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30+ Thanksgiving Finger Foods

Sure, the turkey is the star of the show. But these Thanksgiving finger foods are perfect for pre-dinner nibbling.

(Credit: Taste of Home)
Katie Bandurski

Updated: Nov. 09, 2020

Sure, the turkey is the star of the show. But these Thanksgiving finger foods are perfect for pre-dinner nibbling. Find festive ideas for pinwheels, crostini, sliders and more.

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Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels

This recipe is a twist on baked Brie. My family always requests these around Thanksgiving. They are delicious and make the kitchen smell amazing! —Jacquie Franklin, Hot Springs, Montana

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Olive-Stuffed Celery

My grandmother taught both me and my mom this appetizer recipe for stuffed celery. We always serve it at Thanksgiving. The stuffing is so yummy that even if you don’t normally care for the ingredients on their own, you’ll love the end result. —Stacy Powell, Santa Fe, Texas

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Pretty Pumpkin Wontons

This is a sensational, easy recipe that is perfect for a finger food, snack or dessert. Everyone loves how the flavors meld beautifully. I made it up after wanting to put my own twist on some squash ravioli I had at a restaurant. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

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Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"

In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina

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Crab Cake Stuffed Mushrooms

These tender mushrooms with their crispy golden topping are always popular at Thanksgiving! The crab filling is a delicious special occasion treat. Serve them while they’re warm. —Nancy Aiello, Bloomery, West Virginia

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Swiss Potato Puffs

Encourage guests to mingle by serving these cute little finger foods. They’re transportable, mess-free and easy to eat in a few bites. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

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Festive Holiday Sliders

Turkey sliders with ginger, horseradish and cranberry sauce refrigerate well, so I keep them ready for get-togethers around Thanksgiving. —Pamela Miller, Big Rapids, Michigan

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Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

For Thanksgiving, I used to make beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket, but now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin

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Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries

Move over French fries, because these homemade pumpkin fries are divine! They're not only healthier than traditional fries, but they're simple to make and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The maple-chipotle dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

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Pressure-Cooker Cranberry Hot Wings

Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we’ve had through the years. My daughter’s friends can?t get enough of them. —Noreen Danek, Cromwell, CT

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Gruyere and Crab Palmiers

I keep these little bursts of flavor in my freezer so they can be pulled out and popped into the oven whenever needed. Crab, pancetta and Gruyere make a sophisticated, elegant finger food, and you can make your own variations on the filling. Try chicken and pesto, or a Mediterranean version with spinach and feta. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut

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Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins

Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? I top my restaurant-worthy loaded potato skins with cheese, bacon and a dollop of sour cream. Have them at lunch, snack time or cocktail hour. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon

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Parmesan Mushroom Tartlets

My easy tartlets loaded with a cheesy mushroom filling take advantage of refrigerated crescent roll dough. I think they’re best warm from the oven with a sprinkling of green onion.—Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

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Almond-Bacon Cheese Crostini

For a change from the usual toasted tomato finger food, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida

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Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

These quick appetizers are irresistible. The flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and pesto balance beautifully. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

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Baked Baby Potatoes with Olive Pesto

These little cuties pack all the appeal of a dinner baked potato into the perfect bite-sized finger food. I top off each one with a dollop of sour cream and coarsely ground pepper. —Sarah Shaikh, Mumbai, India

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts & 3-Cheese Crostini

Brussels sprouts for a snack? Oh, yes. Combine these roasted goodies with cheese for the ultimate toast topper. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

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Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms

I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and make them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario

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Tuscan Truffles

For Thanksgiving, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Crab Crescent Triangles

When some friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe for them. The comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Sage & Prosciutto Pinwheels

I love, love, love to make finger foods and I especially like this recipe because I can make the rolls ahead, freeze them, and then slice and bake when needed. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California

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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

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Sun-Dried Tomato Goat Cheese Empanadas

I created this appetizer because I entertain a lot and wanted something simple but special. People like these empanadas so much! I always make extra. —Lynn Scully, Rancho Santa Fe, California

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms

When your friends take a look at this pretty appetizer, they’ll know they’re at a party. There’s nothing better than nibbling on one of these comforting snacks while watching Thanksgiving football. They are cheesy, bacony and superb. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington

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Sweet Potato Crostini

For party time, I turn this sweet potato side dish into an appetizer by serving it on slices of a French baguette. — Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin

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Sausage Cheese Puffs

People are always surprised when I tell them there are only four ingredients in these tasty finger foods. Cheesy and spicy, the golden morsels are a fun novelty at a breakfast or brunch…and they also make yummy party appetizers. —Della Moore, Troy, New York

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Mamma's Caponata

Great as an appetizer, but you can easily turn this into a meal. Instead of topping bread, serve over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

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Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

We all know almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it's made in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It will definitely impress your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Swiss Cherry Bruschetta

This recipe is a spinoff a cherry chicken main dish my husband adores. The combination of sweet, tart and salty flavors provides a contrast that's hard to resist. —Shelley Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin

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Mini Cheese Balls

These mini cheese balls are the perfect quick appetizer for any Thanksgiving party. Roll them in toasted sesame seeds, fresh rosemary and/or paprika to add even more flavor. —J. Spivey, Ennice, North Carolina

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Mushroom and Olive Bruschetta

I tried this delicious bruschetta toast at a party and knew I had to make it myself. Since I couldn't find the person who brought the dish, I began trying to duplicate it on my own. The original was made on an English muffin, but party rye or baguette slices work as well. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

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Garlic Bread Bites

These garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time. Return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado

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Mushroom Puff Pastry Bites

These mushroom puff pastry bites make the perfect finger food. I even freeze them for a quick appetizer for unexpected guests. — Marion Ruzek, Jeffersonville, Indiana

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