12 Quick Last-Minute Holiday Appetizers for Thanksgiving
When unexpected guests arrive for Thanksgiving dinner, you need appetizers that come together fast. These simple starters require minimal prep time and use ingredients you likely have on hand.
Each recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for keeping everyone happy while the turkey finishes cooking in the oven.
01. Creamy Whipped Feta with Pomegranate and Honey
Silky smooth feta cheese whipped with cream cheese creates an elegant dip. The sweet pomegranate seeds and crunchy pistachios add perfect texture contrast.
Ingredients: 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, ⅓ cup shelled pistachios (chopped), 3 tablespoons honey, crackers for serving.
How To Make Creamy Whipped Feta with Pomegranate and Honey
1. Add crumbled feta and softened cream cheese to a food processor. Process for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and ribbons start forming around the bowl, ensuring no grainy texture remains.
2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture becomes light and airy. Scrape down sides as needed to incorporate everything evenly.
3. Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl and create a shallow well in the center using the back of a spoon. This helps hold the toppings beautifully.
4. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios over the top, then drizzle with honey. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or toasted pita chips.
02. Fresh Spinach-Feta Dip with Dill
This bright green dip combines creamy textures with fresh herb flavors. It works perfectly as both a party dip and sandwich spread.
Ingredients: 5 oz fresh baby spinach, 6 oz feta cheese (crumbled), ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup fresh dill (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Fresh Spinach-Feta Dip with Dill
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add fresh spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds until wilted. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
2. Squeeze spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much water as possible. This step prevents a watery dip and concentrates the spinach flavor beautifully.
3. Combine blanched spinach, crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and minced garlic in a food processor. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky for the best texture.
4. Add lemon juice and pulse briefly to incorporate. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
03. Classic Caprese Skewers
All the flavors of traditional caprese salad assembled on convenient skewers. These colorful bites disappear quickly at any gathering.
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, wooden skewers, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Classic Caprese Skewers
1. Thread one cherry tomato onto each skewer, followed by a fresh basil leaf folded in half, then a mozzarella ball. The folding creates a beautiful presentation and prevents the basil from sliding off.
2. Arrange completed skewers on a serving platter in neat rows. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over all the skewers in decorative patterns. I like to serve these at room temperature for the best flavor development.
04. Zesty Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp
Pre-cooked shrimp gets an elegant upgrade with bright lemon and aromatic garlic. This make-ahead appetizer actually improves as it sits.
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked large shrimp (peeled and deveined), ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 lemons (juiced and zested), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt to taste.
How To Make Zesty Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp
1. Pat cooked shrimp completely dry with paper towels and arrange in a shallow dish. This ensures the marinade adheres properly rather than sliding off wet shrimp.
2. Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. The combination creates a bright, aromatic marinade that penetrates the shrimp beautifully.
3. Pour marinade over shrimp and toss gently to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with toothpicks for easy eating.
05. Herbed Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta
Creamy ricotta transforms into an elegant spread with fresh herbs and bright lemon. This versatile appetizer works with crackers or vegetables.
Ingredients: 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt and black pepper to taste.
How To Make Herbed Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta
1. Place ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and let drain for 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture and creates a lighter, fluffier texture when whipped.
2. Transfer drained ricotta to a mixing bowl and whip with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and airy. The transformation is remarkable and worth the extra effort.
3. Fold in fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic using a spatula. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs and serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
06. Simple Cranberry-Brie Crostini
Just three ingredients create this impressive holiday appetizer. The tart cranberries perfectly balance the rich, creamy brie cheese.
Ingredients: 1 French baguette (sliced into ½-inch rounds), 8 oz brie cheese (rind removed, sliced), ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
How To Make Simple Cranberry-Brie Crostini
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil for golden, crispy results.
2. Toast bread slices for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges. They should sound hollow when tapped with a fork.
3. Top each warm crostini with a slice of brie cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the heat. The warmth makes the cheese perfectly creamy and spreadable.
4. Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce on top of each piece. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the brie is soft and melty.
07. Fluffy Whipped Cottage Cheese
Transform ordinary cottage cheese into a light, airy dip with fresh herbs. This protein-packed appetizer satisfies without feeling heavy.
Ingredients: 16 oz cottage cheese, ¼ cup fresh chives (chopped), 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 1 clove garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Fluffy Whipped Cottage Cheese
1. Add cottage cheese to a food processor and process for 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides for even processing.
