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

As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of a Thanksgiving feast fills the air with warmth and joy. One delightful way to kick off your celebration is with a selection of easy-to-make appetizers that not only tantalize the taste buds but also allow you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones. In this guide, we’ve curated a collection of Thanksgiving quick and easy appetizer ideas that blend simplicity with scrumptiousness, ensuring a stress-free and delicious start to your festive gathering. From sweet potato bites adorned with goat cheese and honey to crispy Brussels sprouts skewers glazed in maple goodness, these recipes promise to elevate your Thanksgiving appetizer game!

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1. Stuffed Mushrooms with Sage Sausage and Cream Cheese

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.

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2. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 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.

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3. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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.

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4. Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans

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.

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5. Individual Size Charcuterie Cups

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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!

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7. Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 4 oz Brie cheese
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into small squares.
3. Place a small piece of Brie in the center of each pastry square.
4. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the Brie.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges to seal.
6. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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8. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Blue Cheese

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.

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9. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Skewers or toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and skewer them onto wooden skewers or toothpicks.
3. Place the skewers on a baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
5. Brush the maple glaze over the Brussels sprouts.
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are crispy.
7. Serve the skewers as a delightful and flavorful appetizer.

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10. Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips

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 feast that starts with the easiest and tastiest bites. From sweet to savory, these Thanksgiving appetizers promise to bring everyone to the table with smiles and full plates. Easy prep, big flavor – that’s the spirit of Thanksgiving. As you plan out your meal, we hope these bites will add an extra dash of joy to your celebration. Until next year, happy eating and even happier holidays!