Thanksgiving is all about the food, the love, and the laughter! But before your guests dive into the turkey and stuffing, why not set the stage with some irresistible appetizers? These easy, crowd-pleasing starters will get everyone in the holiday spirit without taking too much of your time in the kitchen.
1. Mini Brie and Cranberry Bites
These bite-sized beauties are flaky, creamy, and just sweet enough to feel festive!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the puff pastry into 3-inch squares and press into a mini muffin tin.
- Add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
2. Sweet Potato Crostini
These gluten-free “crostini” are as beautiful as they are tasty!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
- Olive oil for brushing
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the sweet potato slices with olive oil and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spread goat cheese on each slice, sprinkle with pecans, and drizzle with honey.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cups
All the goodness of spinach artichoke dip—no spoon required!
Ingredients
- 1 package of mini phyllo shells
- 1 cup spinach artichoke dip (store-bought or homemade)
- Grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon spinach artichoke dip into each phyllo shell and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
A little sweet, a little salty, and 100% addictive.
Ingredients
- 20 pitted dates
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Optional: 2 oz blue cheese or almonds for stuffing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff each date with blue cheese or an almond, then wrap with a half slice of bacon.
- Secure with a toothpick and bake for 20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
5. Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball
This festive cheese ball is a showstopper on any appetizer table!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- Crackers or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, and half the cranberries and pecans.
- Shape into a ball and roll in the remaining cranberries and pecans.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Turkey Pinwheels
These easy roll-ups are a fun and portable appetizer!
Ingredients
- 4 large tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices of deli turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Spread cream cheese over each tortilla.
- Layer with turkey, cranberry sauce, and lettuce.
- Roll tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
7. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
You can’t go wrong with this classic crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Crispy bacon bits and smoked paprika for topping
Instructions
- Halve the eggs and scoop out the yolks.
- Mash yolks with mayonnaise and mustard.
- Fill egg whites with the yolk mixture and top with bacon bits and paprika.
These appetizers are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Add a festive touch by arranging them on a fall-themed serving board with mini pumpkins, fresh herbs, and colorful leaves.
Let me know which ones you’re planning to serve this Thanksgiving! 🦃✨
No comments:
Post a Comment