20+ Thanksgiving Appetizers You’re Sure to Love
One of the biggest parts of my holiday feast planning is coming up with fun Thanksgiving Appetizers. These recipes, though? So many fun flavors and choices!
These recipes are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner this year. With so many yummy options, you’re sure to find a few that satisfy your cravings! Kickstart the day with these!
If you’re in serious Thanksgiving dinner planning mode, you’re sure to need some ideas for drinks, too, so don’t miss out on these 30+ Mocktails for Kids that will pair perfectly with some whine and “where’s the mashed potatoes?”
In all seriousness, though, if it’s Thanksgiving you’re planning, these are the best pre-dinner dishes you need to make. So, if you’re ready to make a good and tasty appetizer for Thanksgiving, let’s rock this.
What Are Good Thanksgiving Appetizers?
Ok. Look, you’re going to be super surprised, I’m sure, but Thanksgiving appetizers can pretty much be anything you want. I mean, this is your dinner, your hors d’oeuvres, so if you want to have classic appetizer recipes or if you want to have crazy finger foods–you’re planning the holiday parties, make yourself happy.
That being said, some of my favorite appetizer recipes include things like:
- Sweet Potato or Butternut Squash Tarts
- Deviled Eggs
- Cream Cheese or Goat Cheese Balls
- Baked Brie Cheese Dip
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Red Pepper and Feta Cheese
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Brussels Sprouts
- Puff Pastry Stuffed with Anything
Now, with all those in mind, I’m pretty sure that if you want a crowd pleaser appetizer, you’re definitely going to find something amazing in this list!
You can also check out this list of Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Recipes for more yummy ideas!
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How to Serve Thanksgiving Appetizers:
Look, whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or your fiftieth, you probably aren’t prepared. I know that I NEVER feel like I am. So, I am making a list of all the things I need to help me both MAKE Thanksgiving dinner and how to serve my Thanksgiving appetizers so that I don’t have to worry about that part of the day.
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Should you serve appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner?
Serving appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to offer a diverse range of tastes and textures to your guests. Appetizers like cheese and crackers, charcuterie, or vegetable platters can alleviate any hunger pangs and keep your guests happily occupied until the main course arrives.
Appetizers also serve as conversation starters, allowing guests to interact while savoring delicious bites.
How many appetizers for Thanksgiving?
When planning a Thanksgiving feast, appetizers can be a great way to kick off the meal and get guests excited for the main event. But how many appetizers should you plan on serving?
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It ultimately depends on the size of your guest list, but a good rule of thumb is to have at least two to three options available.
This allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors and accommodates dietary restrictions. Additionally, it’s important to consider the portion size of the appetizers. You don’t want guests to fill up too much before the main course.
What are good topping ideas to pair with the perfect appetizer?
When selecting a topping, consider the appetizer’s flavors and aim for a complementary flavor. For example, if serving a savory cheese platter, try pairing it with a sweet fig jam. Or, if serving a seafood dish, consider a citrus-based sauce to enhance its natural flavors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique combinations, such as topping a meatball appetizer with a spicy pineapple salsa. Remember, the key to a successful pairing is balance – the topping should enhance the appetizer’s flavor without overpowering it.
Some other great topping ideas could be cheddar cheese, sour cream, olive oil, blue cheese crumbles, parmesan cheese, hot sauce, crumbled salty bacon, diced red peppers, or even a little bit of jalapeno jelly.
You can literally use any of your favorite flavors to get your best results.
Can I make any of these Thanksgiving appetizer recipes in advance?
You can! The most important thing to remember is that you want to make the easy appetizer as fresh as possible, so only make them in advance using simple ingredients. A tasty dip is a good example of one that you can make ahead of time.
You can also cut up any fresh vegetables like celery or red bell peppers in advance, as that helps make a quick appetizer even quicker and ready to go.
Just keep in mind that, since you’re serving these before the traditional Thanksgiving feast, pick a few that are great additions and easy to make.
Delicious dips make some of the best Thanksgiving appetizers because they can be a side dish or a starter on Thanksgiving Day.
More Tips for Making Thanksgiving Appetizers
I want your Thanksgiving to be as stress-free as possible. So, I have some tips for making Thanksgiving appetizers so that you’re not a ball of nerves on the big T-day.
- Make anything you can ahead of time. If you can make an appetizer or dessert and freeze it, do it. Waiting until the last minute is not a good idea, and you’ll feel rushed and super stressed.
- Find as many ways to use your Instant Pot or crockpot as you can. The more you can do to keep the oven off or use it only for the big stuff, the happier you’ll be.
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Which of these holiday appetizers are you going to make first?
