Preparing appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner is a delightful way to set the tone for a memorable feast. These pre-dinner treats not only keep hunger at bay but also introduce guests to a mix of flavors that anticipate the main event.
Move aside veggie trays and charcuterie boards. These savory bites of Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates, Mini Baked Potatoes, and Sausage and Cheese Wontons are truly mouthwatering and easy to make.
As friends and family gather before the main event, these delectable starters help create an ambiance of warmth and togetherness. Guests can mingle and enjoy these finger foods with a cocktail or glass of wine as everyone comes together to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving.
THANKSGIVING APPETIZERS & FINGER FOODS
There are several compelling reasons to make or bring appetizers to Thanksgiving, whether you’re hosting the dinner or attending as a guest:
Whet the Appetite: Appetizers stimulate the appetite and keep guests from getting too hungry before the main meal is served.
Entertain Guests: Appetizers provide a delicious distraction and conversation starter, keeping guests engaged as they mingle and wait for the main event.
Diverse Dietary Needs: They cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring there’s something for everyone, including vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies.
Space and Timing: Appetizers can be prepared in advance, freeing up valuable kitchen space and reducing last-minute cooking stress.
Extend the Celebration: Appetizers extend the duration of the Thanksgiving celebration, allowing guests to graze and enjoy food throughout the day.
Complement Drinks: They pair well with cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Potluck Contribution: If you’re a guest, bringing appetizers can be a thoughtful way to contribute to the meal and share your culinary talents.
Enhance Tradition: Appetizers can add a modern twist to traditional Thanksgiving meals, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Reduce Stress: When hosting, having appetizers ready can help reduce stress as you put the finishing touches on the main dishes.
Flexible Scheduling: Appetizers allow for a flexible dining schedule, accommodating guests who arrive at different times.
Incorporating appetizers into your Thanksgiving celebration, whether you’re hosting or attending, can elevate the dining experience and make the day even more memorable.
Now let’s dig into these 3 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizers!
SAUSAGE & CHEESE WONTONS APPETIZER
These Sausage and Cheese Wontons are one of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving appetizers. These are made with a cheesy sausage-based filling in little cups made from wonton wrappers. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your go-to recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 Package Wonton Wrappers
- 1 lb Mild Italian Ground Sausage
- 8 oz Package Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
- 4.25 oz Can Chopped Black Olives
- 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray mini muffing pan with cooking spray.
- Insert wonton wrappers into muffin pan so as to form small cups.
- Bake 5 minutes in preheated oven. Allow to cool.
- Cook the ground sausage until browned and drain.
- In a medium bowl, mix the sausage, cheese, black olives, and ranch dressing.
- Fill the baked wonton wrapper cups with the mixture.
- Bake the filled wonton wrappers 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and wontons are slightly brown. Watch closely so the wonton wrappers do not burn.
Tips
- The baked wonton wrapper cups and filling can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store them in covered containers in the refrigerator and assemble shortly before serving.
MINI BAKED POTATOES APPETIZER
Yes, you may be eating mashed potatoes with your Thanksgiving feast. But don’t worry that these mini appetizers will ruin your appetite. They will only enhance it! These Mini Baked Potatoes are perfectly bite-sized and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 12-16 Small Gold Baby Potatoes
- Olive Oil, to taste
McCormick Garlic and Onion, Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning, to taste
- Optional Toppings: Sour Cream, Grated Cheese, Chopped Chives, Crumbled Bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Prepare the potatoes by washing them and patting dry with a paper towel. Leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
- In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil until they are well coated. This will help them become crispy in the oven.
- Sprinkle the potatoes with the seasoning, ensuring each potato is covered evenly.
- Place the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with non-stick foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of the potatoes.
- Once they are cooked to perfection, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Slice the potatoes in half and add your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- These Mini Baked Potatoes are a delightful appetizer, side dish, or snack.
- You can customize the seasoning based on your preferences. Consider adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for extra flavor.
- A drizzle of truffle oil can add an exciting twist to these mini baked potatoes.
bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates appetizer
A little bit savory and a little bit sweet, these are a fun and unique appetizer to add on Thanksgiving. These Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates are simple to make and easy to eat in one or two bites. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
- 9 oz Package Large Pitted Medjool Dates
- 4 oz Goat Cheese, softened
- 12 oz Package Bacon
- 1 tbsp Honey (optional)
- 4-inch Bamboo Skewers
Instructions
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in oven.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Stuff the dates with goat cheese. Simply take a small amount of softened goat cheese and place it into the cavity of each date. Use your fingers to gently press the cheese in and close the date around the cheese.
- Take a half-slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed date.
- Secure the bacon with a bamboo skewer. Make sure the goat cheese is completely covered by the bacon.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped dates on a on a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with non-stick foil for easy cleanup.
- Optional: If desired, lightly drizzle honey over the bacon-wrapped dates. This will add a touch of sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your desired level of crispiness.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully transfer the bacon-wrapped dates to a fresh sheet of foil to cool away from any excess fat left on the original baking sheet.
- Once slightly cooled, arrange the Bacon-Wrapped Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates on a serving platter. The cheese inside will be warm and gooey!
Tips
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference. The sweetness from the honey can complement the salty bacon and tangy goat cheese beautifully.
- Keep an eye on the bacon while baking to avoid burning. Cooking times might vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon slices.
These 3 Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Appetizers will set the stage for a day of gratitude and togetherness. Whether you’re hosting the feast or arriving as a guest, the thoughtful addition of appetizers not only whets the appetite but also warms the heart.
So, this Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table to share in the spirit of gratitude, remember that the journey to the main course is just as delightful as the destination. Cheers to the joy of appetizers and the cherished moments they create!
I love to use this Tiered Appetizer Display from Amazon along with this Set of 12 Appetizer Plates from Crate & Barrel. And these Bamboo Skewers are great for serving small bites. Shop at the links below!
