10 Thanksgiving Appetizers That Will Wow Your Guests
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! While the main course usually steals the show, appetizers are a fantastic way to tantalize taste buds and keep guests happy while the turkey roasts. Forget boring veggie platters – these 10 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes are sure to impress and set the stage for a memorable holiday feast. They range from simple make-ahead options to slightly more involved, but all are guaranteed to be delicious and festive!
## 1. Cranberry Brie Bites
These sweet and savory bites are always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Unfold the puff pastry:** Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, lightly roll it out to even it out and make it slightly thinner. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it improves the texture.
3. **Cut the pastry:** Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry into small squares (about 1.5-2 inches). You should get around 24-36 squares, depending on the size you cut them.
4. **Assemble the bites:** Place the pastry squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top each square with a small cube of brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a few chopped nuts (if using).
5. **Egg wash:** Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the beaten egg. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
7. **Cool and serve:** Let the bites cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve warm.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Make it ahead:** You can assemble the bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a little heat.
* **Change the cheese:** Use Camembert cheese instead of brie for a similar flavor profile.
* **Different nuts:** Try using pistachios or slivered almonds instead of pecans or walnuts.
* **Gluten-free:** Look for gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free version.
## 2. Spiced Pecans
These crunchy, sweet, and savory pecans are incredibly addictive and require minimal effort. They’re perfect for snacking on while waiting for the main course.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups pecan halves
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
* 1 tablespoon melted butter
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the pecans, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Toss to coat the pecans evenly.
3. **Spread on baking sheet:** Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pecans are toasted and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
5. **Cool:** Let the pecans cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. They will crisp up as they cool.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Adjust the spices:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add more cinnamon for a warmer flavor, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Different sweeteners:** Try using brown sugar instead of maple syrup or honey for a richer flavor.
* **Other nuts:** You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
* **Make it ahead:** These pecans can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
## 3. Butternut Squash and Sage Crostini
These elegant crostini are a delightful combination of sweet and savory. The creamy butternut squash pairs perfectly with the earthy sage and crusty bread.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup vegetable broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Toast the baguette:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool.
2. **Roast the butternut squash:** Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. **Make the butternut squash puree:** Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a food processor or blender. Add the vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. **Assemble the crostini:** Spread a spoonful of butternut squash puree on each toasted baguette slice. Sprinkle with chopped fresh sage.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately, or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add balsamic glaze:** Drizzle balsamic glaze over the crostini for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* **Goat cheese:** Crumble goat cheese over the butternut squash puree for a tangy flavor contrast.
* **Pomegranate seeds:** Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the crostini for a festive touch.
* **Make it ahead:** You can roast the butternut squash and make the puree ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the crostini.
## 4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese
These sweet, salty, and creamy bites are always a hit! The Medjool dates provide a chewy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the salty bacon and tangy goat cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 4 oz goat cheese, softened
* 6 slices bacon, cut in half
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Stuff the dates:** Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of softened goat cheese.
3. **Wrap with bacon:** Wrap each stuffed date with a half-slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick, if needed.
4. **Bake:** Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the dates are heated through. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.
5. **Cool and serve:** Let the dates cool slightly before serving. Remove the toothpicks before serving, if used.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cheese:** Try using cream cheese or blue cheese instead of goat cheese.
* **Add nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the dates before wrapping them in bacon.
* **Maple syrup glaze:** Brush the bacon-wrapped dates with maple syrup during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet and sticky glaze.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the goat cheese filling for a little heat.
* **Air Fryer:** These can easily be cooked in an air fryer. Cook at 375F for 8-10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
## 5. Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese and Crackers
This festive and flavorful salsa is a refreshing alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. The combination of tart cranberries, spicy jalapeno, and sweet orange zest is simply delightful.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 oz fresh cranberries
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
* 1 orange, zested and juiced
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* Crackers, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Make the cranberry salsa:** In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add the red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Stir to combine. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. **Prepare the cream cheese:** Spread the softened cream cheese on a serving platter.
3. **Top with salsa:** Spoon the cranberry salsa over the cream cheese.
