Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Find the appetizer recipe you've been searching for in this roundup of healthy appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving, just in time to fill out your Thanksgiving menu!

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Healthy Appetizer Ideas for Thanksgiving to Try This Year

1. Cornbread Bruschetta

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

Don’t just use your cornbread for your stuffing. This scrumptious cornbread bruschetta is gluten-free and vegan, and sure to be perfect Thanksgiving appetizers.

2. Mini Bean and Cheese Molletes

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

Slice a baguette into rounds and start adding your toppings. Thesemini bean and cheese molletes are bite-sized morsels that never fail to fill your tummy and warm your heart.

3. Spicy Sweet Potato Pumpkins

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

These spicy sweet potato pumpkin bites will allow the whole family to savor the flavors of the season, especially during the festive Thanksgiving feast.

4. Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

Spinach and mushrooms are my favorites, so thesespinach stuffed mushrooms will not be missing from my Thanksgiving table. Serve it too!

5. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Another take on making mushrooms more appetizing:crab stuffed mushrooms. Pretty sure your guests will be drooling over these decadent bites.

6. Apple Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

These super delicious meatballs are like Thanksgiving in one bite. The whole family will love the sweet, juicy, and tangy flavor of these apple cranberry turkey meatballs.

7. Sweet Potato Hummus

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

Thissweet potato hummus will help you cut down on calories and fat since it uses Greek yogurt. Don’t forget the pita chips!

8. Brussels Sprout Sliders

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (8)

Whether you are planning a vegetarian Thanksgiving or not, these adorable healthy brussels sprout sliders are sure to impress.

Who knew brussels sprouts would make great mini burger buns, right? It's a must-serve!

RELATED: 19 Charming Thanksgiving Centerpieces For A Homestead Table Setting

9. Spiced Paleo Apple Dip

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (9)

Go Paleo with this a healthy and delicious snack! It doesn’t get healthier than fruit, right?

Don't miss this spiced Paleo apple dipat your family holiday feast.

Add some cranberry to your #Thanksgiving meal a little differently this year. Check out these unique recipes! https://t.co/K43jWbyLcK pic.twitter.com/8FV6AyZrzB

— Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) November 6, 2016

10. Coconut-Crusted Brie-Stuffed Quinoa Bites

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

Love quinoa? You’ll enjoy it so much more when transformed into these coconut-crusted brie-stuffed quinoa bites.

A tiny bite which is superbly stuffed with ooey-gooey brie.

11. Crazy Greek Feta, Sun-Dried Tomato and Pistachio Truffles

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

Looking for a unique Mediterranean flavor? These crazy Greek feta, sun-dried tomato, and pistachio truffles will be just the thing you’re looking for.

It's cheesy, salty, and delicious! What more could you ask for?

12. Butternut Squash Pizza

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

Did you ever consider that pizza could be healthy appetizers, and finger food-sized, too? This butternut squash pizza will give you a big punch of flavor that's impressive, considering its tiny size.

13. Spinach Puffs

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These spinach puffs are super easy to make. You can even make them ahead and keep them frozen until you’re ready to warm and serve.

14. Spinach Balls

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

This will make you consider eating your greens. With a combination of spinach and stuffing mix, who can dare to resist?

I’m sure everyone in your gathering will love these spinach balls.

15. Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa Mushroom Pilaf

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (14)

This roasted acorn squash stuffed with quinoa mushroom pilafgive you both fall flavors and a gorgeous plate for your Thanksgiving feast. Make sure to give your guests a heads up–they may spend way too much time taking photos of this dish for Instagram, it will go cold!

16. Classic Deviled Eggs

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

Nothing beats tradition! Make these classic deviled eggs for Thanksgiving and keep it plain and simple without jeopardizing the Thanksgiving flavor.

17. Sweet Potato Cakes

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (16)

Make a batch of these sweet potato cakes and don't forget to top them off with the awesome black bean salsa! It elevates your ordinary sweet potato, that's for sure.

Looking forvegetarian Thanksgiving appetizers? Lucky you! This video from Edgy Veg features 3 easy vegan appetizers you can whip up and serve on Thanksgiving:

WOW, so good! Have your family and friends gather around with any of these healthy appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving while dinner is cooking.

Serve two or more from this list of healthy and easy appetizers for Thanksgiving to kick off your dinner feast. We have a pretty good feeling these healthy Thanksgiving appetizers will be a huge hit!

