Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and enjoying delicious food together. And let me tell you, appetizers are the unsung heroes of any Thanksgiving feast! They set the mood and get everyone excited for the big meal ahead. That’s why I absolutely adore these *thanksgiving appetizers cold*. They’re a breeze to whip up, requiring zero cooking time, which means more time to spend with family and friends. I remember my Aunt Mary always having a platter of cold appetizers ready, and everyone would gather around, chatting and nibbling away. Trust me, these tasty bites are the perfect way to kick off your celebration!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple, delicious ingredients to create your cold Thanksgiving appetizer that everyone will love! Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1/2 cup sour cream, which adds a nice tang
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions for a fresh crunch
- 1 cup diced ham, or you can substitute with turkey for a festive twist
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, because who doesn’t love cheese?
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color
- 1 package of your favorite crackers to serve alongside
- 1 cup grapes, halved for a sweet contrast
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s dive into making this fabulous cold appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Mixing the Base
First things first, grab a good-sized bowl and toss in that softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, mix them together until it’s all nice and smooth—aim for a creamy consistency that’s easy to spread. If you find it a bit too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Trust me, a smooth base is key to this recipe!
Step 2: Adding Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring in the flavor! Add in your chopped green onions, diced ham (or turkey if you’re going for that Thanksgiving vibe!), shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley. Stir everything together gently until well combined. You want to make sure all those tasty bits are evenly distributed throughout the mixture—this is what makes each bite so delicious!
Step 3: Shaping and Chilling
With everything mixed, it’s shaping time! Form the mixture into a log shape, like a big sausage, and then carefully wrap it in plastic wrap. Make sure it’s tightly sealed—that will help it hold its shape while chilling. Now, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it easier to slice later on. Patience is key here!
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Finally, when you’re ready to serve, unwrap the log and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these delightful slices on a platter alongside those crunchy crackers and halved grapes. Not only does it look gorgeous, but the contrast of flavors and textures will have everyone raving about your appetizer. Enjoy the compliments—you’ve earned them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you’re short on time!
- No cooking required, so you can skip the hassle and mess.
- Deliciously creamy and flavorful, with a delightful crunch from the crackers.
- Perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to nibble while mingling.
- Versatile—you can easily swap ingredients to match your preferences.
- Stays fresh in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option!
Tips for Success
To elevate this appetizer even more, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix and match your cheeses—try adding cream cheese with a hint of garlic or even a smoky cheddar for a flavor boost. If you want a bit of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham with roasted red peppers or olives. And remember, letting the log chill overnight in the fridge not only melds the flavors beautifully but also makes it even easier to slice. You’ll impress your guests with minimal effort!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delightful cold appetizer:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
It’s a tasty option that won’t weigh you down, making it perfect for all those Thanksgiving festivities!
FAQ Section
Can I make this a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this appetizer a day ahead is a fantastic idea. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious. Just prepare everything as directed, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just slice and enjoy!
What can I substitute for ham?
If you want to switch things up, turkey is a great alternative that fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving theme. For a vegetarian option, try roasted red peppers or even some black olives for a burst of flavor. You can also throw in some diced sun-dried tomatoes for a unique touch. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your leftovers fresh, simply wrap any remaining portions tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember, this appetizer is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it—just slice and enjoy straight from the fridge!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just wrap any remaining pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious bites even after the Thanksgiving feast. The best part? This appetizer is served cold, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge—perfect for those late-night snack cravings or when you need a quick nibble the next day!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Appetizers Cold: 5 Simple Tasty Treats
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A selection of cold appetizers perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Składniki
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 package of crackers
- 1 cup grapes, halved
Instrukcje
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add green onions, ham, cheddar cheese, and parsley. Stir until combined.
- Form the mixture into a log shape and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers and grapes.
Uwagi
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Substitute ham with turkey for a Thanksgiving twist.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: No-Cook
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 8g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving appetizers cold
