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Thanksgiving is a long day, and inevitably kids get hungry and bored waiting for the big celebratory meal. Rather than letting them snack on greasy chips or salty snacks, try a selection of delectable snacks with a Thanksgiving twist. Some of these recipes are so easy to make that the kids can help with the prep. These snacks are sustaining and delicious and will keep little tummies satisfied while you prepare the main meal.
Sweet potato stuffed pretzel bites
These stuffed pretzel bites combine warm mashed sweet potato wrapped in soft dough and baked into a crisp, salty pretzel shell. They mix sweet and savory flavors with an easy dipping sauce and can even be made ahead of time, so they’re perfect for sharing while everyone waits for the turkey. Head to Bucket List Tummy for the details.
Fruit cornucopias
These festive cornucopias from the Healthy Families Project bring a colorful, healthy twist to your table. Kids can help assemble them, turning snack time into something creative and interactive. Use whatever fruit you have in the house, and watch your kids gobble it up!
Blooming onion
Take your Thanksgiving dinner up a notch with this delightful treat the kids will love. Let them pull apart this crunchy, sweet onion while they wait for the main course. It might not be a traditional Thanksgiving dish, but we bet that after its introduction to the table it will become an annual request! Head to The Pioneer Woman for details.
Caramel apple cream cheese spread
Be careful — this appetizer will disappear before your eyes! With only three ingredients, kids can make this one themselves. You can cut up apples or pears to scoop up this delight, or whatever kind of fruit, or even bread, you prefer. Head to She Wears Many Hats for all the details.
Cheese to please
Who can resist a tiny slice of cake? OK, this isn’t really cake, but these cheese and cracker treats will still be a hit with a crowd of any age. Kids can help assemble these little slices of heaven and will have fun feeling like they are eating dessert first. Head to Project Denneler for instructions (which are minimal, but you’ll be able to figure it out).
Twice-baked sweet potatoes
Kids won’t be able to resist the sweet and nutty filling in The Cookie Rookie’s twice-baked sweet potatoes. Parents don’t have to tell the kids that these sweet potatoes are also loaded with fiber and antioxidants, plus a ton of vitamins and minerals.
Easy baked cheese twists
Forget about making homemade dough and take a shortcut from Momables by using frozen puff pastry for these tasty twists. Plenty of cheesy goodness will keep the kids and grown-ups coming back for more, and since they are so easy to make, you better prepare a double batch! Make the recipe as-is, or experiment with adding chopped fresh herbs, spices or a pinch of infused salt.
Cranberry meatballs
Let these savory bite-size meatballs, cooked in cranberry sauce, simmer away in the slow cooker while you work on other Thanksgiving dishes. Dinner at the Zoo’s savory (with just a touch of sweet) bites are easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser. Instead of forks, let the kids spear their own meatballs with festive toothpicks.
Apple cheese wraps
Little kitchen helpers will love making this pre-meal snack from Weelicious. Apple cheese wraps will simultaneously keep them busy and stop tummies from growling. Depending on the age and skill of your kids, you can either pre-slice the ingredients and let them do the wrapping, or let them prep (and wrap) the entire snack from start to finish.
Pumpkin cheesecake dip
A no-bake treat from Oh Sweet Basil, this dip crosses the line between snack and dessert. Pumpkin puree, cream cheese and festive fall spices are whipped together in less than 10 minutes. Serve the creamy concoction with small cookies, pretzels or sliced fruit, perfect for little dipping hands.
Sweet bacon tater tots
You’ll have to keep the grown-ups from eating these kid-approved tater tots from Mom Spark. With just four ingredients, they are super-easy to make, and the kids in your crew can easily help prepare them. Use as much (or as little) chili powder as your crowd likes, but definitely make a full batch of tater tots!
Cheese turkey tray
Set the kids up with a savory turkey tray from Also, That’s It. You can use whatever sliced cheeses, deli meats and crackers you have on hand, making it especially helpful for a last-minute, keep-‘em-busy project while you’re putting the finishing touches on the main meal.
Cinnamon apple chips
Crunchy, sweet and healthy — what more could you want in a pre-meal snack? Whether you harvest your own apples or pick some up from the grocery store, all you need to do is core, slice, sprinkle and bake. Well Plated warns us to allow plenty of time to let the chips dehydrate in the oven, but they are totally worth the wait. Or better still, make them the day before when your oven is a little less occupied.
More Thanksgiving ideas for families:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated on Nov. 10, 2025 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson. New starters were added and all other recipes were verified.
