4 Unique Thanksgiving Appetizers

As we all are likely aware of by now, Thanksgiving is in a couple days. Now, we're sure you have your entire meal all planned and thought out. But if you don't, have a little extra room at the table, or simply want a fun and delicious way to great your guests to your house, take a look at these fun and tasty appetizers.   

1. Bacon and Cheese Spread

 

A personal favorite, made with both Monterrey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, this is a surefire way to warm up your guests and wet their appetites for what is to come. 

Ingredients

1 unsliced round loaf (1 pound) Italian bread 

2 cups ( 8 ounces) shredded Monterrey Jack cheese 

1 cup (4 ounces) Parmesan cheese 

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped onion 

5 bacon strips, cooked, and crumbled 

1 garlic clove, minced

Directions 

1. Cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-in. shell. Cube removed bread and set aside. Combine the remaining ingredients; spoon into bread bowl. Replace top. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through. Serve with reserved bread cubes. 

 2. Cranberry Chili Meatballs 

  Great as an appetizer or as a small side, with it's tangy and sweet sauce, these will delight all who taste them. 

Ingredients 

1 can (14 ounces) jelled cranberry sauce

1 bottle (12 ounces) chili sauce 

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

1 package ( 32 ounces) frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed 

Directions 

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the first six ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add meatballs; cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

3. Pumpkin Pie Dip  

 

A rich, creamy pumpkin dip that works great with sliced apples or pears, and as a spread on zucchini bread or nut bread. 

Ingredients

1 package ( 8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

2 cups confectioners sugar 

1 cup canned pumpkin 

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon ground cinammon 

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 

gingersnap cookies 

Directions 

1.  In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers.

4. Chicken Salad Puffs 

 

Stuffed with chunky chicken salad, these golden puffs are a perfect appetizer that will delight your guests with the sweet tastes of pineapple and crunchiness of celery and pecans. 

Ingredients 

1 cup of water 

1/2 cup of butter, cubed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup all purpose flour

4 eggs 

2 cups finely chopped, cooked chicken

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple , drained 

1/2 cup mayonnaise 

1/4 cup chopped celery 

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 

1/4 cup chopped pecans 

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 

1/4 teaspoon onion salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 

1/4 teaspoon paprika 

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions 

1. In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until smooth and shiny.
2. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Immediately cut a slit in each puff to allow steam to escape; cool. 
3.  Split puffs and set tops aside; remove soft dough form inside. In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Fill puffs and replace tops. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers 

Give these delicious appetizers a try to spice and change up the typical appetizers and let your guests know they are in for a fun evening! 

Brett Royster