10 QUICK AND EASY THANKSGIVING APPETIZER IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE YOU THE BEST HOST

/ Entertaining, Recipes, Seasonal Holidays / By Paola

Ingredients:

• 20 large mushrooms, stems removed
• 1/2-pound sage sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Place the caps on a baking sheet.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked sausage, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

2 | Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and golden.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

 

3 | Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy, rolled in crunchy pecans and cranberries for an easy, festive appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh parsley (for coating)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
4. Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in chopped fresh parsley to coat.
5. Serve with crackers or sliced vegetables.

4 | Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans

This Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans is gooey, melty cheese topped with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans – an easy, irresistible holiday appetizer!

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Place the Brie in the center.
3. Spoon cranberry sauce over the Brie and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
4. Fold the puff pastry over the Brie, sealing the edges. Flip it so the seam is on the bottom.
5. Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with crackers or sliced baguette.

5 | Individual Size Charcuterie Cups

These Individual Charcuterie Cups are packed with mini cheeses, meats, nuts, and fruit – the perfect grab-and-go appetizer that keeps things classy and convenient!

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Ingredients:

• Assorted cured meats (salami, prosciutto, etc.)
• Cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
• Crackers and breadsticks
• Olives and pickles
• Dried fruits (apricots, figs, dates)
• Fresh fruit (berries, grapes)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• A Sweet Treat (chocolate, cookie, macaroon)
• Spicy Honey for drizzling (Optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange small cups or glasses for each serving.
2. Cut the cured meats and cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
3. Fill each cup with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, breadsticks, olives, pickles, dried and/or fresh fruits, sweet treats and nuts.
4. Drizzle honey over the top for added flavor.
5. Arrange the cups on a serving platter or tray.
6. Serve the individual charcuterie cups for a personalized and elegant appetizer experience.

6 | Sweet Potato Bites with Goat Cheese and Honey

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/4 cup honey
• Dried cranberries, chopped nuts, fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
3. Place the sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Once out of the oven, top each sweet potato round with a small dollop of goat cheese.
6. Drizzle honey over the goat cheese and sweet potatoes.
7. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts, dried cranberries and fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

7 | Mini Cornbread Muffins with Jalapeño Honey Butter

These mini cornbread muffins are made extra special with a sweet-and-spicy jalapeño honey butter.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 box cornbread mix (or your favorite homemade cornbread recipe)
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 small jalapeño, minced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, pouring the batter into a mini muffin tin.
2. Bake as directed and let cool.
3. For the jalapeño honey butter, mix the softened butter, honey, and jalapeño until smooth.
4. Serve the muffins with a dollop of jalapeño honey butter on top or on the side.

 

8 | Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese

Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese are a delicious mix of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors – the ultimate bite-sized indulgence for any gathering and probably my favorite Thanksgiving appetizer ideas!

Ingredients:

• 16 Medjool dates
• 4 oz blue cheese
• 8 slices bacon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a small slit in each date and remove the pit.
3. Stuff each date with a small amount of blue cheese.
4. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
5. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

9 | Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears with Blue Cheese

These elegant bites combine sweet pears, salty prosciutto, and creamy blue cheese for a gourmet treat

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe pears, sliced into wedges
• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
• 8 slices of prosciutto, halved lengthwise
• Honey (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Place a small amount of blue cheese on each pear slice.
2. Wrap each pear wedge with a piece of prosciutto, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with a little honey just before serving.

10 | Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips

This Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips is a tasty twist on a classic dip, blending creamy pumpkin and savory spices for a deliciously seasonal appetizer that’s perfect for sharing!

Ingredients: 

• 1 can (15 oz) canned pumpkin
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt to taste
• Pita bread for chips

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine canned pumpkin, drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt to taste.
3. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
5. Cut pita bread into triangles and toast them in the oven or on a skillet until crispy.
6. Serve the pumpkin hummus in a bowl, drizzled with a bit of olive oil.
7. Arrange the pita chips around the bowl for dipping.

And there you have it—a spread of delicious and easy-to-make Thanksgiving appetizers ideas that kick off your feast on the right note! From sweet to savory, these tasty bites are sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles and full plates.

With simple prep and big flavor, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about! As you plan your meal, we hope these goodies add an extra touch of joy to your celebration. Here’s to happy eating and even happier holidays—until next year!

This post was all about the best Thanksgiving appetizer ideas.