Thanksgiving Desserts, Snacks And Appetizers To Try This Year

Thanksgiving is almost here — and these Thanksgiving treats are perfect for any holiday feast.

Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving appetizers to enjoy before the big meal or Thanksgiving desserts before the food coma settles in, your family expects big things from the kitchen this holiday season.

But that doesn’t mean you need to be a five-star chef to impress them.

And it certainly doesn’t mean you need to spend all day in the kitchen to make it happen.

The Thanksgiving snacks we’ve picked out below are simple enough to whip up without breaking a sweat, but delicious — and savory — enough to make everyone think you've been cooking since sunrise.

Plus, many of these can be made ahead of time and saved for the right moment.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to become the family hero with these Thanksgiving desserts, treats and appetizers — at least until someone asks who's doing dishes.

Thanksgiving appetizers before the big meal

20 Thanksgiving desserts, snacks and treats to keep the family full all day long — RDNE Stock project

First thing’s first: the meal before the meal.

You know the drill — everyone shows up hungry, dinner's still an hour away, and suddenly you're the only thing standing between your guests and a full-blown snack attack on the cheese drawer.

These Thanksgiving appetizers are here to save the day (and your sanity).

They're easy to throw together, look fancy enough to earn you some serious host points, and most importantly, they'll keep everyone satisfied without spoiling dinner.

After all, a well-fed guest is a patient guest. And that buys you precious time to finish up the main event without someone hovering over your shoulder asking, “When’s dinner?"

5. Cheese and cracker pies

@evite
The cutest pie-inspired snacks for the season! 🥧🧀 Want to make ‘em yourself? Head to the link in our bio for the full rundown on what you need.
♬ All too well - TS

Ingredients: Cheese block, triangle and rectangle crackers, cream cheese

This tiny appetizer takes everyone's favorite snack board staple and gives it a festive Thanksgiving twist that's almost too pretty to eat — key word “almost.”

It's easy to assemble, requires zero cooking and looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Plus, it keeps guests happily grazing without filling up before the real pies arrive.

4. Bacon-wrapped pineapple bites

@dollartreedinners Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Bites #dollartreefood #dollartreedinners #holidaytreats #thanksgiving #appetizer #partyrecipe #airfryer #easyrecipe #3ingredientsrecipes ♬ original sound - Dollar Tree Dinners

Ingredients: Bacon, pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, toothpicks

Sweet, savory, and dangerously addictive — these bacon-wrapped pineapple bites are the appetizer that'll have everyone fighting over the last one.

The combo of crispy bacon, juicy pineapple and a drizzle of BBQ sauce hits all the right notes, and the toothpick makes them perfect for grabbing and going.

3. Turkey antipasto skewers

@chefgenevieve Turkey Antipasto Skewers 🦃 Follow along for 40 Holiday Recipes #FallRecipes #ThanksgivingAppetizers #FestiveBites #TurkeyAntipastoSkewers ♬ Somewhere in my Memory (From "Home Alone") - Dominik Hauser, Katie Campbell

Ingredients: Salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, drained pepperoncini, skewer

These turkey-shaped skewers stack all your favorite Italian deli classics — salami, pepperoni, provolone, and tangy pepperoncini — into one adorable, bite-sized masterpiece.

The design makes them Instagram-worthy without any extra effort, and they're a total crowd-pleaser for anyone who wants something savory and satisfying before the main event.

2. Fall bruschetta

@thedailytayste 10/10 recommend adding to your Thanksgiving table 👏🏻 #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingappetizers #easyrecipe #appetizer #fallrecipes #bruschetta ♬ FOREVER - Jessie Reyez & 6LACK

Ingredients: Mini garlic toast, goat cheese, sliced pear, prosciutto, parsley, hot honey

This isn't your average bruschetta — it's the grown-up, fall-fancy version that'll make everyone wonder when you became so sophisticated.

Mini garlic toast gets topped with creamy goat cheese, delicate sliced pear, salty prosciutto, and a drizzle of hot honey that brings just the right amount of sweet heat to the party.

