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74 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers That Will Totally Impress the Family

Like these fall-ified skillet nachos

thanksgiving appetizers: cranberry, brussels sprouts and brie skillet nachos
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

You love a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but you pretty much know what mains and sides to expect every year (roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing—you know the drill). Starters, on the other hand, can be deliciously surprising. From beer cheese soup to artichoke dip bites to crispy mushrooms, here are 74 Thanksgiving appetizers that will kick off your celebration with a bang.

They're equal parts classy, impressive and simple, so even first-time hostesses can pull them off without breaking a sweat. Many of these recipes can also be prepared ahead, so you'll have one less thing to do on the big day if you make one in advance. Thank me on Black Friday.

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1. Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Beer

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, one pot, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6 to 8

Trust me: It's a far cry from your grandma's, thanks to crumbled bacon, sourdough croutons, sherry vinegar and a whole can of beer. "The beer is what gives this soup a well-rounded flavor without a ton of effort on your part," former PureWow senior food editor Katherine Gillen explains, "but if you want to skip it, you can use an equal amount of water or chicken stock instead."

2. French Onion Dip

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 8

I love the soup mix-based dip too, but making it yourself is worth the extra effort for Thanksgiving. "My take on French onion dip is made with deeply savory caramelized onions and tastes just as obsession-worthy as the original, but with a little more class," Gillen writes. (Psst: She's being modest—this from-scratch recipe features a richer, more complex flavor.)

3. Cheddar Biscuit Chili Pot Pies

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

"A simple, quick skillet chili is divvied into ramekins, a cheese-laced topper is nestled into each serving and it's baked until golden brown and bubbling," Gillen explains. This Thanksgiving appetizer is sure to keep your relatives full until the feast is ready, thanks to protein-packed beef (or turkey).

4. Fall Charcuterie Board with Black Pepper-Honey Brie, Figs and Rosemary

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, no cook, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Your oven is already full, so choose a Thanksgiving appetizer that requires no cooking for minimal stress. "I think all boards are best with a creamy cheese, a semisoft cheese and a blue cheese, but anything goes," Gillen explains. "If you can't find fresh figs, try dried or use another seasonal fruit. We chose sour cherry preserves, but apricot or fig would be just as lovely."

5. Vegan Miso Caramel Dip with Pretzels and Granny Smith Apples

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 2

You're an adult now—you can have a little something sweet before Thanksgiving dinner if you want to. (And there's nothing Mom can do about it.) "I suggest dissolving the miso in water to mellow its punchiness a bit before adding it to the pot," PureWow food editor Taryn Pire explains, "but you could also just whisk it in straight from the container while the caramel is thickening to keep its flavor intense."

6. Cranberry, Brussels Sprouts and Brie Skillet Nachos

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegetarian
  • Serves: 6

Otherwise known as Thanksgiving dip. Tortilla chips serve as the base, but sweet potato fries or potato chips would work just as well. And these nachos would taste even better topped with a mound of leftover turkey...just sayin'.

7. Roasted Mixed Nuts

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 6 cups

With just the right amount of spice, this is by far the easiest Thanksgiving appetizer in the books. The recipe calls for a mix of cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios, but you can use whatever assortment you'd like.

8. Baked Brie with Figs, Pistachio and Orange

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Anything starring Brie is a guaranteed hit at Thanksgiving (even with your fussy aunt). Set this warm, gooey starter down and watch your guests instantly gather around to dig in.

9. Crispy Mushrooms

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead, vegan
  • Serves: 4 to 6

You only *think* you don't like mushrooms. Simply season with olive oil, garlic salt and a little vinegar, then roast the creminis until they're shatteringly crisp and brown.

10. Eggplant Parm Bites

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

One of my favorite Italian mains in the form of an easy Thanksgiving appetizer. The breading is salty, cheesy, savory and, most importantly, crunchy. Pass the marinara, please.

11. Jalapeño Poppers

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, keto-friendly, gluten free
  • Serves: 12

Baking instead of frying makes these a little healthier and way less messy to prepare. This version of the game day app is stuffed with herbed cream cheese, feta and sharp cheddar.

