Thanksgiving Appetizers - Cooking Light

Photo: John Autry

Healthy Thanksgiving Appetizers

Before the turkey hits the table, whet the appetites of your guests by serving one (or more, depending on your head count) of these festive nibbles. To encourage guests to mix and mingle, set up tasting stations around the party. One thing is for sure, these recipes will get them talking.

First up: Our polenta squares will have your Thanksgiving meal off to an impressive start. These are also tasty with chopped dried figs or cranberries in place of the currants.

View Recipe: Polenta Squares with Gorgonzola and Pine Nuts

Photo: John Autry

Roasted Oysters with Pancetta and Breadcrumbs

For easy prep, slice the lemon and make the bread mixture in the morning before things get hectic. Store in the refrigerator. Just before guests arrive, assemble the oysters then pop them in the oven. Be sure to set a timer. The oysters cook for only a short time and you won't want to forget these are baking away while you're greeting guests.

View Recipe: Roasted Oysters with Pancetta and Breadcrumbs

Photo: Johnny Autry

Phyllo Cups with Ricotta, Chèvre, and Thyme

Start making the phyllo stacks about 30 minutes after you put the cheese mixture in the refrigerator. Or make the cheese mixture a day ahead, and assemble before guests arrive.

View Recipe: Phyllo Cups with Ricotta, Chèvre, and Thyme

Photo: John Autry

Cauliflower "Caviar" with Frizzled Prosciutto

Before the turkey, lose the fork and knife for these healthy handheld bites. Smoky prosciutto and cauliflower fill bitter endive leaves in this flavorful, light appetizer.

View Recipe: Cauliflower "Caviar" with Frizzled Prosciutto

Photo: José Picayo

Polenta-Sausage Triangles

Prepare polenta through step 2 up to two days ahead so you can focus on the turkey and fixings on the big day. Before serving, let the dish stand at room temperature one hour, cut polenta into triangles, and toast them right before guests arrive. Pork sausage gives them a wonderfully familiar, stuffing-like flavoring.

View Recipe: Polenta-Sausage Triangles

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Prepare this retro-chic snack up to two days ahead, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. Rolled in minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, this cheese ball is festive enough for the most discerning party guests.

View Recipe: Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

Photo: Jonny Valiant

Quick Liver Pâté

This pared-down pâté is based on liverwurst. Use Usinger's or Schaller & Weber brand liverwurst for best results.

View Recipe: Quick Liver Pâté

Photo: John Autry

Vegetable Samosas with Mint Chutney

This dish uses leftover mashed potatoes to make a big batch of Indian-inspired snacks that are perfect for a pre-turkey nosh. Serve warm or at room temperature with the cilantro and mint chutney.

View Recipe: Vegetable Samosas with Mint Chutney

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

A mix of fruity and meaty olives works well in this treatment. Serve with pre-dinner cocktails.

View Recipe: Citrus, Fennel, and Rosemary Olives

Photo: Ellen Silverman

Creamy Garlic-Herb Dip

You can prepare this all-purpose dip up to a day ahead, making this a quick fix for hungry holiday guests. Serve it with cauliflower and broccoli florets, carrot and celery sticks, and bell pepper strips.

View Recipe: Creamy Garlic-Herb Dip

Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread

Photo: John Autry

Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Serve with crackers or bread slices. If you can't find Gruyère, substitute raclette, fontina, or Swiss cheese.

View Recipe: Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Photo: John Autry

Cajun Hot Crab Dip

Spoon this dip into a baking dish up to a day ahead, but top with panko and chives just before baking. If it's chilled, leave the dish out at room temperature while the oven preheats. Scoop into multiple bowls that you can set at different tasting stations.

View Recipe: Cajun Hot Crab Dip

Photo: Kiyoshi Togashi

Crunchy Chickpeas

Low and slow is the key to drawing out all of the moisture without burning the chickpeas or seasoning. As they cook, the spices mingle and mellow for a rounded flavor. You're Thanksgiving guest will love these light nibbles.

View Recipe: Crunchy Chickpeas

Photo: Nina Choi

Pear Chutney Bruschetta with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Sweet-tangy chutney pairs beautifully with pungent blue cheese and toasty pecans. You can make the chutney up to three days in advance; assemble bruschetta shortly before serving.

View Recipe: Pear Chutney Bruschetta with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Warm Cranberry-Walnut Brie

This luscious Thanksgiving appetizer features seasonal flavors of cranberry, walnuts, and thyme. Serve with crackers for a warm and melty start to the meal.

View Recipe: Warm Cranberry-Walnut Brie

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Apple-Blue Cheese Chutney

Prepare and refrigerate the chutney up to three days ahead; bring to room temperature before serving. For a prettier presentation, top crostini with chutney, and sprinkle the cheese on top instead of stirring it into the chutney.

View Recipe: Apple-Blue Cheese Chutney

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Pumpkin Dip

Bring the best of fall's flavors to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread with this super-easy pumpkin dip, perfect for enjoying with fresh apple slices.

View Recipe: Pumpkin Dip

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Orange Chipotle-Spiced Pecan Mix

Prepare a batch of this smoky-sweet mix to have on hand when guests arrive. It's the perfect snack to hold guests over while you put the finishing touches on the meal.

View Recipe: Orange Chipotle-Spiced Pecan Mix