1. Thanksgiving vegetable platter

@athomewithshannon CUTEST THANKSGIVING APPETIZER 🦃 Love this EASY TURKEY CHARCUTERIE BOARD! perfect to make for the holiday and everyone always loves it!! SAVE THIS!! #thanksgiving #thanksgivingappetizers #thanksgivingappetizer #easyrecipe #easyrecipes #appetizers #momsoftiktok #tiktokpartner #lifeontiktok #learnontiktok ♬ original sound - Shannon Doherty MOM HACKS

Ingredients: Green beans, celery, carrots, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, dip, broccoli

Let's be honest — the veggie tray usually gets ignored until someone's guilt kicks in after their third cheese ball visit. And even then, it’s hard to get people to come back.

But arranging those carrots, peppers, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes into an actual turkey shape with a bowl of dip as the body? Suddenly everyone's a health-conscious snacker.

Thanksgiving desserts for after the big feast

Dinner's done, the turkey's been carved and everyone's claiming they're "too full" for anything else — but we all know that's a lie the second dessert hits the table.

This is the moment you've been waiting for, the grand finale that makes all that cooking worth it.

These Thanksgiving desserts are designed to wow without overwhelming your already-stuffed guests. They're sweet, they're festive, and yes, they're absolutely worth unbuttoning those pants for.

Whether you're sticking with classic fall flavors or throwing in a fun twist, these treats will have everyone magically finding room for "just one more bite" — which really means two or three.

Because when it comes to these Thanksgiving dessert ideas, there's always room.

5. Pumpkin spice angel food cake bites

@fooddudescook Impress your guests with this delicious but easy fall dessert 🍂 #easyrecipe #familyrecipe #thanksgivingdinner #homecooking #recipes ♬ original sound - Food Dudes

Ingredients: Angel food cake, whipped cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla, brown sugar

Light, fluffy, and packed with all the cozy pumpkin spice vibes — these angel food cake bites are the dessert for people who swear they're too full but somehow keep reaching for more.

They're basically autumn in a bowl, and since they're not as heavy as traditional pumpkin pie, you can totally justify going back for seconds (or thirds).

4. Pumpkin cheesecake bars

@celebratingsweets Pumpkin pie + cheesecake! 😍 Full recipe on my website or Google “celebrating sweets pumpkin cheesecake”. #cheesecake #pumpkinpie #thanksgivingvibes #fallbaking #dessert ♬ original sound - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients: Graham crackers, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, salt, eggs

Why choose between pumpkin pie and cheesecake when you can have both in one glorious, swirled bar?

These pumpkin cheesecake bars sit on a buttery graham cracker crust and feature a beautiful marble of creamy vanilla cheesecake and spiced pumpkin filling that tastes like fall and fancy all at once.

Fair warning: these are dangerously addictive — and people have been known to lose count of how many they've eaten.

3. Cheese danish hawaiian rolls

@freddyarteaga98 These Cheese Danish Hawaiian Rolls never miss 🤤😮‍💨 A family favorite! #fyp #asmr #foodtiktok #thanksgiving #dessert #viral ♬ A moist healing song - Nez Tunes

Ingredients: Butter, King's Hawaiian rolls, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar

Here's a genius shortcut that'll make you look like a pastry chef without any of the actual work — stuffed Hawaiian rolls that taste like they came from a fancy bakery.

Sweet, pillowy King's Hawaiian rolls get filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, then baked with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until they're golden and irresistible.

2. Caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars

@munchiesbymallory You will want to make these caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars for thanksgiving Full recipe is on my website #thanksgiving #dessert #thanksgivingrecipes #baking #easyrecipe ♬ original sound - Mallory Harr

Ingredients: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, quick-cooking oats, caramel topping

If you can't decide between apple pie and cheesecake, these bars are about to become your new best friend.

