Thanksgiving feasting means *so* much more than typical turkey and pie. If you’re hosting at home this year, add a few tasty non-traditional morsels into your menu for snacking before serving the main meal. We've collected three tempting appetizers that will fit the occasion and look stunning on your Shea Homes® kitchen island or formal dining room table. Read on for mouth-watering inspiration:
Loaded Cheese Ball Bites
For a simple-yet-satisfying appetizer that you can make ahead of Thanksgiving Day itself, give cheese ball bites a try. Start by combining eight ounces of cream cheese with one cup of shredded cheddar in a large mixing bowl. Add garlic powder and hearty dashes of salt and pepper to taste then transfer to your fridge to chill. Form two-inch balls with a spoon and roll in a topping mixture of bacon crumbles, pecan pieces, and chopped chives. Place on a seasonal platter with pretzel sticks to serve and enjoy in your great room surrounded by your favorite people.
Cheese Ball Appetizer
Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, classic, and crowd-pleasing — hello, spinach and artichoke dip! We serve our version warm, which makes it a welcome autumn delight. You’ll need a one-cup package of thawed frozen spinach and one 14-ounce can of drained artichoke hearts. Blanch both vegetables in salted water until tender and warm. In the same pan and over low heat, mix in six ounces of cream cheese, two tablespoons of mayonnaise, and two tablespoons sour cream. Transfer to a serving bowl and place on your kitchen counter along with bread or chips. Your guests will *definitely* come back for seconds.
Spinach + Artichoke Dip Appetizer
Beet Tapenade
Looking for a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast? Beet tapenade offers a generous serving of vegetables and requires minimal assembly — all while packing in the autumnal flavor. Peel and roast three or four large red beets and allow them to cool before roughly chopping into one-inch pieces. Toss in a large bowl with lemon zest, two or three tablespoons of capers, and salt to taste. Dish it out as a colorful side salad on your decorated dining room table or as finger food with crackers for adults.
Beets
Interested in more holiday hosting tips — or want to be part of one of our special communities? Reach out to our team today so you can glimpse the Shea difference for yourself.