appetizer Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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23 Best Charcuterie Board Recipe

Appetizer Best Charcuterie Board Recipe
5 from 8 votes
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24 Asparagus Roll Ups

Appetizer, Side Dish Asparagus Roll Ups
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.84 from 18 votes
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25 Crockpot Meatball Recipe

Appetizer Crockpot Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
5 from 100 votes
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26 Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
5 from 63 votes
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27 Easy Meatball Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Easy Meatball Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 87 votes
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28 Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

Appetizer Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 33 votes
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29 Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
4.89 from 18 votes
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30 Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Smokies Recipes
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 68 votes
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31 Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

Appetizer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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32 Beanie Weenies Recipe

Appetizer Beanie Weenies Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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33 Puff Pastry Sausage Roll Recipe

Appetizer, Breakfast Puff Pastry Sausage Roll Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.86 from 14 votes
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34 Pineapple Meatballs Recipe

Appetizer Pineapple Meatballs Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 15 votes
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35 Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Appetizer Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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36 Deviled Eggs Recipe

Appetizer Deviled Eggs Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 48 votes
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37 Bruschetta Recipe

Appetizer Bruschetta Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 1 vote
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38 Jalapeno Jelly Recipe

Snack Jalapeno Jelly Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.91 from 91 votes
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39 Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip Recipe

Appetizer Cream Cheese Green Chili Dip Recipe
Total Time: 1 minute
5 from 5 votes
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40 Pumpkin Pie Dip Recipe

Dessert Pumpkin Pie Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 6 votes
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41 Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Cranberry Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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42 Cranberry Brie Appetizer

Appetizer Cranberry Brie Appetizer
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 14 votes
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43 Baked Brie Puff Pastry Recipe

Appetizer Baked Brie Puff Pastry Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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44 Apple Brickle Dip Recipe

Dessert, Snack Apple Brickle Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 17 votes
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45 Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe

Dessert Brie Phyllo Tarts Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 3 votes
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46 Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

Appetizer Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Get the recipe

MORE COLLECTIONS: Healthy Appetizers, Easy Appetizers, Appetizer Dips

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    I have 7 siblings and calculating food is always a challenge when are families all get together for the holidays. I really love the tips here about, not just what to make, but how much to bring.

  2. 5 stars
    Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make thanksgiving appetizers recipes! It’s really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

  3. 5 stars
    What a beautiful charcuterie board!! Those are always a hit with my family. They love gathering around & munching on all the delicious snacks.

  4. 5 stars
    This is such a great collection of appetizers! The caprese kabobs and pull apart bread are some of my go-to’s! Can’t wait to try the cheese ball bites – they are so fun and easy to serve!

  5. 5 stars
    I made your Turkey veggie tray last year & it was a huge hit!! I’m making it again this year & we love your spinach artichoke dip!!

  6. 5 stars
    My favorite appetizer by far in this collection is the Turkey Veggie Tray. I make it every year and it’s a hit with both the adults and kids!

  7. 5 stars
    Having a charcuterie board out for people to snack on while the Turkey Dinner Is being prepped is such a good idea! And this one looks so yummy. I love this collection of other appetizers as well. I’ve tried a few of the recipes in this collection and they’re all delicious!

  8. 5 stars
    I love the variety of appetizers! They would all make great appetizers for Thanksgiving. The cream cheese green chile dip and crockpot artichoke dip are two of my family’s favorites!