15 Snacks for Grazing Before Your Thanksgiving Meal

By

Danielle DeAngelis

Updated on November 1, 2023

a recipe photo of the Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites

Whether you need a snack to munch on while cooking the big meal or something to keep guests out of the kitchen, these snack recipes will do just the trick. Perfect to prep ahead, these snacks can be ready to grab right when you need them. Recipes like our Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites and Seneca White Corn No-Bake Energy Balls are tasty handfuls that won't spoil the delicious Thanksgiving meal to come.

01 of 15

Toasted Paprika Chickpeas

Toasted Paprika Chickpeas.jpg

Toasted chickpeas are now a popular vegan snack, but why spend extra money buying them at the health food store when you can easily make them yourself? They're delicious as a snack but also make a wonderful salad topping.

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Roasted Butternut Squash Seeds

Roasted Butternut Squash Seeds — Caitlin Bensel

Don't throw away your butternut squash seeds; roast them instead! Roasted butternut squash seeds make a great snack or salad topper. Enjoy them plain or jazzed up with one of the variations below.

03 of 15

Seneca White Corn No-Bake Energy Balls

No Bake Energy Balls — Nate Lemuel

Kaylena Bray shared this recipe, which was passed down to her by her parents, David and Wendy Bray. They're both Seneca White Corn educators in New York State who share their knowledge at hands-on workshops hosted by universities, Native community centers and farms across the country. These no-bake energy balls get lots of staying power from a mix of oats and corn flour, peanut butter, coconut, dried fruit and mixed nuts. They're easily customizable by changing up the dried fruit and nuts. This recipe is part of our spotlight, There's a Movement to Revitalize Indigenous Cuisines and Knowledge—Here's Why That Matters.

04 of 15

Salt & Vinegar Pumpkin Seeds

salt and vinegar pumpkin seeds

Salt-and-vinegar seasoning isn't just for chips. These roasted pumpkin seeds tossed with salt and vinegar are a briny, crunchy treat. Soaking the seeds in vinegar ensures that the deep vinegary flavor remains after baking.

05 of 15

Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites

a recipe photo of the Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites

This easy recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it a quick snack or appetizer. The sweetness of the Fuji balances well with the cheddar, but you can use another variety of apple if you prefer. This recipe calls for 3 thin apple slices per cracker, but feel free to use just one if you’re craving a more cheesy bite.

06 of 15

Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade Trail Mix

Try this with portable mix with any combination of dried fruits and nuts.

07 of 15

Chile-Lime Peanuts

Chile-Lime Peanuts

These spicy nuts were inspired by ones sold by street vendors across Mexico. If you can only find salted peanuts, omit the added salt. Add the maximum amount of cayenne pepper if you want an extra hit of spice.

08 of 15

Sweet Potato Hummus

Sweet Potato Hummus — Casey Barber

Roasted sweet potato adds earthy sweetness to hummus and gives it an even creamier, smoother texture. Use pimentón, or Spanish smoked paprika, for a hint of fire-grilled flavor, or use sweet paprika for a more subtle spice.

09 of 15

Pumpkin Seeds with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Pumpkin Seeds with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Everything bagel spices give these roasted pumpkin seeds an extra hit of flavor that's delicious any time of day.

10 of 15

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.

11 of 15

Cinnamon Popcorn

This simple spiced popcorn snack will satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a hearty dose of whole-grains, fiber and antioxidants.

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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.

13 of 15

Roasted Spaghetti Squash Seeds

roasted spaghetti squash seeds

When you prepare spaghetti squash, don't throw away the seeds! You can roast them into a crunchy, healthy snack--just like roasting pumpkin seeds.

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Everything-Seasoned Almonds

Everything-Seasoned Almonds — Jennifer Causey

Grinding up the everything bagel seasoning in a spice grinder will help it adhere to the almonds.

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Manchego, Pepper Drop & Chorizo Charcuterie Sticks

Manchego, Pepper Drop & Chorizo Charcuterie Sticks — Jacob Fox

Manchego cheese pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy pepper drops. If you can't find small pickled peppers, a larger one cut into pieces will work well too.

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