It’s that time of year again. The turkey is back, and you all know what that means... Time to start cooking! Every year it’s the same traditional dishes served for Thanksgiving, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone loves a good turkey garnished with some cranberries and stuffing, but there are some new recipes that will leave your guests absolutely speechless. Want to spice up your menu this year? Here are 10 great recipes that you’ve got to try:
1. Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Not only is this simple side easy to make, but it’s cooked right in a slow-cooker so that you can spare more valuable stove top space! This dish will have your friends and family raving, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare.
2. Stuffing-stuffed onions
Stuffing is everybody’s favorite thanksgiving dish, so why not mix things up and get creative with it? Just hollow out and fill a full roasted onion with some delicious stuffing, and you’re good to go!
3. Ms. Shawn’s Old-School Cranberry Salad
"My cranberry salad has become a staple at our Thanksgiving table because of its beautiful color, taste, and texture. Everyone seems to love this dish. I started adding the maraschino cherries to temper the tartness of the cranberries. The other fruits were added to satisfy family members' tastes. This recipe has a lot of flexibility, and that's why I love it so much." —SL reader Shawn Jackson, Fishers, IN
4. Old-Fashion Giblet Egg Gravy
Gravy is a necessity to every thanksgiving meal, and this recipe is sure to make every side dish 10 times better when you pour some on top!
5. Chorizo-and-Cornbread Dressing
"There are two things you'll always find at the Summers' family Thanksgiving table: Julia Child's iconic Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, and lively table conversation. A few years ago, I started amping up the spice in Julia's stuffing by adding jalapeño and using chorizo sausage. As the years progressed, I noticed the spicier the stuffing, the livelier the conversation." —Libbie Summers, stylist and author of "Sweet & Vicious"
6. Green Bean Casserole
Yes, it’s a classic dish... But it should not be forgotten about! This year, go farther than just following the recipe on the can by adding Alfredo sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup, water chestnuts, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pecans.
7. Shrimp and Grits Dressing
Add a little bit of the South into your roster this Thanksgiving with this tasty dressing. This will be a game changer for your Thanksgiving meal when regular dressing and shrimp and grits collide.
8. Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
This is a great choice to add just a little something extra to your mashed potatoes this year. The great part is, it’s not too over-the-top. All you have to do is add some browned butter for a heavenly toasted nut taste.
9. Roasted Sweet Potato-and-Onion Tart
Think outside your typical casseroles and try this! This dish may sound complicated, but it’s practically the same thing as making your typical casserole. This mouth-watering dish is a must-try for any family dinner!
10. Butternut Squash Gratin
Who doesn’t love a good gratin? This side dish will be a showstopper for your family and friends as they stroll down the buffet at Thanksgiving dinner this year! Don’t miss it.
