15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025 Recipe
There’s something truly magical about snack time during the holidays, and the 15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025 are here to elevate your celebration with irresistible flavors and cozy vibes. From the addictive Pumpkin Spice Popcorn that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes to the creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Dip, these snacks bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or just want a festive nibble, these recipes fill your kitchen with seasonal aromas and bring smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these snacks just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a burst of flavor and wonderful texture. Each one adds its magic—whether it’s the rich butter coating the popcorn or the roasted squash lending its natural sweetness to the dip.
- 8 cups popped popcorn: Choose fresh, light popcorn that’s perfectly puffed for crunchy snacking.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Adds richness and helps the spices cling to the popcorn.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Brings just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The star ingredient that infuses fall flavor into every bite.
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed: Roasted to bring out a deep, natural sweetness for the dip.
- 2 garlic cloves: Roasting softens the garlic, adding a gentle savory note.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: Makes the dip luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds umami depth and a slight tang to the dip.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the dip’s flavors.
How to Make 15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Start by popping your popcorn so it’s fresh and fluffy—about 8 cups should do. In a large bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the popcorn, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Toss everything thoroughly so each kernel wears its pumpkin spice coat with pride. This snack is perfectly sweet with just a whisper of spice—a fall classic that’s addictive from the first bite.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube your butternut squash, then toss it with whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until everything is tender and aromatic. Roasting transforms the squash into a velvety, sweet base while mellowing the garlic’s sharpness, making this dip hearty and comforting.
Step 3: Blend the Butternut Squash Dip
Once the squash and garlic are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Blend until silky smooth and creamy. This dip is a delightful balance of warm sweetness and savory richness that’s just waiting for a crunchy carrot or pita chip to dive into it.
How to Serve 15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice on the popcorn just before serving for an extra burst of aroma and color. For the dip, a little fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds a fresh, inviting touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair your snacks with crisp seasonal veggies like sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or crunchy celery sticks to complement the creamy butternut squash dip. A warm autumn cider or a spiced herbal tea also perfectly rounds out this cozy snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the popcorn in festive bowls or small paper cones for easy munching by the fire. For the dip, set it in a rustic wooden bowl surrounded by an assortment of colorful veggies and artisan crackers. Little touches like cinnamon sticks or mini pumpkins as décor create a joyful holiday vibe that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Store the butternut squash dip covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for your Thanksgiving spread.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be mindful to thaw it gradually in the fridge, and it may need a quick stir or splash of cream to bring back its creamy texture before serving. The popcorn is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to moisture.
Reheating
Warm the butternut squash dip gently on the stove or in a microwave until just heated through. Stir well to ensure it’s smooth and creamy again before serving. Avoid overheating to keep its lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie spice for the popcorn?
Absolutely! Store-bought pumpkin pie spice works perfectly for this snack and saves you time. Just be sure to toss it evenly so every bite has that classic fall flavor.
Is the butternut squash dip suitable for vegans?
This recipe uses cream cheese and Parmesan, which are dairy-based. However, you can swap in vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast to keep the dip plant-based without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What’s the best way to pop popcorn for this recipe?
Air-popped popcorn is ideal because it’s light and doesn’t add extra oil, letting the pumpkin spice shine. If you use microwave or stovetop popcorn, opt for plain or lightly salted varieties.
Can I prepare the dip ahead of time?
Yes, the butternut squash dip is even better after it’s had time to chill and the flavors meld. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then bring it out when your guests arrive.
How do I keep the popcorn from getting soggy?
Make sure your butter is just melted and not too hot when tossing the popcorn, and serve it soon after mixing so it stays crunchy and fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container away from humidity.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give the 15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025 a try this season—they bring such a joyful blend of cozy flavors and easy prep to the holiday table. These snacks aren’t just tasty; they’re like a warm hug of autumn in every bite. So grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy, spiced moment together!
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15 Best Thanksgiving Snacks To Make In 2025 Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings of Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, 6 servings of Butternut Squash Dip 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover two delightful and easy-to-make fall snacks perfect for Thanksgiving 2025: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn and Butternut Squash Dip. The Pumpkin Spice Popcorn offers a light, crunchy, and sweet-savory treat infused with classic pumpkin pie spices, while the Butternut Squash Dip provides a creamy, savory option ideal for dipping veggies or pita, featuring roasted squash, garlic, and cheese.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Butternut Squash Dip
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: In a large bowl, toss the 8 cups of popped popcorn with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to evenly coat the popcorn. Then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice over the popcorn. Toss the mixture again thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the sweet and spicy flavor.
- Roast Butternut Squash and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube one medium butternut squash and place it on a baking sheet along with 2 garlic cloves. Roast them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the squash is tender and roasted to perfection.
- Make Butternut Squash Dip: Once the squash and garlic have cooled slightly, combine them in a blender or food processor with 1/4 cup cream cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature, perfect for dipping with vegetables or pita.
Notes
- Use freshly popped popcorn for the crispiest texture in the Pumpkin Spice Popcorn.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt in the Butternut Squash Dip for a lighter version.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preference for more or less spice.
- Roasting the garlic along with the squash sweetens and softens it, adding depth to the dip.
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a festive fall snack station.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Roasting, Tossing, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: For Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: about 2 cups; For Butternut Squash Dip: about 1/4 cup
- Calories: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 120 kcal per serving; Butternut Squash Dip: 90 kcal per serving
- Sugar: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 4g; Butternut Squash Dip: 2g
- Sodium: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 55mg; Butternut Squash Dip: 150mg
- Fat: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 6g; Butternut Squash Dip: 7g
- Saturated Fat: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 3.5g; Butternut Squash Dip: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 2.5g; Butternut Squash Dip: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g for both
- Carbohydrates: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 18g; Butternut Squash Dip: 4g
- Fiber: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 2g; Butternut Squash Dip: 1g
- Protein: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 2g; Butternut Squash Dip: 3g
- Cholesterol: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn: 10mg; Butternut Squash Dip: 15mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Popcorn, Butternut Squash Dip, Thanksgiving snacks, fall recipes, roasted squash dip, festive snacks
