18 Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How many appetizers should you have at Thanksgiving? ›

Three or four bites of food per person should be plenty. For shrimp co*cktail, oysters or larger crostini, plan about two pieces per person. If you're serving smaller, one-bite hors d'oeuvres, allot three per person total. For dip, 3 ounces per guest will be plenty.

Choose at least 3 types of appetizers and serve about 6 servings total per guest (or about 2 servings per guest per type of appetizer). Choose at least one appetizer from the protein, starch, and fresh categories, and remember to consider your guests' allergies and dietary restrictions.

A good rule of thumb for a dinner party, allow for 6 appetizers per person. For a co*cktail party consider making 12 appetizers per person.

Explanation: Fresh Fruits and vegetables are the simplest appetizer.

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

How much gravy per person? Plan for ⅓ cup of gravy per person.

How many desserts should I have for Thanksgiving? ›

I recommend three to four desserts because everyone has different tastes, and often -dietary restrictions. Finding one perfect dessert is like ordering one pizza that everyone will want. Not gonna happen : ). So, make the evening easier by providing Thanksgiving dessert variety.

For a one hour party, typically 4 – 5 bites per person would be appropriate. For a two hour party, because people will eat more the first hour than the second, you'll still need the 4-5 bites and also about 2-3 more per person for the second hour so a total of 6-8 bites per person.

You might think there's no need for appetizers when you're preparing a big turkey dinner with all the classic sides (plus pies for dessert!), but having some easy bites that guests can nibble on when they arrive means that no one notices if it takes a few extra minutes to get the meal on the table.

Here's a quick guide to how many appetizers you should serve at your party: 10-12 guests = 5 appetizer selections. 25 guests = 9 appetizer selections. 50 guests = 13 appetizer selections.

Prepare enough for your guests.

The standard rule is to serve four to six pieces for each person. Note, however, that if you are planning an evening event that does not provide a main course and only has an appetizer, you should prepare 10 to 15 pieces per person.