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Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, food, and fun as we gather together to give thanks.
While the main Thanksgiving meal is the star of the show, traditional dishes may not always appeal to the younger crowd. That’s why it can be fun to put a creative spin on classic favorites to brighten up the kids’ table.
From appetizers to desserts to ways to repurpose leftovers, we’ve compiled a list of fun Thanksgiving treats that the youngest members at your table are sure to gobble up. So, let’s get started!
When you still have a few hours before the main meal—but tummies are starting to rumble—try these fun starters, appetizers, and Thanksgiving snacks for kids.
1. Turkey-Shaped Cheese and Cracker Platter
Create a cute turkey-themed appetizer by arranging cheese slices, crackers, and pretzels to form a turkey’s face. Use cheese for the feathers, pretzels for the beak and legs, and a slice of carrot or bell pepper for the wattle.
2. Pumpkin-Shaped Cheese Balls
Next on our list of Thanksgiving snacks for kids we have adorable pumpkin-shaped cheese balls. Form small cheese balls with American cheese, roll them in crushed orange cheese-flavored crackers, and use a piece of chive or a small pretzel stick as the stem to create adorable pumpkin-shaped cheese snacks. These fun Thanksgiving treats are sure to make an impression on your table.
3. Harvest Veggie Cups
Serve individual veggie cups filled with a variety of kid-friendly vegetables like baby carrots, cucumber sticks, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas, along with a side of ranch dressing or hummus for dipping. To turn them into Thanksgiving snacks for kids, simply serve in Thanksgiving-themed paper cups.
4. Thanksgiving Snack Mix
Create a harvest-themed Thanksgiving snack mix by combining savory items like nuts, parmesan crisps, small pretzels, and more. Package it in individual bags or cups, so kids can enjoy their very own snack during fun Thanksgiving activities, such as watching the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Once the main meal is done—and everyone has had a chance to digest—it’s dessert time! Try these fun Thanksgiving treats for kids.
1. Gobble Gobble Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes and decorate them to look like turkeys. Use chocolate frosting for the body, edible googly eyes, and a yellow jelly bean nose. Insert a row of candy corn near the back of the cupcake (pointy side down) to look like feathers. These cute holiday treats are great Thanksgiving snacks for the classroom and other school parties.
2. Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini pumpkin pies are a bite-sized version of the classic Thanksgiving dessert. Make them kid-friendly by using pre-made pie crusts and letting the little ones help you fill them with pumpkin pie filling. To make these snacks for the holidays even better, finish them off with a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Pumpkin Pie Dip
For another delicious spin on traditional pumpkin pie, try this pumpkin pie dip. Prepare the dip using canned pumpkin puree, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Serve it with graham crackers, apple slices, or pretzel rods for dipping.
4. Mini Apple Pies
If your little guests aren’t fans of pumpkin pie, try mini apple pies instead. Use pre-made pie crusts and apple pie filling. Let kids customize their pies with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. These individual-sized desserts also make great Christmas snacks, so be sure to add them to your holiday baking rotation!
5. Thanksgiving Popcorn Mix
This dessert-style snack mix is perfect for sharing while you’re playing games for kids on Thanksgiving or watching a movie with the family. Simply combine easy kid snacks like popcorn, dried cranberries, candy corn, and Welch’s® Fruit Snacks. Made with Real Fruit, Welch’s® Fruit Snacks are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C & E and are a delicious, kid-friendly addition to any Thanksgiving snack mix.
6. Pilgrim Hat Cookies
Wondering what to bring for kids on Thanksgiving as a guest? Make an impression with these adorable Pilgrim hat cookies. Place a peanut butter cup upside down on a chocolate cookie. Attach a small square piece of fruit leather or a chocolate kiss to the top as the hat. In addition to sharing them with the family on Thanksgiving Day, these holiday treats are ideal Thanksgiving snacks for the classroom as well.
7. Cornucopia Cones
Create mini cornucopia cones by filling sugar cones with an assortment of colorful fruits and candies. Include grapes, berries, mini marshmallows, Welch’s® Fruit Snacks, and small chocolate candies to mimic the look of a cornucopia overflowing with treats. Statement-making Thanksgiving desserts like this one are sure to be a kid favorite that you will want to bring back year after year.
One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. Give your turkey and sides a second life with these kid-approved Thanksgiving themed snacks.
1. Cranberry Turkey Roll-Ups
Spread cream cheese and cranberry sauce on tortillas, then layer slices of turkey and roll them up. Slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels for a yummy and tangy snack that both kids and parents will like.
2. Turkey-Shaped Sandwiches
Craft turkey-shaped sandwiches using whole wheat bread, turkey slices, cheese, and colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Cut the sandwiches into the shape of turkeys using cookie cutters. Add a pretzel stick for the turkey’s neck and a piece of carrot for the beak. These playful Thanksgiving themed snacks are both nutritious and fun..
3. Leftover Stuffing Muffins
Transform leftover stuffing into individual Thanksgiving snacks for kids by baking them in muffin tins. Kids will love having their own serving of stuffing in a convenient and fun-to-eat form.
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of crumbled leftover stuffing, 2 cups of chopped leftover turkey, 2 lightly whisked large eggs, and ½ cup of turkey stock. Divide mixture evenly into a greased 12-cup muffin pan.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes until slightly crispy on top. Serve with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce for a dash of extra flavor.
We hope our list of Thanksgiving snacks for kids will help you create family traditions and inspire smiles all around your table.
Don’t forget to include delicious Welch’s® Fruit Snacks in your Thanksgiving snack mixes and other kid-friendly treats. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
