Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious Thanksgiving finger foods? These little bites are perfect for gatherings, making it easy for everyone to mingle while savoring delightful flavors. Picture this: the aroma of turkey sausage sizzling in the skillet, mingling with creamy cheese and a hint of cranberry sauce. It’s the kind of warm, inviting smell that instantly brings back memories of family and friends gathered around the festive table. Trust me, these finger foods will be the star of your holiday spread! They’re not just easy to make; they’re also a fun way to kick off the festivities and keep everyone satisfied while the turkey is still roasting. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering treats that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
For these delightful Thanksgiving finger foods, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of turkey sausage: Choose your favorite brand; I love using spicy sausage for an extra kick!
- 1 cup of cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your preference—both work great!
- 1 cup of crescent roll dough: You can usually find this in the refrigerated section—just unroll and enjoy the flaky goodness.
- 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce: Either homemade or store-bought, it adds a lovely sweet-tart flavor.
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions: Freshly chopped adds a nice crunch and flavor boost!
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder: This gives the filling a delicious depth; you can also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Finger Foods
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing these delicious Thanksgiving finger foods! Follow these simple steps to create bite-sized delights that will impress your guests.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your finger foods bake evenly and achieve that golden brown perfection. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prep the rest!
Step 2: Cook the Turkey Sausage
Next, grab a skillet and cook the turkey sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, cranberry sauce, chopped green onions, and garlic powder. Use a spatula to mix everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. You want a smooth consistency that’s easy to spread, so give it a good stir until you don’t see any lumps!
Step 4: Assemble the Finger Foods
Now it’s time to roll out the crescent dough! Unroll it onto a clean surface and cut it into squares—about 3×3 inches works perfectly. Place a spoonful of the sausage and cheese mixture in the center of each square. Then, fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal them tightly. This part is so much fun, and trust me, the filling will be worth it!
Step 5: Bake the Finger Foods
Place your assembled finger foods on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this helps with cleanup!). Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them towards the end—when they look beautifully golden, they’re ready to come out! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Thanksgiving finger foods aren’t just tasty; they’re a total game changer for your holiday gatherings! Here’s why you’re going to love making them:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time!
- Perfect for Mingling: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for guests to grab and enjoy while chatting.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of turkey sausage, creamy cheese, and cranberry sauce creates a deliciously satisfying flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add some herbs to make them your own!
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and simply bake them before serving, saving you time on the big day.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites—who can resist flaky dough and melty cheese?
- Festive Touch: They add a fun and festive flair to your Thanksgiving spread that everyone will appreciate.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving finger foods turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your dish from good to absolutely amazing.
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Preheating your oven is essential for achieving that golden brown crust. It helps the dough cook evenly, so don’t rush this step!
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix things up! Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick, or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. Just a teaspoon or two mixed into the cheese mixture can make a world of difference!
- Use Different Sauces: Swap out cranberry sauce for something like apple chutney or a savory pesto for a unique flavor combination. Get creative!
- Make Them Mini: If you’re feeling adventurous, cut your crescent dough into smaller squares for mini versions. They’re perfect for snacking and look adorable on a platter!
- Test Before Serving: Always taste one before serving to your guests! This way, you can adjust seasoning if needed. Plus, it’s a great excuse to indulge a little!
- Freezing Tips: If you’re making these ahead of time, freeze the assembled finger foods before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family with these delightful Thanksgiving finger foods! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
These Thanksgiving finger foods are not only delicious but also come with friendly nutritional values! Each serving (1 piece) contains approximately 150 calories, making them a satisfying treat without going overboard. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on common ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on your choices. Enjoy these tasty bites guilt-free at your Thanksgiving celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I make these finger foods ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Thanksgiving finger foods are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them up to the point of baking and then freeze them. Just assemble everything, place them on a baking sheet, and pop them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can save time on the big day and still enjoy fresh, warm bites!
What can I serve with these finger foods?
These finger foods are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a refreshing autumn salad with cranberries and walnuts. A warm bowl of butternut squash soup also complements them nicely. If you want to keep the vibe casual, a selection of dips like ranch or honey mustard will do the trick! And don’t forget about drinks—sparkling cider, a nice white wine, or even a cozy hot apple cider will elevate your Thanksgiving spread!
Are there variations to this recipe?
You bet! One of the best things about these Thanksgiving finger foods is how customizable they are. Want a spicy twist? Use spicy sausage or add some jalapeños to the cheese mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the cheddar for feta or blue cheese for a bolder flavor. You can also try different sauces like apple chutney or even a savory pumpkin puree instead of cranberry sauce. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative with ingredients that you love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving finger foods properly is key to enjoying those delicious leftovers later! If you happen to have any of these tasty bites left after your gathering, let them cool completely before storing. I like to place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. They should be good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but trust me, they might not last that long!
Now, if you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze these finger foods. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them directly into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.
For reheating leftovers from the fridge, I recommend using the oven to maintain that flaky texture. Heat them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll crisp up nicely and taste just as good as when they were fresh out of the oven. So, whether you’re diving into leftovers or serving them up fresh, these finger foods are set to delight!
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Thanksgiving Finger Foods: 7 Irresistible Delights to Try
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 finger foods 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A collection of easy and delicious finger foods perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of turkey sausage
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat until browned.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberry sauce, green onions, and garlic powder.
- Add the cooked sausage to the cheese mixture and stir well.
- Roll out the crescent dough and cut it into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch to seal.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving finger foods, holiday appetizers, easy finger foods
