Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes (with a twist)

As you begin to menu plan these next few days, here is a sample menu of my favorite traditional thanksgiving recipes (with a twist) I have made in the past.

When coming up with a Thanksgiving menu it can be very daunting and overwhelming with all of the different recipes out there. I like to stick to a few tried and true dishes along with some unique ones to try out on my family. My dad is a traditionalist when it comes to his Thanksgiving dinner so sometimes the “unique” ones don’t get asked back in the next year… The recipes you will find below are all ones that I have kept on my menu and have been a hit (thus far). Sticking to a traditional menu, but adding a slight twist throughout.

Some thanksgiving cooking tips:

If you’re the sol chef for your Thanksgiving dinner these are all super easy to make and there’s a nice cross over of ingredients. If you’re cooking with family or friends I suggest picking one recipe to make ahead and let the other chef have at it in their kitchen. I find it too chaotic to try to make so many dishes with others in the kitchen at once. Plus, if I am a guest at your thanksgiving dinner I want to have some down time to enjoy myself! If I am the main chef, I’ve got my head down and am slaying away at these delicious recipes for my guests 😉
Don’t over do it with too many dishes… there is only so much room on one’s plate. I like to choose 3-4 sides along with the tradition sauces to pair with the turkey.
Enlist a helper in the kitchen. In my family I am the sol chef when it comes to thanksgiving dinner. Sounds crazy but I really do prefer it that way. It makes it so much easier and is really something I love to do. Everyone always offers to help but where I need it most is with the dishes. I enlist someone to come in every once and awhile to do a dish cleaning round to lessen the mess and free up any dishes I need to reuse.

Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

I love the Defined Dish recipes! Alex is my go to, especially when it comes to finding healthier versions of dishes we love (think healthier chick-fila chicken nuggets!). This recipe has been on my thanksgiving menu every year I have cooked. My dad loves Brussels sprouts but I wanted to liven them up a bit so went with this one. They’re cheesy, full of so much flavor and are the perfect green to serve! Also, bacon should always be somewhere on your thanksgiving menu.

Image by: The Defined Dish

Honey Butter Roasted Acorn with Burrata and Pomegranate

Of any of the recipes I share with you in the post I think this is the one you must make! One said unique one that has been able to stick on the menu the last few years! The squash gets roasted so perfectly and the drizzle of honey paired with burrata makes it sweet yet savory.

Image by: Half Baked Harvest

Make Ahead White Wine Gravy

A tried and true recipe on my menu! I love anything that I can make ahead when it comes to cooking for Thanksgiving dinner. This is such a good recipe and also a great excuse to also pour yourself a glass of white wine to enjoy while cooking 😉

Image by: Half Baked Harvest

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

THE only way you should make your mashed potatoes from now on is via this recipe. They’re sooo cream and packed with so much flavor. Plus, this is a great dish you can make ahead and reheat later to lessen your cooking load or bring to a potluck style thanksgiving.

Spicy Cranberry Sauce

One thing about me, I love spice! I came across this recipe a few years ago and thought it would be a fun unique addition to add to the menu… I’m still working on my dad with this one. But it doesn’t hurt to have two cranberry sauces on the table. I love that it packs a little punch and adds a fun flavor to the spread!

Image by: Bon Appetit

Sausage and Sage Stuffing

A tried and true thanksgiving recipe! I love a stuffing with sausage in it, it adds a little something extra to the dish. There are so many delicious stuffing recipes out there to choose from but this one is just a good ole tradition one.

Image by: The Defined Dish

Paleo Pecan Pie Blondies

I believe the Defined Dish just posted these but when I saw them on her IG I instantly wanted to make them. They look so gooey and delicious especially as a paleo treat. 2025 is the year to start really thinking about what you’re consuming as far as ingredients goes and I love all of the ingredients you’ll find in this recipe. If you want to get on that health train to end the year think no refined sugar, no seed oils, grass-fed dairy and beef products and skip anything that has enriched bleach flour!