Image credit: Chris Emeott Photography
The weather is getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and the holidays are just around the corner! Even if you’re just having a small, socially-distanced family dinner, you can still plan a special menu to make it feel like Thanksgiving.
To get you started, we’ve shared 10 of our top picks for Thanksgiving appetizers. Each one is both easy to make and absolutely delicious!
1. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Bacon and pure maple syrup provide the perfect combination of sweet and savory in this classic bite-size app. This version from Food Network Kitchen comes with a delicious, zesty lemon sauce for dipping. We also love their time-saving trick of nixing the toothpicks, and instead placing the bacon seam-side down to hold everything together.
2. Deviled Eggs
Hard-boiled egg whites meet a creamy, savory yolk filling in this no-bake appetizer. Keep it simple with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (plus salt and pepper to taste), or bring the heat with Alton Brown’s five-pepper version.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Pull-Apart Bread
Enjoy the flavors of spinach and artichoke dip in an easy-to-make, easy-to-share pull-apart bread! Delish’s recipe uses frozen spinach, canned artichoke, and a ready-made bread loaf to make it even easier to assemble.
4. Figs in a Blanket
Yes, you read that correctly! Fruit, cheese and pastry come together in this vegetarian take on pigs in a blanket. This version from Epicurious calls for boiling figs in a spicy-sweet mixture, then pairing it with creamy goat cheese, and finally wrapping it in a buttery puff pastry. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use another soft cheese such as brie or Camembert.
5. Pigs in a Blanket Ring
If traditional pigs in a blanket are more your style, try jazzing up the presentation with this version from Good Housekeeping. Roll mini franks in crescent roll dough, then arrange in concentric circles for a fun pull-apart dish.
6. Soup Shooters
The warmth and comfort of your favorite soup meet the convenience of a single-serving shooter. Looking for some flavor inspiration? Try these holiday-friendly pumpkin soup shooters from Dine and Dish, or enjoy How Sweet Eats’ crowd-pleasing tomato soup shooters topped with mini grilled cheese sticks.
7. Salted Caramel Dip with Apples
Who says you can’t start with dessert? This easy homemade salted caramel dip from Sally’s Baking Addiction pairs perfectly with sliced apples, or can be used to complement your dessert table. The best part: you can store leftover dip in the refrigerator for up to one month, then reheat to bring it back to perfect dipping temperature.
8. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds can be sprinkled over soup, tossed into salads for some crunch, or simply enjoyed by the handful. Plus, if you’re already planning to use pumpkin in your other Thanksgiving dishes, roasting the seeds is a great way to use the whole vegetable! Delicious Table offers a quick and easy recipe with some unique savory seasonings.
9. Jalapeno Popper Dip
Enjoy the flavors of jalapeno poppers in a convenient, crowd-pleasing dip. Simply blend your ingredients, bake until golden brown, and serve with your favorite dipping snacks — veggies, chips or crackers all make great companions to this appetizer. Taste of Home offers a simple and delicious recipe.
10. Stuffing Balls
Serve these stuffing balls as an appetizer or side for the perfect savory bite! Inquiring Chef’s version saves time by using pre-made stuffing mix, but you can always use your favorite homemade stuffing. (Don’t have one? Try this easy recipe from FoodieCrush.)
No matter how you celebrate, we hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving filled with plenty of love and plenty of good food!
Don’t feel like cooking this year? The Cookie Cups has you covered! From savory appetizer minis to sweet dessert cups to everything in between, you and your family will be sure to love our bite-size delights. View our full catering menu for our current offerings and information on how to order.