12. Carrot Pigs in a Blanket

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, <10 ingredients, make ahead, vegetarian
  • Serves: 40 pieces

Save the hot dogs for summertime. These cuties won't spoil your appetite before the big feast, since they're stuffed with bits of seasoned carrots instead of cocktail weenies. Did I mention the recipe calls for store-bought pizza dough?

13. Bleu Cheese-Stuffed Figs

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Sweet, savory and undeniably classy, prosciutto is always welcome at the holiday table. These bites only require a quick broil to turn melty and warm —perfect for a non-traditional Thanksgiving spread. (Oh, and they're ready to eat in 15 minutes flat.)

14. Beer Cheese Soup

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, one pot
  • Serves: 6

Crisp Pilsner + sharp cheddar = autumn bliss in a bowl. Serve the fall soup with crumbled bacon, chopped chives and plenty of crusty bread for dunking.

15. Prosciutto and Fig Salad Board

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: no cook, <30 minutes, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Part easy Thanksgiving appetizer, part work of art. All the toppings will be easy to grab instead of getting stuck at the bottom of a big bowl, thanks to the classy serving board. That's a win-win IMO.

16. Rosemary, Cheddar and Gorgonzola Pumpkin Crackers

  • Time Commitment: 35 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

These sharp cheddar and rye crackers are omplete with sweet and spicy pumpkin seeds, tossed in soy-maple glaze. Might I suggest adding them to a cheese board for some seasonal flair.

17. Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
  • Serves: 8 to 12

Everyone’s favorite comfort food, made irresistibly miniature. Feel free to spice up the mac and cheese recipe with hot sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken, pickled jalapeños or crumbled bacon.

18. Spaghetti Squash Fritters

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 6

Hi, spicy yogurt dipping sauce. Hustle to the Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvres table for a bite of these hearty fritters (which are hiding a generous dose of kale, BTW)—they're bound to disappear fast.

19. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, sheet pan recipe
  • Serves: 8

Salty, tangy and sweet, not to mention decidedly sophisticated. Plus, toothpicked apps are a hostess's best friend. Put them out with a stack of napkins or tiny plates for minimal mess.

20. Sweet Potato Crostini

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 5 to 6

No one turns down toasted bread with tasty toppings, but paper-thin sweet potatoes and undoubtedly more festive for the occasion. Choose your fighter: smoked salmon and cream cheese or dried cranberries, almonds and crème fraîche.

21. Cauliflower “Tater” Tots

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

Don't come for me, but they're better than the spud-based original (yep, I said it). Your kids will be none the wiser—as long as there's ketchup on the Thanksgiving table, that is.

22. Ultimate Cheese Plate with Roasted Grapes

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Roasting grapes in oil and herbs will give them deep sweetness and complexity, making them the perfect pairing for salty, sharp cheese. If you need help choosing fromage, start with something creamy (like ricotta), something firm (like cheddar) and something pungent (like Brie).

23. Roasted Artichokes

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
  • Serves: 6

Impeccably golden, crispy and briny, this Thanksgiving appetizer only requires six ingredients (and that's including salt and pepper). Slather on the garlic-lemon aioli with abandon.

24. Butternut Squash Hummus

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegan, make ahead
  • Serves: 8

Winter squash season is back, and I'm so ready for it. Here, roasted butternut squash meets tahini and chickpeas for a fall twist on hummus. Finish it with fresh herbs and pint nuts for good measure.

25. Deviled Eggs, Three Ways

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 3 to 4

You can’t go wrong with this jammy roasted garlic, spicy sriracha and crispy capers trio. Make this iconic finger food ahead so you have one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving day.

26. Black Bean Sweet Potato Boats

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, gluten free, vegetarian
  • Serves: 4

Loaded with flavor and color, it's ready for its holiday debut. The sweet spuds are also packed with protein (and avocado crema), making for an extra healthy, flavorful and easy Thanksgiving appetizer.

27. Brussels Sprout and Apple Tart with Walnut Pesto

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8 to 12

Store-bought puff pastry saves the day, as always. A touch of maple syrup and a few dried cranberries keep the tart's sweet and sour notes impeccably balanced. Don't skimp on the walnut pesto—I'd argue it's the best part.

