As the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking about what we can serve to our guests as they arrive. While the main event – the turkey dinner – is always a highlight, it’s the little things that can make or break the party. That’s why we’ve put together 20 delicious and easy-to-make Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
From classic combinations like brie and cranberry to innovative twists on old favorites, these festive finger foods are the perfect way to get your guests in the mood for Turkey Day. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want to bring something special to your friends’ and family’s tables, we’ve got you covered with our collection of tasty Thanksgiving appetizers.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most mouthwatering and Instagram-worthy options that are sure to be a hit. From sweet and savory treats to crunchy snacks and indulgent delights, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Cranberry Brie Bites
These bite-sized appetizers combine the creaminess of brie cheese with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a holiday party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cranberries, honey, orange zest, and salt.
4. Place a small spoonful of the cranberry mixture onto each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Place a small piece of brie cheese on top of the cranberry mixture.
6. Fold the pastry squares in half to form triangles, pressing edges together to seal.
7. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Soup Shooters
Warm up with a deliciously comforting bowl of Pumpkin Soup Shooters! This recipe serves two, but can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin, cumin, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory take on classic crostini. Sweet potatoes add a delightful twist to the traditional combination of cheese, herbs, and crackers.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. Let sweet potatoes cool, then scoop out flesh into a bowl.
4. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread a small amount of olive oil on each slice, then top with a spoonful of mashed sweet potato.
6. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped thyme over the sweet potato.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
These bite-sized burgers are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick lunch. With the combination of savory turkey, melted cheese, and soft buns, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– Lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like!
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8-10 small patties.
4. Cook the turkey patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toast the hamburger buns on the skillet or grill.
6. Assemble the sliders by placing a cooked patty on each bun, topping with cheese and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Bacon Wrapped Dates
Elevate your snacking game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the smoky richness of bacon and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted Medjool dates
– 6 slices of thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, cut into thirds
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wrap each date with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each date.
5. Drizzle the maple syrup over the dates, making sure they’re evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle salt to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta
Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta: A Fall Favorite
This seasonal bruschetta combines the warmth of roasted butternut squash with the brightness of fresh herbs and the crunch of toasted bread, making it a perfect fall appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4-6 baguette slices
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
3. Toss squash with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices until lightly browned.
6. Top toasted bread with roasted squash, chopped parsley, and crumbled goat cheese (if using).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Herb and Garlic Cheese Ball
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful cheese ball recipe, infused with the savory goodness of fresh herbs and pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, chives, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball.
5. Place the cheese ball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on the outside.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spiced Pecans with Rosemary
Elevate your snack game with these fragrant and flavorful Spiced Pecans with Rosemary. The combination of warm spices, crunchy pecans, and earthy rosemary is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Add the pecans to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
4. Spread the pecan mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fragrant and toasted, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets
Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets Recipe
These sweet and savory tartlets are perfect as an appetizer or snack. The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor, while the apples provide a pop of freshness.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Salt to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
4. Place a spoonful of caramelized onions in the center of each square. Top with a few slices of apple.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with butter and sprinkle with sugar.
6. Arrange tartlets on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips
Elevate your snack game with this creamy and delicious Pumpkin Hummus served with crispy Pita Chips. This seasonal twist on traditional hummus is perfect for fall gatherings or as a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/2 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Pita chips for serving
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly add olive oil in a thin stream until fully incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve with Pita Chips for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time included)
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage
These stuffed mushrooms are a hearty and flavorful appetizer or side dish, perfect for any occasion. The combination of sautéed sausage, onion, and cheese fills the mushroom caps to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sausage mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
5. Sprinkle the tops with grated cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cornbread Muffins with Honey Butter
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful cornbread muffins, topped with a rich honey butter that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
– Honey, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving with honey butter (mix equal parts softened butter and honey).
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this classic party favorite! This spinach and artichoke dip is a simple, flavorful combination of creamy cheese, savory spinach, and tender artichokes that’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped artichokes, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or serving bowl.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Artichoke Dip!
Mini Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Glaze
Elevate your holiday gatherings with these bite-sized turkey meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for appetizers or as a main course, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, combine cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Remove the meatballs from the oven and toss with the cranberry glaze until coated. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
This recipe yields a deliciously soft and gooey cheesy pull-apart bread that’s perfect as a snack or side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this mouthwatering treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the bread balls, followed by a pinch of salt.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts while adding a smoky, savory flavor from crispy bacon. Perfect as a side dish or added to salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the sprouts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-22 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
6. Meanwhile, cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
7. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and toss with cooked bacon.
8. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-27 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Deviled Eggs
Add a seasonal spin to deviled eggs with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. These easy-to-make bites are perfect for fall gatherings and parties.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop out the yolks and place them in a bowl.
3. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.
4. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
5. Mix until well combined.
6. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
7. Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparing eggs) + assembly time
Apple and Cheddar Phyllo Cups
These bite-sized treats combine the crunch of phyllo dough with the sweetness of apples and the tanginess of cheddar cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they’re sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together chopped apple and grated cheddar cheese.
4. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough, brushing with melted butter.
5. Place about 1 tablespoon of the apple-cheese mixture onto the center of the dough.
6. Fold the edges of the phyllo over the filling to form a cup shape.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and phyllo sheets.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Glazed Carrot Fries
Transform your snack game with these sweet and savory maple glazed carrot fries! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with a hint of maple syrup, these bite-sized treats are perfect for movie nights or as a unique side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: Additional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the carrots and cut into fry shapes.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and toss carrot fries with olive oil, salt, and any desired additional seasonings.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of water.
6. Remove carrot fries from the oven and drizzle with the maple glaze.
7. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Herb and Cheese Scones
A perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or as a snack on its own, these savory scones are infused with the warmth of herbs and the richness of cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheese, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper until just combined.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
5. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
6. Cut into 8 wedges.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Summary
Get ready to delight your guests with these 20 festive Thanksgiving appetizer recipes. From sweet and savory treats to comforting classics, there’s something for everyone on this list. Enjoy bite-sized bites like Cranberry Brie Bites and Pumpkin Soup Shooters, or try more substantial options like Turkey and Cheese Sliders and Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage. Other highlights include Spiced Pecans with Rosemary, Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets, and Spinach and Artichoke Dip. These recipes are sure to impress your friends and family on Thanksgiving Day.