33 Best Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes in 2024
If you’re looking to shake things up this holiday season, serving a few non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes can bring unique flavor combinations to the table. From classics with a twist to dishes you generally wouldn’t serve at Thanksgiving, these recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to go beyond the usual festive fare like turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
To help you plan a slightly different menu, this list of unique Thanksgiving recipes is packed with original ideas that will delight your guests and make your Thanksgiving spread genuinely distinctive. So whether you're hosting an intimate dinner, a large family feast or a potluck-style Friendsgiving, read on for some delicious dishes that put a tasty spin on the classics.
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33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Lemon Kale Salad
A freshly tossed lemon kale salad might just be the non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe you need. Chock full of nutrients, low in calories (leaving you more space for dessert) and on the table in less than an hour, this hearty green salad will surely wow your guests with its bold flavors that perfectly offset heavier Thanksgiving dinner menu items.
Recipe Steps: 5
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
2. Roasted Fennel
Introduce a taste of Italy to your Thanksgiving spread by serving roasted fennel. This non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe is inspired by a classic Florentine dish and will likely become permanent on your list of favorite party food ideas. The fennel is roasted alongside porcini mushrooms to a perfect caramelized char that combines beautifully with nutty Parmesan cheese and salty prosciutto and olives.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 55 minutes
3. Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
When looking for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes to serve as snacks for guests who graze, cranberry jalapeño dip is an excellent choice. It sees festive cranberries combined with a spicy jalapeño and cream cheese spread for a dish full of flavor. Serve the cranberry jalapeño dip with crackers or bread and watch it get eaten up in no time!
Recipe Steps: 10
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours (most of which is chilling time)
4. Baked Brie With Guava Jam
Take your dinner up several notches with this flaky, buttery and rich Thanksgiving appetizer. Instead of a boring cheese board, baked brie with jam is an exciting alternative among this list of non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes.
It looks stunning, and the puff pastry combined with the melted brie and sweet guava is a match made in heaven. This appetizer also pairs well with all the best wines for Thanksgiving, including red and white varietals.
Recipe Steps: 15
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
5. Corn Pudding
Usually a hit at barbecues, corn pudding works surprisingly well when paired with other non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, such as roast beef or pork ribs. It’s custardy, buttery and creamy and can be made with either fresh or frozen corn.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
6. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Dress up your greens by making broccoli bacon salad. As non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes go, this one is always a crowd favorite. Steamed broccoli florets tossed with crispy bacon bits, crunchy almonds and a tangy blue cheese dressing perfectly combine textures and tastes. Plus, it’s keto-friendly.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
7. Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread may not seem like an overly out-of-the-box Thanksgiving dish, but cornbread muffins add a twist by combining classic cornbread with a more muffin-like texture. This non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe goes perfectly as a side, could be enjoyed with butter as an appetizer or can even be served for Thanksgiving breakfast with honey or syrup.
If you have some remaining after dinner, making stuffing with them to enjoy with leftover turkey and gravy is one of the tastiest Thanksgiving leftover ideas.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 35 minutes
8. Asparagus-Wrapped in Prosciutto
If you aim to showcase elegance and sophistication through your Thanksgiving menu items, look no further than asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. This stylish appetizer comes together in no time and packs a flavor punch. The cream cheese layer under the crispy bacon also adds an unexpected textural element to the dish and this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe works perfectly as a canapé, appetizer or side dish.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 29 minutes
9. Accordion Potatoes
Most will say that potatoes have to be part of Thanksgiving dinner, but you may want to opt for a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe and veer away from classic mashed potatoes. If so, add some fun to your dinner table by serving accordion potatoes. These buttery and crispy potatoes get an added flavor kick from garlic butter that perfectly coats every layer of the accordion shape.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
10. Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Different variations of this recipe have gone viral on TikTok for a reason! Parmesan-crusted potatoes deliciously blend tender potato rounds or baby potatoes with a crispy topping of baked Parmesan. An easy hack when making this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe is to microwave your baby potatoes for a quick and efficient shortcut to perfect spuds.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
11. Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Make your menu more inclusive with simple ingredient swaps. Vegan mashed potatoes see regular butter replaced with a creamy vegan butter or spread. The results of this vegan Thanksgiving recipe are just as light and fluffy, and your non-vegan guests will never know the difference. While this dish is more a twist on a classic than a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, it’s well worth trying if you want to surprise your guests with how good vegan food can be.