What do you think of these healthy appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving? Which one will you try? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 14, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Healthy Appetizer Ideas For Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Should you serve appetizers before Thanksgiving dinner? ›

So, you might not think to add Thanksgiving appetizers to your holiday menu. But, here's the reason why you should: everyone shows up to Thanksgiving dinner feeling hungry! And if you want to hold your guests over until the main event, these easy small bites are the way to go.

How many appetizers should you have at Thanksgiving? ›

Three or four bites of food per person should be plenty. For shrimp co*cktail, oysters or larger crostini, plan about two pieces per person. If you're serving smaller, one-bite hors d'oeuvres, allot three per person total. For dip, 3 ounces per guest will be plenty.

What is an antipasto for Thanksgiving? ›

Antipasti ~ ~ Appetizers

While raw veggies and dip make the rounds at an American Thanksgiving, Italians love to enjoy sausage, cheeses, stuffed mushrooms, and assorted olives. Traditional antipasti dishes are on display, including stuffed peppers and artichokes, shrimp, and roasted vegetables in olive oil.

What are appetizers served before the main meal? ›

An appetizer is part of a meal that's served before the main course. You might serve your dinner guests an appetizer of crab-stuffed mushrooms when they first arrive for dinner. Usually, an appetizer is a small serving of food — just a few bites — meant to be eaten before an entree, and often shared by several people.

How much food do I need for Thanksgiving for 12 people? ›

I recommend 4 appetizers or bites per person. Most resources out there will recommend between 1 and 2 pounds of turkey per person. I think it's safe to plan for 1 1/2 pounds per person.

Why do people eat at 3 on Thanksgiving? ›

Why Is Thanksgiving Dinner So Early? There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.

How many sides should you serve for Thanksgiving? ›

For sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing, you should have at least one dish for every five people and at least two dishes for 10 people or more. If you're serving a salad, one should be enough unless you're serving 20 people or more.

What not to bring up at Thanksgiving? ›

Here are five topics that should best be kept to yourself when celebrating the holiday meal.
  • Religion. Religion is a big topic for people, especially if you do not believe in it. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Finances and Jobs. ...
  • Relationships. ...
  • Weight.
Nov 21, 2023

What foods do people eat on Thanksgiving for dinner list at least 8? ›

Here are the top 10 Thanksgiving foods that your guests are likely expecting to see on the table if you're hosting a traditional affair:
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Stuffing.
  • Green bean casserole.
  • Sweet potato casserole.
  • Baked corn.
  • Mac and cheese.
  • Peas & Water chestnuts (our fun take on regular peas)
  • Fresh rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

What do you bring to a black Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Here are some of my favorite soul food Thanksgiving side dishes:
  • Mac & Cheese. ...
  • Cornbread Dressing -Thanksgiving Side Dish. ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Collard Greens-Thanksgiving Side Dish. ...
  • Mixed Greens. ...
  • Deviled Eggs. ...
  • Green Beans & Potatoes -Thanksgiving Side Dish. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes -Thanksgiving Side Dish.
Oct 17, 2023

What is the difference between appetizer and antipasto? ›

If you're referring to a single appetizer, like a piece of cheese or bread, call it an antipasto. If you're referring to the whole platter or multiple appetizers, call it antipasti.

Is antipasto healthy? ›

The short answer is that it depends on the makeup of it. If you choose to have antipasto that relies heavily on cheese, for example, it probably isn't going to be the healthiest! Antipasto dishes like the caprese and those that use a good amount of vegetables can also be healthy.

Is there a difference between charcuterie and antipasto? ›

Focus: Antipasto is a platter that contains a combination of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and other complementary items, whereas charcuterie is primarily focused on cured meats. Origin: Antipasto originated in Italy, while charcuterie is a French term.

Why might you serve an appetizer before dinner? ›

Interestingly, appetizers before a meal help manage hunger without causing a customer to feel too full. Since apps are often light and small, they don't get in the way of entrees. Plus, they ready guests for main courses by exciting the palate and preparing the stomach for more delicious food to come.

Is the appetizer before or after the meal? ›

Appetizers are the first course served when seated at a table. An appetizer is meant to complement an entrée and is generally a small-portioned first course of a multi-course meal. Appetizers are meant to whet the appetite before the following courses. Appetizers connote that a dinner will follow.

How many appetizers to serve before dinner? ›

For an event during mealtime, plan on 12-15 total pieces per guest so that they're appetite is satisfied. If the event occurs between standard mealtimes, allocate 8 – 10 pieces per person for nibbling. Finally, for longer parties lasting longer than 4 hours, allocate 2 additional pieces per person, per hour.

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