Love it or hate it, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a yearly struggle to have to patiently wait for dinner to be done cooking, so everyone loves a yummy appetizer to snack on in the meantime. Personally, I spend all Thanksgiving day practically starving, trying to save as much stomach room as possible for my holiday feast; so whatever I eat first better be worth it. Yet, I’ve noticed that the appetizer menu has grown to become a bit repetitive, “outdated” if you will. It’s time to spice things up! Be a big girl this year; make your own app and ditch the charcuterie boards. Let this be your guide to the best girl dinner appetizers, Thanksgiving style.
#1: Caprese Salad
No, this is not a unique appetizer. But is it a tried and true classic? Absolutely. Although Italian, it is very popular and bodes well with large crowds. It is simple, fresh, and light; if you mess this one up, I hate to break it to you, but maybe you’re just not cut out for the kitchen. Caprese salad requires only a couple of ingredients, allowing it to be wildly diversifiable for all kinds of guests. Bonus: I have found from “face stuffing” experience that these are not as filling as other appetizers.
255 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/caprese-salad-recipe-1939232
#2: Beer Cheese Dip
This dish sounds absolutely delicious, but be careful. It can be tricky to make, and more concerningly, it’s severely addictive. One of the best things about this dip is that you can pair it with almost anything. Bread, veggies, chips, pretzels, and so much more can be used to dip, so you can somewhat finely tune your appetizer to whoever you’re serving. Be cautious, though; this recipe starts with a roux, which can be hard to perfect if you’re a first timer.
177 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/beer-cheese-dip/
#3: Sausage Balls
I am well aware that the name sounds a bit funky, but I swear these are worth the comedic title. This 3-ingredient appetizer is a savory one, combining sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix. It will take you half an hour tops, and it is more than considerably easy. If you know how to mix things in a bowl, roll small balls, and throw a pan in the oven, then this one’s for you! If you swapped the ingredients, you’d probably think you’d be making cookies.
264 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21649/sausage-balls/
#4: Reuben Pickle Bites
This is a fun one; you get the credit of making something creative from scratch, yet it’s low effort. These may not be for the pickiest of eaters, but they’re a trendy take on a popular favorite, the Reuben Sandwich. This bite is only a handful of ingredients, and it is fairly easy to assemble. All you have to do is stack a couple of things on one another and throw a cute toothpick in the middle! You still get to make your own creation from scratch, though, the dressing. Do not fear, the recipe only calls for a simple whisking of the ingredients.
Estimated 125 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a30326675/reuben-pickle-bites-recipe/
#5: Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip
Not only does this sound fancy, but it also mixes the best of both worlds: sweet and savory. This recipe takes a bit more mise en place than the previous recipes, but nothing too outlandish. This dip would go perfectly with a crusty bread, like sourdough or a baguette. Let’s be honest, though, pretty much everything is good in a cheese-based dip.
266 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cranberry-and-bacon-swiss-cheese-dip/
#6: Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Bites with Gruyere and Mushrooms
This bite screams, “I know how to cook”. Onions and mushrooms always pair nicely together, especially with Swiss and a cushy puff pastry. I won’t sugarcoat it; this recipe is definitely a labor of love. Despite the longer cook time, this appetizer can be made up to 48 hours in advance. This frees up more time for you to handle other things in the kitchen, and gives you a grace period of time before the holiday in case you mess up.
Estimated 235 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.littlespicejar.com/gruyere-mushroom-caramelized-onion-bites/
#7: Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Cool girls eat their veggies, so get over your irrational fear of brussels sprouts and try this dish. Most things bacon-wrapped are absolutely delicious, and this recipe is no exception. It is also a great opportunity to incorporate some green color on the table. A lemony blue cheese sauce is also included within this recipe, but you can take creative control and serve this appetizer with whatever sauce you’d like. The sprouts themselves are fairly easy to make; just make sure to keep an eye on them while they cook to ensure they do not burn. These are able to be refrigerated for up to 3 days before they are cooked, so you can also prep these in advance if you’d like.
Estimated 165 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/bacon-wrapped-brussels-sprouts-keto-appetizer-23003852
#8: Bacon Jam
This isn’t an appetizer itself, but more so the star of the show within the appetizer. Bacon in jam may sound a bit odd, but it is actually a more common pairing than you think. The umami flavor of the bacon complements the sweetness of the jam contents well. Serve it with some crackers or crostini, and people will think you have a sophisticated flavor palette. Though proceed with heavy caution, this recipe calls for a lengthy list of ingredients and requires a long cooking duration.
89 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/boozy-bacon-jam/
#9: Sweet Potato Bites
Some of us have a sweet tooth that just will not wait until dinner is over. This appetizer is a great way to scratch that itch before you reach dessert. This sugary recipe is only a handful of ingredients and takes about 40 minutes. Although the cook time is longer, most of that time is allocated to the appetizers baking in the oven. This dish provides various textures, including a soft sweet potato, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy pecan. People will be asking you about these until next year, so be careful if you make them!
Estimated 275 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a50000/sweet-potato-bites-recipe/
#10: Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
This one is more of a snack rather than an appetizer, but it still deserves a shoutout. Pumpkin seeds are a classic Thanksgiving crunch, and the ranch seasoning adds a zesty flair to the traditional bite. There’s also a bonus to them because they are highly nutritious, so there’s no need for guilt. This recipe only takes about 30 minutes and 4 ingredients. If you’re really not trying to fill up before dinner, these are a perfect little munchie to tide you over while you wait.
26 Calories per Serving
Recipe: https://hellolittlehome.com/ranch-pumpkin-seeds/
Whether you’re a master chef or a beginner cook, these recipes are totally doable. It is always an accomplishment to be able to show up at the table and present something that you made on your own. In the same vein, making your own appetizer is a great way to impress the family or make a good first impression. Take this year’s Thanksgiving as a chance to be a big girl, challenge yourself, and try something new; you might end up making your new favorite dish!