6 impressive twists on Thanksgiving classic recipes
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s almost time to break out your stretchy pants for the Thanksgiving feast. But if that feast consists of the same old stuffing, potatoes, and turkey as all the years before, maybe it’s time to mix things up. Update your Thanksgiving recipe book and try one of these revamped comfort foods this year.
- Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Orange [Inspired Taste]
If you’re bored of the same old Thanksgiving turkey recipe, try this citrusy twist. You’ll use some of the same herbs you’re used to—sage, rosemary, thyme—but add freshly squeezed OJ and lemon juice to the mix. The acid in the citrus juices helps to tenderize the turkey breast, making for a juice main on Turkey Day. - Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries [The Pioneer Woman]
Brussels sprouts are trending right now, and for good reason—they’re delicious. Instead of a humdrum salad, make this brussels sprouts recipe as a veggie side dish. When you embellish the sprouts with balsamic and add dried cranberries, you won’t even need cranberry sauce on your Thanksgiving table. - Cheesy Sausage and Sage Stuffing [Bon Appetit]
Stale stuffing from a box doesn’t even come close to this made-from-scratch version, courtesy of Bon Appetit. The recipe incorporates crusty sourdough bread, fresh Italian sausage, and a full pound of aged cheddar cheese. Needless to say, it’s a bit more decadent than your average store-bought stuffing. With a roster of gourmet ingredients like these, really, what more could you want in a Thanksgiving feast accoutrement? - Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Mushrooms and Bacon [Better Homes & Gardens]
If you’re like most people, you probably look forward to your serving of fluffy mashed potatoes all year long. This November, add some nutrition without skimping on flavor by using sweet potatoes instead. Mash them up with milk, butter, and salt, then swirl in cremini mushrooms and onions, crispy bacon, golden raisins, and a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice. The result will be a salty-sweet creation no one can resist. - Sauteed Green Beans with Spice-Glazed Pecans [MyRecipes]
Ready to take your green bean game to the next level? Do it with this creative recipe. It boasts a complex mix of herbs and spices that creates a robust, unexpected flavor, including cumin, fresh rosemary, red pepper, and black pepper. With the addition of sugar and chopped pecans, your green beans will come from the oven hot, subtly sweet, and ready to be devoured by eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving guests. - Apple-Pecan Bourbon-Caramel Pie [Serious Eats]
Regardless of how much you love your Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes, everyone can probably agree that the part of the meal that really matters most is the final course: dessert. From pumpkin cheesecake to sweet potato pie, your family probably has their own favorites. Start a new tradition this year when you craft this apple-pecan bourbon-caramel pie. Use your favorite baking apples, a dash of bourbon and blackstrap molasses, and a mix of traditional ingredients to delight the taste buds of your holiday guests.