12 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas

Set the stage for the big meal with these one of a kind Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas that will leave your guests grateful they came to your dinner party!

 

It's Monday!

And only 3 more days stand in my way of an unforgettable meal, and time spent with the ones I love.

 

 

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Good thing I'm not in charge of the turkey.

Sure, Thanksgiving may be the biggest meal of the year, by why stop at one MEAL?!

I like to keep the holidays going as long as possible, so making T-Day a full 12 hour event keeps the spirit alive from sun up, to sun down, which is now roughly 4 hours. Thanks daylight savings.

And none of it would get down without the assistance of my little helpers, coffee and  sangria.

So I made a list, checked it twice, and came up with the most mouthwatering and amazing Thanksgiving appetizer ideas to get your turkey (or tofurkey) party started!

Better yet, most of them have ingredients that you probably already have or are preparing for your holiday meal, which makes them even easier!

And my wine glass a little less full.

 

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Dip - Life with the Crust Off

Red pepper jelly dip is one of my all-time favorite appetizers, and this festive spin on it is spot on. It only takes three ingredients, including the cranberry sauce you already plopped out of the can made from scratch!

 

Autumn Acorn Squash Soup - Sinful Nutrition

I love the idea of having a warm crock of soup going for guest to sip on before the big meal. Not only is it comforting, but could even fill you up with some liquid veggies before you stuff yourself like..well a turkey. I actually wrote this recipe for Food & Nutrition and not the blog, but it is one of my favorites this time of year.

 

Crock Pot Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix - Averie Cooks

Let me just say I have put away my fair share of party mixes, which may or may not have been vodka induced. This one makes itself in your slow cooker, while you reap the rewards of your guests, pets, and uninvited neighbors' visions of pumpkin spice dancing in their noses.

 

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts - Fit Foodie Finds

What better way to sneak the veggies in early than wrapping them in BACON! Like I said before, everyone's all team Brussels now, so expect these to be gone in 2 minutes... IF you're so lucky. Hint: Grab one before they even hit the table, because people will take no prisoners and all bets are off when they do.

 

Pumpkin Pecan Baked Brie - Lemon Tree Dwelling

If autumn studied abroad in the French countryside, had too much wine, and made some questionable decisions, this would be it's lovechild. I'm not usually one for melty cheese, but if it's french and smothered in pumpkin, I make an exception. And by exception, I mean an entire wheel of it just for me.

 

Sweet Potato Rounds with Herbed Ricotta & Walnuts - The Roasted Root

An appetizer I would lie about being gluten-free just to have made especially for me. Skip the bread, and slice up some of those sweets before they hit the masher, and prepare to dazzle your guests...after you make a second batch. The first one mysteriously always "burns" 😉

 

Low Sugar Cranberry Salsa - Enjoy Every Bite

Back in the candy addicted youth, I could have easily polished off an entire can of jellied cranberry sauce. Nowadays, a spoonful is sometimes even too sweet. Save the regular chips & salsa for Sunday night football, and swap out this festive version for a crowd-pleasing dip without the sugar spike.

 

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Pate - Sinful Nutrition

I went almost 10 years without a taste of turkey at Thanksgiving, and having something different to look forward to instead of canned corn and a plate of stuffing was always my best tip. Sneak this lentil pate next to the bacon wrapped Brussels, and even your meat-eaters will be getting their veg on. Trying your vegan tempeh loaf? I can't make any promises.

 

 

Healthier Loaded Baked Potato Dip - Athletic Avocado

Oh, mashed potatoes. A classic snuggie of comfort food. Why save the starchy spotlight for only one meal, when you can experience a dippable tater topped with bacon! My weapon of choice? A spoon. Straight up.

 

Butternut Squash, Cranberry, and Goat Cheese Crostini - The Food Charlatan

If my cheese doesn't have a French accent, than it must be goat-ular. This crostini has got it going on, and you probably have most of the ingredients already cooking away for the main attraction. Easy peasy, just pass me the tray and no one gets hurt.

 

5 Minute Smoky Pumpkin Hummus  - My Bottomless Boyfriend

Save your sweet tooth for the pie, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get your pumpkin fix until your 6 feet under gravy and spiked cider. Get the pumpkin train a chuggin' first thing with this smoky spread of autumn wonder.

 

Cornbread Bruschetta - The Healthy Maven

Set aside some of your cornbread before you get to making your stuffing, because you will not want to miss out on this one. Oh so simple, but I promise it won't be like anything you've ever had before, whether or not you call it bru-shet-ah or bru-sket-ah.

 

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Make it a great day!

What's your favorite holiday appetizer?

Main meal or dessert? How about BOTH.