16+ Fun Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. However, the same traditional recipes can get repetitive year after year. If you're looking to switch things up and add some fun to your Thanksgiving menu, we've got you covered. Here are some innovative and mouth-watering recipe ideas to make this Thanksgiving one to remember. From appetizers to desserts, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Impress your guests with a delicious Thanksgiving cider sangria that combines the flavors of fall with a touch of sweetness. Crisp apples, warm spices, and a splash of brandy make this sangria the perfect addition to your holiday spread. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a hearty stuffing. This classic recipe combines bread, herbs, and savory vegetables for a dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite meats or nuts, or keeping it vegetarian-friendly. Don't be surprised if your guests ask for seconds (or thirds) of this delicious side dish.
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Fun Thanksgiving Turkey Treats
Main Ingredients: Microwave Popcorn, M M, Twist, Orange
If you have little ones at your Thanksgiving gathering, these fun turkey treats will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Made with Oreos, candy corn, and other festive ingredients, these adorable snacks are easy to assemble and will add a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread. Plus, they make for a fun activity for kids to help with in the kitchen.
It's not Thanksgiving without the star of the show – the turkey. This roasted turkey recipe yields a perfectly juicy and flavorful bird every time. The secret is in the brine, which infuses the meat with moisture and flavor. Serve it with your favorite gravy and cranberry sauce for a classic and delicious Thanksgiving main dish.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Thanksgiving sides are just as important as the main course, and this recipe roundup has something for everyone. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted Brussels sprouts to glazed carrots, these sides will complement your Thanksgiving spread and add a variety of flavors and textures to your meal. Feel free to mix and match to create your own perfect side dish lineup.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own from scratch this Thanksgiving. This simple recipe uses fresh cranberries, orange juice, and warming spices to create a tangy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey. Don't be surprised if you find yourself making this cranberry sauce for other occasions – it's that good.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you prefer a more traditional stuffing, look no further. This recipe uses simple ingredients like bread, broth, and herbs to create a classic stuffing that is sure to please everyone at your Thanksgiving table. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins, like sausage or dried fruit.
Mashed potatoes are a must-have on every Thanksgiving table, and this recipe is sure to become your go-to. Using a combination of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, these mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. They're the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving main dish.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
If you're looking for a fun and festive dessert that doesn't require any baking, these Oreo cookie balls are just the thing. Shaped like cute Thanksgiving turkeys, these treats are made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and chocolate coatings. They're perfect for kids and adults alike and will add a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
Toast to the holiday season with a delicious Thanksgiving punch. This recipe combines cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling cider for a refreshing and festive drink that everyone can enjoy. You can also add a splash of your favorite liquor to make it an adult-only beverage.
If you're tired of the same old Thanksgiving sides, switch things up with this delicious slaw. Crisp cabbage, apples, and cranberries are dressed in a tangy and creamy dressing for a refreshing and flavorful side dish. This slaw is a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your holiday spread.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
Take your Thanksgiving drink game up a notch with this delicious and festive sangria. Apples, pears, and cranberries are mixed with your favorite white wine and a splash of brandy for a drink that is both fruity and a little bit boozy. Serve it in a pitcher or punch bowl for a beautiful and delicious addition to your holiday table.
If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner, put it to good use with these delicious croquettes. Shredded turkey is mixed with mashed potatoes and herbs, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. These croquettes make for a tasty and satisfying snack, or serve them as a side dish with your holiday leftovers.
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Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
End your Thanksgiving feast on a sweet note with this delicious pumpkin crunch dessert. Layers of pumpkin, pecans, and a buttery cake topping come together to create a dessert that is equal parts creamy, crunchy, and indulgent. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert.
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Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts Casserole + My...
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper
If you're a fan of Brussels sprouts, this casserole will become your new go-to side dish. Crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tender Brussels sprouts are baked together in a creamy and flavorful casserole that will have your guests reaching for seconds. This recipe is just one of many delicious Thanksgiving side dish ideas included in this roundup – so be sure to check them all out for inspiration.
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Multi-Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Large Eggs, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on oven space, this multi-cooker stuffing recipe is a game-changer. Using a combination of the multi-cooker and the oven, this stuffing is full of flavor and has the perfect texture – crispy on top and soft and fluffy in the middle. It's a great alternative to traditional stuffing and is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and comforting pot pie. This recipe uses leftover turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce to create a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a post-Thanksgiving dinner. It's a great way to use up all those leftovers and enjoy a new twist on a classic dish.
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Thanksgiving Pockets
Main Ingredients: Roasted Turkey, Buttermilk Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes
If you're looking for a unique and portable way to serve Thanksgiving dinner, these Thanksgiving pockets are just the thing. Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are wrapped in flaky pastry and baked to perfection. They're perfect for a casual and stress-free holiday meal, and kids will love having their own individual Thanksgiving pockets.
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Ice Water, Tap Water, Dark Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt
For a perfectly juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, brining is the way to go. This recipe uses a combination of salt, sugar, and spices to create a brine that will infuse your turkey with moisture and flavor. Your guests will be raving about the turkey at your feast, and you'll be glad you took the extra step to brine it.
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Thanksgiving Meatless Loaf
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Garlic
If you have vegetarian or vegan guests at your Thanksgiving gathering, this meatless loaf is a delicious and satisfying main dish option. It's packed with protein and veggies and has a delicious and savory flavor that will please everyone at the dinner table. Serve it with your favorite gravy and sides for a complete and hearty holiday meal.
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. However, the same traditional recipes can get repetitive year after year. If you're looking to switch things up and add some fun to your Thanksgiving menu, we've got you covered. Here are some innovative and mouth-watering recipe ideas to make this Thanksgiving one to remember. From appetizers to desserts, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.
Appetizers
1. Sweet Potato Crostini
Looking for a sweet and savory appetizer to kick off your Thanksgiving feast? Try making sweet potato crostini! Simply slice a baguette and top each slice with mashed sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of honey. Bake them in the oven until the bread is crispy and the toppings are heated through. The combination of flavors and textures will have your guests coming back for more.
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
These easy and elegant appetizers are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Start by cutting puff pastry into small squares and baking them until golden brown. Then, top each square with a slice of brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Pop them back in the oven until the cheese is melted. The result is a delicious bite-sized treat that perfectly balances tangy and creamy flavors.
Main Course
1. Turkey Roulade
If you're tired of the classic roasted turkey, try putting a spin on it with a turkey roulade. Simply pound out a turkey breast until it's thin and flat, then spread a mixture of stuffing, cranberries, and herbs on top. Roll it up and tie it with kitchen twine before roasting in the oven. The result is a flavorful and elegant main course that will impress your guests.
2. Stuffed Butternut Squash
For a vegetarian option that's just as delicious, try making stuffed butternut squash. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds, then fill each half with a mixture of wild rice, dried cranberries, pecans, and herbs. Bake in the oven until the squash is tender and the filling is heated through. This dish is not only flavorful, but it also adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.
Desserts
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Put a twist on the classic pumpkin pie by making a pumpkin cheesecake. The creamy cheesecake base pairs perfectly with the warm and spicy pumpkin flavor. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and some crushed gingersnap cookies for some added crunch.
2. Caramel Apple Galette
For a rustic and delicious dessert, try making a caramel apple galette. Roll out a store-bought pie crust and fill it with sliced apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fold up the edges of the crust and bake until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving meal.
With these fun and creative recipe ideas, you can elevate your Thanksgiving feast and impress your guests with delicious and unique dishes. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Happy Thanksgiving!