2. Add minced garlic and lemon juice, then pulse several times to incorporate. The lemon brightens the flavor and helps maintain the light texture.
3. Transfer whipped cottage cheese to a bowl and fold in chopped chives and dill using a gentle folding motion. This preserves the airy texture you just created.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then chill for 30 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh vegetables, crackers, or use as a sandwich spread.
08. Warm Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam
A wheel of brie becomes party-ready with sweet blackberry jam and gentle baking. This crowd-pleasing appetizer requires minimal effort for maximum impact.
Ingredients: 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz), ⅓ cup blackberry jam, 2 Granny Smith apples (sliced), crackers for serving.
How To Make Warm Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and place brie wheel in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet. Score the top in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about ¼-inch deep.
2. Spread blackberry jam evenly over the top of the brie, allowing it to seep into the scored cuts. This creates pockets of sweet jam throughout the cheese.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the brie feels soft when gently pressed and the jam is bubbling around the edges. Don’t overbake or the cheese will become oily.
4. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Arrange apple slices and crackers around the warm brie for the perfect sweet and savory combination.
09. Smoky Black Bean Dip
Canned black beans become a sophisticated dip with smoky spices and fresh lime. This hearty appetizer comes together in just minutes.
Ingredients: 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed), ¼ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt to taste.
How To Make Smoky Black Bean Dip
1. Combine drained black beans, sour cream, and lime juice in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a chunky consistency, leaving some whole beans for texture.
2. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, then pulse several more times to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional lime juice as needed. The dip should be well-seasoned and bright from the citrus.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
10. Elegant Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites
Three premium ingredients stack together for sophisticated flavor combinations. These no-cook appetizers assemble in minutes but taste incredibly elegant.
Ingredients: 12 dried apricots, 6 thin slices prosciutto (halved), 2 oz Parmesan cheese (cut into small wedges), wooden toothpicks, black pepper to taste.
How To Make Elegant Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites
1. Cut each slice of prosciutto in half lengthwise to create 12 strips. The thin strips wrap around the apricots more easily and provide the perfect meat-to-fruit ratio.
2. Wrap each dried apricot with a strip of prosciutto, allowing the ends to overlap slightly. The saltiness of the ham complements the sweet apricots beautifully.
3. Thread each wrapped apricot onto a toothpick, then add a small wedge of Parmesan cheese to complete the bite-sized appetizer.
4. Arrange on a serving platter and finish with a light grinding of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
11. Fresh Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toasts
Creamy avocado and silky smoked salmon create modern elegance on toasted bread. These customizable bites let guests add their favorite toppings.
Ingredients: 8 slices artisan bread, 2 ripe avocados, 6 oz smoked salmon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons capers, ¼ red onion (thinly sliced), fresh dill for garnish.
How To Make Fresh Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toasts
1. Toast bread slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Let cool slightly while preparing the toppings to prevent the avocado from becoming too warm.
2. Mash avocados with lemon juice and a pinch of salt until smooth but still slightly chunky. The lemon prevents browning and adds brightness to complement the rich salmon.
3. Spread avocado mixture generously on each toast slice, creating an even layer that reaches the edges. This prevents toppings from sliding off.
4. Top each toast with pieces of smoked salmon, then garnish with capers, thin red onion slices, and fresh dill sprigs. Cut diagonally and serve immediately for the best texture.
12. Fun Reuben Pickle Bites
All the classic Reuben sandwich flavors assembled on pickle spears. These playful no-cook appetizers bring deli favorites to party finger food.
Ingredients: 12 large dill pickle spears, 6 oz sliced corned beef, 6 slices Swiss cheese, ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing, wooden toothpicks.
How To Make Fun Reuben Pickle Bites
1. Pat pickle spears dry with paper towels to remove excess brine. This helps the other ingredients stick better and prevents the bites from becoming too salty.
2. Cut Swiss cheese slices into strips that will wrap around the pickles easily. You want enough cheese to cover most of the pickle surface.
3. Spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing on each pickle spear, then wrap with a slice of corned beef and a strip of Swiss cheese.
4. Secure each bite with a toothpick and arrange on a serving platter. These can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These quick appetizers prove you don’t need hours of prep time to impress your Thanksgiving guests. Each recipe uses simple ingredients to create sophisticated flavors.
Keep a few of these recipes in your back pocket for any last-minute entertaining needs throughout the holiday season.
