Holidays only feel like holidays when you divide and conquer the cooking. (Who wants to tackle an entire dinner? No one? Okay then.) Whether you’re heading to a Thanksgiving potluck or casual Friendsgiving, one of these appetizers could easily become your new favorite Turkey Day dish.
Chef John’s Cheese Sticks
Allrecipes Magazine
“Delicious and super easy. You can make them in advance and pop them in the oven just before your guests arrive,” Stephen Kassinger says.
Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms
Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms | Photo by CC.
“I never have any leftovers. Even my young son loves the flavorful filling. These are great to bring to get togethers,” Stephanie G. says.
Glazed Spicy Cinnamon Pecans
bd.weld
“My family and friends love them and request them every holiday,” says recipe creator arlene.
Bacon and Date Appetizer
Jessica
“These were a huge hit at a party I had this weekend, even among people who don’t like dates. Like others, I baked these, instead of broiling, at 400 degrees until browned,” Erin Black Shankel says.
One Two Three Sausage Balls
Elaine Harper
“These are simple and so yummy. There are never any left to bring home from holiday parties!” – Elaine Harper
Herman Reunion Cheese Ball
Herman Reunion Cheese Ball | Photo by MrsFisher0729.
MrsFisher0729
“I made this for Thanksgiving and it was the hit of the party!” – nancee
Scallops One – Two – Three
Photo by Aja.
Aja
“I enjoyed this super simple recipe! I’ve tried this without cooking the bacon first and for me it tends to be a little to soft for my liking. I followed other reviews and cooked the bacon partially, and it turned out perfect,” Aja writes.
Roasted Grape Crostini with Fresh Herbs
lutzflcat
“Roasting grapes makes them even sweeter, the herbs bring a bit of savory flavor, and when combined with creamy, lemony ricotta, you’re in for a tantalizing appetizer,” writes recipe creator lutzflcat.
Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts
Chef John
“This is the easiest and most delicious dish to serve as a starter! It looks magnificent in its golden pastry, and when you cut into it and the cheese and cranberries start oozing out, the guests are so impressed,” Sheila Grace Ferguson says.
Stuffed Mushrooms IV
Melissa Goff
“Wow, these were so good! I made them for an appetizer on Thanksgiving, and my husband and I had to stop eating them! We were afraid we’d have no room for dinner. We really loved them,” Mels Martinez says.
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
NancyLou
“Made this to take to Thanksgiving… It was a big hit. The pumpkin taste is not at all overpowering, and the seasoning was flavorful without being too spicy. My husband and daughter are big hummus fans and definitely gave this recipe the thumbs up.” – cookinformygang
Cranberry Brie Bites
Caroline Spaulding
“Tangy cranberry, creamy brie, and crunchy walnuts come together in a buttery shell for an appetizer that will wow your guests. Bonus: These can be made up to 3 days ahead; wrap them in plastic wrap before the baking step and store in the refrigerator. Serve warm or at room temperature,” Julie Hubert says.
Prosciutto and Parmesan Pinwheels
Photo by Mieke VanGeel Busmanas.
“I’ve made this decadent appetizer twice, and everyone loved it both times. The pinwheels were light and flaky and packed with lots of flavor from the prosciutto and Parmesan.” – DNYGARD
Exotic Mushroom and Walnut Pate
Photo by Yancakes.
“Absolutely spectacular dish! Great hot or cold. My kids love this dish when I put it inside of puff pastry and bake it until its golden brown.” – Kim
Arlene’s Bacon & Crabmeat
Melissa Goff
“I made this as an appetizer for a friend’s gathering, but no one ever had a chance to try them. After tasting the first one, my husband told me I couldn’t take them to the party. He sat down and ate the whole tray, and I am not kidding.” – Jan
Feta Cheese Foldovers
Feta Cheese Foldovers | Photo by Christina.
Christina
“These can make anyone look like a caterer! I’ve made these several times now and everyone loves them.” – DIGGETYDOGGIE
Candied Almonds
Lady J
“Wonderful and easy recipe! I have tried several candied nuts recipes and this one is the best.” – SouthernChiquita
Cape Cod Cocktail Meatballs
Photo by Shearone.
Shearone
“These cocktail meatballs are perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any party that you want to impress. They are the first appetizer to go, and everyone wants the recipe. The recipe originated in Cape Cod, cranberry country,” Robin Myshrall Ulery says.
Cheese Ball III
KGora
“If you like olives, you’ll love this cheese ball. When I described it to people, they were hesitant to try it, but ended up devouring it.” – Penny
Holiday Hot Spinach Dip
Melissa Goff
“I make this every year during the holidays. My family loves it, even the ones who don’t like one or more of the ingredients!” – TheresaNY