16 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers

This bright, fresh version of hummus is great with any combination of raw vegetables.

Recipe: Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus

If you don’t want to shuck oysters yourself, order them on the half-shell from a fish market.

Recipe: Oysters with Verjus Mignonette

Nothing says autumn is here quite like pumpkin soup in a mini pumpkin bowl.

Why make everyone wait until dessert for pumpkin? Give your meal a Mexican Thanksgiving twist! Set out all the components for these seasonal tacos and let guests build their own pre-dinner treat.

Recipe: Pumpkin Tacos

We love this low-fat version of everyone’s favorite dip. Serve it with sliced baguette or crisp, raw vegetables. As a bonus for the hostess this dip can be made up to two days ahead of time.

Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Dip

As part of their catering business, Jaret Foster and Mona Johnson run a mobile oyster bar called Oyster Social. Their gingery twist on classic mignonette “adds a touch of intrigue,” says Johnson.

Recipe: Oysters with Ginger-Shallot Mignonette

For this soup—adapted from her 2013 book Vegetable Literacy—author Deborah Madison makes a quick stock from the trimmings of the main ingredients: She sets a pot with 5 cups of water on the stove, and as she chops, she tosses in the squash peels, pulp, and seeds; the ends of the onion; some basil and mint sprigs; and 1 tsp. each of coriander seeds and peppercorns. She lets it simmer, partly covered, and it’s ready by the time she needs to strain it for the soup.

Recipe: Winter Squash Soup with Red Chile and Mint

Make this easy appetizer for your next fall party and watch it disappear in moments.

Make these delicious olives up to two weeks ahead of time and set them out before guests arrive.

Recipe: Olives With Orange and Fennel

Baked in the half-shell and bubbling with butter and aromatic herbs, these mussels are irresistible. Get the biggest, fattest ones you can find, because they’ll shrink as they cook.

Recipe: Mussels Baked with Hazelnut Herb Butter

Melted brie, crushed pistachios, and savory diced pancetta top off these gluten-free "toasts" that are bound to disappear from a fall party platter in moments.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Crostini

Each serving is a mini seafood salad. Saffron mayo makes this appetizer special and just a little bit indulgent.

Recipe: Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayo

This colorful appetizer is healthy and delicious. Get a jump start on Thanksgiving by making the salad a day ahead.

Recipe: Endive Spears with White Bean Radicchio Salad

This stunning fuchsia hummus is a bright addition to your holiday spread. Serve it with a platter of colorful Thanksgiving vegetables and a bowl of extra-virgin olive oil for dunking.

Recipes:

Garden Vegetable Platter

Roasted Beet Hummus

If you’re seeking something extra-special to serve this Thanksgiving, look no further. Guests will love this rich and decadent appetizer.

Recipe: Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche

Fruit, nuts, and cheese come together for a perfect fall-flavored bruschetta. Guests will love this easy-to-grab, two-bite treat.

Recipe: Northwest Bounty Bruschetta

Here’s a make-ahead appetizer that’s light on fat and calories but big on flavor. Offer it with your favorite crackers.

Recipe: Smoky Salmon Chive Spread

Pumpkin seeds make this spicy mix perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Spiced nuts are also a great hostess gift or potluck dinner contribution. They’re easy to make ahead and travel well.

Recipe: Chili-Spiced Nuts