Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and, of course, great food! Before the turkey takes center stage, treat your guests to these irresistible appetizers that are simple to make yet packed with flavor. These recipes will have everyone reaching for seconds before the main meal even begins!
1. Mini Brie Bites with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
1 cup cranberry sauce
1 wheel of Brie cheese (cubed)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Fresh rosemary (optional garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 12 small squares.
Place the pastry squares into a greased mini muffin tin.
Add a cube of Brie, a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of pecans to each.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Garnish with rosemary before serving.
Servings: 12 mini bites
2. Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese and Honey
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup goat cheese
2 tbsp honey
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spread goat cheese on each slice, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with walnuts and thyme.
Serve warm.
Servings: 20 rounds
3. Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
16 button mushrooms (stems removed)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps.
Arrange mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Serve hot.
Servings: 16 mushrooms
4. Cranberry and Feta Pinwheels
Ingredients:
4 large flour tortillas
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions:
Mix cream cheese, cranberries, feta, and green onions in a bowl.
Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla.
Roll each tortilla tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve.
Servings: 24 pinwheels
5. Spiced Pumpkin Hummus
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp tahini
1 garlic clove
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp paprika
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Olive oil and pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, cinnamon, paprika, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add salt to taste and drizzle with olive oil.
Transfer to a bowl, garnish with pumpkin seeds, and serve with pita chips or veggies.
Servings: 8
Helpful Notes:
Prep as much as you can the day before to save time on Thanksgiving Day!
Pair these appetizers with a festive drink for an even more memorable start to the meal.
Most of these recipes can be served at room temperature, making them perfect for entertaining.
Get ready to kick off Thanksgiving in the most delicious way with these easy-to-make appetizers. Your guests will thank you!
