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Fun and Balanced Thanksgiving Appetizers: A Dietitian’s Top Picks

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the main course—it’s also a celebration of the flavors that lead up to it. Appetizers set the stage for your feast, so why not make them both fun and nutritious? As a dietitian, I believe you can enjoy bite-sized treats that delight the senses without overindulging. Here are some of my favorite balanced Thanksgiving appetizers to get your holiday meal started on a delicious note.

1. Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

These vibrant and crunchy little bites are perfect for starting the festivities. They’re naturally sweet and can be filled with a variety of healthy mixtures.

Ingredients:
12 mini bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
1 cup hummus (any flavor you prefer)
Chopped parsley for garnish
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Spoon hummus into each pepper half.
  2. Sprinkle with parsley and feta cheese if desired.
  3. Arrange on a platter and serve chilled.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, try using a roasted red pepper or garlic hummus.

2. Cranberry-Brie Phyllo Cups

These festive bites are a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in one small package.

Ingredients:
1 package of phyllo shells
1 wheel of brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup homemade or no-sugar-added cranberry sauce
1 cup crushed walnuts
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a small cube of brie into each phyllo shell.
  3. Add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.
  4. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts before serving.

3. Roasted Butternut Squash Crostini

These crostini are a delicious way to incorporate seasonal produce into your appetizer spread.

Ingredients:
1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup goat cheese
Honey for drizzling
Fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
  3. Toast the baguette slices in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
  4. Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on each slice, top with roasted squash, and drizzle with honey.
  5. Garnish with fresh sage slices before serving.

Tip: For a vegan option, use a dairy-free cheese spread.

4. Savory Pumpkin Hummus with Pita Chips

Put a seasonal twist on traditional hummus by adding pumpkin. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and adds a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Whole wheat pita chips or raw veggie sticks for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt until smooth.
  2. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
  3. Serve with pita chips and vegetable sticks.

Tip: This hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

5. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

These elegant appetizers are simple to make and look beautiful on the plate. Plus, they’re rich in flavor without being heavy.

Ingredients:
1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
6 slices of prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise
Olive oil spray
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of prosciutto, leaving the tips exposed.
  3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly spray with olive oil, and sprinkle with black pepper.
  4. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the prosciutto is crispy.

Appetizers are an essential part of the Thanksgiving experience, setting the tone for the meal to come. By incorporating balanced options into your appetizer spread, you can satisfy both your hunger & your need for nutrients! Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an impressive starter, these appetizer ideas are sure to add joy and flavor to your holiday table.

Author’s Note: As a dietitian, my goal is to help you create balanced, nutritious meals that don’t skimp on taste. Share your favorite healthy Thanksgiving appetizer ideas or let me know if you try any of these in the comments below!

Want to learn more about healthy balance or see additional recipes? Check out our weekly blog posts bellow!

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