20 Friendsgiving Appetizers You Can Assign to Guests

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Pumpkin Cheese Ball

This festive cheeseball is a fun twist on classic flavors, combining tangy cream cheese with sharp cheddar for a creamy, flavorful bite. Shaped and decorated to look just like a pumpkin, it’s as charming as it is tasty. Perfect for Halloween parties, it’s a snack that will grab everyone’s attention before they even take a bite. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can focus on other spooky treats without stress. A playful and delicious addition to any holiday spread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Cheesy Caramelized Onion Tart

This Onion Tart is a comforting, savory delight that combines sweet, caramelized onions with a rich, buttery crust and a creamy, melty cheese filling. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of dish that works beautifully for casual weeknight dinners, but it also shines when you’re hosting friends or family. Warm, fragrant, and satisfying, this tart is sure to become a favorite anytime you want something simple yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Caramelized Onion Tart

Chicken Liver Pâté with Apples and Brandy

This Chicken Liver Pâté with Apples and Brandy is a delightful twist on a classic French spread, offering a rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Inspired by Martha Stewart’s 1982 recipe, this version incorporates diced pancetta and a splash of apple brandy, infusing the pâté with a subtle smokiness and a hint of sweetness. The addition of Granny Smith apples and fresh thyme balances the richness of the liver, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether spread on crisp apple slices or served with crackers, this pâté makes for an elegant appetizer at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Liver Pâté with Apples and Brandy

Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios

The Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig, and Pistachios is a delightful appetizer that combines the creamy tang of goat cheese with the sweet richness of fig preserves and the crunch of pistachios. This elegant dish is not only visually appealing but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and festive occasions. Its harmonious blend of flavors and textures ensures it will be a hit at any event.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Log with Hot Honey, Fig and Pistachios

Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie

This Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Brie is a delightful and visually appealing appetizer that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of creamy brie cheese, sweet apple butter, and crunchy pecans wrapped in a flaky puff pastry creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The festive pumpkin shape adds a playful touch, making it perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any occasion where you want to add a bit of whimsy to your spread. Despite its impressive appearance, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Baked Brie

Cranberry Salsa

Cranberry Salsa is a vibrant and unexpected twist on traditional salsa, making it the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the heat of jalapeño peppers, the freshness of cilantro, and the brightness of lime juice, this salsa delivers a delightful balance of flavors. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal time, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned hosts and first-time party planners. Whether served immediately or chilled to allow the flavors to meld, Cranberry Salsa offers a refreshing and festive addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Salsa

Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey, baked Brie, these Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups are an absolute must-try. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy, rich cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts, perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. The flaky phyllo shells add a satisfying crispness that makes every mouthful irresistible. They’re elegant enough for a holiday gathering but simple enough to whip up anytime you want a special treat. Honestly, one bite and you’ll understand why these little cups are so addictive!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Phyllo Cups

Mini Cheese Balls

These Mini Cheese Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear fast at any party or get-together. Each bite is loaded with a creamy, savory mix of cream cheese, crispy bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese, giving you all the flavors of a classic cheese ball in a fun, bite-sized form. Topped with a pretzel stick, they’re perfectly portable and easy for guests to grab without any fuss. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or a festive holiday gathering, these little bites are sure to bring smiles—and maybe even a few seconds of friendly competition over who gets the last one!
Get the Recipe: Mini Cheese Balls

Bison Meatballs

These bison meatballs are packed with bold, spiced-up flavor, yet completely egg and dairy free, making them a lighter twist on a classic favorite. They’re juicy, tender, and surprisingly easy to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. You can serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer paired with a smoky, homemade BBQ sauce, or enjoy them as the star of a quick and satisfying main dish. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone at the table. Their rich flavor proves that plant-friendly substitutions don’t mean sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Bison Meatballs

Frog Balls aka Pickled Brussels Sprouts

Struggling to get your kids to eat their vegetables? These “frog balls” are a playful way to sneak Brussels sprouts into snack time! Coated in a tangy, crunchy pickle coating, each bite is full of flavor and fun. Kids will love the silly name, and you’ll love that they’re actually eating something healthy. It’s a simple, creative twist that turns a once-dreaded veggie into a snack everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Frog Balls aka Pickled Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potato Hummus

This Sweet Potato Hummus is a delightful and healthy twist on the classic dip that’s surprisingly easy to make. Creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a guilt-free snack at home. Perfect with crackers, fresh veggies, or even spread on toast, it’s versatile enough to enjoy any time of year. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, bringing both comfort and nutrition to your table. It’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel indulgent without any of the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Grilled Scallops with Garlic Butter and Chillies

