Cranberry appetizers bring a burst of flavor and a touch of holiday cheer to your Thanksgiving table. These bites not only amp up the festive spirit but also complement the traditional heavy meals in the most delightful way. Let’s dive into some easy and delicious cranberry-inspired appetizers that will impress your guests and brighten up your gathering!
1. Easy Cranberry Brie Bites
These easy cranberry brie bites are my go-to for holiday gatherings! They’re the perfect combo of buttery, flaky pastry, creamy brie, and a pop of tart cranberry sauce. Honestly, they’re as easy to make as they are to devour, and they always disappear in minutes.
With the holidays right around the corner, these bites make the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer. They’re small, elegant, and bring that festive red-and-gold vibe to your table. Plus, they’re just the right mix of sweet and savory—your guests will be obsessed!
Making them is super simple. Grab some puff pastry, cut it into little squares, and pop them into a mini muffin tin. Add a cube of brie and a dollop of cranberry sauce, then bake until they’re golden and bubbly. Seriously, it doesn’t get easier (or tastier) than this. These are bound to become your holiday MVP snack!
2. Cranberry and Brie Crostini
I love these cranberry and brie crostini and it’s definitely one of my favorite appetizers to whip up, perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and creamy, all packed into one little bite-sized treat. Trust me, they’re as delicious as they are fancy-looking!
Here’s the deal: it all starts with crispy slices of toasted baguette. Then, you add a generous layer of creamy brie—hello, decadence! Next comes a dollop of juicy cranberry topping that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet. To top it off? A drizzle of balsamic glaze for that extra touch of “wow.”
These crostini are perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re super simple to put together, but they look and taste like something straight out of a fancy restaurant.
To make your own, you’ll need a baguette, brie cheese, fresh cranberries, sugar, and balsamic glaze. Toast the baguette slices, cook the cranberries down with a bit of sugar, and layer it all up. Easy, delicious, and totally crowd-pleasing!
3. Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Take a look at this plate – full of delicious cranberry turkey meatballs, glistening with a sweet, tangy sauce that just screams “holiday vibes.” The deep red of the cranberries pops against the golden-brown meatballs, making them look as amazing as they taste.
These meatballs are always a hit! Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy dinner party, they combine sweet and savory flavors perfectly, making everyone come back for seconds.
To make these delicious meatballs just mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and some seasonings, roll them into meatballs, and cook them with cranberry sauce and a touch of sweetness. The flavors come together beautifully, and when you serve them up, prepare for a crowd of happy eaters!
4. Stuffed Celery with Cranberry Walnut Spread
These stuffed celery sticks are a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving gathering. They’re fresh, crunchy, and packed with a delicious cranberry walnut spread. The vibrant colors make them festive and look fancy. The best part? They are super easy to make!
The spread is made with cream cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries, creating a creamy texture with a bit of crunch. It’s perfect for those looking for cranberry appetizers for Thanksgiving. Just imagine the smiles when guests take a bite!
5. Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
This cranberry jalapeño cream cheese dip is as delicious as it is pretty! The vibrant pink color, fresh cranberries, and jalapeño slices make it a total showstopper. It’s sweet, creamy, and has just the right kick—perfect for Thanksgiving or any gathering.
It’s super easy to make: mix cream cheese, cranberries, jalapeños, and a few spices, chill it, and serve with crackers. Trust me, everyone will be scooping this up in no time!
6. Cranberry Salsa with Tortilla Chips
This cranberry salsa is a fun twist on traditional salsa, combining tart cranberries with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a snacking option during Thanksgiving. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, and it pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips.
The recipe is simple and calls for fresh cranberries, diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for a kick. Mix everything together, and you’re ready to impress your guests with a unique appetizer. Serve it in a bowl surrounded by tortilla chips for easy dipping, making it one of the standout cranberry appetizers for Thanksgiving.
7. Savory Cranberry Cheese Ball
This cranberry cheese ball is my go-to for gatherings—it’s creamy, flavorful, and so festive! The mix of cheese and tangy cranberries is perfect with crackers or fruit, and it always gets compliments.
Making it is super simple: just mix cream cheese, herbs, and cranberries, shape it into a ball, and chill. That’s it! Serve it on a cute board with crackers and grapes, and you’ve got a holiday-worthy appetizer everyone will love.
8. Cranberry and Prosciutto Pinwheels
Cranberry and prosciutto pinwheels are the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the cranberry bringing a little tartness and the prosciutto adding that salty, rich flavor. Trust me, everyone loves them—they never last long on the table!
They’re super simple to make. All you need is some prosciutto, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce. Just spread the cream cheese on the prosciutto, add a little cranberry sauce, roll them up, and slice into cute bite-sized pieces. That’s it! Pop them on a nice platter, and boom—instant fancy appetizer.
These pinwheels are awesome for Thanksgiving or any holiday get-together. They’re easy, look gorgeous, and taste even better. If you’re looking for a quick appetizer that’ll impress without the stress, these are a no-brainer!
9. Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
These chicken cranberry pinwheels are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them a must-try Thanksgiving appetizer! Soft cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise create a creamy base, while shredded chicken, crunchy celery, green onions, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta bring layers of flavor. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas, these bite-sized pinwheels are easy to prepare, super tasty, and sure to impress your guests. Ready in just 15 minutes (plus chilling time), they’re a simple yet delicious way to elevate your holiday spread!
10. Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
This quick and easy cranberry whipped feta dip is the ultimate holiday appetizer! It’s as festive as it is delicious and comes together in just minutes. The blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will keep coming back for.
11. Cranberry Pear Salad with Candied Pecans
Every season has its standout salads, and I’m pretty sure this pear and pecan salad with dried cranberries is perfect for fall. With a mix of crunchy pecans, juicy pear slices, sweet dried cranberries, crispy bacon, and rich aged cheddar, it’s the kind of salad that hits all the right notes. It’s not just a great light meal for a busy week—it’d also be a total star on your Thanksgiving table.
12. Cranberry & Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Balsamic Glaze
These cranberry and goat cheese stuffed mushrooms with spinach and a drizzle of balsamic glaze are the perfect bite-sized Thanksgiving appetizer. The tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries, while the spinach adds a fresh, savory touch. Topped with a rich balsamic glaze, these mushrooms are a show-stopping, flavorful addition to your holiday spread!
13. Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberry Chutney
Cranberry chutney and creamy brie are seriously a match made in Thanksgiving appetizer heaven. The sweet and tart chutney really brings out the richness of the brie, and the combo of smooth and crunchy textures is just perfect. Plus, it looks gorgeous on the table!
I love setting this up with a jar of vibrant cranberry chutney next to a beautiful wheel of brie. Toss in a few fresh cranberries for that pop of color, and it’s an easy, elegant addition to your holiday spread.
Making this is a breeze—just cook fresh cranberries with sugar, vinegar, and spices until it thickens. Serve it warm or chilled with the brie, and trust me, it’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving get-together!
14. Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath
This cranberry and brie puff pastry wreath is the ultimate festive appetizer for Thanksgiving! Flaky, buttery puff pastry wraps around creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, creating a beautiful and delicious wreath that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your guests with both its taste and stunning presentation. A must-try for your Thanksgiving spread!
15. Cranberry Turkey Sliders
These cranberry turkey sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls are the ultimate bite-sized taste of Thanksgiving! Packed with juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and all the classic flavors we love, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether for a cozy dinner or as an appetizer on your Thanksgiving spread, these sliders are a delicious and festive treat!
