Tired of whipping up the same old Thanksgiving dishes year after year? The easiest way to spice up those tried-and-tested recipes is to introduce a modern take on classic dishes, allowing you to showcase your cooking skills while sticking to traditional holiday flavors.
Looking for innovative twists that work, however, can be tedious and time-consuming. To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the best modern takes on Thanksgiving classics.
Appetizers
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
Brussels sprouts are in season during Thanksgiving, which makes this one a perfect salad to add to your feast. Start off Thanksgiving dinner with a hearty dose of shaved brussels sprouts and crunchy bacon bits topped with a light citrus dressing.
Head to Pinch of Yum for the full recipe.
Cranberry Brie Pastry Tarts
Mini pastries are always a big hit with guests. If you’re looking for something new, delicious, and very easy to make, these cranberry brie tarts are a perfect choice.
Head to Half Baked Harvest for the recipe.
Side dishes
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
Whether you’re inviting vegetarians over this year or looking for a lighter version of this Thanksgiving staple, this vegetarian Shepherd’s pie is sure to hit the spot, staying true to its original flavor without the meat.
For the complete recipe, visit Pinch of Yum.
Lemon Potato Salad
This one’s a terrific side dish especially if you love potato salad, but looking to try a new version without mayonnaise. This recipe uses olive oil instead of mayo and retains all of the classic elements while adding a hint of extra lemon to brighten up the flavor.
See the recipe by visiting Recipe Tin Eats.
Quinoa Stuffing
A Thanksgiving feast isn’t complete without stuffing, but it can feel a little stale if you’ve been using the same recipe every year. This modern twist uses quinoa, cranberries, butternut squash, and pistachios, creating a mix of grains, greens, and fruit that’s sure to liven up your meal.
Gimme Some Oven has the complete recipe.
Entrees
Easy Lentil Meatballs
This plant-based take on meatballs is inspired by classic Italian-American meatballs made with herbs and breadcrumbs. It’s packed with a large amount of iron and protein and is the perfect guilt-free dish to add to your Thanksgiving feast.
Learn how to make it by heading to Minimalist Baker.
Cajun Baked Turkey Breast
Delight your guests by adding a flavor-packed Southern twist to your classic turkey recipe. This is the answer if you’re looking to add a little bit of spice to help your Thanksgiving centerpiece stand out.
Visit Recipe Tin Eats for the recipe.
Dessert
Apple Cheddar Pie
Cap off Thanksgiving by serving this tasty dessert that combines a crumbly cheddar cheese pie crust with a delectable cinnamon apple filling. This creative twist on the traditional apple pie recipe uses two unlikely flavors, with the rich cheddar enhancing the tartness from the apples, creating the perfect marriage between sweet and savory.
Head to Sally’s Baking Addiction to view the recipe.
We hope these innovative twists on classic dishes help you brighten up Thanksgiving for your family this year!
If you’re searching for the finest Cleveland, Ohio homes for sale, work with the best Cleveland Realtor! Get in touch with me, Michelle McQuade for your real estate goals in the area.