Adorable pumpkin pie cracker appetizers made with cheese, crackers, and cream, an easy, kid-friendly Thanksgiving snack perfect for party trays and festive gatherings.
Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer: Pumpkin Pie Crackers for Your Holiday Table
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, giving thanks, and, of course, enjoying an incredible holiday meal. While the turkey, stuffing, and pies may steal the spotlight, the magic of the holiday season may be a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Even before the main event, Thanksgiving appetizer ideas are always a fun way to start the festivities. Thanksgiving often begins long before Thanksgiving dinner is served. That’s where a festive Thanksgiving appetizer comes in to set the tone. There are many easy Thanksgiving appetizers out there, from cheese balls to a fun charcuterie board. However, finding the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer before the main meal, just got easier! If you’re looking for something fun, easy, kid-approved, and guaranteed to spark conversation, these Pumpkin Pie Crackers are the perfect choice. I am all about the easiest appetizers. Since you are probably already busy on Thanksgiving day, this is the perfect appetizer!
They’re adorable, bite-sized, and totally unexpected. Even better? They require no baking, come together in just 20 minutes, and offer the perfect blend of savory and sweet inspiration—while looking just like miniature pumpkin pies. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or attending a Friendsgiving, this Thanksgiving appetizer is sure to impress. You will love this recipe and will definitely add it to your list of best Thanksgiving appetizers. The first time you try this delicious appetizer, your guests will fall in love with how whimsical it is, but the best part is how easy it is.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Appetizer
These Pumpkin Pie Crackers are everything you want in an easy appetizer
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Fast and fuss-free – Only 20 minutes of prep time and no cooking required.
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Budget-friendly – Made with simple ingredients like cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pita crackers.
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Kid-friendly and fun – They look like mini pumpkin pie slices but are totally savory!
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Perfect make-ahead appetizer – You can prep the cheese and crackers ahead of time for an easy assembly on the big day.
This is one of those appetizers that sparks smiles and curiosity as soon as it’s set on the table. Guests will ask, “Are those… pumpkin pie slices?” And you’ll get to surprise them with their savory twist. They are even the perfect last-minute appetizers if you want a delicious addition to your appetizer table. So read on below and find out how to make these your favorite Thanksgiving appetizers. Perfect as a prelude to your main course. Pair them with a Thanksgiving cocktail and you’re ready for hungry family members and your Thanksgiving meal.
Pumpkin Pie Crackers Recipe
Makes: 30 crackers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
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16 ounce cheddar cheese block
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60 pita crackers
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1/3 cup cream cheese spread or softened cream cheese
Instructions:
Cut the cheese block in half through the center to create two thinner blocks of cheese.
Cut each cheese block into triangles to fit on top of the pita crackers.
Place half the crackers on a serving plate and top with the cheese triangles.
Cut the remaining crackers in half and discard the pointed end of each cracker.
Transfer the cream cheese to a piping bag with a small star tip. Pipe a small line of cream cheese on the bottom of each of the cracker halves
and lightly press onto the back of each cheese triangle.
Pipe a dollop of cream cheese on top of each cheese triangle to look like whipped cream.
Tips for Serving Pumpkin Pie Crackers
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Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor that balances well with the creaminess of the cream cheese.
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Chill the cheese before slicing to help it cut cleanly into perfect triangle “pie slices.”
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Add a touch of paprika or smoked paprika on top for a hint of “pumpkin spice” color without altering flavor.
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Serve on a wooden board or pie tray to enhance the pumpkin pie illusion.
Can You Make This Thanksgiving Appetizer Ahead of Time?
Yes! This Thanksgiving appetizer is easy to prep before guests arrive. Slice the cheese and crackers earlier in the day, store them in an airtight container, and assemble with cream cheese right before serving. You can even pipe the cream cheese “whipped cream” ahead of time and refrigerate—just make sure it stays chilled until serving.
Variations to Try
Want to personalize this recipe while keeping its adorable pumpkin pie look? Try these fun twists:
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Spicy Version: Use pepper jack cheese or add a jalapeño slice under the cheese.
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Herbed Cream Cheese: Mix the cream cheese with fresh herbs or chives before piping.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap pita crackers with gluten-free crackers of similar size and shape.
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Festive Platter: Surround your Pumpkin Pie Crackers with dried cranberries, candied nuts, fresh veggies, a wheel of brie, grapes, and fresh rosemary for a grazing board effect. Add it as part of a decorative cheese board. You can also add a pop of color with tiny pumpkins or tiny pumpkin cheese ball bites.
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Include extra small plates to make this adorable appetizer idea even cuter!
Perfect Appetizer for Kids and Adults Alike
This Thanksgiving appetizer is especially loved by kids! They can even help you assemble them—cutting crackers, placing cheese slices, or piping the cream cheese dollops. It’s a fun holiday activity and snack rolled into one.
Adults will love them too—especially with a glass of wine or alongside a cheese board. They’re rich, savory, and satisfying without being too heavy before the big meal. It’s such an easy recipe that’s perfect for your Holiday menu.
Why This Appetizer Belongs on Your Thanksgiving Menu
In a season full of warm casseroles, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin everything, this recipe stands out. It’s playful yet elegant, simple yet clever. It highlights familiar holiday flavors in a completely unexpected way.
Plus, when guests arrive hungry and the turkey still needs another hour, these Pumpkin Pie Crackers save the day. They’re small, neat, and easy to eat without utensils—perfect for mingling around the living room or kitchen island.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a unique, easy, and crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer, Pumpkin Pie Crackers deserve a spot on your table. These easy appetizers are the perfect addition to holiday appetizers. They’re a great way to feed hungry guests. They bring together holiday charm, creativity, and delicious cheesy goodness in every bite. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, this recipe is perfect for busy hosts who still want to deliver something memorable.
So this Thanksgiving, bring a platter of these savory pumpkin pie “slices,” sit back, and watch the smiles spread around the room.
Pumpkin Pie Crackers Thanksgiving Appetizer
Check out these pumpkin pie crackers made with cheese, crackers, and cream cheese, an easy, kid-friendly Thanksgiving Appetizer.
Ingredients
- 16 ounce cheddar cheese block
- 60 pita crackers
- 1/3 cup cream cheese spread or softened cream cheese
Instructions