They're thick, rich, and ridiculously satisfying — the kind of dessert where one square is all you need, but two is what you'll actually eat. Plus, you can make them ahead and keep them in the fridge.

1. Apple dumplings

@themoodyfoody
Welcome back to my thanksgiving series. Next up are these easy apple dumplings. This is a cute dessert to bring for a work pot luck, a friendsgiving or as a late night Thanksgiving dessert too. ▢ 8 medium granny smith apples ▢ 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) ▢ 1 cup brown sugar ▢ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ▢ 1 tablespoon rum or cognac (optional) ▢ 3 tablespoons club soda ▢ 3 packs crescent rolls (24 rolls total)
♬ Kanye West - C10

Ingredients: Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, rum or cognac (optional), club soda, crescent rolls

Here's the wild card dessert that sounds absolutely bonkers but tastes like pure magic — apple dumplings made with crescent rolls and club soda.

They're ridiculously easy to throw together, use ingredients you probably already have, and taste like something your grandma spent all day making.

Thanksgiving treats for the kids table

When it comes to picky eaters, which most kids are, presentation can make all the difference.

These Thanksgiving treats are designed specifically with little hands in mind. They're fun, they're easy to eat, and most importantly, they're way more exciting than whatever's on the grown-up table.

Plus, most of them are made with ingredients that your child already knows and enjoys.

Sure, they're not exactly the healthiest treats — but it's Thanksgiving, and sometimes keeping the peace at the kids table is worth a little extra sugar. And it won’t necessarily take away from their main meal.

Think of it as a strategic investment in a drama-free holiday dinner where everyone gets what they want.

5. Turkey popcorn bag

@_hannahbrianne_ How cute are these little Turkey Snack Bags?! They’re the perfect fun treat for kids! 🦃🍂🍿 #thanksgiving #thanksgivingappetizers #thanksgivingcheese #thanksgivingappetizer #thanksgivingideas #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivinghack #thanksgivingtreats #thanksgivinghack #turkeypopcornbags #turkeytreatbags #turkeytreats #fyp ♬ The Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler

Ingredients: Clear glove, colored goldfish, popcorn, googly eyes, twist ties

This might be the cutest (and easiest) kids' snack you'll ever make — and it doubles as entertainment while you're finishing up dinner prep.

They're mess-free, portion-controlled, and so adorable that even the pickiest eater will want one. Plus, making these with the kids beforehand is a fun activity that keeps them busy before guests arrive.

4. Chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys

@melissas_healthykitchen How to make chocolate dipped strawberry turkeys What you’ll need: Small popsicle sticks Organic strawberries Dark chocolate gems or chocolate chips Gluten free pretzel sticks or regular pretzels Mini marshmallows White chocolate chips Refined coconut oil for melting chocolate chips #thanksgivingdessert #chocolatecoveredpretzels #chocolatecoveredstrawberry #chocolatecoveredfruit #thanksgivingdessert #thanksgivingtreats #chocolatestrawberries #chocolatestrawberryturkey #falldesserts #thanksgivingfoodideas ♬ The Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler

Ingredients: Strawberries, melted chocolate, small stick pretzels, mini marshmallows, popsicle sticks

Who says chocolate-covered strawberries are just for Valentine's Day? These adorable turkey versions are about to become the star of the kids table — and probably the adults table too.

They're fruity enough that parents won't feel totally guilty, chocolatey enough that kids actually want them and festive enough to make everyone smile.

3. Turkey leg rice crispy treats

@chefgenevieve Turkey Leg Treats🍗 #thanksgiving #friendsgiving #ThanksgivingTreats ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Ingredients: Pretzel rods, mini marshmallows, melted white chocolate, butter, hot cocoa mix, rice krispies

Finally, a way for kids to live out their Renaissance fair dreams right at the Thanksgiving table — rice krispie treats shaped like giant turkey legs.

They're crunchy, sweet, and way more fun to eat than actual turkey (according to most kids, anyway). But don’t be surprised if you see some of the adults move to the kids table for an extra snack.

