Nothing says "Happy Thanksgiving" better than a delicious spread of appetizers. And while planning our Thanksgiving menu, sometimes the appetizer course can be overlooked. It is one of the most important parts of any meal! It serves to get everyone in the holiday spirit and to loosen up your guests before the big meal of the day.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or are attending someone else's, it's good to have some ideas on appetizers. If you're looking for some easy-to-make appetizers, these 14 examples will do the trick. These are all tried-and-true recipes that will be a hit at your holiday party.
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Fruit is a great appetizer option because it's healthy, sweet and delicious. You can make your own real fruit kebabs with a variety of fruits such as pineapple, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. A tasty way to prepare the fruit is to marinate it in a mixture of honey and balsamic vinegar. The addition of cheese will add another layer of flavor. Try using cream cheese or goat cheese for an extra tangy flavor.
Green Olive Pinwheels
These bite-size pinwheels are a fun twist on traditional spinach dip. They're tasty and easy to make ahead of time, so they're perfect for unexpected guests with last-minute requests.
Grilled Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
This recipe is one of the most popular dishes on Pinterest, so we had to include it! These grilled chicken satay skewers have an amazing flavor combination that's hard to beat. If you're not a fan of peanut sauce, try making this easy homemade teriyaki sauce instead!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic appetizer is always a hit! The creamy spinach and artichoke dip is made from scratch with fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. It's served warm in a bread bowl for dipping crackers or chips into it. You can also make it ahead of time so all you have to do is pop it into the oven when guests arrive!
Butter Lettuce
Butter lettuce is a great alternative to traditional salad greens. It's light and crisp, but it still holds its shape. This will be perfect for your guests who want more than cheese cubes or bacon bits. The flavor is mild enough that it won't overpower other dishes on the table, but it's still tasty enough that people will want seconds!
Baked Brie With Honey Walnuts and Pecans
This baked brie recipe is easy to make and has just enough sweetness to make it perfect for dessert or as an appetizer at your holiday party. You can also use this recipe as a base for other cheeses like gorgonzola or blue cheese if you prefer those flavors over brie.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are always a favorite because they're easy to prepare ahead of time and easy to eat while mingling with friends at the party table. You can even make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs — just make sure they're crispy enough so they don't fall apart when you bite into them!
Cheddar-Bacon Deviled Eggs
You can’t go wrong with this classic recipe. The combination of bacon, cheddar and mayo is a winner every time.
Deviled eggs are a great appetizer because they can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve them. They also travel well, so if you are hosting friends or family at home or going away for Thanksgiving, these deviled eggs make great portable snacks.
Hummus and Pita Chips
Hummus is a Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. It can be served warm or cold, and is a great alternative to mayonnaise or sour cream. Serve it with pita chips, crackers or vegetables for dipping.
Garlic Cheese Breadsticks
If you love garlic bread, try these cheesy breadsticks instead! They're easy to make and are sure to please everyone at your dinner table. They're also perfect for breakfast the next morning!
Cranberry Salsa
This salsa recipe combines cranberries with other fall fruits like apples and pears for an extra sweet kick that goes well with tortilla chips or on top of grilled chicken breasts for dinner. You can also add some raw red onion for extra zing!
Fried Zucchini Parmesan Bites
These fried bites are so easy to make, and they're a great vegetarian option if you're hosting a meat-eaters-only get together. They're also gluten-free, which is perfect if you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions or allergies. The best part is that they can be made ahead of time and frozen until you're ready to fry them up!
Crispy Brussels Sprout Fries With Sriracha-Lime Aioli
These brussels sprout fries are a fun twist on classic French fries. They’re crispy, salty and delicious! The Sriracha-Lime Aioli is a great addition to any kind of fry, but it’s especially good with these brussels sprouts!
Homemade Chex Mix
This recipe uses whole wheat pretzels and regular pretzels for added texture and flavor. You can customize it by using different kinds of cereals or adding additional spices like chili powder or cayenne pepper for more kick!
Takeaway
No matter what you like to eat on Thanksgiving, you're sure to find a complimentary appetizer. These easy examples are the perfect way to welcome guests – whether they're part of your family or an invited guest. They're great for filling hungry mouths until the main meal is ready. These are sure to please without leaving you in the kitchen all afternoon!