Recipe Steps: 7
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
12. Corn Ribs
Not only is this a fun non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, but it may become your new favorite way to eat corn. Corn ribs are called so after the shape they get once the strips of corn are fried. The gentle curl of the “rib” makes an ideal shape to hold a delicious topping of cotija cheese, mayonnaise, various spices and cilantro. It’s a unique side offering a twist to more classic dishes like buttered or creamed corn.
Recipe Steps: 9
Total Recipe Time: 25 minutes
13. Instant Pot Pork Roast
If you want a different protein to turkey that’s also quick to cook, go for an Instant Pot pork roast. To make this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, simply coat a pork shoulder roast in spice rub and then pop it into the Instant Pot with vegetables and let the magic take over. The result is a succulent roast that has been slowly cooked with carrots and potatoes in a fragrant herb gravy.
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
14. Braised Beef
If you’re looking for another non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe because you want to switch out turkey as your main protein, braised beef is also a great option to go for. Using easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe transforms a chuck roast into juicy, tender slices of beef using an easy slow-cooking method. This slow-cooked braising technique produces the softest fork-tender dish that pairs perfectly with classic Thanksgiving foods like mashed potatoes and a rich gravy.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (most of which is braising time)
15. Sous Vide Salmon
While this French dish does require special equipment, it will be worth the investment. This non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe involves slow-cooking salmon in vacuum-sealed bags, resulting in an incomparably tender and flaky fish. Ending the cook with a quick sear to crisp up the skin takes this sous vide salmon to the next level.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
16. Pecan-Crusted Chicken
When looking for unique Thanksgiving dinner ideas, combining the popular protein of chicken with the Thanksgiving essential ingredient of pecans is sure to be a hit. Pecan-crusted chicken is also quick to prepare, ready in only 40 minutes, and features additional flavors of Dijon mustard, sweet paprika and honey.
This chicken dish is the perfect non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe if you’re looking for out-of-the-box Friendsgiving food ideas or want something simple but tasty to serve a smaller dinner crowd.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes
17. Brick Chicken
Do you want to go with chicken over turkey while also jazzing up a regular roast chicken? If so, brick chicken is the non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe for you! It involves cooking spatchcock or butterfly chicken under actual bricks. This cooking technique results in the crispiest skin and juiciest meat you could imagine. Add the zesty fresh Italian spice and herb rub combined with Parmesan for a flavor bomb of a main dish.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
18. Beef Back Ribs
Another of the non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes to try if wanting to serve a different main course is beef back ribs. This dish is not only super easy to make at home (your oven does all the hard work) but it also looks impressive. Serve the ribs with corn pudding or mac and cheese, a fresh salad and warm dinner rolls for a hearty meal.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (most of which is cooking time)
19. Roasted Vegetable Pasta
When juggling a million things simultaneously, you need a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly. Roasted vegetable pasta is one of the non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes that can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger group.
It also works well as a side dish or even as the star of the show at a casual Friendsgiving event or potluck. You can use a canned tomato sauce to save time, but using fresh herbs is a must for the best results.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 45 minutes
20. Vegan Meatloaf
These days, the quality of plant-based meat is so good that even hardcore carnivores would be hard-pressed to complain. This non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe for vegan meatloaf uses plant-based ground meat with vegetables to produce a hearty main dish. Serve slices of meatloaf with either tomato sauce or a barbecue sauce for that extra zing.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
21. Vegetarian Quiche
Buttery pastry encases a creamy custard-like filling in this meat-free non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe. Add-ons in this vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe include gruyère, caramelized onions, mushrooms and roasted tomatoes, but feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. With a generous portion of this vegetarian quiche, the non-meat eaters at your table will also feel cared for.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
22. Lasagna Roll-Ups
For a fun and non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, try lasagna roll-ups! A rich ragù and creamy ricotta get rolled up in lasagna before being coated with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for baking. Serve the roll-ups with a fresh salad for a fuss-free Italian-inspired Thanksgiving main course.
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
23. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Add a little seasonal twist to this much-loved side dish with this next non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe. As one of the most popular fall flavors after the likes of pumpkin and cinnamon, roasted butternut squash purée marries perfectly with a lush cheese sauce. The result is a butternut squash mac and cheese that’s a veritable hug in a bowl that will surely please your guests.
Recipe Steps: 15
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
24. Vegan Gumbo
Don’t let the long list of ingredients deter you from trying this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe. Once the marination is done, all the vegan gumbo needs is a long, slow simmer for the flavors to intensify. Shredded jackfruit adds a satisfying meaty texture to this delicious vegan stew. Serve it with steamed white rice for a filling and delectable non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
25. Pumpkin Dump Cake
It doesn’t always have to be a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dessert. Pumpkin dump cake is a delicious and easy alternative. This non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe calls for you to “dump” all the ingredients into a pan and bake.