4. **Serve:** Serve with crackers for dipping.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Adjust the sweetness:** Add more or less sugar to adjust the sweetness of the salsa to your liking.
* **Make it spicier:** Add more jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier salsa.
* **Add nuts:** Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
* **Make it ahead:** The cranberry salsa can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the appetizer just before serving.
## 6. Deviled Eggs with a Thanksgiving Twist
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer, and these Thanksgiving-themed deviled eggs are sure to be a hit! The addition of cranberry sauce and crispy bacon adds a festive touch.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
* 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* Paprika, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Cut the eggs:** Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Place the yolks in a medium bowl.
2. **Make the filling:** Mash the egg yolks with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. **Fill the egg whites:** Spoon the egg yolk mixture back into the egg white halves.
4. **Top with cranberry sauce and bacon:** Top each deviled egg with a small dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon.
5. **Garnish and serve:** Sprinkle with paprika for garnish. Serve chilled.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add avocado:** Add mashed avocado to the egg yolk filling for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg yolk filling for a little heat.
* **Garnish with herbs:** Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, instead of paprika.
* **Make it ahead:** The deviled eggs can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add the cranberry sauce and bacon just before serving.
## 7. Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls
These adorable mini pumpkin cheese balls are a festive and delicious appetizer. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and pumpkin spice is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Chopped pecans or walnuts, for coating
* Pretzel sticks, for stems
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
3. **Shape into balls:** Roll the cheese mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
4. **Coat with nuts:** Roll each cheese ball in chopped pecans or walnuts to coat evenly.
5. **Add pretzel stems:** Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball to create a pumpkin stem.
6. **Serve:** Serve chilled with crackers or vegetables.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cheese:** Try using goat cheese or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
* **Add dried cranberries:** Stir in dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
* **Make it ahead:** The cheese balls can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
## 8. Turkey Cheese Ball
A fun and festive cheese ball shaped like a turkey. This will be the centerpiece of your appetizer table and a fun project to get the kids involved in.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Various vegetables for decoration (carrot sticks, bell peppers, olives, pretzel sticks, etc.)
* Crackers, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, pecans, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. **Shape into turkey:** On a large serving platter, shape the cheese mixture into a turkey body. You can use your hands or a spatula to create the shape.
3. **Decorate:** Use carrot sticks, bell peppers, olives, and pretzel sticks to create the turkey’s feathers, eyes, beak, and legs. Get creative with your decorations!
4. **Chill:** Cover the cheese ball and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
5. **Serve:** Serve chilled with crackers.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different cheese:** Use any combination of cheeses you like.
* **Add bacon:** Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon for added flavor.
* **Make it ahead:** The cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
## 9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
These roasted Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful appetizer that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Toss with olive oil:** In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. **Roast:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. **Drizzle with balsamic glaze:** Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add bacon:** Toss the Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon before roasting for added flavor.
* **Add Parmesan cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of roasting.
* **Add cranberries:** Toss the Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries before roasting for added sweetness.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
## 10. Mini Quiches
These mini quiches are a delicious and elegant appetizer that can be customized with your favorite fillings. They’re perfect for a Thanksgiving gathering.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 sheet (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* 4 eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Your choice of fillings (cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).** Grease a mini muffin tin.
2. **Cut the pastry:** Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the puff pastry into circles slightly larger than the muffin cups. Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin cups.
3. **Whisk the eggs:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
4. **Add fillings:** Sprinkle your choice of fillings into the pastry-lined muffin cups. Don’t overfill the cups.
5. **Pour egg mixture:** Pour the egg mixture over the fillings, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
7. **Cool and serve:** Let the quiches cool slightly in the muffin tin before removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use different pastry:** Try using shortcrust pastry instead of puff pastry.
* **Add herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the egg mixture.
* **Make it ahead:** The quiches can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Thanksgiving appetizers don’t have to be complicated. With a little creativity, you can create delicious and impressive starters that will delight your guests and set the stage for a memorable Thanksgiving feast. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Happy Thanksgiving!