Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it's time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. While classic dishes like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are a must, adding a modern twist to some recipes can help make your Thanksgiving feast feel fresh and updated. We've rounded up Thanksgiving recipe inspirations that blend traditional flavors with innovative cooking techniques and ingredients. From herb-crusted turkey to make-ahead skillet cornbread, these dishes will have everyone raving at your Thanksgiving table.
As seen on Couponupto, the top resource for delicious recipes, creative cooking tips and exclusive deals, we've curated a selection of upgraded yet cozy Thanksgiving dishes that blend tradition with innovation. Keep reading for menu inspiration that will wow guests at your Thanksgiving celebration.
1. Herb-Crusted Turkey
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a perfectly roasted turkey. Elevate the classic bird with an herb crust. Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage into softened butter. Using your hands, loosen the skin from the breast and thighs and rub herb butter all over the meat.
Season with salt and pepper. Tie legs together and truss wings. Roast at 350°F until a thermometer reads 165°F. Let rest before slicing to serve. The aromatic herb crust adds incredible flavor to moist and tender turkey.
2. Cranberry Pear Sauce
For a fruit sauce with depth of flavor, swap out some of the cranberries for pears. Core and dice 2 Bosc pears and combine with a 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup sugar and a pinch each of cinnamon, ginger and salt.
Simmer until softened and thickened, about 20 minutes. Puree half the mixture for a chunky-smooth consistency. Chill before serving alongside roast turkey or rolls.
3. Make-Ahead Skillet Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern staple on any Thanksgiving table. Skip boxes and prepare this skillet version the day before to serve warm slices on Thursday. In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1/3 cup vegetable oil and 2 eggs.
Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk just until smooth (do not overmix). Pour batter into a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. Reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes before serving. Stay overnighting veggies like green beans in the same skillet.
Related: Thanksgiving 2024 Cocktail Trends: Drinks to Impress Your Guests
4. Butternut Squash Casserole
Move over sugary sweet potatoes - butternut squash is a healthier substitute in this Thanksgiving classic. Peel, seed and dice 2 lbs butternut squash. Toss with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 30 minutes until tender. In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir squash, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper into sauce. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup panko or cornbread crumbs. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
5. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
Green bean casserole gets an upgrade with crispy shallots rather than canned fried onions. Toss 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender. In a skillet, cook 6 thinly sliced shallots in 1/4 cup vegetable oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
Drain on paper towel. In a baking dish, fold green beans, 10 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Top with shallots. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Cranberry Ginger Apple Crisp
Keep guests coming back for seconds with this fruity crisp featuring seasonal cranberries. Peel, core and slice 6 apples. Toss in a bowl with 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp ground ginger.
Transfer to an 8x8 baking dish. For the topping, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in 1/3 cup cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until bubbling and topping is golden brown. Whip cream or vanilla ice cream makes the perfect companion.
7. Sage Gravy
Nothing brings Thanksgiving sides together like a rich homemade gravy. Cook 6-8 fresh sage leaves in 2 tbsp butter over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in 3 cups chicken or turkey stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional). Season with salt and black pepper. For extra flavor, pan drippings from your roasted turkey can be added to the gravy too.
8. Bourbon Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Brussel sprouts get a savory-sweet upgrade with bacon and bourbon. Halve 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F, stirring halfway, for 20 minutes until lightly browned and tender. Meanwhile, cook 6 slices bacon in a skillet until crisp.
Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet. Add sprouts to bacon fat and toss to coat. Crumble bacon over top. Whisk together 2 tbsp bourbon and 1 tbsp brown sugar and pour over sprouts, tossing to coat. Continue roasting 10 more minutes until sprouts are caramelized.
9. Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust
Upgrade your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with store-bought gingersnap cookies instead of homemade pie dough. Process 20 gingersnap cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add 2 tbsp melted butter and pulse until combined, resembling wet sand. Press evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes until set.
Cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk together 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp each cinnamon, ginger and salt and 1/2 tsp each cloves and nutmeg. Whisk in 12 oz can evaporated milk and 2 eggs. Pour filling into crust and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes until center is just set. Cool before topping with whipped cream. A crispy crust and warm spices make this pie extra special.
10. Mulled Cider
Warm mulled cider is a cozy autumn drinks perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider or juice, 1/4 cup bourbon or brandy (optional), 1/3 cup brown sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves and 6 orange slices.
Bring liquid just to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let flavors blend for 30 minutes. Serve cider hot, garnishing each mug with an orange slice or clove. The warm spices will transport your guests straight to a crisp fall day.
These Thanksgiving recipe inspirations put a modern spin on classic dishes from turkey to pumpkin pie. Blending in seasonal fruits, warming spices and more creative cooking techniques make these dishes feel fresh for the Thanksgiving table in 2024. Whether making herb-crusted turkey, butternut squash casserole or mulled cider, these recipes from Couponupto will wow guests at your Thanksgiving feast this year! Be sure to check out Couponupto for more exclusive deals and recipe inspiration to make your Thanksgiving truly spectacular.
Related: How to Host a Stress-Free Thanksgiving 2024: Time-Saving Hacks
