There are plenty of reasons to try new dishes this Thanksgiving. Maybe you’re hosting vegetarians or just tired of dry turkey—whatever the reason, these dishes might just become your new favorites. Think of rich, flavorful stuffing, delicious pies, and creamy mashed potatoes that go beyond the basics. These dishes are perfect for sharing and offer something for everyone. Thanksgiving is about gathering together and sharing a meal, so why not make every dish something to get excited about?
Parisian Potatoes
Parisian Potatoes offer a creamy and delicious alternative that impresses ahead of the traditional turkey. These small, tender potatoes are typically roasted until golden brown with a buttery finish. Each bite provides a rich texture, making them a perfect side dish. It’s a fantastic way to bring French-inspired warmth to your fall table. It’s such a delicious addition to the Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese brings a comforting, gooey warmth that everyone loves. With its rich, creamy sauce binding perfectly to every piece of pasta, it’s more than just a side. This dish’s nostalgic appeal will have guests coming back for seconds. Ideal as a centerpiece or as an indulgent companion to a variety of other dishes, it embodies the essence of cozy fall comfort.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Greek Green Beans
Infused with a Mediterranean flair, Greek Green Beans add a bright, fresh element to the holiday table. Simmered in tomato sauce with herbs, they carry a robust, earthy flavor that complements heartier dishes. They are a lovely twist on traditional green beans. Enhance your Thanksgiving spread with this healthy and flavorful option. It’s a flavorful change from the standard fare.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta provide a unique, delicious, vibrant, and nutritious side dish. The beet greens are cooked until tender, then balanced with the salty, crispy pancetta. This side dish is packed with flavor and easy to make. It will deliver a sophisticated touch to your Thanksgiving meal and pair well with other festive items.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Sunshine Salad
Bursting with vibrant colors, Sunshine Salad adds a refreshing change to the Thanksgiving menu. This light and crisp salad blends various seasonal fruits and veggies. It’s a wonderful way to introduce healthy freshness amid other rich dishes. Perfect for those seeking a lighter option during the holiday feast. It brightens up the table with its vibrant appearance.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Beef Wellington Bites
For a touch of elegance, Beef Wellington Bites serves a flavorful surprise. These bite-sized treats combine tender beef fillet with flaky pastry. The combination makes for a luxurious, hearty appetizer. They’ll quickly become a highlight among your holiday dishes. An exciting twist that’s sure to impress your guests with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Smoked Turkey Thighs
A great alternative to the traditional whole turkey, Smoked Turkey Thighs bring your table a deeper, richer taste. These thighs are perfectly smoked, infusing them with a wonderful smoky essence. They maintain their juiciness while providing a distinct, flavorful experience. This is perfect for those who desire a more concentrated turkey flavor. Upgrade your main dish options with this smoky delight.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Perfect for the fall season, Red Pepper & Tomato Soup provides a warm, comforting starter to your meal. The combination of sweet red peppers and tangy tomatoes creates a lovely, rich soup. It’s an ideal prelude to the heavier main courses. This soup is a great way to start your Thanksgiving feast. It adds a vibrant red hue and a cozy feeling to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Try Traeger Smoked Turkey, which offers a rich, smoky profile for a flavorful twist. Cooking on a Traeger smoker ensures the meat is tender and infused with a unique smoky aroma. It’s a fantastic alternative that could even outshine traditional oven-roasted turkey. This preparation guarantees a memorable, juicy main dish. Plus, the smoky scent adds an extra festive atmosphere to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
This fall favorite, Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup, combines the hearty flavors of two beloved veggies. Smooth and creamy, this soup provides a comforting and warming start to the meal. It’s both nutritious and delicious, making it an excellent choice for any Thanksgiving table. The combination creates a deeply heartwarming dish that guests will love. Enjoy the seasonal flavors in a cozy, comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Turkey Breast makes for a quick yet impressive centerpiece. The air fryer ensures the turkey breast remains juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside. It’s a great choice for smaller gatherings or for those looking for a simpler alternative to a full turkey. This method results in a flavorful, efficient main dish. Give your guests a well-cooked turkey without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Smoked Carver Ham
Smoked Carver Ham offers a sweet and delicious contrast that can rival traditional turkey. The smoking process enriches the ham with a deep, rich flavor. Perfectly suited for those who prefer a slightly different taste, it is ideal for complementing other dishes on the table. It’s a hearty choice that can become the highlight of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Turkey Pot Pie Soup brings a creamy, warming option to the Thanksgiving lineup. This soup captures the classic flavors of pot pie in a comforting, liquid form. It is great for using up turkey leftovers or as a meal on its own. The richness and flavor make it a lovely choice during fall. This soup is a great way to enjoy a familiar taste in a new format.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes make Au Gratin Potato Stacks an elegant addition to the table. Each stack is baked with a rich, creamy sauce, making it a comforting dish. They provide an upgraded twist to the classic potato side dish. Perfect for adding both substance and style to your meal, this dish seamlessly combines flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Sweet Potato Casserole
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish that never fails to please. This dish pairs creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy topping. It’s a wonderful mix of textures and tastes. Add it to your Thanksgiving spread to satisfy everyone. This casserole remains a holiday staple for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry are mini delights that pack all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving. Each pot pie features a rich filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose turkey leftovers in a tasty and attractive format. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys. Perfect for those looking for a hands-on, hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are a warm, comforting side dish with some Southern charm. Slow-cooked with delicious additions, they offer a deep, rich flavor. These beans provide an excellent contrast to heavier main dishes. They cook low and slow, filling the house with their inviting aroma. Add some Southern flavor to your Thanksgiving with this simple yet fulfilling dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