28. Maple Candied Bacon

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 6 to 8

Maple syrup and brown sugar turn your favorite breakfast meat into a fall delicacy with minimal effort on your part. Don't look now, but I'm topping my apple pie with a few strips.

29. Baby Bloomin’ Onions

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

Just like your favorite steakhouse makes them, only scaled down for as little mess as possible (and so your guests can nosh on their own without having to share). Don't even get me started on the horseradish dipping sauce.

30. Sweet Potato Skins

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, gluten free, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4 to 5

Walnut taco meat is an ingenious way to accommodate your vegetarian guests. Finish them with all the essential toppings. I'm talking avocado, cilantro, lime, sour cream and an array of salsas.

31. Caramelized Apples and Goat Cheese Crescents

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

Tart Granny Smith apples are the ultimate match for tangy goat cheese. Finish these with your choice of maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness. Your relatives will never know you started with store-bought dough, promise.

32. Brussels Sprouts Latkes

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Hanukkah (and Thanksgiving) don't start 'til the latkes arrive. Give the the potato classic an autumn update this year by substituting the season's favorite vegetable.

33. Cranberry-Brie Pie Crust Bites

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 14

Store-bought cranberry sauce and pie crust (store-bought or homemade) can save cocktail hour in 15 minutes flat. Brie keeps things decadent *and* elegant without asking too much of the chef.

34. The Best Damn Pumpkin Soup

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Just scoop out the seeds, pour in chicken stock and seasonings, then roast the whole darn thing in the oven for an easy and impressive presentation your guests won't forget. Ingenious, if you ask me.

35. Maple Pecan Baked Brie

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8

This Thanksgiving appetizer is where dessert and cocktail hour collide. Serve this five-ingredient beauty with bread, crackers or slices of pear or Granny Smith apple.

36. Delicata Squash Rings with Garlic-Lemon Sauce

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 8

All the crunch and savory splendor of onion rings, only more seasonal and sophisticated. Don't peel the delicata squash's striped skin off—it's totally edible and offers serious fall flair to these handhelds.

37. Pumpkin Pizza Crust with Arugula and Prosciutto

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, high protein, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Bet you didn't think you'd see *this* type of pie on your Thanksgiving table. Good looking out, canned pumpkin purée. Shredded Brussels could easily take over for arugula, if you'd prefer.

38. Bacon, Onion and Asiago Fondue

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: one pan, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Is there anything more comforting than a skillet of warm, melty cheese? Didn't think so. The hardest step is cooking the bacon; your trusty oven will take care of the rest. Dip with bread, crackers and crudités.

39. Cheesy Polenta Bites with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy, <10 ingredients
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Tangy goat cheese and salty pancetta hold their own against crispy cornbread-like morsels of Parmesan polenta. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the pancetta to make this beauty vegetarian-friendly.

40. Brussels Sprout Sliders

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
  • Serves: 6 to 8

These prosciutto- and mozzarella-stuffed gems are dangerously poppable, so they won't last long at the party. And low-carb eaters can get in on the sliders too, since veggies take over for traditional bread "buns."

41. French Onion Cups

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 12

The only way to make this Gruyère-rich soup more decadent? By wrapping it in puff pastry, of course. Even picky eaters at the kids' table will gobble these poppables up at the speed of light.

42. Savory Pumpkin Dip

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 2 cups

This savory cream cheese dip is loaded with sharp cheddar, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon and pumpkin purée. Serve with crostini or buttery, flaky crackers.

43. Instant Pot Spicy Thai Butternut Squash Soup

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, one pot, make ahead, vegan
  • Serves: 4

Meet a soup that's pretty enough to steal the spotlight from any roast turkey. (Just look at that coconut yogurt swirl.) Crown your bowl with sesame seeds, fresh herbs and roasted peanuts.

44. Brie-Stuffed Pretzel Bites

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients
  • Serves: 40 bites

I have one question: Are you dipping 'em in yellow mustard or beer cheese? (Both is the only correct response.) I'm betting you have nearly all the necessary ingredients already in your pantry.

