Are you looking for fresh holiday ideas? These Thanksgiving dinner suggestions are perfect for traditionalists and those seeking to introduce new dishes to the family table. So, what is good to cook for thanksgiving?
Responsible for Thanksgiving preparations this year? These inventive and traditional Thanksgiving recipes, such as sweet potato casserole and brined turkey, will help you prepare the ultimate holiday buffet.
Our collection of Thanksgiving recipes will ensure you have everything covered, from the main course to a delectable dessert that is not pie. And remember to check our guide on how much turkey you need per person to ensure enough to go around.
What Is Good To Cook For Thanksgiving?
Creating a Thanksgiving menu can be a complex undertaking. But these Thanksgiving dinner suggestions, from traditional turkey recipes to beloved side dishes, will satisfy all your guests. Here is a list of excellent foods to prepare for Thanksgiving:
1. Herb-Roasted Turkey
Always begin your search for Thanksgiving dinner ideas with a traditional dish. Honey, savory herbs, and seasonings impart a subtle sweetness to this turkey. This tried-and-true recipe would be the highlight of your Thanksgiving meal.
2. Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Bring an irresistible take on Brussels sprouts to the Thanksgiving dinner table. Balsamic vinegar and cranberries are combined with the savory flavors of pancetta and garlic bulbs to create a delectable side dish everyone will crave.
3. Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
This delicious variation on the traditional turkey is filled with well-seasoned stuffing and glazed with apricot preserves, making it ideal for individual servings. It is the perfect alternative for an effortless Thanksgiving meal.
4. Cauliflower au Gratin
Consider substituting cauliflower for potatoes to give a side dish a new spin. If you wish to make the casserole vegetarian, omit the ham and replace it with another vegetable, such as asparagus. Not a fan of cauliflower? It also works with broccoli!
5. Swiss Chard with Onions and garlic
Including a few healthier-leaning dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner menu is a good idea when planning all the traditional, substantial dishes. This straightforward mixture of hearty greens and aromatics hits the mark.
6. Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
Due to the holiday’s emphasis on entrees and sides, it can be easy to neglect appetizers and starter courses. But refrain! Serve small portions of this comforting combination of squash, sausage, legumes, and vegetables as an appetizer.
7. Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
It takes some effort to julienne the Brussels sprouts, but they cook very quickly. If ginger doesn’t complement your Thanksgiving dinner ideas, try molasses, Sriracha, cranberry-pecan, or curry.
8. Aunt Margaret’s Sweet Potato Casserole
Sharing the finest Thanksgiving recipes from your family is a time-honored tradition. Even with a crumbly topping and mini marshmallows, this sweet potato casserole is a bit lighter than the original but still tastes delectable.
9. Sausage and Rice Casserole Side Dish
This rice casserole studded with sausage seasoned with sage and other seasonal flavors will become an immediate classic. The water chestnuts are a pleasant addition, but they are optional.
10. Cranberry-Orange Bars
From beverages to desserts, Thanksgiving dinner suggestions span the entire spectrum. On your holiday dessert table, the new protagonist will be tart cranberry filling on a lemon-scented buttery crust. If you need a Thanksgiving dessert in a rush, consider one of these recipes that you can prepare in 30 minutes.
11. Perfect Winter Salad
The name is appropriate. On Thanksgiving, fresh greens combined with tart green apples, dried cherries, and pecans are the ideal accompaniment to turkey and all the fixings. It is also an excellent vehicle for turkey leftovers the following day.
12. Scalloped Apples Casserole
This casserole is made by baking delectable apples in butter and spices, adding breadcrumbs to create an almost dressing-like consistency. It is the Thanksgiving side dish you didn’t realize you needed.
13. Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
It turns out that almost anything can prepare ‘au gratin.’ Any acidity from the small green brassicas is masked by topping Brussels sprouts with cream, Swiss cheese, and bread crumbs.
14. Sweet Potato & Carrot Casserole
With sweet potatoes, the Thanksgiving feast is complete. In this dish, they are paired with carrots, a splash of orange juice, and fragrant golden raisins to create a unique side dish.
15. Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
This hearty pumpkin soup with lentils and legumes is an excellent vegetarian option for the holidays. The recipe calls for poultry broth, but You can use vegetable broth.
16. Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze
To create a novel turkey glaze, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and (surprise!) walnuts. With all that sugar and texture on the exterior, it may darken midway through cooking; however, loosely cover it with aluminum foil until it reaches the desired temperature.
17. Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
A simple panzanella salad with roasted butternut squash (use pre-cut vegetables to make it even easier), mushrooms, and bread is a delightful autumnal variation. Change things up by substituting pistachios for almonds or watercress for arugula.
A Thanksgiving meal should honor tradition and flavor. Classic crowd-pleasers include roast turkey with aromatic stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich gravy. Add a touch of originality with variations of cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping.
Thanksgiving is about thankfulness and community, so select dishes that resonate with your family. The key is to savor the moments and share a memorable meal with loved ones, whether one adheres to tradition or embraces new cuisines.
Thank you for reading…..