The essential ingredients, including pumpkin purée, evaporated milk, pumpkin spice mix and pecans, magically separate into three gorgeous layers of deliciousness when baked. The cooked cake is then drizzled in a decadent homemade caramel sauce and a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect end to your meal.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
26. Sweet Potato Cheesecake
Another non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe that’s a twist on a classic is sweet potato cheesecake. This alternative to sweet potato pie can be made ahead of time and has the tang of a decadent cheesecake combined with the smooth richness of sweet potato purée.
The marshmallow topping elevates this dessert even further. Bake the cheesecake in advance and tick 'make a showstopping dessert' off your Thanksgiving to-do list!
Recipe Steps: 16
Total Recipe Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (most of which is baking and chilling time)
27. Fig Tart With Pistachio Filling
Pistachios are definitely having a moment; you can find them everywhere — in lattes, cupcakes, cookies and ice cream. So why not serve this trendy ingredient as part of a unique Thanksgiving dessert?
This fig tart uses pistachios in the form of a creamy filling that is topped with fresh figs and baked to perfection. It’s a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe that tastes as good as it looks!
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
28. Vegan Apple Crisp
Apple pie is one of the most popular Thanksgiving desserts, but if you want to switch it up a little, serve a vegan apple crisp this holiday. Highlighting fall produce, this dessert mixes warm cinnamon-tossed apples with a crunchy, buttery brown sugar and oat topping.
The use of vegan butter means this sweet treat will appeal to everyone at your table. Another advantage of this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe is that it can be made in advance and only needs to be warmed up slightly before serving.
Recipe Steps: 8
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
29. Semifreddo
A classic Italian treat, semifreddo translates into “half frozen” or “half cold” and is a frozen dessert that's midway between an ice cream and a mousse. This slightly different Thanksgiving dessert is bound to make you a favorite among your friends and family.
While fresh berries and nuts are the recommended toppings for this non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, let your creativity run riot and play around with flavor combinations to create your own masterpiece.
Recipe Steps: 11
Total Recipe Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (most of which is chilling time)
30. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
When you look for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Small changes in ingredients or an unexpected pairing of flavors are all you need to introduce freshness and novelty into your dinner menu. For example, pumpkin pecan pie is a blend of the creaminess of a pumpkin pie with the nutty crunch of a pecan pie. The result is a unique blend of two popular Thanksgiving desserts that will please everyone.
Recipe Steps: 13
Total Recipe Time: 2 hours
31. Pumpkin Pie Cookies
A light dessert is sometimes needed to end a rich, extravagant Thanksgiving feast. If you agree, these pumpkin pie cookies are the perfect non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe to end your dinner with, offering the flavor of classic pumpkin pie without being overly heavy.
Ensure the dough is cold before rolling out to produce the flakiest, most buttery cookies. You could even pack the cookies up in pretty boxes as a take-home gift for your guests to enjoy later.
Recipe Steps: 12
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
32. Vegan Chocolate Pudding
Ready in less than half an hour, vegan chocolate pudding is the perfect non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe when you’re crunched for time. When made in individual bowls or glasses and decorated with toasted coconut or fresh berries, it is a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
Recipe Steps: 6
Total Recipe Time: 22 minutes
33. Chocolate Flan
A Parisian favorite, chocolate flan is usually served cold and best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. This recipe enrobes the smooth chocolate pudding in a crisp, buttery pie crust. As one of the more exciting non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, it adds a touch of elegance to your menu. Top with fresh berries and dust with icing sugar for a stunning addition to your dessert spread.
Recipe Steps: 13
Total Recipe Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Elevate Your Thanksgiving Meal With Culinary Experiences
If cooking up a Thanksgiving feast sounds like a bit of a daunting task, taking some cooking classes near you is an excellent idea to boost your culinary confidence before the holiday cooking begins.
Expert chefs will teach you a range of dishes and cooking techniques, including classic and unique Thanksgiving dinner ideas. There’s also the option to try online cooking classes, offering all the benefits of in-person cooking classes from the convenience of your own kitchen.
For those who want to leave the cooking to someone else, opt for hiring one of many expert private chefs near you. These professionals will provide a luxurious catered meal, whether it be a traditional Thanksgiving feast or a multi-course dinner packed with delicious non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes.
Whatever reason you have for cooking non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, these 33 unique and delicious menu items are sure to surprise and impress your dinner guests. Each recipe listed adds a touch of creativity to the table, turning your Thanksgiving meal into an adventure filled with excitement and a fusion of flavors.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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