These Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers Are Just What You Need to Start a Fabulous Feast
Keep your hungry crowd happy with deliciously simple appetizers while you finish the holiday meal. Our tried-and-trusted selection includes spiced nuts, crispy chickpeas, ham-and-spinach dip, a fresh take on the relish tray, and cheater's deviled eggs.
Warm Fennel-and-Parmesan Dip
A warm, golden dip always tempts guests to dig in. This one uses Parmesan cheese to season caramelized fennel and garlic.
Spinach Dip 2.0
For a lighter, healthier take on the creamy, cheesy classic, try this update made with ricotta. The savory spread makes an excellent Thanksgiving starter.
Cauliflower, Red Onion, and Chestnut Tart
A blue cheese bechamel makes this tart deliciously rich, so you need only a small piece. It's a good starter or side dish for a holiday meal, but it works just as well for lunch or a light dinner with a green salad.
Broiled Feta with Oranges
This salty-tangy appetizer is great with bread and only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Baked Brie with Pecans
Toasted pecans and maple syrup complement the creamy Brie in this hors d'oeuvre. For the best texture, let the cheese cool before topping it with the syrup mixture.This recipe is by Everyday Food reader Kathy Quinn of Montclair, New Jersey.
Spiced Nuts
A perfect spicy snack for the holidays.
Hot Spinach Dip
This rich, creamy dish makes the perfect party dip. Otherwise, you might devour it all yourself.
Chesapeake Crab Cakes
The crab cakes can be formed and chilled a day ahead, and can be fried up to an hour ahead; reheat them in a 250-degree oven on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack just until warmed through, 8 to 10 minutes.
Pan-Fried Sardines
The canned sardines are coated in cornmeal and fried up in minutes for a delicious appetizer.
Quick Shrimp Relish Tray
For an unconventional pre-turkey bite, serve a seafood appetizer at Thanksgiving. This dish is the love child of two retro hors d'oeuvres: relish trays and shrimp cocktail. Build-your-own crostini topped with quick-pickled shrimp and vibrant fixings will tide people over and wake up their taste buds.
Artichoke Turnovers
A warm, cheesy artichoke filling is at the heart of these puff pastry pockets.