45. Pumpkin Beer Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 6

Choose a pumpkin beer that's loaded with fall spices and real pumpkin for this seasonal sipper. The mini soft pretzels are optional (but I can't imagine why you'd skip them).

46. Mini Mason Jar Chicken Potpies

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 12

Behold, the cutest little casseroles you ever did see. I have a feeling these will win over even the fussiest eaters at the kids' table. These mini holiday casseroles are great to bring to family gatherings. (It's hard to sneer at those cute pie crust toppers, no?)

47. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, dairy free
  • Serves: 8

Don't have the patience for charring Brussels sprouts? Wrapping them in bacon will give this Thanksgiving appetizer the crunch you crave (minus the smoking pan).

48. Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, make ahead, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

And you thought pasta salad season was over. The ingredients are decidedly autumnal, down to the pine nuts and fresh thyme. Best of all, you can prep this gem ahead and keep in the fridge until mealtime.

49. Baked Gorgonzola Bites

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, one pan, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 8 to 10

All you need is five ingredients and 30 minutes to make this melty, cheesy, pull-apart recipe. I like to think of this five-ingredient, half-hour app as savory monkey bread. Your guests won't miss the cinnamon, promise.

50. Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 8

No high-maintenance frying required. I'm definitely saving some for Black Friday brunch. If you don't have a donut pan, substitute a muffin pan instead before adding one to your Amazon cart for overnight delivery.

51. Buffalo Pecan Pimento Cheese

  • Time Commitment: 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

This is probably a new addition to your Thanksgiving feast, but this communal masterpiece is about to become a family tradition. Add a few extra shakes of hot sauce to the mix if you want it extra spicy.

52. Easy Cranberry Baked Brie Bites

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 15

They’re bite-sized, meaning you can have as many as your cheese-loving heart desires. (I'd probably make a second batch just for the hostess, if I were you...)

53. Pumpkin Hummus

  • Time Commitment: 10 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, make ahead, <30 minutes, no cook
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Bring this beauty to Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving or any other fall gathering—it's an easy win. The pomegranate arils on top make it look beyond classy without any extra effort.

54. Cranberry-Brie Puff Pastry Pops

  • Time Commitment: 40 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 9

These grown-up lollies are made with frozen puff pastry, leftover cranberry sauce and Brie, so all you'll have to do is assemble and bake them. They're only seven ingredients away.

55. Avocado Deviled Eggs

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 20

Deviled eggs are always a crowd-pleaser, so why not dress them up for the party? Avocado and chives add a little something extra that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

56. Hasselback Butternut Squash

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Apply the Swedes' method for cooking potatoes to this autumn gourd and let your guests shower you with compliments. To make the slicing easier, place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the food, using them as a guide to keep you from cutting through the squash.

57. Sweet Potato Hummus and Cumin Flatbread Chips

  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

A seasonal twist on a party classic that everyone can get behind. Cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and cumin offer lots of warming spice to the dish. Did I mention the dip comes with cumin flatbread chips?

58. Sweet Potato Biscuit Rolls with Honey Butter Glaze

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
  • Serves: 12

Excuse me while I go for a swim in the sweet-and-salty honey butter. These are like a crispy biscuit-soft bun hybrid. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, try tucking sliced turkey or ham inside for a tiny, tasty sandwich.

59. Miso-Tahini Glazed Roasted Eggplant with Farro

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, dairy free, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 2 to 4

Proof that eggplant doesn't need to be fried or blanketed in melted cheese to be enjoyable. "I roast the eggplant with olive oil so that it becomes soft and tender," recipe developer Samah Dada writes, "which makes for a nice contrast to the farro, a grain I love for its nutty taste and chewy texture."

60. Jammy Upside-Down Onion Tart

  • Time Commitment: 50 minutes
  • Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8

As stunning as it is delicious. Think caramelized brown sugar-herb onions atop a bed of store-bought puff pastry. "The deep, rich onion flavor is a natural fit for meat, but if you’re keen on something lighter, serve it as a main course with a salad of greens on the side," recipe developer Renée Kohlman writes.

