16 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers
As friends and family gather for the big event, offer these tasty nibbles that just so happen to be excellent make-ahead recipes.
Thomas J. Story
We’ve all been there, standing around at a Thanksgiving gathering, making small talk, and wondering in the back of our minds how much longer until everyone is allowed to eat. But that doesn’t have to be the case with these incredible appetizers.
Finger food is often the ideal in an appetizer. There’s just something about a self-contained, portable dish, whether it’s a bean salad on an endive spear, a crostini made with wedges of sweet potato, or a Northwest twist on bruschetta. Plus of course, you can’t go wrong with some nice marinated olives or a spicy nut mix.
Or maybe take the seafood route. Stay in the realm of finger food with hazelnut herb butter mussels, or, for oyster fans, try them with an intriguing ginger-shallot mignonette.
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And of course, what can go wrong with a good dip? Whether it’s a classic creamy spinach parmesan dip or a bright, fresh cashew-lime cilantro hummus, they’re perfect for people to gather around and share memories while they snack.
With these recipes at your disposal, you can keep hunger at bay and put everyone’s mind off the arrival time of the main meal by wowing them with oysters, nuts, and dips galore!
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Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus
This bright, fresh version of hummus is great with any combination of raw vegetables.
Recipe: Cashew-Lime Cilantro Hummus
Oysters with Verjus Mignonette
If you don’t want to shuck oysters yourself, order them on the half-shell from a fish market.
Recipe: Oysters with Verjus Mignonette
Pumpkin Tacos
Why make everyone wait until dessert for pumpkin? Give your meal a Mexican Thanksgiving twist! Set out all the components for these seasonal tacos and let guests build their own pre-dinner treat.
Recipe: Pumpkin Tacos
Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Dip
We love this low-fat version of everyone’s favorite dip. Serve it with sliced baguette or crisp, raw vegetables. As a bonus for the hostess this dip can be made up to two days ahead of time.
Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Parmesan Dip
Oysters with Ginger-Shallot Mignonette
As part of their catering business, Jaret Foster and Mona Johnson run a mobile oyster bar called Oyster Social. Their gingery twist on classic mignonette “adds a touch of intrigue,” says Johnson.
Winter Squash Soup with Red Chile and Mint
For this soup—adapted from her 2013 book Vegetable Literacy—author Deborah Madison makes a quick stock from the trimmings of the main ingredients: She sets a pot with 5 cups of water on the stove, and as she chops, she tosses in the squash peels, pulp, and seeds; the ends of the onion; some basil and mint sprigs; and 1 tsp. each of coriander seeds and peppercorns. She lets it simmer, partly covered, and it’s ready by the time she needs to strain it for the soup.
Olives with Orange and Fennel
Make these delicious olives up to two weeks ahead of time and set them out before guests arrive.
Recipe: Olives With Orange and Fennel
Mussels Baked with Hazelnut Herb Butter
Baked in the half-shell and bubbling with butter and aromatic herbs, these mussels are irresistible. Get the biggest, fattest ones you can find, because they’ll shrink as they cook.
Sweet Potato Crostini
Melted brie, crushed pistachios, and savory diced pancetta top off these gluten-free “toasts” that are bound to disappear from a fall party platter in moments.
Recipe: Sweet Potato Crostini
Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayo
Each serving is a mini seafood salad. Saffron mayo makes this appetizer special and just a little bit indulgent.
Endive Spears with White Bean Radicchio Salad
This colorful appetizer is healthy and delicious. Get a jump start on Thanksgiving by making the salad a day ahead.
Garden Vegetable Platter with Roasted Beet Hummus
This stunning fuchsia hummus is a bright addition to your holiday spread. Serve it with a platter of colorful Thanksgiving vegetables and a bowl of extra-virgin olive oil for dunking.
Recipes:
Onion and Caviar Chips with Spicy Crème Fraîche
If you’re seeking something extra-special to serve this Thanksgiving, look no further. Guests will love this rich and decadent appetizer.
Northwest Bounty Bruschetta
Fruit, nuts, and cheese come together for a perfect fall-flavored bruschetta. Guests will love this easy-to-grab, two-bite treat.
Recipe: Northwest Bounty Bruschetta
Smoky Salmon Chive Spread
Here’s a make-ahead appetizer that’s light on fat and calories but big on flavor. Offer it with your favorite crackers.
Recipe: Smoky Salmon Chive Spread
Chili-Spiced Nuts
Pumpkin seeds make this spicy mix perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Spiced nuts are also a great hostess gift or potluck dinner contribution. They’re easy to make ahead and travel well.
Recipe: Chili-Spiced Nuts
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