Must-Try Friendsgiving Appetizers!
Friendsgiving is all about savoring great food with even greater friends. It’s a time to gather, laugh, and dig into delicious dishes, so why not start things off with some unforgettable appetizers? These three must-try bites are sure to get everyone in the Friendsgiving spirit, priming them for the main event. So grab your favorite platter, and let’s get this Friendsgiving party started with some seriously Thanksgiving flavors!
Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers with Herbed Goat Cheese
These colorful, bite-sized stuffed peppers are as pretty as they are delicious! Creamy goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon makes for a flavor-packed filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
15-20 mini bell peppers, halved and seeded
8 oz goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness
Preheat your oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, chives, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Spoon the goat cheese mixture into each mini bell pepper half, then place them on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the peppers are just tender, and the cheese is warm.
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of honey right before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Arrange on a platter and watch them disappear!
Cranberry Brie Bites in Puff Pastry
These little bites are like a holiday explosion of flavor in your mouth! The tart cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and flaky puff pastry are a match made in Friendsgiving heaven. Plus, they look so cute on the plate!
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cut into 24 squares
8 oz brie cheese, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Fresh thyme for garnish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
Press each puff pastry square into a muffin cup, making little pastry cups. Place a cube of brie in each cup, followed by a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle a few chopped pecans over the top if you’re using them for added crunch.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the brie is melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor, then serve warm. These will be gone before you know it!
Maple Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Nothing says “festive” like bacon-wrapped anything! These Brussels sprouts get a touch of sweetness from the maple glaze, making them absolutely irresistible. Even the sprout skeptics will be converted!
12 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
12 slices of bacon, cut in half
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wrap each Brussels sprout half in half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Brush each bacon-wrapped sprout with the maple-Dijon glaze, then sprinkle with black pepper.
Arrange on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the sprouts are tender. Serve hot, and prepare for them to vanish—they’re the perfect sweet-and-savory Friendsgiving bite!
With these tasty appetizers, your Friendsgiving celebration will be off to a festive, delicious start. These recipes are easy to make, fun to eat, and filled with all the flavors of the season. So get ready to impress your friends with these perfect bites! They’re bound to be the hit of your holiday gathering!
