We’ve done cheese boards a few times as Thanksgiving appetizers but this year I’m going for a Thanksgiving Tapas Bar. And it’s a WINNER.
Thanksgiving is SUCH a haul when it comes to cooking everything – even I get tired!! And appetizers are so often the last thing we think about so I like to keep it easy. This year there isn’t ANY cooking when it comes to the appetizer situation.
It’s all about the Thanksgiving Tapas Bar. If you’ve never done tapas before – it’s basically just small bites that you can pick and choose from all day long. Everything can be prepped morning of and then just laid out right when everyone comes over for the day.
Guests can mix and match their perfect plate with olives, nuts, fruit, cheese, cured meats… the works. It’s everything everyone wants for an appetizer on the big day!
A few tips and tricks. If you buy a log of goat cheese, roll it in pink peppercorns to give it some nice crunch and color! And if you thinly slice persimmons you can top them on top of a wheel of ricotta to make it feel extra fancy. You’re welcome.
PS – are you thinking of putting this on your Thanksgiving menu? Check out the full What’s Gaby Cooking menu here along with the master prep schedule to keep things organized and on track!
Thanksgiving Tapas
Ingredients
- Assorted Olives castelvetrano a must, any others are great
- Thinly Sliced Prosciutto
- Thinly Sliced Salami
- Marcona Almonds
- Spiced Cashews
- Candied Walnuts
- Assorted cheeses
- Assorted Crackers
- Persimmons
- Assorted Dried fruit
- Breadsticks
- Marinated artichokes
- Toasted crostini
Instructions
- Arrange everything on a large board and table and let people nibble all night long
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Prop Styling by Gena Sigala // Recipe by What’s Gaby Cooking
Truth? I could eat this and the Thanksgiving sides and forget the bird altogether! Great spread you have here!
OK that’s it, I am coming to your place on Thanksgiving. I love this!
Need Manchego and membranillo too!
yesssssss
Yes!! I could eat this instead of the full Thanksgiving dinner any day!
I love a spread like this- I’m with the crowd- forget the bird, just give me the appetizers!!!
Except for the stuffing, I could eat tapas and appetizers for Thanksgiving dinner. Love these ideas!
Yes I could do away with the bird.
I’ll take some tapas anytime! Love your left over idea – pizza – YESSS!!!
Tapas are a brilliant idea!!
I am loving this idea because it takes the pressure off of the cook and valuable kitchen space. Gorgeous!
I’m with Dorothy, I could graze on tapas and sides all day.
Gaby – i do believe you are the SMALL PLATES QUEEN!!! honestly? i’d rather have small plates as an entire meal!
Where can I find that rustic wood serving board? Beautiful spread and brilliant idea!
I love this idea! So many delicious flavors to choose from all day long!! Something for everyone!
SO dang gorgeous – and you’re the prettiest!
OMG this is pure genius. And i just love your festive table. Can i come to friendsgiving? TAPAS or bust! 😉
Beautiful! Where is the board from that you set the Tapas bar on?
it’s from an antique sale!