You can thank us later.
Thanksgiving is almost here! And alongside the fun and family time comes the big question: What will you cook?
Whether you’re making the full spread or contributing a single dish to a Friendsgiving, deciding what exactly to cook for Thanksgiving can be so difficult. On top of the pressure to provide, there’s also the mental calculation that goes into a full meal.
While we’re all for having a few traditional dishes on the table – seriously, who doesn’t love mashed potatoes?! – adding a few new flavors to the mix can make a huge impact. And, thankfully, searching for inspiration isn’t difficult . . . in fact, we’ve done all the work for you!
Starters
A Picture-Perfect Cheeseboard
Who doesn’t love to start Thanksgiving with a carefully curated cheese board? However, you shouldn’t just throw a mix of cheese and crackers out, without carefully thinking about how they pair. There is an art to curating the perfect combination of flavors; the tips in this recipe will guide the way.
Confit Garlic and Parsley Bread
Never thought of serving up garlic bread on Thanksgiving? Why not! Instead of plain buttered bread rolls, delight your diners with garlic bread instead. This delicious recipe combines the brightness of parsley with the bite of Parmigiano Reggiano for garlic bread that is truly next-level.
Potato, Thyme, Honey and Provolone Pizza
Our favorite way to make Thanksgiving feel fun is by taking traditional ingredients and putting a fresh twist on them. The perfect way to serve potatoes this year? On a pizza, of course! This recipe hits all the right notes flavor-wise: salty, sweet, savory, and oh-so-good.
Sides
Roast Pumpkin With Salsa Verde and Greek Yogurt
By this time of year, you likely have pumpkin spice fatigue. Instead of opting for the usual suspects when it comes to flavoring pumpkin (we're talking about cinnamon and nutmeg), this recipe instead calls on salsa verde and greek yogurt. Trust us. Your guests will be begging you to make this one year after year.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt and Pistachios
If you’d prefer your sweet potatoes without marshmallows this year, this is your recipe. Nutty, crunchy, and super-satisfying, these potatoes are the perfect texture and offer a delightful umami flavor that is too often missing in Thanksgiving dinner.
Homemade Foccacia With Leeks, Ricotta and Honey
We know, we know. Homemade focaccia sounds like an undertaking, but it’s actually quite simple. As long as you leave enough time to allow the dough to rise, even novice bakers should be able to pull this one off.
Savory Carrot Tarte Tatin
Don’t let carrots be the underdog this Thanksgiving! While this savory Tarte Tatin might sound complex, the recipe is surprisingly simple. Hints of turmeric, coriander, and ginger will brighten your thanksgiving spread, delighting even the pickiest of eaters.
Vegetarian Main
Pumpkin Gnocchi With Butter and Sage
To all you vegetarians out there, we see you! Thanksgiving is notorious for being less-than-friendly to vegetarians, but we’re about to change all that. If you hope to serve up a veggie main alongside the turkey, we couldn’t recommend this pumpkin gnocchi enough. It’s fun to make and turns out a dish that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color.
Dessert
Sicilian Apple Cake
Bring some classic fall flavors to the table with this dreamy apple cake. This sophisticated cake will hit the spot after your Thanksgiving dinner with the perfect amount of cinnamon and dotted with rum-soaked raisins.
Chocolate Tart with Roasted Hazelnuts
Instead of pie, why not go with a tart this year? A rich ganache fills a crisp chocolate crust, then it’s all topped with crunchy roasted hazelnuts. Sorry pumpkin pie, but something about finishing a big meal with chocolate just feels so right.
Basque Burnt Cheesecake with Orange Bay Leaf Syrup
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels a little bit fancy this year, don’t go past this Basque burnt cheesecake. The light, creamy cheesecake is elevated even further with a fragrant syrup served alongside.
Spiced Chai Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Controversial opinion: cupcakes are the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. Instead of dishing out plates of pies, cupcakes save you from washing even more dishes! Simply bake them, put them on a serving platter, and enjoy – no dishes (or cutlery) required. These chai-flavored cupcakes are perfect for Thanksgiving, thanks to the warming spices inside.
