Thanksgiving Appetizers & a Show-Stopping Charcuterie Board

Thanksgiving appetizers set the tone before the bird even comes out — and they buy you time when the turkey's running late. The best are light enough not to fill everyone up, but tempting enough to gather people around. Here are easy Thanksgiving appetizers and a Thanksgiving charcuterie board that does both.

The Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a centerpiece on its own. Arrange slices of cured meats (salami, prosciutto), a couple of cheeses (a sharp cheddar, a brie, a blue), cracker or crostini, a bowl of spiced nuts, cornichons, fig jam, apple slices, grapes, and a small bowl of cranberry relish. Add a few slices of pear and some honeycomb if you like. It's decorative, easy, and feeds a crowd.

Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Keep the rest simple: baked brie with honey and walnuts, stuffed mushrooms, a whipped goat cheese with crostini, or a caramelized-onion dip. Roasted pumpkin wedges or deviled eggs with a seasonal twist work too. The goal is grazing food that's ready when the first guest arrives.

Potluck-Friendly Starters

If you're bringing a dish, Thanksgiving potluck ideas that travel well include a charcuterie board (assemble on-site), a crostini bar with toppings in separate jars, or a dip with crackers on the side. Easy Thanksgiving appetizers for a crowd are all about making it portable and easy to serve at room temperature.