Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up
As someone who loves to host and cook for others, Thanksgiving is up there on my list of favorite holidays. While I don’t support celebrating the traditional holiday story that erases the history of violent displacement and genocide of Indigenous people, I do value togetherness and gratitude. The tradition of slowing down, giving thanks, and spending time with loved ones over a great meal is what I plan to honor and continue. I love creating warm and inviting dishes to share with friends and family. Many of our holiday traditions have looked a little different in the past few years, it’s important now more than ever that we spend time celebrating the people in our lives that we love and appreciate. Maybe there’s less food on your table, or less people gathered around it. Or maybe there’s more now than ever! It’s okay that if season looks different. Let’s try not compare our present with our past holidays. Let’s try our best to build new traditions and make new memories and prioritize taking care of ourselves if that seems hard.
I hope some of these recipes make it to your plate to bring some happiness and light to you, even if holidays aren’t your thing. I hope you find things to be grateful for, reasons to smile, and the time to eat well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
sides
Blood Orange and Ginger Cranberry Sauce
Tart | Tangy | Sweet
Say goodbye to can-shaped cranberry “sauce” forever! You won’t want to go back after trying this perfect balance of sweet and tart. Tangy cranberries, subtly sweet blood orange juice, and a zing of freshly grated ginger make this cranberry sauce good enough to eat by the spoonful.
Maple Cornbread
dense | sweet | buttery | hearty
Biscuits are great and all, but cornbread is where it’s really at. Dense yet fluffy squares of slightly sweet, buttery goodness are a staple at my Thanksgiving table. Plus, they make a great pairing with leftover cranberry sauce for day-after breakfast that’s as good, if not better, than the night before!
Autumn Squash Salad
fresh | sweet | herby | tangy | crunchy
If you’re looking to add something bright and fresh to your holiday table without being looked at with side eye because you dared to bring a salad to a feast, look no further. I could probably eat this everyday all fall and winter and not get sick of it! Plus, it’s simple to make (requiring just 1 cutting board, 1 bowl, and 1 baking pan) and hearty enough to be portable without getting soggy.
Basic Herb Stuffing
fluffy | herby | savory
The trick to getting that classic Stovetop textured stuffing is finally revealed! I’m so excited to finally have nailed the texture of my beloved childhood holiday side. If you’re looking for a simple 30 minutes 1-pot wonder to wow your guests (and tastebuds), this is it.
Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce
savory | sweet | tangy | herby
If you’re not stoked on the idea of roasting an entire turkey this year, fear not! You can still enjoy the delicious flavors of the season in one forkful. A thinner cranberry sauce provides the perfect sweet-tart contrast to rich, savory skillet meatballs. They’re perfect as the main event or as an appetizer for your Friendsgiving potluck.
Pomegranate and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
sweet | tangy | earthy | bitter | nutty*
Most people skip the Brussels sprouts when making holiday meals. But we aren’t most people! Give your Brussels a makeover by glazing them in this sweet and tangy pomegranate-balsamic sauce. It’ll definitely have your guests rethinking every vegetable they’ve ever sworn off!
*from brussels, not nuts
“Sour Cream” Yogurt and Chive Smashed Potatoes
creamy | chunky | tangy | herby | earthy | hearty
If you’re tired of cauli mash being peddled all over social media, you are not alone! Check out this classic sour cream and chive combination using fresh chives and tart and creamy Greek or Icelandic yogurt. The yogurt adds more protein and richness, while delivering a punch of flavor.
Vegan Rosemary Gravy
herby | savory | rich | creamy | hearty
A simple yet rich and creamy plant-based gravy. Mushroom broth and soy sauce provide a savory punch while shallots bring a gentle sweet garlic-onion flavor to the party. It’ll have you singing “Pour Some Gravy on Me” like Def Leppard in no time. Or wait, is that not how the song goes?
Mushroom Sage Risotto
chunky | creamy | savory | herby | earthy | hearty
Looking for a gluten free alternative to stuffing this year? Look no further! Hearty mushrooms pair with brown rice, mushroom broth, and sweet, earthy sage in this creamy savory risotto. It’s the perfect blend of fall flavors that’ll sure be a hit at any dinner!
Creamy Goat Cheese Mac
creamy | rich | hearty | savory
In need of something kid-approved, rich, and creamy for your Thanksgiving spread? This simple mac and cheese can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for dinner, without sacrificing texture or flavor. Feel free to substitute regular cheddar for a more classic flavor.
Roasted Brussels and Squash Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
earthy | bitter | nutty* | sweet | tangy | crunchy | chunky
This warm salad featuring roasted grapes, delicata squash, and shaved Brussels pairs the lightness of a salad dish with the richness roasted veggies. Pecans add texture while pomegranate seeds offer a punch of tart flavor.
Za’atar Spiced Carrots with Lemon Tahini Drizzle
herby | savory | earthy | bitter | sweet | tangy | bright
Lemon tahini sauce and mint, perhaps an unconventional pairing for carrots on Thanksgiving, add some personality to your plate. The earthy, nuttiness of tahini pairs perfectly with the sweet, rich roasted carrots and I’d venture to guess it wouldn’t taste too bad drizzled on your turkey, either! ;)
Roasted Root Vegetable Hash
creamy | chunky | herby | savory | sweet
This recipe for roasted root veggie hash — turnips, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes — is a classic fall-winter dish. With a nearly fool-proof “set it and forget it” method for cooking, it’s an easy, hassle free side that’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
desserts
Classic Pumpkin Bread with Walnuts
sweet | warming (spices) | nutty | bitter | hearty | cozy
Start your morning off with a fat slice of pumpkin bread to get in a festive MOOD. Or break it out for dessert if pie just isn’t your thing! Don’t you just love a versatile bread??
Apple Olive Oil Coffee Cake
sweet | warming (spices) | cozy | hearty
I can’t say apple pie has every really been my thing. But apple coffee cake? Sign me up! This cake is roughly 50% cinnamon crumb, 25% apple, and 25% cake. That’s the perfect ratio if you ask me. Serve with coffee or hot tea for dessert and drift off into cinnamon swirl dreams.
Baked Gingerbread Donuts
sweet | bitter | earthy | warming (spices) | cozy
While these definitely lean more December than November, sometimes you just get holiday-ed out and want to look forward. Rich molasses and warming ginger, cinnamon, and clove spices make this perhaps the yummiest introduction to the festivities that lie ahead!
Cranberry Almond Coconut Macaroons
chewy | sweet | tangy | crispy | dense
Sweet, crispy coconut meet chewy cranberries and crunchy almonds in this small and portable yet delicious seasonal dessert. If you want to get really wild, you can drizzle chocolate on top!