Seafood appetizers might not be the first thing people think of for Thanksgiving, but that’s exactly what makes them such a fun addition to the table. They bring a bright, fresh flavor that balances all the cozy, comforting dishes we usually serve. Even if you’re nowhere near the coast, there are plenty of seafood bites that still capture that ocean-inspired taste in a way that feels seasonal and inviting. If you’re looking for the best seafood appetizers to try this holiday season, these crowd-pleasing ideas are guaranteed to surprise your guests and give your menu something a little extra to talk about.
1. Shrimp Scampi Dip That’s Perfect for Sharing
Turn classic shrimp scampi into a cozy seafood appetizer that feels special without being fussy. This creamy dip is rich and cheesy, with sauteed shrimp cooked in butter and plenty of garlic to make the whole kitchen smell amazing. I like serving it warm, straight from the skillet, with toasted baguette slices brushed in garlic butter. Use a baguette miter to get those even, angled slices that look great on a platter. It’s one of those seafood appetizers that people crowd around and finish before the main course even begins.
2. Creamy Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms That Wow
Stuffed mushrooms are already a holiday favorite, but adding crab makes them even more irresistible. Mix fresh crab meat with cream cheese, herbs, and shredded Parmesan, then spoon the filling into mushroom caps. Bake until the tops turn golden and the filling is bubbling. Each bite has a buttery edge and a sweet, briny crab flavor that feels rich without being heavy. This is one of my go-to Thanksgiving seafood appetizers because it looks elegant yet is surprisingly simple to make.
3. Shrimp-Topped Deviled Eggs Everyone Will Talk About
Surprise your guests with a seafood twist on classic deviled eggs! Lightly season and pan-sear shrimp until they get a golden crust, then place one on each egg half. Pick medium shrimp so they sit nicely on top without sliding off. The yolk mixture (blended with mayo, Dijon, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning) adds a tangy, creamy base that complements the shrimp’s savoriness. I like to sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika right before serving for color and warmth.
4. Easy, Cheesy, and Totally Crowd-Approved Baked Mussels
Mussels make the easiest yet most impressive seafood appetizers for any occasion. Arrange green mussels on a lined baking tray, then top each with a spoonful of mayonnaise mixed with Parmesan cheese. Bake until the edges bubble and turn golden, and if you like heat, mix in a bit of sriracha or chili paste for an extra kick. I love how they come out creamy, smoky, and just fancy enough to make any dinner feel like a celebration.
Related: 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Appetizers That Are Easy and Delicious
5. A Sophisticated Seafood Appetizer for Salmon Lovers
Salmon always feels like a treat, and these bite-sized versions make it easy to enjoy without fuss. Cut salmon fillets into cubes, season lightly, and sear each side in a hot pan until caramelized. Skewer them with cocktail sticks for serving, then whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of whisky for a creamy, smoky dip. These elegant bites are simple to make but taste like something you’d find at a restaurant!
6. Shrimp-Stuffed Squid for a Flavor-Packed Appetizer
This recipe gives you the best of both worlds, with shrimp and squid coming together in one flavorful dish. Clean the squid tubes and fill them with a mix of chopped shrimp, garlic, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Once stuffed, simmer everything in a homemade tomato sauce until the squid turns tender and the filling absorbs the sauce. Serve them on a platter with cocktail forks for easy sharing.
7. A Crispy, Savory Twist on Classic Seafood Fritters
These fritters are crisp on the outside and soft inside, packed with bold flavor from the squid and chorizo combo. Mix squid strips and diced chorizo with mashed potato, egg, and flour to form the batter, then fry until golden. Pair them with a saffron aioli made by whisking saffron threads into store-bought mayo for a quick shortcut. They’re always a hit at parties and make the perfect savory addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas seafood appetizers.
8. Hawaiian-Inspired Bites for Your Christmas Spread
A crispy and crunchy seafood appetizer that’s bound to impress! These Hawaiian poke-style tacos feature sashimi-grade tuna tossed in ponzu, which you can easily find in most Asian grocery stores. They’re simple to assemble using taco shells made with gyoza or wonton wrappers, fried until golden and crisp. To shape them evenly, simply fold one half over the other with kitchen tongs while frying.
Related: 17 Thanksgiving Bruschetta & Crostini Appetizers Guests Will Love
9. Sweet, Buttery Shrimp Rolls for Your Holiday Table
Inspired by the famous Boston lobster roll, these mini shrimp rolls are easier to make but just as indulgent. Combine cooked shrimp with a mayo-based sauce made of celery, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Fill soft, sweet rolls cut in the middle and brush the tops lightly with melted butter using a silicone pastry brush for that glossy finish. Since it can be served cold, it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time.
10. Elegant Smoked Salmon Canapes for Effortless Hosting
Canapes are timeless appetizers that never fail to impress guests. This version layers smoked salmon and cream cheese on top of crisp mini blinis or baguette slices. The trick to keeping the bread crisp is to toast it beforehand and let it cool completely before adding the toppings. Finish with fresh cracked black pepper, chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. They pair well with champagne or sparkling cider and are the perfect elegant touch to your seafood appetizers.
11. Bite-Sized Crab Cakes for Effortless Hosting
Think of these crab poppers as the fun-sized version of crab cakes! Every bite bursts with flavor from tender crab meat, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. A mini cupcake pan works great for shaping them evenly, but if you don’t have one, just scoop and bake them straight on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. The panko coating adds that perfect crunch, especially when dipped into a creamy sriracha aioli.
12. Buttery, Citrusy Scallops Worth Savoring
These seared scallops bring a Japanese-inspired twist to your seafood appetizers. Each scallop is lightly seasoned, seared until golden, and drizzled with a fragrant garlic butter sauce made with Yuzu juice or lemon juice for a citrusy lift. You can prepare the wakame mayo in advance by blending dried wakame flakes into Japanese mayonnaise for an umami-rich finish. This appetizer feels special enough for a holiday, but still easy for a home cook to pull off.
13. Mini Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Rocket Leaves
You can’t go wrong with these mini smoked salmon and rocket bagels for a stylish yet simple starter. Fill each one with smooth cream cheese, a few rocket leaves, and folds of smoky salmon for that perfect mix of creamy, peppery, and savory. If you’re not making the bagels from scratch, local bakeries often sell mini ones that work perfectly. These seafood appetizers are so pretty on a platter and even better to eat.
Related: 15 Easy Skewer Appetizers to Make for Your Thanksgiving Party
14. Crispy Spicy Calamari Rings Everyone Will Love
Nothing beats a platter of hot, crispy calamari, especially when it has a little spice! The squid rings are soaked in buttermilk to stay tender, then dredged in a mix of flour, paprika, and cayenne for that perfect golden crust. Fry them in batches so they stay crisp, and use a wire cooling rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating from softening. Serve them hot with a creamy spicy mayo or sriracha-lime dip on the side.
15. A Modern Take on Sushi for Your Holiday Menu
This crispy rice sushi recipe puts a creative twist on traditional sushi. The rice is shaped into small rectangles, lightly oiled, and air-fried until golden and crunchy. Once cooled, top with smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and thin cucumber slices for a fresh touch. Drizzle with bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey for that signature sweet-spicy flavor. I recommend using a silicone brush to coat the rice evenly before air-frying so it stays crisp without soaking in too much oil.
Final Thoughts
Adding seafood appetizers to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu is a fun way to mix things up without losing that cozy holiday feel. I love how each bite adds brightness to the heavier dishes on the table. From tender shrimp to buttery scallops, these recipes show that a touch of coastal flavor can make the season’s comfort food even better.
