The final countdown until Thanksgiving is on! With just 6 days left until the big day, I wanted to take the opportunity to share some fall appetizer and wine pairing ideas with you!
When planning my Friendgiving Dinner Party, I wanted the evening to be less formal, so there was no actual sit-down dinner. Instead, I created a heavy fall-inspired appetizer menu so guests could eat at their leisure. See below for the appetizers I served, along with some notes for wine pairings courtesy of Erin Vaughen, the owner Vinley Market, an inspired fine wine boutique and wine club with a mission to take the guesswork out of finding great wine at a great price.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Recipe via Kitchen Sanctuary. This is a simple party snack that is sure to wow your guests. With only 5 ingredients and a 20 minute prep time, it is an easy addition to any holiday menu.
Ingredients: roll puff pastry, 1 egg, brie, 6 tbsp cranberry sauce, fresh thyme leaves. Visit Kitchen Sanctuary for the quick and easy instructions to create this dish.
For my Friendsgiving dinner, I paired the Cranberry Brie Bites with Chardonnay based on the recommendation below from Erin of Vinley Market.
“Chardonnay typically has a heavier body than other white wines, and this weight will nicely complement the richness of the Brie. However, avoid overly buttery options and go with a lighter, crisper option that was perhaps aged in stainless steel or concrete eggs. This will preserve the acidity in wine so that your palate is refreshed after each sip.”
You can shop for Chardonnay from Vinley Market here.
Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash, Ricotta and Sage
Recipe via Edible PerspectiveThis mouthwatering appetizer is a true show stopper. The textures and flavors come together to create one of the unique fall dishes I’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients: 1 cup polenta, 2 tbsp butter, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 cups cubed butternut squash, 30 sage leaves, 1 cup ricotta, 1 ½ tsp maple syrup, 3 tbsp avocado oil, salt and pepper. Visit Edible Perspective for the directions on how to make this appetizer.
For my dinner party, I paired this appetizer with a Brut Rosé, which is one of my personal favorite wines to serve when hosting. See below for what Erin had to say about pairing this wine with the Polenta Crostini with Butternut Squash.
“Brut Rosé is a great crowd pleaser. It’s zesty and refreshing so it balances the heaviness of the polenta. The light and clean texture of the sparkling wine also makes a pleasant contrast to the sweet spice flavors in the butternut squash.”
You can shop Rosé & Bubbles from Vinley Market here.
Prosciutto Wrapped Apples with Blue Cheese
Recipe adapted from Real SimpleThis is another quick and easy appetizer that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. When planning my menu, I wanted a lighter recipe to include and when I saw that this one only took 10 minutes to prepare, I was sold!
Ingredients: 2 apples, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 cup arugula, 3 oz blue cheese, 6 slices prosciutto. Visit Real Simple for instructions on how to make this dish.
I served the Proscuitto Wrapped Apples with Blue Cheese with Pinot Noir at my Friendsgiving party. See below for what Erin has to say about this pairing.
“The smokiness of Prosciutto will pair nicely with the earthy notes of a California Pinot Noir. Blue cheese adds decadence to this dish, and the refreshing acidity in the Pinot will keep your palate clean with each bite.”
You can shop for Pinot Noir from Vinley Market here.
I hope you enjoyed reading more about the appetizer and wine pairing menu I served at my Friendsgiving dinner party! What appetizers do you like to serve before your Thanksgiving meal?
Vendor Credits: Photographer: Brittany Gidley Photography | Event Concept + Styling: One Stylish Party | Menu + Custom Napkins: Tiny Prints | Curated Wines: Vinley Market | Menu & Food Styling: Casey Nickels.
**This post was created in partnership with Vinley Market, however all opinions expressed are my own and I only work with brands that I personally love and support.
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