2. Oatmeal creme pie turkeys

@shelbiepitts My son’s preschool class had their thanksgiving party today so we took the little turkeys some little turkeys🤪 Cute little thanksgiving dessert idea thats perfect for a school treat! #thanksgivingdessert #dessertideas #schoolsnacks #thanksgivingfood #momsoftiktok #momlife #thanksgivingvibes ♬ original sound - morganwallen

Ingredients: Oatmeal Creme Pies, construction paper, glue, leaves (fake or real), googly eyes

Sometimes the best snack is one you don't have to make from scratch — especially when you can turn store-bought oatmeal creme pies into adorable turkeys with just a few craft supplies.

Kids love getting their own individual "turkey" to unwrap and eat, and you'll love that this takes about five minutes to pull together. Plus, it makes for a fun arts and crafts session with the kids!

1. Mini donut turkeys

@simplelifeofsunshine How cute is this snacktivity?! #snacktivity #thanksgiving #funwithfood #ourfunwithfood #funfoodideas #activitiesforkids #thanksgivingactivity #finemotorskills #foodtok #funfoodsforkids #foodtiktok #easyideas #ourfunwithfood ♬ original sound - Simple Life of Sunshine

Ingredients: Mini donuts, candy eyeballs, toothpicks, fruit loops

Here's a breakfast-meets-dessert situation that's so colorful and fun, kids will actually fight over who gets the most feathers.

They're sweet, crunchy and basically made of everything kids already love eating for breakfast anyway. Plus, letting them build their own turkeys is a sneaky way to keep little hands busy

Thanksgiving snacks for the football game

The turkey's in the oven, the table's set, and now it's time for the real main event — football.

Whether your crew is glued to the TV for the big game or just pretending to care while they wait for dinner, you need snacks that can handle the halftime rush.

These Thanksgiving snacks are hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied, easy enough to eat with one hand (the other's holding the remote) and mess-free for when everyone celebrates a touchdown.

They're the perfect bridge between appetizers and dinner, or the ideal post-meal snack for anyone who mysteriously finds room for more food the second the game starts.

Because let's be honest — Thanksgiving isn't complete without some quality couch time and something good to munch on.

5. Football-shaped cheesy garlic rolls

@munchinwithmaddie_ you’re missing out if you don’t make this for the super bowl 😫 these football shaped cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls are quite literally the most addicting game day appetizer in existence. made with pizza dough, mozarella cheese sticks & garlic herb butter! full recipe is up on my site…enjoy 🏈 #footballfood #gamedaysnacks #gamedayrecipes #footballparty #superbowlsnacks #superbowlrecipes #pullapartbread #garlicbread #rolls #garlic #garlicherb #mozarella #pizzadough #breadrolls #vegetarianappetizers #cheeseappetizer ♬ Trendsetter - Connor Price & Haviah Mighty

Ingredients: Pizza dough, mozzarella string cheese sticks, milk or egg, flaky salt, unsalted butter, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, marinara sauce

Game day just got a whole lot better with these pull-apart garlic bread rolls that are basically little pockets of melted mozzarella heaven.

They look impressive, taste like you ordered them from a fancy Italian restaurant, and use mostly store-bought shortcuts that keep the work minimal.

4. Oreo football dip

@macy.blackwell Oreo Football Dip! 🏈🏆 I’ve made this for Super Bowl the last 3 years, and it’s always a 10/10!!! Super easy to make, but be warned, it’s addicting! 😋 Ingredients: 18 Double Stuf Oreos 8 oz cream cheese 1 stick butter 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup 2 cups powdered sugar Package mini chocolate chips White frosting Directions: 1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor until fine. Throw into a big bowl. 2. Add in cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth. 3. Add in chocolate syrup and powdered sugar. Best until combined. 4. Pour mixture into plastic wrap, and place in the fridge to chill for a couple hours. 5. When ready to serve, form into a football shape, and cover with the mini chocolate chips. 6. To make the laces, pipe the white frosting through a plastic zipper bag #superbowlsunday #gamedayfood #gamedayeats #superbowlparty #superbowlfood #oreodip #dessert #easyrecipes ♬ Back In Black - AC/DC

Ingredients: Cream cheese, Oreos, powdered sugar, vanilla, mini chocolate chips, chocolate frosting

This cookies-and-cream football dip is sweet, creamy, and dangerously easy to keep “just tasting.” It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that makes everyone hover around the snack table.

