1. Cheesy Corn Casserole
A classic Thanksgiving side dish. Corn and cheese together make the perfect comfort food combination. To give this dish a spicy kick, you can add some jalapenos and red paprika as per your spice tolerance.
2. Apple Pie
Thanksgiving and pies are made for each other. Apple pies can be the perfect substitute if you prefer something not too sugary and sweet. A balance of tart and sweet will elevate the flavor profiles of your dining table and bring back fond memories of childhood.
3. Smoked Barbeque Turkey
Ditch the oven this Thanksgiving and light up that barbeque. Cooking should be fun, and a smoked turkey with barbeque sauce glaze should be right up there at the top of your list. Pair it with a bottle of beer or uncork some wine while the meat is grilling.
4. Butternut Squash Soup
A purèed vegetable soup is what you need in this perfect fall weather to relax and unwind. The butternut squash soup is also filling and a great vegan option if your guests expect vegan food. Add some ginger and rosemary, and enjoy the delicious bowl.
5. Cranberry Mustard Chutney
We all know that you know the cranberry sauce recipe by heart. This year, go beyond the classic and bring out the true, tart flavor of berries. Add ginger and whole mustard to fresh cranberries and serve your version of the side dish for Thanksgiving.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The list needed something to balance the scale on the healthy part. Brussels sprouts are a flexible side dish that can go with most ingredients your health freak buddy can name. We suggest a hearty olive oil dressing and some zingy lemon parmesan toppings for your bowl.
7. Classic Potato Gratin
Potato gratin is another flavor-packed dish with few ingredients and is loved by all. The strong garlic essence, along with aromatic herbs and lots of cheese, is the USP of this classic dish that should be on your list.
8. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, perfectly cooked mashed potatoes will be the talking point of your Thanksgiving feast. All you have to do is cook your potatoes in herb and garlic-flavored butter and garnish the dish with black pepper. Subtle flavors make a huge difference in the flavor profiles of your favorite dishes.
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake
What is a festive dinner without cheesecake on the table? Give your regular pumpkin pie a break, and try the pumpkin cheesecake. This creamy pumpkin base with cream cheese and eggs whips out an irresistible combination. This spiced Thanksgiving dessert will steal the show at any Thanksgiving party.
10. Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Everybody is a kid when it comes to jellies! A fun twist to the classic cranberry sauce, make the magic happen with fresh sauce and gelatin molds that will churn out jiggly and sliceable jellies. Add cardamom to your homemade cranberry sauce to give it a spicy kick.
11. Pumpkin Chili
If you’re seeing a lot of Pumpkin dishes on the list, that is because we believe Pumpkins are the ultimate fall food. Indulge in a steaming bowl of Pumpkin Chili with sweet potatoes and veggies that are hearty and nutritious. Cook your pot of chili on a slow flame and let the warm flavors develop for that soul-comforting experience.
12. Mushroom Gravy
A fitting alternative to Turkey gravy for your vegetarian and vegan guests, Mushroom gravy, is another filling dish that is very underrated. You can also add cornstarch if you like the gravy to be thick and heavy. Make sure to caramelize your mushrooms well and serve the gravy with a plate of mashed potatoes.
13. Mac and Cheese
Are you also a late planner or need a last-minute fix to save your Thanksgiving day? Macaroni and cheese is your best bet! Loved by kids and adults alike, Mac and cheese is one of the few dishes that goes well with most ingredients. You cannot go wrong with a steaming hot plate of pasta.
14. Sweet Potato Souffle
Creamy, mashed sweet potatoes with pecan and brown sugar is a delicious combination of ingredients that complements your savory spread of dishes. The right amount of vanilla essence is an important element in this dish that will make the souffle the highlight of the table.
15. Ginger Cosmopolitan
A perfect Thanksgiving drink, the classic Cosmopolitan is a fitting accompaniment to your filling dishes. Add ginger syrup to complement the lime and vodka, and you’re set for the evening.
There is no right or wrong way to plan your delicious Thanksgiving dishes. You can set the mood right with some comfortable traditional food or go bold with your dishes and bring the zest to the party. Your way is the right way. However, make sure to consider the likes and dislikes of your guests.
Planning your menu well in advance goes a long way and lets you enjoy the big day. You can prepare some of the dishes mentioned in the article beforehand and then reheat them to save yourself from getting too worked out. The goal is to have fun and celebrate your holiday season. A happy tummy equals happy vibes, and that is all that matters.
