Thanksgiving dishes don’t have to be the same year after year. If you’re ready to shake things up, this collection of recipes brings a broad selection of creative, unexpected dishes that’ll make your Thanksgiving table anything but predictable. From fresh takes on familiar sides to dishes you might not expect to see at a holiday meal, these recipes add great flavor and a bit of fun to your celebration. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests or just try something new, these 38 Thanksgiving dishes are here to inspire a memorable meal.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
This creamy copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is ready in 20 minutes, offering a comforting twist to your Thanksgiving lineup. With rich cheese and tender broccoli, it’s a simple yet satisfying side dish that will quickly become a holiday favorite everyone appreciates.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Lemon Greek Potatoes
Lemon Greek potatoes bring a tangy, fresh brightness to the Thanksgiving table, balancing out heavier dishes. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this effortless side is a practical and refreshing addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side, made with only six ingredients. This 45-minute, vegan-friendly dish adds a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, rounding out your holiday table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Avocado deviled eggs bring a creamy, modern twist to Thanksgiving with their vibrant color and fresh flavor. This easy-to-make appetizer offers an effortless way to enhance your holiday spread and surprise guests with a unique take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This garlicky and creamy mashed potato recipe, prepared in the Instant Pot, saves time by eliminating the need for draining. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it delivers a balance of convenience and great flavor, making it a popular choice for holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
Transform canned cranberry sauce with this five-ingredient recipe, keeping Thanksgiving flavors traditional yet fresh. It’s a quick, practical side that offers classic taste while saving you valuable prep time during the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Fluffy skillet cornbread with jalapeños, cheddar, and cotija cheese adds a savory, spiced touch to the Thanksgiving spread. Ready in just an hour, this side pairs well with any main course, bringing a satisfying, cheesy kick to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
This five-ingredient no-bake pecan pie cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert for Thanksgiving, requiring only 30 minutes of prep. It’s an effortless yet impressive dessert that rounds off any holiday meal with a sweet, memorable finish.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Shepherd's Pie
Hearty and flavorful, this vegan shepherd’s pie combines lentils, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes for a warming Thanksgiving main. Ideal for a Meatless Thanksgiving, this dish brings a rich, comforting feel to any potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd's Pie
Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Add a Korean-inspired twist to your Thanksgiving potluck with gochujang cauliflower, featuring tangy, spicy flavors. Perfect in tacos or with rice, this dish brings a unique touch to the table, sure to be a memorable option for guests.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Gochujang Cauliflower
Tater Tot Casserole
With a creamy base and crispy topping, this veggie-packed tater tot casserole is a comforting option for a Meatless Thanksgiving main or side. Quick to prepare, it adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This stuffed acorn squash with quinoa combines seasonal flavors in a satisfying, meatless main for Thanksgiving. Simple to prepare, it brings a taste of autumn’s bounty to your holiday potluck with hearty, well-balanced flavors.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Rich and creamy, this baked gouda mac and cheese is ready in just 45 minutes, making it an instant favorite for Thanksgiving gatherings. Its comforting texture and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a cozy, meatless dish that guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Roasted yellow squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup make this squash casserole a comforting side you can prepare ahead of time. Rich and flavorful, it’s a great way to round out the Thanksgiving potluck table without last-minute stress.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This slow cooker green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side that’s creamy, comforting, and easy to make. With only 10 minutes of prep time, the slow cooker does the work, freeing up oven space and time for other holiday essentials.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Vegetable Pot Pie
Tender vegetables in a savory sauce with a flaky crust make this vegetable pot pie an excellent Thanksgiving main. Hearty and comforting, it’s a perfect fit for a Meatless Thanksgiving potluck, bringing rich, warming flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie
Turkey Roast
Made from chickpeas and seitan, this budget-friendly turkey roast brings a homemade touch to the Thanksgiving table. With pantry ingredients and quick prep, it’s a satisfying meatless option for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roast
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Easy Mushroom Wellington features mushrooms and herbs in a flaky pastry, adding sophistication to Thanksgiving. Visually stunning without compromising on flavor, this holiday main dish is sure to stand out at any Thanksgiving potluck.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
This classic green bean casserole with cream cheese is quick to assemble using fresh or canned green beans. A Thanksgiving favorite, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side that perfectly complements the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Crispy potato and Brussels sprout latkes with avocado-lemon crema add a modern spin to traditional Thanksgiving dishes. With a fresh dipping sauce, this holiday side or brunch dish fits right in with your favorite Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk
Creamy and spiced, this pumpkin pie with condensed milk balances sweetness and fall flavors for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. Simple to prepare, it’s a classic choice that wraps up any holiday meal with warmth and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage-stuffed mushrooms are an easy, flavorful Thanksgiving appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. Prep them ahead for a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday potluck spread.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Brie Cranberry Bites
Brie cranberry bites in puff pastry bring a festive touch to Thanksgiving with the creaminess of brie and the sweetness of cranberries. This easy appetizer is a delightful way to welcome guests, adding a hint of elegance to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
With gooey pecan topping and shortbread crust, these maple pecan pie bars are a sweet, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving dessert. Make them ahead to save time, adding a classic autumn flavor to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars
No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
This no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is a light, rich dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, blending pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake on a graham crust. Its smooth, airy texture complements the holiday meal without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries create a flavorful Thanksgiving side that pairs well with turkey. Prep ahead to make entertaining stress-free, while serving a side that beautifully complements holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing
This chestnut stuffing with cornbread, sausage, mushrooms, and herbs delivers a rich Thanksgiving side packed with flavor. The blend of savory and sweet, along with chestnuts’ texture, makes it a memorable addition to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing
Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
Made with lentils and spices, this vegan meatloaf is a hearty Thanksgiving main that’s perfect for a Meatless holiday gathering. With rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s an excellent addition to any holiday potluck.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade
Turkey roulade filled with cherries, chestnuts, and herbs makes an impressive Thanksgiving centerpiece. Topped with red wine cherry sauce, this festive option adds beautiful presentation and flavor to the holiday potluck.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
Glazed carrots bring natural sweetness with a quick glaze, making a simple, easy Thanksgiving side dish. Made in the air fryer, they’re a colorful addition to the holiday table with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash with wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds creates a vibrant Thanksgiving dish. Versatile enough to serve as a main or side, this festive option adds bold, seasonal flavors to any potluck.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk brined turkey, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and sage, ensures a tender main for Thanksgiving. The tangy buttermilk and herbs create depth of flavor, making this turkey a standout choice for the holiday centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoking a turkey breast adds rich, layered flavors to this Thanksgiving classic. Using wood chips or pellets, this juicy, flavorful turkey enhances the holiday meal with a unique, effortless twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Cherry cranberry glazed turkey brings festive flair to Thanksgiving with its sweet-tart glaze. The combination of cranberries and cherries makes for a memorable flavor that pairs beautifully with holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
With bacon, potatoes, and cheddar, this twice-baked potato casserole adds a hearty, comforting side to Thanksgiving. Prepare it ahead for a low-stress, crowd-friendly potluck option that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
Garlic butter fondant potatoes have crispy exteriors and buttery insides, flavored with thyme and garlic. This French-inspired Thanksgiving side pairs beautifully with roasts, adding a sophisticated touch to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing
Transform leftover stuffing into a savory side with this bacon-wrapped, sausage-stuffed recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving and post-holiday gatherings, it brings a flavorful, creative twist to the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing
Pistachio Fluff Salad
Also known as Watergate salad, this pistachio fluff is a five-ingredient Thanksgiving dessert with nostalgic charm. Prep it ahead for a sweet, light finish to the meal that will remind guests of traditional holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Fluff Salad
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