By Sidney Yang
Updated Nov 24, 2023
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Looking for creative yet light Thanksgiving appetizers, check out the recipes list below. With 18 light Thanksgiving ideas ranging from reimagined classics to new, creative appetizer recipes, you’re bound to find something you and your guests will love! Including recipes for shrimp appetizers, cheeseballs, appetizers, bacon appetizers, fruit appetizers, appetizer salads, and more. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes: 18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizer Ideas
1. Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
2. Fresh Cranberry Dip
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
This fresh cranberry dip is a sweet and spicy holiday appetizer. The Cranberry dip recipe is perfect for serving with tortilla chips or your favorite crackers!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
3. Spicy Deviled Eggs
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
This spicy deviled eggs recipe is a classic, bite-size hors d'oeuvre for an elegant Easter buffet.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
4. Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
These bacon and Brussels sprouts bites are a perfect addition to your snack table for a festive dinner!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
5. Sweet and Savory Roasted Almonds
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Sweet & Savory Roasted Almonds are a quick heathy snack the whole family will enjoy. Roasting almonds in the oven is the best way to bring out their natural flavor!
Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
6. Orange Brussels Sprouts Salad
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Brussels sprouts salad with an apple cider salad dressing is a family favorite side salad that goes well with everything. Try this Brussels sprouts salad recipe for your holiday dinners!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
7. Honey-garlic Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Crisp and sticky - The ultimate last-minute appetizer!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
8. Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
These super festive bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls make for a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
9. Roasted Butternut Parmesan
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
These crisp-tender butternut parmesan bites are so easy to make and over-the-top delicious.
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
10. 15-Minute Garlic Butter Sautéed Mushrooms
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Garlic mushrooms with rich deep flavor! In this easy recipe mushrooms are sautéed in herb garlic butter. These delicious mushrooms are sauté until caramelized to a deep golden brown. The sautéed mushrooms are a staple around here - They're so good, you’ll be serving these mushrooms with everything.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
11. Baked Bacon-Wrapped Dates
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Trust us, these tiny bacon appetizers will disappear from the buffet table before you can say "Come on in."
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
12. Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Try this great option that's perfect for a fall party or a quick meal on the go.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
13. Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Appetizers
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Crispy Shrimp and Chorizo drizzled in an irresistible Roasted Pepper sauce so easy and incredibly delicious. This is one MUST make appetizer for any special occasion!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
15. Cherry Tomato and Prosciutto Toasts
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
A quick and easy appetizer to please your guests at any spring or summer event.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
16. Last-Minute Appetizer: Goat Cheese Grape Balls
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
This simple, elegant appetizer is perfect for a last-minute New Year’s Eve get-together!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
17. Easy Tomato Bruschetta
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
This easy tomato bruschetta recipe is a quick appetizer that will leave everyone satisfied and returning for more. Bruschetta are perfect for summer parties, weeknight dinners, or weekend brunch!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
18. Garlic and Parsley Marinated Mushrooms
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
You’ve been warned: These mushrooms are ultra addictive.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
19. Beet & Citrus Winter Salad
eatwell101.com18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers
Beat the winter blue with this winner packed with vitamins and amazing flavor.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
18 Light Thanksgiving Appetizers: Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
by eatwell101
Yield: Makes 12 Prep Time: 10 min Cook time: 0 min
These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients you need for the Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
16 oz (450g) cream cheese
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus extra for garnish
1 1/2 cups nuts (walnut, pecan…) divided
1 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup minced fresh chive
Directions
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, cinnamon and honey (or maple syrup) until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup pecan chips, and mix well combine. Set aside.
2. Line a plate or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Toss together remaining nuts, dried cranberries, and chopped chives.
3. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out one ball of cheese filling and toss into the nut mixture. Continue until all cheese balls have been rolled in the coating.
4. Refrigerate the cranberry nut cream cheese balls until ready to serve. Enjoy! ❤️
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread or as is with a toothpick.
- You can make these up to three days before, store them in the refrigerator sealed in an airtight container.
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