- Apple Pecan Arugula Salad
A light, fresh, and seasonally appropriate starter salad is the perfect way to set your Thanksgiving dinner up for success. We love this Apple Pecan Arugula Salad recipe because it takes advantage of seasonal produce, allowing apples to shine outside of a pie! The toasted pecans are a nice touch, adding that roasted, nutty flavor we crave in many autumn meals. The light and fragrant lemon dressing make this dish a wonderful starter, before digging into a rich meal. Best of all, this salad only takes about 15 minutes to throw together, allowing you to focus on your main course!
- Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed Potatoes are an idyllic, classic holiday dish and most of us don’t ever think about changing this side up or enhancing it, yet it’s so easy to do so! If you’re looking for something a little different this year, but can’t imagine cutting mashed potatoes from your menu, consider mashed cauliflower as an alternative. In addition to its amazing creaminess, this Mashed Cauliflower recipe provides a slightly lighter option to traditional mashed potatoes, leaving you a little extra room for dessert! Our favorite part about this super easy recipe – it comes with video instructions, making this new take on Thanksgiving mashed potatoes easy to master.
- Cranberry Chutney
Some people follow their family’s age-old recipes for the perfect cranberry sauce. Other’s plop a can of jellied cranberry sauce on a platter, slice it, and call it a day. There are many variations of this classic cranberry dish and there are numerous ways to mix it up and serve it. Our favorite Cranberry Chutney recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and provides a spicy, chunky alternative to many standard recipes. The secret ingredient you may ask… Jalapeno! But don’t worry, the spice isn’t overwhelming. The pairing of cranberries with figs and apples makes for a fragrant treat which can be served with bread, on top of the meat, or all on its own.
- Spaghetti Squash Mac & Cheese
Thanksgiving sides are the dishes that typically steal the show and this version of your favorite, cheesy pasta dish will not disappoint. This Spaghetti Squash Mac & Cheese recipe is a seasonal take on the classic, comforting macaroni and cheese we’re all nostalgic for. We love this recipe because it uses in-season spaghetti squash to add a nutritious, fall feel to a side everyone in the family looks forward to. The spaghetti squash noodles are smothered in a creamy cheese sauce featuring gruyere cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, which makes this version of our favorite comfort food just a little more tempting.
Pro Tip: If you’re hosting vegetarians, consider making this warm, filling dish your main course!
- Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Sometimes at a table full of delicious food the dinner rolls get ignored or picked at like they’re just something to cleanse the pallet between the stuffing and the dessert. This dinner roll recipe is unique and is the perfect choice to accompany this year’s bird. Pumpkin bread is a fall favorite for many, so why not incorporate pumpkin into your Thanksgiving dinner rolls? These Pumpkin Dinner Rolls are baked with shredded cheddar and pumpkin puree, creating a rich, moist bread to serve with this year’s big meal.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to make these rolls even more delicious, consider making a homemade pumpkin puree instead of using the canned version – directions are included within the recipe.
- Turkey Meatloaf
Carving a turkey on Thanksgiving is a long-held tradition and memorable photo op, but if we’re all being honest here, preparing and roasting an entire turkey is a lot of work. If you’re looking for a low maintenance main course that allows you to still incorporate this holiday’s favorite bird, consider a delicious Turkey Meatloaf, saving you time and allowing you to enjoy more of the day with your family and friends. This recipe only takes 65 minutes while cooking and the entire turkey typically takes most of the day and a lot of oven space!
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on left-over-turkey-sandwiches! If you happen to have leftovers to space, this meatloaf makes for an amazing sandwich topped with your favorite condiments.
- Pumpkin Pecan Brownies
You may be asking, “So you’re telling me I can satisfy my traditional pumpkin and pecan pie cravings while also consuming chocolate for dessert?” Yes – this is the case. We realize it almost seems too good to be true, but this Pumpkin Pecan Brownies recipe incorporates our favorite fall flavors while adding chocolate into the mix. This dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, this recipe yields enough brownies for a crowd and they look just a pretty as your favorite seasonal pie.
Pro Tip: To save yourself some Thanksgiving Day stress, make these brownies a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
There’s nothing wrong with mixing things up a bit! You may find recipes your family enjoys even more than the ones you’ve been making for years. So whether you’ve accidentally misplaced your great grandmothers stuffing recipe, or you didn’t love it that much to begin with, don’t be afraid to try something new in the kitchen this Thanksgiving. You and your family may have even more reason to feel grateful this season with your new recipes in rotation!