Yahoo Lifestyle 25 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas That Aren't Meat & Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving dinner prep is but days away! That means there's no time like the present to reexamine your menu and make any last-minute changes before one final run to the grocery store. Before relying on all your old faithful recipes, though, we encourage you to consider a few non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas, too. After all, as much as we love juicy roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, sharp mac and cheese, herbaceous stuffing, fluffy rolls, and festive Thanksgiving punches, we also enjoy trying new things. From Thanksgiving cocktails and unlikely side dishes to kid-friendly pastas and statement-making stuffed squashes, ahead you'll discover over two dozen non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas to make room for on your menu. The beauty of these dishes is that, while they're far off the beaten path, they feature popular fall flavors that pair well with traditional Thanksgiving feasts. All this to say, who knows, you might just find a new favorite Thanksgiving food!
In the meantime, if you're looking for even more guidance ahead of turkey day, we've got you covered! To set the tone for your special gathering, read through our roundups of the best Thanksgiving prayers and the best Thanksgiving bible verses. For a lighter, more playful take, check out our favorite Thanksgiving riddles and jokes for the whole family.
Bourbon Pecan Sour
Looking for a libation to pair with a slice of pecan pie—or perhaps to serve as a precursor to it? A Bourbon Pecan Sour is just the thing! A mix of Makers Mark, pecan syrup, lemon juice, and salt, it's sweet, festive, and just a smidge tart.
Get the Bourbon Pecan Sour recipe.
Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread
Tomato soup might not seem like the most obvious Thanksgiving appetizer or side, but it all comes down to the specific recipe. This one features hints of brown sugar, coriander, garlic, butter, and onion—among other flavorful additions—making it a rich, spice-forward concoction that complements classic dressing recipes quite well.
Get the Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread recipe.
Spaghetti with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Thanksgiving is a holiday in which starches and carbs reign supreme, so it makes sense, then, that this Spaghetti with Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe might just make your Thanksgiving feast menu. Made with olive oil, parmesan cheese, spaghetti, pine nuts, rosemary, and sweet potato chunks, it's virtually dressed-up buttered noodles, making it a great option for children and adults alike.
Get the Spaghetti with Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caramelized Onion Twice-Baked Potatoes
Potato dishes are aplenty at Thanksgiving. As much as we adore traditional mashed potatoes and flavorful roasted potatoes, these Caramelized Onion Twice-Baked Potatoes look pretty dang good. Red onions, sour cream, and scallions are the flavor stars in this reimagined russet concoction.
Get the Caramelized Onion Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
RELATED: Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes, From Classic to Kid-Friendly
Tomato Spice Cake
Pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, and apple pies might be the norm on Thanksgiving but if you're looking to switch things up a bit, consider making room for a Tomato Spice Cake, too. This unique cake combines allspice, cinnamon, cloves, butter, sugar, and condensed tomato soup for a festive savory-sweet dessert that's bound to be a hit.
Get the Tomato Spice Cake recipe.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Whether you like to kick off the festivities while cooking and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or you're on the hunt for the perfect Thanksgiving breakfast beverage, this Apple Cider Mimosa recipe is worth your while. All you need is champagne or prosecco and a jug of apple cider. Then, if you're feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Cheers!
Get the Apple Cider Mimosa recipe.
RELATED: Easy Fall Cocktails for Tasty, Autumn Vibes
Potato, Red Onion, and Kale Pizza
To tide your guests over before the feast officially begins, consider serving a Potato, Red Onion, and Kale Pizza during cocktail hour. The veggies and starches will set the stage for all the tasty dishes to come.
Get the Potato, Red Onion, and Kale Pizza recipe.
Beef and Barley Soup
Looking for a little extra warmth this Thanksgiving? Add a crockpot of Beef and Barley Soup to your dinner table spread. This recipe features a blend of garlic, onion, celery, thyme, and bay leaves, making it a fitting flavor match for many other Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Beef and Barley Soup recipe.
Potato Salad with Crème Fraîche
Potato salad may seem more fitting for a summer cookout but this Crème Fraîche iteration is loaded with celery and chives, giving it a richer, more festive flavor palette. And you know what they say: The more (sides) the merrier!
Get the Potato Salad with Crème Fraîche recipe.
Recipe: Potato Salad with Crèm Kana Okada
Cookie Cornfield
Need something to keep the kiddos occupied while you whip up Thanksgiving dinner? Have them make a Cookie Cornfield to accompany the traditional Thanksgiving pies—it's cute, time-consuming, and tasty as can be.
