15 Easy Last-Minute Appetizers for Thanksgiving

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Published on November 22, 2023

Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam — Photo: Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.

Thanksgiving appetizers—even the last-minute ones—are no cause for concern when you have these recipes on hand. These appetizers are ready in 15 minutes or less, so you can easily assemble them before the guests arrive. Recipes like our Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam and Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites are quick, flavorful bites.

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Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios & Honey

a step in making the Whipped Feta with Pomegranate, Pistachios & Honey

This easy, quick appetizer is perfect for any gathering. Be sure to process the feta and cream cheese together until you see a smooth texture and ribbons start to form. Doing so will ensure any bits of feta are broken down, and you’ll avoid a grainy texture. The drizzle of hot honey adds a pleasant spice and plays well with the salty pistachios, but you could substitute regular honey or date syrup if preferred.

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Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp

Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp

Marinating precooked shrimp in garlic- and lemon-infused oil is a simple yet elegant appetizer.

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Easy Black Bean Dip

Easy Black Bean Dip

This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.

04 of 15

Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam

Baked Brie with Blackberry Jam — Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.

Baked Brie is a classic, crowd-pleasing party appetizer, whether it's wrapped up in a pastry, in bite-size form or covered in a fruity jam, like in this recipe. In this easy 3-ingredient appetizer, we top a wheel of Brie with blackberry jam, bake for 10 minutes and serve with crisp apple slices (or crackers). It's so simple yet so delicious, you'll wonder why you don't make it more often!

05 of 15

Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites

Apricot, Prosciutto & Parmesan Bites — Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.

These 3-ingredient apricot, Parmesan and prosciutto bites are as simple to make as they look, and they taste even better. Simply layer each ingredient on top of the other and secure with a toothpick for an easy bite-size starter.

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3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Crostini

the recipe photo of the 3-Ingredient Cranberry-Brie Crostinis served on small plates — Alex Shytsman

With just three ingredients, you can pull together an impressive appetizer perfect for holidays or dinner parties. The tangy cranberries cut through the richness of the cheese to create a balanced bite. This quick appetizer can be easily doubled to feed a crowd.

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Light & Airy Whipped Cottage Cheese

a recipe photo of the Light & Airy Whipped Cottage Cheese — PHOTOGRAPHER: RACHEL MAREK, FOOD STYLIST: ANNIE PROBST

Give this whipped cottage cheese recipe your own spin by making it with your favorite fresh herbs. You can use it as a dip with fresh veggies or as a sandwich spread.

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Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toasts

Piece of the Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toastsï»¿ recipe

They would have been canapés back in 1979--today they're trendy avocado toasts. Let your guests creatively customize their nibbles by setting out an array of garnishes for this healthy appetizer.

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Reuben Pickle Bites

Reuben Pickle Bites

This pickle-on-a-stick appetizer has all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in one small bite. Watch this crowd-pleasing no-cook appetizer disappear in a snap at a party, game-watch or tailgate.

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Caprese Skewers

Tomato-Basil Skewers — Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

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Spinach-Feta Dip with Dill

Spinach-Feta-Dip-with-Dill

Try this spinach dip, infused with fresh dill and briny feta cheese, as a sandwich spread—or serve alongside crackers or crudité.

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Salami, Cheddar & Pepperoncini Charcuterie Sticks

Salami, Cheddar & Pepperoncini Charcuterie Sticks — Jacob Fox

Salami, Cheddar cheese and pepperoncini deliver flavor in every bite in this easy appetizer.

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Smoked Trout Crackers with Lemon-Dill Mayonnaise

A simple lemon-dill mayonnaise adds a touch of sophistication to smoked trout on crackers.

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Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta

This stunning yet easy appetizer recipe infuses creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with whole-grain crackers and cut-up vegetables or use as a spread for sandwiches or sauce for pasta.

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Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks

Smoked Gouda & Giardiniera Charcuterie Sticks — Jacob Fox

Crunchy pickled vegetables pair perfectly with creamy Gouda with a hint of smoke.

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