Plus, it’s perfect for halftime munching or dessert that doubles as decoration. Shape it into a football, add chocolate frosting laces, and suddenly you’re the MVP of Thanksgiving snacking.

3. Chocolate-covered football pretzels

@sprinkleofsugarchicago Are you all ready for tomorrow’s big game?! If you’re looking for a last minute snack idea for tomorrow, these football themed chocolate pretzel rods can be made today and are perfect for tomorrow’s game! #superbowl #superbowlsunday #superbowlsnacks #chocolatecoveredpretzels #treatmaker #baker #fy #fypシ #dessert #GetCrackin #chocolatedippedpretzels #howto #recipe ♬ Saturday/Sunday - Jason Derulo & David Guetta

Ingredients: Pretzel rods, milk chocolate, white frosting

These chocolate-covered pretzel rods score major points for being simple, sweet, and perfectly on theme. Dip each rod in melted chocolate, pipe on white frosting laces, and you’ve got yourself an edible football.

They’re easy to make ahead, fun for kids to decorate, and the perfect grab-and-go snack during the big game — no fumbles, just crunch.

2. Deviled egg footballs

@macy.blackwell Deviled Egg Footballs!🏈 Cute and easy for Super Bowl! A tray of deviled eggs hates to see me coming! 😈🥚 Used the recipe by Hungry Happenings! Ingredients: 6 hard boiled eggs 1/3 cup mayo 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 1 teaspoon sweet pickle juice Pinch of salt Bacon bits (or finely chopped bacon) Directions: 1. Slice hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise. 2. Toss yolks into a bowl. 3. Add mayo, mustard, pickle juice, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until smooth. 4. Spoon into egg, spreading over the full egg, leaving a little white border. 5. Top with bacon bits. Arrange these in the shape of a football. 6. Use mayo to draw on the places. I used a medicine syringe. #easyrecipes #gamedayfood #superbowlfood #superbowlparty ♬ original sound - ShawnWalka

Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, mayo (or Miracle Whip), yellow mustard, sweet pickle juice, salt, crumbled bacon, mayo for piping the laces

These deviled eggs get a game-day makeover — creamy yolk filling, a crisp bacon “football surface,” and a quick pipe of mayo laces to bring the gridiron right to your snack table.

They’re high-protein, crowd-friendly, and you can get the prep done ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when the big play begins.

1. BBQ brown sugar sausage bites

@everythingabbs BBQ brown sugar sausage for college game day #football #footballfood #food #appetizer #collegegameday #nfl #nflfootball #easyrecipe #recipe ♬ Nfl Theme - Official Sports Bar Version - Playin' Buzzed

Ingredients: Smoked sausage, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard

These smokey sausage bites are the MVP of your Thanksgiving snack table — just four pantry-friendly ingredients, tossed in a baking dish, and baked until the outside gets beautifully charred and saucy.

They’re hearty, shareable, and easy to keep warm on game day or during the post-meal linger. Serve with toothpicks and watch them disappear.

ALSO ON MOD MOMS CLUB: Dolly Parton’s says she has to have this food with nearly every meal. It runs in the family

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey — it’s about the bites in between.

From kid-friendly treats and easy appetizers to sweet desserts and game-day snacks, these recipes prove that the little things can make the biggest impression.

So go ahead — grab a plate, snag a snack and enjoy the best parts of Thanksgiving: good food, good company and zero judgment for eating pie before dinner.

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20 Thanksgiving treats, snacks and desserts to keep the family full all day long