25 Friendsgiving Appetizers Ideas That Will Impress Your Entire Crew
Friendsgiving is basically Thanksgiving without the family drama—and honestly, that makes it even better.
You still get the food, the laughs, and the carb overload, but with people you actually want to hang out with.
And while the turkey gets the spotlight, let’s be real: the appetizers set the vibe. If you nail the apps, your Friendsgiving is already a win before the main course even shows up.
I’ve pulled together 25 Friendsgiving appetizer ideas that range from quick bites to “wow, you actually made that?” level.
Some are cozy, some are classy, and a few are just plain fun. Ready to steal the show before dinner even starts? Let’s do this.
1. Mini Charcuterie Boards
Why settle for one giant board when you can make mini charcuterie plates for each guest? Cheese, crackers, and a few slices of prosciutto instantly make you look like you’ve got your life together.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms
These little guys disappear fast. Fill them with cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, or go wild with sausage and breadcrumbs. Ever notice how everyone suddenly becomes a mushroom fan when these come out?
3. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Classic deviled eggs are fine, but try adding bacon, sriracha, or even avocado. They’re cheap, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. IMO, bacon + eggs = friendship goals.
4. Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Warm, gooey cheese wrapped in puff pastry? Yes, please. Top it with cranberry sauce and pecans, and you’ve just created an appetizer that feels straight out of a fancy restaurant.
5. Spinach Artichoke Dip
This one never fails. Serve it hot with tortilla chips, pita, or bread slices. Honestly, I could eat this dip as a meal and call it a day.
6. Sweet Potato Rounds
Slice sweet potatoes into rounds, roast them, and top with goat cheese, cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. They look fancy, but they’re ridiculously easy.
7. Mini Meatballs
Saucy little bites of happiness. Go classic Italian, or switch it up with a cranberry glaze for that Friendsgiving touch. Just make sure you make enough, because these vanish fast.
8. Cheese Ball
Old-school? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely. A big cheese ball rolled in nuts with crackers on the side is pure nostalgia. Your friends will thank you later.
9. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy, salty, and slightly bougie. Roast these for 15 minutes, and you’ve got an appetizer that looks way fancier than the effort required.
10. Crostini with Various Toppings
Crostini are basically edible canvases. Top with ricotta and figs, brie and apples, or even roasted veggies. Bonus: they’re bite-sized, so people can grab them while chatting.
11. Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon—what’s not to love? They’re messy, sure, but totally worth it. Plus, they keep the energy alive before the turkey coma hits.
12. Pumpkin Hummus
Give your hummus a fall makeover. Add pumpkin purée, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve with pita or veggie sticks. It’s seasonal without being too extra.
13. Mini Sliders
Tiny burgers or turkey sliders? Yes, they’re filling, but nobody’s complaining. I once served these at Friendsgiving, and they were gone before anyone noticed the actual dinner.
14. Shrimp Cocktail
Classic, refreshing, and surprisingly easy. Arrange shrimp around a glass of cocktail sauce, and watch people pretend they’re at a fancy dinner party.
15. Caprese Skewers
Skewer mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Done. They look impressive and keep things light among the heavier apps.
16. Flatbread Pizzas
Buy store-bought flatbread, add toppings, bake, and cut into squares. You can go wild with flavors—prosciutto and arugula, BBQ chicken, or classic margherita.
17. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
For your vegetarian or vegan friends, this one hits. Crispy roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce with ranch on the side? Game changer.
18. Sausage Rolls
Think pigs in a blanket, but leveled up. Puff pastry + seasoned sausage = flaky, savory perfection. You’ll wish you made extra.
19. Garlic Knots
Warm, buttery, garlicky bread? Say less. Serve them with marinara, and they’ll be gone before you can grab one yourself.
20. Stuffed Mini Peppers
Fill colorful baby peppers with cream cheese, feta, or hummus. They’re crunchy, creamy, and just plain fun to eat.
21. Cranberry Brie Bites
Puff pastry squares filled with brie and cranberry sauce, baked until golden. These little bites are basically the poster child for Friendsgiving appetizers.
22. Guacamole & Chips
Yes, it’s simple. But who’s ever mad about guac? Add pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist—it looks festive and tastes amazing.
23. Chicken Skewers
Marinate chunks of chicken, throw them on skewers, and bake or grill. Serve with dipping sauces, and you’ve got a protein-packed appetizer that feels substantial.
24. Roasted Nuts
Warm, spiced nuts make a great snack for mingling. Toss almonds, pecans, or cashews in cinnamon sugar or rosemary and sea salt. FYI: these also make a great homemade gift. 🙂
25. Mini Quiches
Bite-sized, customizable, and surprisingly easy if you use pre-made pastry shells. Fill with spinach, cheese, or bacon. They’re perfect for Friendsgiving brunches too.
Tips for Pulling Off a Friendsgiving Appetizer Spread
Now that we’ve got 25 ideas, here’s the real talk: you don’t need to make all of them (unless you enjoy stress). Here’s how I usually plan it:
- One cheesy dip (spinach artichoke, baked brie, or hummus).
- One protein option (meatballs, sliders, or skewers).
- One fresh/light option (salad skewers, roasted veggies, or guac).
- Something baked or bread-based (garlic knots, crostini, or flatbread).
That way, you’ve got variety without overwhelming yourself—or your guests’ stomachs.
Final Thoughts
Friendsgiving appetizers aren’t just food—they’re the conversation starters, the nibble-while-you-pour-wine snacks, and the reason everyone hangs in the kitchen before dinner. Whether you stick with classics like deviled eggs and cheese balls or go bold with pumpkin hummus and cranberry brie bites, the goal is the same: feed your friends and make them happy.
So, pick a few favorites, keep things fun, and remember—nobody’s judging if your apps come straight out of the freezer section. Okay, maybe a little judging, but we’ll forgive you if you bring enough wine.
FAQs
What are the most popular Friendsgiving appetizers?
Spinach artichoke dip, stuffed mushrooms, baked brie, sliders, and charcuterie boards are always hits.
How many appetizers should I serve at Friendsgiving?
Plan on 3–5 different appetizers depending on your group size. More than that, and you risk spoiling everyone’s appetite before dinner.
Can I make Friendsgiving appetizers ahead of time?
Absolutely. Dips, cheese balls, and stuffed mushrooms can all be prepped in advance. Just bake or heat them before serving.
What’s a budget-friendly Friendsgiving appetizer?
Deviled eggs, roasted nuts, and garlic knots are cheap, easy, and crowd-pleasing.
What’s a unique Friendsgiving appetizer idea?
Try sweet potato rounds with goat cheese or cranberry brie bites—they’re festive and unexpected.
There you have it—25 Friendsgiving appetizer ideas to kick off your gathering the right way. Which ones are you adding to your menu this year? Personally, I’m team baked brie all the way.
