Meatless Monday: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Appetizers

By: Lauren Miyashiro

Related To:

In our humble opinion, Thanksgiving is superior to any other day of the year. In an effort to make this year's feast the best of all time (sorry, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe), we're bringing you the recipes, how-tos and decorating ideas to help you become a Turkey Day pro.

debi-mazar-fresh-ricotta-crostini-recipe_s4x3

Meatless Monday is a global movement, a way of life. It’s not a campaign to turn everyone in the world vegetarian or vegan; in fact, many involved are meat-lovers. Eating less meat has been proven to reduce the risk of disease, curb obesity and has important environmental impacts, too. Will you join us in giving up meat, just for one day a week?

So you have your Thanksgiving dinner game plan all figured out. Festive holiday tablescape, check. Classic sides and a hearty main to please both carnivorous and vegetarian attendees, check. Wine list and kid-friendly beverages, check. Pie, check. (Duh.) But what about appetizers?

Don’t freak out. We’re not suggesting anything that will cost you a bunch of extra time and effort. A few simple snacks will actually make your dinner prep much more relaxing by keeping anxious guests happy and out of the kitchen. So set out some cheese and crackers and choose from our favorite no-fuss dips and spreads below. Who knows? By keeping hunger levels in check, perhaps you have a shot at avoiding some traditional family bickering.

Impressive Italian Spread (pictured above)

Ricotta is actually very easy to make, and tastes so much better than the kind from the tub. Make it ahead (you can start tonight), and serve at room temperature on toasted bread with lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil.

Get the Recipe: Fresh Ricotta Crostini

Decadent Holiday Deliciousness

This sweet baked brie will spread holiday cheer among guests. For super simple prep work, make the pecan praline sauce the day before and rewarm in the microwave.

Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Baked Brie

Oldie but Goodie

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip; Alton Brown

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip; Alton Brown

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Alton’s hot spinach and artichoke dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any family get-together.

Simple Elegance

Serve crisp crudites alongside tangy goat cheese sauce for a classy appetizer. Light and crisp, you won't have to worry about guests becoming too full before dinner.

More Meatless Appetizer Ideas: 

Next Up

This Guy Will Be Your Horrible Thanksgiving Boyfriend

A weird guy offers his services to be a fake boyfriend at a Thanksgiving dinner. His price? Just one awesome meal.

Party in Five: Modern, Rustic Thanksgiving Dinner

In our humble opinion, Thanksgiving is superior to any other day of the year. In an effort to make this year's feast the best of all time (sorry, Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe), we're bringing you the recipes, how-tos and decorating ideas to help you become a Turkey Day pro.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Schedule & Calendar

Count down to Thanksgiving with a checklist that will help you get your shopping and preparation in order.

Thirsty Thursday: Thanksgiving’s a Breeze Seabreezes

Cooking Channel's Seabreeze cocktail is the perfect morning beverage to wake you up to start that bird early on Thanksgiving.

Fixes & Help for Thanksgiving Disasters

Think Thanksgiving's ruined? Fret not! We've got five quick fixes for any sort of cooking conundrum.

Which Wines to Serve at Your Thanksgiving Meal

When you're choosing wines for your Thanksgiving table, it seems simple: What goes best with turkey? While that's one way of going about it, it probably makes more sense to figure out what else is happening on the table.

Thirsty Thursday: Apple Toddy

Cooking Channel's Apple Toddy is the perfect accompaniment to chilly winter nights and serves as a delicious reminder of seasonal pleasures.

Feeding Guests During the Thanksgiving Holiday

Some smart preparation makes feeding your Thanksgiving houseguests a cinch — even if they're staying the whole holiday weekend.

On TV

Yum and Yummer

7:30am | 6:30c

Yum and Yummer

8:30am | 7:30c
9am | 8c
9:30am | 8:30c

Carnival Eats

2:30pm | 1:30c

Carnival Eats

3:30pm | 2:30c

Carnival Eats

4:30pm | 3:30c

Unique Sweets

5:30pm | 4:30c

Unique Sweets

6:30pm | 5:30c
7pm | 6c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
9pm | 8c
10pm | 9c
11pm | 10c
12am | 11c
1am | 12c
2am | 1c
3am | 2c
What's Hot

The Best Thing I Ever Ate

Sundays 10|9c

So Much Pretty Food Here