30 Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, here is a list of 30 Thanksgiving appetizer recipes that will amaze your guests including bacon deviled eggs, artichoke dip and cranberry meatballs. Start your Thanksgiving off right with appetizer recipes so good that you’ll almost forget about dinner! Whether you are hosting a holiday feast this year or you just want to bring something special, don’t forget the appetizers. There is nothing better than the smell of turkey in the oven and an amazing snack at your fingertips....

January 12, 2026 · 3 min · 490 words · William Felts

Ahi Tuna Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

This recipe for ahi tuna salad is seared ahi on a bed of mixed greens with cucumber and carrot noodles, bell peppers, avocado and wontons, all tossed in a sesame ginger dressing. I love a light and fresh salad such as cucumber tomato salad , Mediteranean farro salad or this delicious ahi tuna salad . We’ve all been there before – it’s dinner time and the last thing you want to do is cook a big meal....

January 12, 2026 · 5 min · 871 words · Melanie Hensley

Apple Pie Filling

This homemade apple pie filling is made with sliced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, spices and butter, all simmered together until thickened. The best pie filling that also works great for a variety of other desserts and pastries. A pple pie filling from scratch tastes SO much better than the canned version and can be used in dishes such as fried apple pies , cream cheese danishes and plenty of other dessert recipes ....

January 12, 2026 · 7 min · 1353 words · Randall Sims

Asian Cucumber Salad

This recipe for Asian cucumber salad is sliced cucumbers and colorful veggies tossed in a zesty sesame dressing . The perfect quick and easy side dish! Marinated cucumber salad is a cool and refreshing complement to almost any meal. This Asian style cucumber salad utilizes soy sauce and sesame oil to bring lots of flavor without a lot of work. When I want a flavorful salad, I choose ramen noodle salad , Chinese chicken salad or this savory Asian cucumber salad....

January 12, 2026 · 6 min · 1217 words · Gary Meyers

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

These bacon wrapped shrimp are jumbo prawns wrapped with bacon and brushed with a sweet and savory glaze , then broiled to perfection. A simple yet elegant appetizer or main course option that is sure to get rave reviews from family and friends! Everything is better with bacon! My family always requests bacon green beans and bacon mac and cheese for dinner. When you wrap shrimp in bacon, you end up with decadent little bites that are perfect for any occasion....

January 12, 2026 · 7 min · 1456 words · Demetrius Hagedorn

Baked French Fries

These baked french fries are potato strips coated in oil and seasonings, then oven baked until golden brown and crispy . A super easy side dish that’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike. When I’m looking for a dish to round out a meal, I turn to classics such as baked beans , mac and cheese , and these homemade fries. They’re perfectly crisp without the hassle of deep frying....

January 12, 2026 · 6 min · 1153 words · Anthony Nauman

Baked Mac And Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is a blend of tender noodles in a rich and creamy cheese sauce , topped off with more cheese and baked to perfection. The ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe that always gets rave reviews! My kids are big fans of mac and cheese, they’re always requesting slow cooker mac and cheese , stovetop mac and cheese and this ultra decadent baked version. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with mac and cheese!...

January 12, 2026 · 8 min · 1681 words · Gerri Boore

Breakfast Egg Muffins

This recipe for breakfast egg muffins is an easy grab and go option for busy mornings. Egg muffins are loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese and spinach, and are packed with plenty of protein ! I’m always on the lookout for quick breakfast recipes that are high in protein and lower in carbs. I often turn to sausage egg casserole , corned beef hash , tater tot breakfast casserole , ham and egg cups , breakfast burritos and these delicious little egg muffins....

January 12, 2026 · 6 min · 1170 words · Elizabeth Crum

Brown Sugar Delicata Squash Recipe

This delicata squash recipe is roasted with brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for fall and winter meals . When I’m looking for quick and easy side dish recipes to pair with chicken and seafood , I make roasted root vegetables , roasted butternut squash , roasted green beans or this simple delicata squash. As the berries and melons start to fade away at the grocery store, in their place squash are popping up – squash of all shapes and colors and sizes!...

January 12, 2026 · 6 min · 1100 words · Chris Bernstein

Chicken Fajita Marinade

This chicken fajita marinade is a blend of olive oil, lime juice and spices, all mixed together to form the perfect flavoring for zesty fajitas. You can also use this marinade to make Mexican style chicken for burritos, nachos, tacos and more! Mexican food is favorite in my house, every week I find myself making steak tacos , chicken enchiladas or chicken fajitas. This fajita marinade takes just 5 minutes to put together and always gets rave reviews....

