Easy fall appetizers for Thanksgiving, parties, and cozy nights in: finger foods, savory dips, breads, and more. Find your next crowd-pleaser.

three make ahead dips on a board in separate bowls with crackers and crudite

The best fall appetizers are the ones that get everyone gathered around the table before dinner even starts. This collection of 27 easy fall appetizer recipes has something for every occasion, from Thanksgiving and happy hour to entertaining friends and family or a quiet night in. You’ll find plenty of finger foods, savory dips, and breads and muffins, and each one is easy enough to make ahead and serve with a drink in hand.

Once the temperatures cool and the leaves start to turn, entertaining picks up. Between autumn festivals and the holidays, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a spread of tasty, easy appetizers. Think Pickleback Baked Chicken Wings, Roasted Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Queso Dip, and Three Cheese Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread.

Hosting Thanksgiving? Jump to my Thanksgiving appetizer picks, or see my Easy Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving for a free printable checklist. If you don’t see what you’re craving here, browse all of my appetizer recipes. I promise you’ll find a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s get ready to entertain!

Finger Foods:

ultimate party mix on a table with different sized bowls

Savory Dips:

ultimate black bean dip in mini cast iron skillets

Breads & Muffins:

three cheese pumpkin pull apart bread on a cutting board and easy to serve a crowd

Fork & Knife:

harvest noodle tart cut into thirds for easy serving of a crowd

Thanksgiving Appetizers:

firesside cheese dip on a board with an arrangement of crudite

Fall Appetizer FAQs

How many appetizers should I serve for Thanksgiving?

Two or three options is plenty before a sit-down dinner. A common rule of thumb is 4 to 6 pieces per person, so guests have room left for the main meal. If appetizers are replacing dinner, plan on 10 to 15 pieces per person.

What should I serve before Thanksgiving dinner?

Keep it light and easy. Pick something warm, like the Baked Three Cheese Onion Dip, and something cold, like the Harvest Charcuterie Board. Skip anything too heavy, since the turkey and sides are the main event.

What fall appetizers can I make ahead?

Dips and spreads are usually the easiest to prep early, so you can assemble them the day before and bake or serve them when guests arrive. Breads and crostini are best baked fresh. Choose at least one appetizer that doesn’t need the oven, because oven space gets tight on Thanksgiving.

How do I keep hot appetizers warm?

Dips stay warm in a small slow cooker on low, or in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve. For smaller bites, refill the platter in batches and keep the rest warm. Don’t leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s above 90°F).

What are good vegetarian fall appetizers?

Several of the dips and breads here are meatless, including the Sweet Potato Hummus with Harvest Greens, the queso dip, the onion dip, and the pull-apart bread. Check the ingredients on each recipe if you’re feeding strict vegetarians or vegans, since some cheeses and sauces contain animal products.

What are good appetizers for a crowd?

Dips and pull-apart bread are easy to scale up and let guests help themselves. Set out a mix of dippers, such as toasted baguette slices, pita, tortilla chips, and fresh vegetables, so there’s something for everyone.