Nothing brings the family together like the promise of incredible food, especially when it’s been crafted with love and a bit of meal prep creativity. Break away from the norm and introduce fresh ideas that turn your Thanksgiving into the year’s highlight. With all these irresistible choices, your cousins might start declaring it an annual tradition to crash at your place every fall. It’s more than just avoiding the dry turkey and bland stuffing—it’s about creating moments that will resonate long after the leftovers are gone. Your new dishes could become the talk of every Thanksgiving to come.
Parisian Potatoes
Level up your Thanksgiving menu with Parisian Potatoes, a dish that will leave everyone craving more. This classic potato dish is tender inside, with a golden and crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. Perfectly seasoned, it pairs well with almost anything on the table. Your cousins might just demand this every year once they take a bite. Make sure you have enough because this one will disappear quickly!
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese to bring everyone a smile. Creamy and cheesy, this comfort food is a Thanksgiving staple. The crispy topping adds the perfect texture to the gooey, cheesy pasta underneath. Everyone will find it hard to stay away from this dish, whether the young ones or the adults. Be prepared for compliments and requests for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Harvest flavors shine in the Turkey Pot Pie Soup, a warm and hearty option for cold fall days. This soul-warming soup blends tender turkey pieces with rich, creamy broth and fresh vegetables. Topped with a flaky pastry, it’s like having a pot pie in a bowl. Your cousins will appreciate the familiar flavors presented in a new way. Perfect for those who love comfort food with a twist!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Greek Green Beans
Add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your feast with Greek Green Beans. These vibrant green beans are gently cooked with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, making for a refreshing side dish. The flavors meld together beautifully, offering a light and healthy option amid heavier dishes. Watch as your cousins pile their plates with this bright and delicious side. It’s a great way to add color and variety to your table!
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
For a dish sure to impress, serve Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Individual pot pies filled with turkey, vegetables, and gravy all tucked beneath a golden, flaky crust. Perfectly portioned, your guests will love the combination of textures and flavors. These pots of goodness are easy to serve and even easier to eat. Expect your cousins to be very pleased with this tasty parcel!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Looking for a unique side? Try Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. This dish combines the slightly earthy flavor of beet greens with the salty crunch of pancetta, making it a standout on your holiday table. Quick and easy to prepare, it brings a lovely balance to the heavier dishes. Your cousins might just find a new favorite green this Thanksgiving. Throw this into the mix for an unexpected hit!
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Simplify your main course with Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Juicy on the inside with perfectly crispy skin, this turkey breast cooks quickly. It’s an excellent option if you’re short on oven space or looking to try something new. Your cousins will be raving about how tender and flavorful this turkey is. Give them something to remember with this easy-to-make turkey masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Need a quick side dish? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a go-to option. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these bite-sized sweet potatoes are flavorful. They’re the perfect accompaniment to any main dish, offering a hint of sweetness to balance your meal. Your cousins will love munching on these tasty little cubes throughout the feast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Smoked Turkey Thighs
For a main course that’s full of flavor, try Smoked Turkey Thighs. Infused with smoky goodness, these turkey thighs are tender and juicy, making them stand out. Easy to prepare ahead of time, they’ll free up your oven for other dishes. Your cousins will appreciate the rich taste and hearty serving. Don’t be surprised if these become a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs
Beef Wellington Bites
Add a touch of elegance with Beef Wellington Bites. These bite-sized treats combine tender beef with puff pastry. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for appetizers or as a main dish for smaller gatherings. Your cousins won’t be able to resist popping one after another. These bites are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Impress your guests with Traeger Smoked Turkey. This perfectly smoked turkey offers a rich, delicious flavor that stands out from traditional roasted birds. The smoky aroma alone will have your cousins waiting impatiently for dinner. It’s juicy, flavorful, and the turkey they’ll talk about for years. Add this to your menu for some guaranteed wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey
Smoked Carver Ham
Consider adding Smoked Carver Ham to your spread this year. Rich in flavor and perfectly smoked, this ham is a great alternative or addition to turkey. It’s cooked to perfection and works wonderfully with a variety of sides. Your cousins will thank you for adding this delicious option to the table. A smoked ham fits perfectly into the Thanksgiving feast while offering something different.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is an excellent starter that warms everyone up for the main event. This vibrant soup combines the sweetness of red peppers with the classic taste of tomato, making every spoonful a delight. Light yet flavorful, it sets the tone for the meal ahead without being too filling. Your cousins will enjoy this cozy beginning to their Thanksgiving feast. Perfect for adding a splash of color and warmth to the table!
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Guests will be eager to nibble on Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels as they mingle. These enjoyable bites feature crispy puff pastry and salty prosciutto, making them hard to pass. Quick and easy to bake, they’re perfect for those who like to munch while socializing. Your cousins will find them irresistible. These pinwheels offer a nice touch to the traditional feast.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
A hearty yet healthy option is Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Blending the creamy flavors of cauliflower with the sweetness of sweet potatoes, this soup offers a balanced, tasty dish to start off your meal. It’s nutritious and filling without being too heavy. Watch your cousins enjoy every spoonful as they anticipate the main course. This soup brings a warm and inviting touch to the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup