Mmmm, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and we can already smell the turkey. That bird will always be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, but a superb holiday dinner can’t survive on turkey alone. There are the sides to think about, and of course, the desserts. But you’re still missing one very important step in your annual food coma. The appetizer!
The keys to a good Thanksgiving appetizer are making something that’s festive, delicious, and still leaves room for the main meal. Dishes earn bonus points if they’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of extra time spent in your already busy kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a few or the entire family is headed to your house this holiday, these 10 Thanksgiving appetizers will kick off your main meal in all the right ways.
1. Cranberry Brie Bites
Cranberries are a Thanksgiving must-have, and these cranberry brie bites are both easy to make and super delicious. They’re made with crescent rolls, and they cook in only 15 minutes.
Get the recipe with Delish.
2. Sweet Potato Skins
Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple you can’t do without. And if you want to mix it up and step away from the traditional sweet potato casserole, why not try this healthy Thanksgiving appetizer? These sweet potatoes skins have chickpeas and shallot along with just the right amount of cheese.
Pinch of Yum has the recipe.
3. Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce
Not everyone is a fan of asparagus, but to be fair, not everyone has tried these yummy asparagus wrapped in fluffy pastry and then dipped in balsamic sauce. This recipe is healthy, easy to make, and you might even trick your kids into eating a vegetable on Thanksgiving.
We found the recipe from CountryLiving.
4. Mac and Cheese Bites
If you have your doubts about kids reaching for the vegetable Thanksgiving appetizers, these mac and cheese bites are sure to win them over. They’re the perfect finger food, and you can even make them ahead of time. You’ll need a mini muffin pan and about 30 minutes to make these.
Chef in Training has the recipe.
5. Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
Any Thanksgiving appetizer that you can make in the crockpot is a winner, and these meatballs are no exception. They’re sweet and tangy and oh so tasty. Kids and adults both like them, and the recipe couldn’t be any simpler. You can use homemade meatballs if you want, but frozen meatballs are a lot easier when you’re juggling the other dishes in your multi-course meal.
Tastes Better From Scratch has a good recipe to follow.
6. Cranberry Pomegranate Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a great appetizer no matter the occasion, and this festive take on the classic recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s different enough to be an exciting addition to your meal yet familiar enough for the picky eaters at the table. Better yet, it only takes a few minutes to put together.
Get the recipe from The Cafe Sucre Farine.
7. Pumpkin Hummus
Hummus is healthy, versatile, and it won’t fill you up before the main course. You can pair it with pita chips, vegetables, and you can even use it for deviled eggs and salads. There are countless different types of hummus, but for a Thanksgiving appetizer, we recommend a smooth and creamy pumpkin recipe. The pumpkin flavor is perfect for fall.
We found a great recipe from Kim’s Cravings.
8. Simple Salmon Dip
Dips are great for appetizers. People can casually munch without filling up too fast, and you can get creative with providing crackers, vegetables, or crostini. This simple salmon dip won’t add a lot of extra work to your already busy cooking schedule, and you can even make it the day before.
Snag the recipe from Once Upon a Chef
9. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Perfect for munching, spicy pumpkin seeds are always a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving feast. They don’t take long to make, they’re healthy, and they definitely won’t ruin anyone’s meal. As the kids are carving their fall-themed pumpkins, you can collect the seeds and turn them into a tasty treat. If you know your kids won’t appreciate a lot of spice, you can adjust the recipe with your favorite seasonings.
She Wears Many Hats has a good recipe you can use for a Thanksgiving appetizer.
10. Sweet Potato Crostini
Who doesn’t love crostini? They’re little toasts you can pile up with whatever you want, and this sweet potato version is perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re not hard to make, so you can assign your junior chefs the job of putting together this festive finger food.
We found a good recipe with Taste of Home.
Is there a Thanksgiving appetizer that you make every year? Let us know in the comments!