January 12, 2026 · 4 min · 802 words · Howard Brady

Chipotle Barbacoa

This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender. A copy of the restaurant favorite that has tons of flavor and is perfect for burritos, tacos, nachos and other Mexican offerings. When I’m in the mood for Mexican food, I turn to classics including salsa fresca , easy Mexican lasagna , chicken tinga , hearty charro beans and this Chipotle copycat recipe for barbacoa beef....

January 12, 2026 · 8 min · 1555 words · Brian Orlando

Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar is a colorful and hearty dip that’s loaded with beans, black eyed peas, avocado and veggies, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing . It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a potluck! Cowboy caviar is a fresh and flavorful dip that is great with tortilla chips. If you have a big crowd to feed, add some other appetizers to the menu such as a relish tray , garlic knots or beer brat bites ....

January 12, 2026 · 7 min · 1390 words · Paula Lauer

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These garlic mashed potatoes are light and fluffy potatoes mixed with a generous amount of sauteed garlic . An easy side dish that pairs perfectly with beef, chicken or fish, and is a must-make recipe for a holiday meal. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with mashed potatoes, especially if there’s garlic involved. Serve your potatoes alongside other delicious side dishes such as roasted green beans and squash casserole , then watch the rave reviews come in!...

January 12, 2026 · 8 min · 1505 words · Joey Carter

Greek Meatballs With Lemon Dill Rice

This recipe for one pot Greek meatballs with lemon dill rice includes savory Greek spiced beef meatballs, creamy Arborio rice and vegetables, all cooked together in a single pot! Meatballs are great on their own, but they’re even better combined with rice, herbs and fresh veggies. This is a meal that the whole family will enjoy. Serve as is or with a chopped Greek salad on the side! My girls’ favorite meal right now is spaghetti and meatballs, it’s only of the only dinners I can make where I know all three are guaranteed to eat it....

January 12, 2026 · 5 min · 1043 words · Marty Cherry

Green Bean Fries Recipe

These green bean fries are fresh green beans coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then baked to golden brown perfection. A unique and delicious side dish or appetizer that’s easy to make and always gets rave reviews. We love green beans around here, whether it’s roasted green beans , sauteed green beans , or these crispy oven fried green beans. This is a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies!...

January 12, 2026 · 5 min · 951 words · Kathlyn Stokes

Heart Cake Recipe

This heart cake recipe is a red velvet cake that is shaped like a heart, and topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles. An easy and elegant dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day ! When I need some fun and festive dessert recipes for Valentine’s Day, I turn to options like heart cookies , red velvet brownies , chocolate covered cherries , black forest cupcakes , chocolate fondue and this beautiful heart cake....

January 12, 2026 · 14 min · 2787 words · Kendrick Dewispelaere

Heart Cookies

These heart cookies are the ultimate treat for Valentine’s Day! Heart shaped sugar cookies are dipped in dark chocolate and coated in festive sprinkles for a fun snack that’s perfect for classroom parties or that special someone in your life. These heart sugar cookies taste as good as they look! They’re great for packaging up and giving as gifts and they can even be made in advance. Serve these cookies with a heart cake to celebrate all the sweethearts in your life!...

January 12, 2026 · 7 min · 1318 words · William Windham

Irish Stew Recipe

This Irish stew is a blend of tender meat, carrots and potatoes, all simmered to perfection in a savory and complex beer broth. The perfect comfort food meal for a cold night! When the weather turns chilly, you can never go wrong with a steaming hot bowl of soup such as slow cooker chili , ham and bean soup and this hearty Irish style stew. You can never go wrong with a good beef stew....

January 12, 2026 · 5 min · 1030 words · Barbara Taylor

Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Ball

This jalapeno cheddar cheese ball is full of zesty Mexican flavor and takes just minutes to make. The perfect snack for game day! This is no ordinary cheese ball! It’s a cream cheese base loaded with cheddar cheese, jalapenos and salsa. The whole thing is rolled in crushed tortilla chips for a unique appetizer. We love a good cheese ball in my house – back in the day we used to buy those shrink wrapped almond coated cheese balls that they sell in the deli section of most grocery stores....

January 12, 2026 · 4 min · 719 words · Brandon Henry

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel De Camarones)

This recipe for Mexican shrimp cocktail (coctel de camarones) is fresh shrimp tossed in a homemade sauce with red onion, avocado, cilantro and jalapeno. It’s a light and refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for any party ! Mexican shrimp cocktail is a great way to start off a Mexican themed meal. Try it alongside a Mexican Caesar salad , carne guisada , vegetarian fajitas or carne asada tacos . Don’t forget the pinto beans and rice to round out your dinner!...

January 12, 2026 · 6 min · 1138 words · Regina Lenz