Think outside of the traditional recipe box with these fun dishes!
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends and celebrate gratitude — and, of course, to share a feast! Every family has their favorite Thanksgiving staple recipes, but this holiday is also a fantastic opportunity to unleash your culinary creativity and delight your guests with some new flavors, too.
In this roundup article, we’ll explore some unconventional and fun recipes to try for Thanksgiving this year! They include:
- Stuffed acorn squash
- Pumpkin risotto
- Thanksgiving chili
- Maple-glazed brussels sprouts
- Stuffing-stuffed mushrooms
- Smashed potatoes with herbs
- Roasted beet salad
- Sweet potato gnocchi
- Pear and cranberry tart
Below, get the links and learn more about these nine creative recipes to try for Thanksgiving!
Stuffed acorn squash
For a visually striking and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table, consider serving a main course of stuffed acorn squash. This dish not only acts as a stunning centerpiece but also bursts with autumn flavors. In this recipe, hollowed-out acorn squashes are filled with a delectable mixture of grains, herbs, seeds, and cranberries, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The natural sweetness of the squash, combined with the savory stuffing, delivers a memorable Thanksgiving dish full of healthy, whole-food ingredients.
Pumpkin risotto
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies; it also makes a fantastic addition to risotto, adding a creamy texture and a subtle earthy-sweet flavor. The vibrant orange hue will brighten up your Thanksgiving table while also adding the classy touch that risotto always brings. Moreover, pumpkins are rich in vitamins and fiber, making this dish a nutritious addition to your festive spread.
Thanksgiving chili
Chili is such a warming, hearty meal for cold-weather holidays! This recipe borrows from the ideas of the first Thanksgiving, with a Native-American-inspired combo of beans, squash, and corn. Your Thanksgiving chili can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you prefer to add extra spice, amp up the herbal flavors, or toss in some turkey pieces. Or, try one of these variations of chili — you can even keep the pumpkin/squash theme going!
Maple-glazed brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are certainly a vegetable that inspires plenty of lovers and haters, but when roasted to crispy perfection and drizzled with a maple glaze, they become a mouthwatering side dish. The sweet and savory combination of flavors will convert even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans.
Stuffing-stuffed mushrooms
Stuffing-stuffed mushrooms take two beloved harvest staples and merge them into one delicious creation. These bite-sized appetizers feature plump button mushroom caps generously filled with savory stuffing. The earthy tones of the mushrooms complement the rich, herb-infused stuffing, making them a delightful appetizer or side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes with a touch of gourmet sophistication.
Smashed potatoes with herbs
What do you get when you add an S to mashed potatoes? A delectable side dish that’s creamy and crispy all at once: the smashed potato. You’ll start by boiling your potatoes to add fluff and moisture, before smashing and roasting them to perfection. Be sure to add plenty of olive oil and a medley of fresh herbs, such as chives, sage, rosemary, and parsley, to infuse the potatoes with fresh, fragrant flavors.
Roasted beet salad
Beets are a root vegetable that often gets overlooked, but their natural sweetness and earthy undertones make them a perfect addition to a festive meal. Roasted beets combined with fresh greens, goat cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette create a colorful and refreshing salad that provides a bite of freshness amongst the richness of traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Sweet potato gnocchi
Homemade sweet potato gnocchi is a delightful way to satisfy pasta lovers and introduce a touch of rustic elegance to your Thanksgiving menu. The pillowy, soft gnocchi makes for a luxurious and unforgettable bite, and you can take the dish to the next level by adding a generous drizzle of garlic and sage-infused olive oil.
Pear and cranberry tart
Don’t forget to experiment with desserts as well! Instead of (or in addition to!) the usual pumpkin or pecan pie, consider serving up something different, like this sweet and zesty pear and cranberry tart. Juicy pears fill a flaky pastry crust, interspersed with vibrant cranberries that burst with color and zing. As the pears roast, they’ll start to caramelize, developing sweet, rich flavors that will make a memorable end to the meal.
Thanksgiving is all about coming together and savoring delicious food, and trying new things is all part of the fun. As you sample these exciting new recipes to try for Thanksgiving, you might even find some new favorites to add to the holiday rotation in years to come!
Next, check out some of our favorite homemade Thanksgiving table decoration ideas, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, festive harvest holiday.