61. Five-Minute Bean Salad

  • Time Commitment: 5 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, no cook, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

Bookmark this easy recipe for times when your guests are arriving in ten and you forgot to make an easy fancy appetizer. (You can thank me later.) Canned beans can be dressed up just right with fresh herbs, citrus zest and a few pantry staples.

62. Feta Wrapped in Phyllo with Sesame and Honey

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 2 to 4

While it's certainly a crowd-pleasing starter, you can also serve this cheese dish for dessert with wine and fruit. Spice things up by infusing your honey with hot chiles ahead of Thanksgiving.

63. Apple, Grape and Pecan Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 25 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, <10 ingredients, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6

All tossed in a lemony Dijon dressing, this fall delight proves that summer doesn't have dibs on pasta salad. You'll score major bonus points for candying the pecans in brown sugar and maple syrup.

64. Caesar Pasta Salad

  • Time Commitment: 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <30 minutes, make ahead, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Traditional Caesar dressing uses eggs to achieve a creamy consistency, but this version calls on buttery, omega-rich avocado instead. The dressing can double as a dip for veggies, pretzels, pita bread and other dunkable items.

65. Baked Pumpkin with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Cheese

  • Time Commitment: 2 hours
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, special occasion-worthy, high protein
  • Serves: 4

Serve an appetizer in a hulled-out pumpkin and let the oohs and ahhs roll in. Bonus: They make eye-catching table decorations, so you can save on flowers or fancy centerpieces. How smart is that?

66. Fall Roasted Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Pine Nut Cream

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegan, dairy-free, special occasion-worthy
  • Serves: 4

Because of how decadent this tastes, you'll forget it's a "salad." I blame it on the shockingly rich pine nut cream. If cilantro isn't your thing, substitute dill and parsley in the cream. You can also sub chickpeas or cannellini beans for the lentils.

67. Easy Lentil Soup

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: vegetarian, low sugar, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 6 to 8

Vegetarian or not, your Thanksgiving guests are bound to want seconds. Finish each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro and a flurry of smoked paprika.

68. Easy Homemade Potato Chips

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Why I Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients, kid-friendly
  • Serves: 4 to 6

Serve some homemade onion dip on the side and you'll be crowned Thanksgiving Hostess with the Mostest. The secret to the seasoning is store-bought Old Bay...but I won't tell your guests.

69. Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Fig Jam

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 8 to 10

Sweet, tart, crunchy and creamy in every bite. Prepare the homemade jam ahead so all you have to do on Thanksgiving is assemble and enjoy.

70. Spiralized Parsnip Nests with Eggs, Bacon and Arugula

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: gluten free, Paleo, crowd-pleaser
  • Serves: 8

I'm definitely eating these leftovers for breakfast on Black Friday. You know it's going to be savory, salty and delicious because the parsnips are cooked in warm bacon fat for extra flavor.

71. Mashed Potato Arancini

  • Time Commitment: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
  • Serves: 16

Just like the comforting Italian street snack, only mashed spuds stand in for traditional risotto. Stuffed with punchy olives and gooey mozzarella, these bites are prime for serving with cold beer (or apple cider).

72. Sweet Potato Miso Soup

  • Time Commitment: 4 hours and 20 minutes
  • Why I Love It: make ahead, vegetarian, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 4

Complete with apples, fennel and lots of mushrooms, this soup is positively brimming with umami. Instead of adding the miso at the end, the recipe calls for caramelizing it in brown butter until supremely nutty.

73. Cinnamon Apple Chips

  • Time Commitment: 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, kid-friendly, make ahead, vegan
  • Serves: 4

They sure beat a bowl of regular potato chips. Dip them in sweet yogurt or caramel sauce (or better yet, crack open a can of store-bought dulce de leche or condensed milk for drizzling).

74. Artichoke Dip Bites

  • Time Commitment: 45 minutes
  • Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
  • Serves: 36 bites

I've never seen party dip look this adorable. Thanks, store-bought puff pastry and easy canned artichoke hearts. Canned green chiles keep the filling tangy and just spicy enough.


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Executive Editor

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taryn pire

Food Editor

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