Thanksgiving Nibbles to Kick Off the Feast

Jenny deRemer

Nov 07, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Planning a gathering or just need a few crowd-pleasing recipes? This collection offers the perfect mix of savory bites and easy-to-make snacks. Impress your guests with Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini or keep things simple with Soft Italian Breadsticks fresh from the oven. For a touch of elegance, try Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups or Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies—ideal for game days or festive parties. Whether you’re serving up Stuffed Mushrooms or a Caramelized Onion Tartlet with Brie, these recipes are guaranteed to add flavor and flair to any occasion.

Table of Contents

Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy brie cheese, caramelized onion jam, and garnished with fresh thyme. The crostinis are arranged on crumpled parchment paper with some loose thyme sprigs nearby.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Enjoy the rich, sweet-savory experience of Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini. Topped with creamy brie and served on toasted crostini, this appetizer will surely impress your guests at any Thanksgiving gathering with its bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini

Sweet & Spicy Southern Jezebel Sauce

A crispbread with cottage cheese and yellow jam sits on a plate next to additional crispbreads, a bowl of cottage cheese, and a jar of yellow jam, all arranged on a wooden board.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Sweet & Spicy Southern Jezebel Sauce is a condiment with a kick! Combining apple jelly, pineapple preserves, and horseradish, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and heat that can be used as a dip or glaze.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Southern Jezebel Sauce

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Close-up of deviled eggs filled with pimento cheese yolk mixture, garnished with herbs and spices.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese take the classic up a notch with bold flavors, pickled fixins, and a creamy, cheesy twist—pure Southern charm!

To learn more: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Pinwheel pastries sit on a decorative plate with green floral patterns.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers are as easy to make as they are delicious! These golden, flaky bites are filled with rich Boursin cheese, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan, with fresh herbs tossed in for extra flair. Perfect for a happy hour snack that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Close-up of hands pulling apart a golden-brown cheese ball, revealing melted cheese inside, with more cheese balls in a bowl behind.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Host a Super Bowl just to showcase these Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters with warm Bourbon Glaze. Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive—trust me, you won’t want to stop! They’re like Arancini rice balls met a Gougère, then added a splash of bourbon for fun. Ideal for snacking through every touchdown!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Soft Italian Breadsticks

Soft Italian Breadsticks
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

These soft Italian breadsticks are perfect with a bowl of soup or pasta! Pillow-y soft, easy to make, and even better than Olive Garden! 
Get the Recipe: Soft Italian Breadsticks

Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Toasted baguette slices topped with beef, creamy white sauce, capers, chopped herbs, and red bell pepper pieces on a wooden platter.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Impress your guests with Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream. This flavorful appetizer showcases juicy steak and tangy toppings, making it a standout choice for Thanksgiving gatherings that your friends and family will adore.
Get the Recipe: Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry: Gooey cheese topped with cranberries, pecans, orange, and rosemary, encased in flaky pastry. Fantastic appetizer!
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A plate of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages, garnished with chopped herbs, surrounds a small glass bowl of dipping sauce. Toothpicks are inserted into the sausages for easy serving. Plates and green parsley are in the background.
Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Get ready for a crowd-pleaser with Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies. These savory bites are the perfect starter for Thanksgiving gatherings, combining smoky flavor with crispy bacon for a tasty treat that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

Mini filo pastry cups filled with creamy brie cheese and topped with cranberry sauce are arranged on a white surface. Fresh cranberries and small parsley leaves are scattered around them, adding a festive touch.
Image Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen

Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups bring a touch of elegance to your holiday spread. With just three ingredients, these crispy delights offer a wonderful mix of creamy and tangy flavors, making them a fantastic choice for festive snacking.
Get the Recipe: Brie and Cranberry Phyllo Cups

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Stuffed mushrooms: Filled with garlic & herb cheese! Crispy on the outside and juicy-soft within. Serve with creamy horseradish Dijon dip.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

Close-up of a wooden board with small tartlets filled with caramelized onions, garnished with herbs. A jar of caramelized onions is blurred in the background, adding a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Serve up some elegance with Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie. These bite-sized treats feature a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an excellent option for holiday celebrations and sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Close-up of toasted baguette slices topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh thyme leaves, arranged on a white plate. A green napkin is partially visible on the side.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Enjoy the bright flavors of Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. The combination of sweet tomatoes and creamy cheese offers a delightful experience, making this appetizer a must-have for your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Pimento Cheese

A knife spreads white cheddar pimento cheese from a glass jar, with toasted bread slices and orange berries in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This easy pimento cheese recipe is perfect for sandwiches or as a spread or dip. Just a few simple ingredients. Make it spicy or mild!
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

Categorized as:

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Read More About Me

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *