At Cooking Chew, we’re always up for a celebration – and what better excuse than Thanksgiving? While the holiday’s history is complex, its core message of gratitude is something we can all get behind. It’s a time when we come together with loved ones, share in each other’s company, and extend invitations to those who might not have a place to call their own.
To mix things up this year, we’re shaking things up with some fresh, vibrant dishes that will hopefully reduce our leftover turkey intake by at least half! Who knows – maybe you’ll discover a few new favorite recipes to add to your Thanksgiving potluck repertoire. Here’s everything you need to create or contribute to an unforgettable and delicious Turkey Day gathering.
Southern Macaroni And Cheese
Experience the comfort of tradition with a twist. This indulgent mac and cheese boasts a silky-smooth consistency reminiscent of homemade goodness. The addition of a crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful modern flair, making it a standout at any gathering. In Southern cuisine, this classic side is a staple at potlucks and family gatherings, where its rich flavors bring people together.
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
When it comes to potlucks, inclusivity is key. That’s what makes these gluten-free, vegan pumpkin cheesecakes stand out – not only are they a great fit for those with dietary restrictions, but they’re also incredibly tasty. The combination of pumpkin and cheesecake is a match made in heaven, and we can’t get enough!
Kale Salad With Apples And Cheddar Cheese
It’s refreshing to see you bringing a salad to the gathering. You can place it near the other dishes, right next to the untouched cranberry sauce and corn pudding. We’re not here to judge – but kale is certainly worth celebrating. Its unique flavor profile, complete with tangy notes and a hint of bitterness, pairs surprisingly well with the classic combination of turkey and cheddar cheese.
Apple Cider And Bourbon Punch
As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds often wander back to the original feast shared by the Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims in 1621. The menu was vastly different from the traditional turkey dinner we know today, featuring a dozen deer and some corn as the main attractions. In homage to this historic gathering, we’re raising a glass with a refreshing twist – a fizzy, spicy cider that’s sure to become a new family tradition.
For an added touch of warmth and aroma, consider adding cinnamon sticks to garnish your glasses, if desired.
Nutella Banana Bread With Brown Sugar
As we reflect on the early days of quarantine, who could forget the widespread phenomenon that was banana bread mania? The creative outlet became a universal coping mechanism for many, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of isolation. Now, as the holiday season approaches, you’re likely looking for innovative ways to impress your friends and family at Thanksgiving gatherings. And what better way to do so than by showcasing those freshly honed baking skills on the table?
The classic banana bread recipe, paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a pat of rich butter, is sure to be a hit among both kids and adults alike.
Salami And Scallion Biscuits
As the aroma of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie wafts through the air, there’s no better way to warm up on Thanksgiving than with a batch of these scrumptious salami and scallion biscuits. The golden-brown, crumbly treats are impossible to resist, especially when slathered in butter and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Just be sure to set aside a few for yourself before the party, all in the name of thorough taste-testing, of course.
Cheddar Beer Dinner Rolls
Get ready to elevate your snack game with cheddar beer bread rolls – the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or whenever. And who knows, maybe even those frat boys will approve. As it makes its way to a potluck near you, get excited! Interestingly, these soft and savory treats can also be kept warm and fresh in a slow cooker. Simply preheat the device to the Keep Warm setting, add your rolls, and let them stay warm with the lid on but not sealed.
Glazed And Flaky Apple Tart
One of the standout features of this timeless pastry tart is its ability to be prepared ahead of time. This means that on special occasions like Thanksgiving, you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen, while still delivering an impressive show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress.
Mashed Potatoes With Crispety Crunchies
Indulge in the rich flavor of these slow-cooked mashed potatoes, so tender they’re almost decadent. It’s no surprise they’ll earn you culinary fame, but be warned: once people taste them, they may never look at plain old mashed potatoes again. To add a touch of sophistication, finish them off with some fresh herbs, which will not only brighten their flavor but also make it seem like you’re sneaking in a serving of veggies.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Warm Honey Glaze
While often misunderstood as a flavorless vegetable, Brussels sprouts can actually shine with a little creativity in the kitchen. This vibrant and aromatic recipe proves that even the most skeptical of palates can be won over by the right seasoning. Its bold flavors pair beautifully with rich, savory meats like turkey, making it an excellent accompaniment to any holiday meal.
Pumpkin Bread With Maple Salted Butter And Brown Sugar
The subtle sweetness of pumpkin and the distinct flavor of maple syrup blend harmoniously to infuse this loaf with a depth of taste. The pumpkin’s natural sweetness is balanced by the maple syrup’s characteristic boldness, resulting in a delightful combination that will leave you wanting more. Serve the loaf at room temperature, paired with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart
Elevate your Thanksgiving celebration with an indulgent twist: a rich and decadent chocolate tart that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Savor each bite, perfectly chilled and served in generous portions, for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Butternut Squash Baked Pasta
Imagine a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food: a rich, velvety pasta smothered in a generous helping of melted cheese. To this indulgent base, add the natural sweetness and tender flesh of roasted butternut squash, carefully scattered throughout to create a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The resulting fusion is a true showstopper, capable of upstaging even the most well-intentioned of side dishes that dare to share its plate.
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Instead of indulging in traditional sweet potato casserole or the coveted ‘melty, cheesy, corn thing’ that’s sure to dominate conversations for days to come, we’re proposing an innovative alternative. This game-changing dish not only satisfies your guests’ cravings but also provides a refreshing contrast through its subtle balance of rich flavors and textures.
To elevate this culinary experience, we recommend pairing it with a crisp glass of cold cider, allowing the tanginess to expertly cut through the buttery goodness.
Broccoli Caesar
A modern twist on the classic salad takes center stage, featuring raw broccoli as the star. For those who typically associate a Caesar salad with copious amounts of ranch dressing and crunchy croutons, this dish is sure to challenge their expectations. The simplicity and freshness of the raw broccoli shine through, making it an excellent match for bold, nutty goat cheese.
Crispy Cream Cheese Wontons
When unexpected guests arrive at your doorstep, having a few simple yet impressive ingredients on hand can be a lifesaver. Wontons – whether store-bought or homemade – and cream cheese are an unbeatable combination that can quickly turn into the ultimate last-minute dinner party snack.
Banana Cream Pie
Elevating the humble banana to unprecedented heights, this indulgent treat features whipped cream turrets that burst with flavor, peanuts sprinkled with glittering magic, and a velvety banana cream moat that adds a luxurious layer of creamy richness. This heavenly delight is nestled within a crunchy salty cracker base, providing a satisfying textural contrast that complements the sumptuousness of the filling.
Green Bean Casserole
The quintessential comfort food experience is hard to beat – and for many, it’s the humble green-bean casserole that holds a special place in their hearts. While this particular rendition incorporates garlicky sausages, feel free to substitute your preferred sausage links to give the dish your own unique twist.
Sweet Potato Bites
Imagine a culinary fusion of two beloved American treats: the gooey sweetness of s’mores and the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie. If you’re a fan of either, get ready to fall head over heels for these sweet potato bites that bring together the best of both worlds. As one of those special recipes that screams ‘holiday flavor,’ it’s not hard to imagine this becoming your new go-to side dish for festive gatherings.
Cranberry Brie Bites
There’s something to be said for an unconventional pairing – one that might just surprise you. For us, it starts with canned cranberries, paired unexpectedly well with brie. The discovery was made on a particularly memorable night, when the fridge light cast an intimate glow over our impromptu snack session. What we found was a match made in heaven: a harmonious balance of sweet and savory that transcended traditional notions of charcuterie boards.
In this world, fruit and cheese come together in perfect harmony, sans pretenses.
Turkey Pot Pie
If the thought of cooking an entire turkey seems overwhelming, fear not! This delightful turkey pot pie is a perfect solution, yielding scrumptious leftovers without the hassle of preparing a full bird.
Roast Turkey Breast
The star of the show is undoubtedly the bird, a culinary delight that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. With its succulent and juicy texture, this fail-safe main course is a must-try for meat-lovers everywhere. And the best part? You can easily find high-quality birds at your local grocery stores, making it an accessible option for a satisfying dinner.
Lightning Quick Cranberry And Orange Jelly
For those who don’t fancy traditional cranberry sauce, a surprising twist awaits. By infusing it with orange flavor, you’ll create a delectable jelly that will exceed your expectations. And as luck would have it, this clever transformation is made possible by none other than Jell-O molds – yes, those classic kitchen staples are about to get a new lease on life!
Dry Fried Green Beans With Tofu And Wild Rice
Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of blistered, spicy Sichuanese dry-fried beans, a delightful and speedy dish that will surely be a hit at any gathering. With their soft, salty, and crunchy texture, they’re sure to disappear quickly from your Thanksgiving table. Alternatively, when oven space is limited, try making Green Bean Casserole in the microwave for a hassle-free and satisfying side dish.
Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon Cream Fraiche
Imagine the quintessential autumnal treat – a pumpkin pie filled with the warmth of sugar, spice, and everything nice. This beloved dessert recipe takes the classic combination to new heights by infusing it with the comforting aroma of warm ginger and cinnamon, perfectly balanced with sweet caramel notes and a fluffy, spiced topping that’s simply divine.
White Cake With Cranberry Buttercream
The show-stopping pink cake takes center stage on the Thanksgiving table, offering a refreshingly unique alternative to traditional chocolate desserts. Its picturesque appearance is sure to wow your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday gathering.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who says you can’t have a little fun with food? We’re all about embracing the sweet and playful aspects of baking, which is exactly why we adore these scrumptious pumpkin-chocolate chip cookies. They’re more than just a tasty treat – they’re an experience. So, do cookies count as a delicious side dish? Why not? They bring people together, spark conversations, and add a touch of warmth to any gathering.
And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to indulge in a plate full of these chewy, pumpkin-infused goodies?
The bottom line:
Thanksgiving is often associated with stress and pressure to create the perfect meal. However, it’s essential to remember that the holiday is meant to be a celebration of gratitude, not anxiety. With this in mind, we’re taking a more relaxed approach to the holiday season by offering a curated selection of special Thanksgiving recipes. Our list features a range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences, making it easier for you to create a memorable potluck.
Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a large gathering, these recipes will help take the stress out of your Thanksgiving preparations. From classic desserts to innovative side dishes, our collection has something for everyone. So go ahead, breathe a sigh of relief, and enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
Instructions
As you plan your Thanksgiving celebration, feel free to get creative and pick out a variety of ideas that resonate with you. Whether it’s trying a new recipe or incorporating personal touches into your holiday spread, there are countless ways to make this special day truly unforgettable. By following the simple instructions provided in this year’s recipe guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all your loved ones to enjoy.
