Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to gratitude and the three F’s: food, friends, and family. Whether hosting the whole group this year or simply bringing a side, avoid a stressful last-minute Google session by browsing our collection of beautiful and unique Thanksgiving recipes.
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Thanksgiving Appetizers
Nothing sets the tone for a holiday gathering like a good appetizer. Ideally, it’s satisfying without spoiling your appetite and primes your palate for the feast to come. You can’t go wrong with a beloved and classic Charcuterie board: the only prep work required is setting up the board itself, and its serve-yourself nature makes cleanup minimal. Plus, it’s always a bonus to have one less dish that doesn’t require oven space, like a bright and zesty Smoked Salmon Dip with your favorite crackers - or for a sweet-and-salty treat shockingly simple, whip up a plate of Blistered Dates with Gorgonzola and Flaky Salt.
For elegant hors d’oeuvres that require far less effort than you’d guess, try Grilled Crostini with Maple Glazed Pears or Bacon & Mushroom Toast. And while you’re there, you’ll see another lovely and seasonal appetizer: Golden Beet, Toasted Walnut, and Blue Cheese Napoleons. For another appetizer that showcases earthy flavor (fully vegan or not, it’s up to you), we recommend the Spicy Vegan Mushroom Cream Cheese Wontons.
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Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner dishes hold a special place in our hearts. Who could forget the reigning champion of dessert-disguised-as-dinner, sweet potatoes? We like them two ways: The effortless, nearly candied Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Crumble Topping and the upscale showstopper Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Hazelnuts, Feta & Honey. Another side that’s classic yet special is the Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. And, if you have the honor of hosting your holiday dinner this year, consider the jaw-dropping main course Roast Duck with Potato Dominoes and Roasted Brussels. It’s beautiful, detailed, and no longer intimidating, thanks to our step-by-step instructions.
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Alternative Thanksgiving Meals
Ready to move past the turkey and green beans? Thanksgiving holds potential for brand-new flavors and cozy favorites alike. Chicken is an affordable and versatile mealtime staple, even for holiday dinners. For instance, two chicken dishes with very different flavor profiles are Mustard-Braised Chicken Thighs with Melted Leeks and Cherry Bourbon Chicken.
For hearty main dishes that add an extra dose of comfort during the chillier winter months, try Rustic Beef Bourguignon or classic Dutch Oven Pot Pie. Or, incorporate traditional mashed potatoes into your alternative thanksgiving meal with Cottage Pie (Shepherd’s Pie).
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Vegan & Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
For plant-based sides that don’t compromise flavor, keep it cozy with Aged White Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese (scroll down the page for this recipe). Or opt for the simple and creative Grilled Asparagus with Pastured Eggs, Almonds & Herbs. For an earthy main dish featuring aromatic Moroccan spices, we suggest Ras-El-Hanout Roasted Cauliflower. It’s sure to warm your guests from the inside out and, with minimal prep work, can be cooked on the grill, leaving valuable oven space for other dishes.
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Fall Cocktail Recipes & Beverages
The flavors of fall inspire warmth and cheer, and a strong cocktail doubles that effect. For a classic that’s easy to batch for a crowd, try the Cinnamon Whiskey Hot Cocktail, or choose a cocktail with a botanical twist, the Campfire Hot Toddy.
Heal all ills with Two Seasonal Tea Cocktails or Barebones Spiced Hot Buck; each recipe contains ingredients known to alleviate colds and the winter blues, like citrus, cinnamon, and flavorful teas, perfect during the winter season.
Our featured Simple Fall Cocktails allow you to explore different liquors and flavors, each with a seasonal emphasis. And for a cozy non-alcoholic option, you can’t go wrong with Mulled Fireside Cider (though you can swap the recommended ginger beer for wine if desired.)
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Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t All Pie)
Pumpkin pie is great on its own, but Cardamom + Saffron Pumpkin Halwa Pie is even better: think of the classic you love with aromatics and a vegan marshmallow topping that contributes the perfect amount of airiness. Another way to utilize pumpkin is a Dutch Baby with Fall Fruits & Pumpkin: make it outdoors to free up some kitchen space or in your oven. It’s delicious and fun to serve, as well. You can make one large Dutch baby or multiple smaller sizes so guests can personalize their toppings.
Another Dutch oven classic is Dutch Oven Bread Pudding. This fun recipe was developed through a partnership with Kodiak Cakes and uses freezer waffles to create the perfect dessert - or holiday breakfast.
Switch up the holiday flavor with Browned Butter Cranberry Cobbler. Its tart, citrusy filling is perfectly complemented by the sweet and crunchy topping (after all, you can’t go wrong with brown sugar and butter!). For a unique spin on a timeless favorite, consider Crustless Apple Pie & Parsnip Ice Cream - it’s creamy, sweet, and the parsnip adds an earthy depth that brings out the tartness of the filling’s Granny Smith apples.