Get ready to impress your guests with these Grilled Scallops with Garlic Butter and Chillies! Each tender scallop is perfectly seared and coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with just the right hint of heat from the chillies. The combination of smoky, buttery, and spicy flavors makes every bite irresistible. This appetizer isn’t just delicious—it’s elegant enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Serve them hot and watch as they disappear from the platter in no time!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops with Garlic Butter and Chillies

Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

These stuffed mushrooms are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please any crowd. Plump cremini mushrooms are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and sharp Parmesan, creating a rich and savory bite in every mouthful. They’re perfect for serving at parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a special snack for yourself. Each mushroom is bursting with flavor, offering a satisfying combination of creamy, salty, and slightly earthy notes. Once you try them, it’s hard to stop at just one!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Pumpkin Pinwheels

These Pumpkin Pinwheels are a cozy, savory treat that instantly bring the flavors of fall to your table. Flaky pastry swirls around a delicious pumpkin filling, making each bite as festive as it is flavorful. They’re perfect for serving alongside your Thanksgiving dinner, adding a fun twist to classic sides, or for sharing during a Halloween movie night with friends and family. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, these pinwheels are sure to become a seasonal favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pinwheels

Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls (Joey Copycat)

Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with these indulgent loaded mashed potato spring rolls! Inspired by the popular Joey restaurant, this copycat recipe transforms creamy, comforting mashed potatoes into a crispy, golden treat. Packed with all your favorite toppings, each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, cheesy goodness and satisfying crunch. They’re a fun and delicious way to reinvent your usual side dish—or even turn last night’s leftovers into something special. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, these spring rolls are sure to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Spring Rolls (Joey Copycat)

Chickpea Fritters with Spicy Sauce

These golden, crispy chickpea fritters are bursting with flavor in every bite. The exterior is perfectly crunchy, giving way to a soft and savory center that’s incredibly satisfying. Paired with a bold, spicy sauce, each fritter becomes an irresistible combination of heat and richness. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few for yourself. Every bite is a little explosion of texture and taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Fritters with Spicy Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter

These bacon-wrapped Smokies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most irresistible. With just four ingredients—Smokies, bacon, brown sugar, and butter—you can create a sweet and savory appetizer that disappears almost as quickly as you make it. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully as the bacon crisps, creating a perfect bite every time. They’re easy to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday parties. Once your guests try them, you’ll probably need to make a double batch!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter

Shrimp Remoulade

Shrimp Remoulade is a classic Creole appetizer that never goes out of style, featuring tender, poached Gulf shrimp coated in a tangy, creamy remoulade sauce and served atop a bed of crisp, fresh lettuce. This dish has deep roots in New Orleans, where iconic restaurants like Galatoire’s have been delighting diners with their version of cold shrimp salad for over a century. Making it at home is easier than you might think—I’ll guide you through creating the remoulade sauce from scratch, share tips to ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked every time, and even break down the difference between red and white remoulade. The result is a bright, flavorful starter that’s sure to impress at any gathering. By the end, you’ll see why this dish has remained a beloved staple of Creole cuisine for generations.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Remoulade

Fall Themed Charcuterie Board

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves paint the landscape in vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, it’s the perfect time to embrace the flavors of the season with a fall-inspired charcuterie board. Bursting with seasonal treats like sweet figs, tart pomegranate seeds, and rich cranberry jam, it pairs beautifully with an array of decadent cheeses, from creamy Camembert and Brie to tangy Blue Cheese, nutty Gouda, sharp Cheddar, and savory Manchego. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner party, or a relaxed wine night with friends, this charcuterie board not only dazzles the eyes but encourages everyone to gather, graze, and savor the season together. It’s more than just food—it’s a conversation starter and a warm, inviting centerpiece that celebrates the joy of fall.
Get the Recipe: Fall Themed Charcuterie Board

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds Appetizer with Goat Cheese

These Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Goat Cheese are a delightful and elegant appetizer that brings a burst of seasonal flavors to your table. Each bite features a perfectly roasted sweet potato slice topped with creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tart notes. Garnished with fresh rosemary, this dish not only pleases the palate but also adds a festive touch to any occasion. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving or seeking a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, these sweet potato rounds are sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds Appetizer with Goat Cheese