Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love the holiday season? The vibrant decorations, the family gatherings, and of course, the mouthwatering food. We can all agree that one of the highlights of any Thanksgiving dinner is not just the turkey (though it certainly holds its own!) but also those delightful appetizers that set the tone for a memorable feast. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some interesting and irresistible Thanksgiving appetizer ideas that you could try out this year.
A Flavorful Start with Savory Bites
Start your feast on a delicious note with savory bites that will excite your guests’ palates in anticipation for what’s to come.\
Deviled Eggs:
This classic starter is always a hit at any gathering. They’re simple to make and offer plenty of room for creativity! Add some smoked salmon or bacon bits for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil eggs until hard (about 9 minutes), then cool.
2. Peel eggs, cut in half lengthwise and remove yolks.
3. Mix yolks with mayo, mustard and salt & pepper to taste.
4. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture.
5. Sprinkle paprika on top before serving.
Baked Brie:
Nothing beats warm brie cheese paired with cranberry sauce or fruit compote during fall festivities.
Ingredients:
- One wheel of Brie cheese
- Fruit compote or cranberry sauce
- Crackers or sliced baguette
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place Brie on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper.
3. Bake for about 15 minutes until soft.
4. Top with compote or cranberry sauce and serve with crackers or baguette slices.
A Dose of Healthy Greens
Balance out those rich flavors with some fresh, vibrant salads.\
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad:
A perfect salad to complement your Thanksgiving appetizers that’s full of fall flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Mixed salad greens
- Goat cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Peel, seed, and cut butternut squash into cubes.
3. Toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper then spread evenly on baking sheet.
4. Roast for about 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
5. Cool then toss in a salad bowl with mixed greens, goat cheese crumbles, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Something Sweet to Tease the Palate
End your appetizer course on a sweet note before moving on to the main course.
Mini Pumpkin Pies:
These bite-sized pies are just as delicious as their full-sized counterpart!
Ingredients:
- Ready-made pie crusts
- One can of pumpkin puree
- Evaporated milk
- Two eggs
- Brown sugar
- Pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Roll out pie crusts and cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
3. Press each circle into mini muffin tin cups.
4. Mix pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, brown sugar and spices in a bowl until smooth then pour mixture into each crust cup.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until filling is set.
As we all know, a Thanksgiving feast without appetizers is like a cake without icing. So, this year, make sure your holiday dinner starts off right with these creative and tasty ideas. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, there’s something here for everyone. Happy cooking, and more importantly, happy eating!