Get the Cookie Cornfield recipe.
Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail
Few things are cozier than sitting fireside with a freshly roasted s'more in hand. To bring that vibe to Thanksgiving, consider this tasty Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail, which just so happens to be caffeinated (hallelujah).
Get the Toasted Marshmallow Campfire Cocktail recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Roasted sides are cozy, delicious, and tend to be a bit healthier overall. With that in mind, this Thanksgiving, consider adding this Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe to your menu. Dried cranberries, almond slivers, and apple cider vinegar give it an especially festive palette.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower Salad recipe.
RELATED: Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes for an Easy Meat-Free Meal
Bacon Maple-Orange Turkey
Give your Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece a scrumptious upgrade with this Bacon Maple-Orange Turkey recipe. The succulent recipe makes for the most delicious salty-sweet bird.
Get the Bacon Maple-Orange Turkey recipe.
Pecan Pie Glazed Carrots
Why wait until dessert to get a taste of one of Thanksgiving's most beloved flavors? These buttery glazed carrots are smothered in brown sugar and maple syrup, and topped off with crunchy pecan chunks.
Get the Pecan Pie Glazed Carrots recipe.
RELATED: Simple Thanksgiving Appetizers You Can Make Ahead
Potato Doughnuts
Donuts made out of instant mashed potato flakes? Consider us intrigued! And that's before even getting into the other ingredients, including oranges, nutmeg, and lots of butter and sugar.
Get the Potato Doughnuts recipe.
Fig Sidecar
Another libation for your Thanksgiving feast, we have this Fig Sidecar. Fig-infused Remy 1738 pairs with Cointreau and fresh lemon juice for a fancy, zesty cocktail that's bound to ignite your flavor palette.
Get the Fig Sidecar recipe.
Ham and Brie Quesadilla
Forget about a charcuterie board, go all out this Thanksgiving with a Ham and Brie Quesadilla. The addition of dijon and whole-grain mustard will take the flavor profile out of this world.
Get the Ham and Brie Quesadilla recipe.
Pork Chops with Apples and Cider Pan Sauce
An apple cider pork chop recipe? Sign us up! This recipe is brimming with nostalgic fall flavors, including red apple and sage.
Get the Pork Chops with Apples and Cider Pan Sauce recipe.
Smoky Red Pepper Hash Browns
Whether you're cooking for Thanksgiving Dinner or brunch, these Smoky Red Pepper Hashbrowns deserve a spot on the menu. The buttery shredded russets are combined with red onion, red pepper, and paprika for a starchy side that delivers a crunchy kick.
Get the Smoky Red Pepper Hash Browns recipe.
Spiced Pumpkin Waffles
Breakfast for Thanksgiving dinner? If that's your vibe (or if you're kicking off the festivities with brunch), be sure to check out this Spiced Pumpkin Waffle recipe. It's cozy, sweet, and warm, so it's bound to be a hit for guests of all ages.
Get the Spiced Pumpkin Waffles recipe.
The “Slightly Sloshed” Slushie
Planning to stay a little tipsy to handle the inevitable family drama this Thanksgiving? This "Slightly Sloshed" Slushie recipe—with its pear vodka flavor profile—might be just what you're looking for.
Get The “Slightly Sloshed” Slushie recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs
We'll never say no to meatballs, not even on Thanksgiving. You, too? Check out this low-sodium Eggplant Parmesan Meatball recipe and try to resist.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs recipe.
Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
If you enjoy making individual sides on Thanksgiving, as opposed to large casseroles or pots of food, you'll love the idea of this Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe. The contained accompaniment offers a mouthful of cheesy, delicious flavor.
Get the Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe.
Roasted Apples
Roasted potatoes, roasted squash, roasted cauliflower—why not roasted apples? The best part? You only need four ingredients to bring this tasty Thanksgiving recipe to life.
Get the Roasted Apples recipe.
RELATED: Mouth-Watering Apple Recipes to Celebrate Fall
S’mores Pumpkin-Chip Ice Cream Cake
Looking for a way to elevate the classic pumpkin pie flavor profile? Allow us to introduce you to S'mores Pumpkin-Chip Ice Cream Cake! This sweet treat blends pumpkin ice cream with marshmallow fluff and chopped dark chocolate for a rich finish to a fantastic and filling Thanksgiving feast.
Get the S’mores Pumpkin-Chip Ice Cream Cake recipe.
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