Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Surprise and Delight
If you’re looking to change things up this year, these non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes are the perfect way to add something fresh to your holiday table. They offer unique flavors and ideas that step outside the usual holiday fare. Trying something different can make your celebration even more memorable, and these recipes are easy to pull off. They’ll keep your guests intrigued while still keeping that Thanksgiving vibe. Get ready to surprise everyone with dishes that stand out in the best way possible.
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
This sheet pan turkey breast dinner is the perfect alternative if you want to skip roasting a whole bird for Thanksgiving. It’s simple, quick, and gives you all the rich flavors you’d expect from a full turkey meal—without the hassle. A fantastic option for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, it also makes cleanup easy, giving you more time to relax with family.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
Thist cauliflower stuffing recipe uses rosemary and sage (two of my favorites) and of course, a decent helping of butter, to make a savory side dish for the holidays. I think, though, this recipe is versatile – and YUMMY! – enough to make any time of the year as a tasty vegetable-based side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Stuffing
Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin makes a great centerpiece for any holiday meal when you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a fantastic non-traditional Thanksgiving dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal to remember without all the fuss of a typical roast.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin
Fasolakia Lathera
This Greek dish of green beans, potatoes, and tomatoes cooked in olive oil brings a vibrant and fresh feel to your Thanksgiving table. If you’re looking for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, Fasolakia Lathera offers a healthy and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with any main dish. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables, making it a wholesome addition to the feast.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Cioppino Recipe
Cioppino, a seafood stew brimming with shrimp, mussels, and crab, adds a coastal flair to your Thanksgiving spread. For anyone wanting non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, this one-pot wonder offers a hearty and satisfying meal without the need for turkey. The rich broth filled with seafood is perfect for a holiday meal that feels special and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino Recipe
Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
This Mississippi Pot Roast is a great way to shake up the usual Thanksgiving menu with something quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. Using the Instant Pot, you’ll have tender beef ready in no time, making it an ideal non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe for those short on time but big on taste. Serve it with some vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
Baked Stuffed Onions with Parmesan Cream
These baked stuffed onions, drenched in creamy Parmesan sauce, are an unexpected side that’ll have everyone talking. They work well for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes when you want something besides the usual mashed potatoes or stuffing. With a rich, savory flavor, they complement any main dish effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Onions with Parmesan Cream
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Fluffy sweet potato biscuits are a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving spread, especially if you’re aiming for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes. The sweet potatoes add just the right amount of flavor to these light and airy biscuits, making them perfect for sopping up gravy or spreading with butter.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits
Pretzel Wrapped Brats
If you’re looking for something fun and out of the box, these pretzel-wrapped brats bring a whole new vibe to your Thanksgiving table. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for snacking, making them a great non-traditional Thanksgiving option for those who want a relaxed, casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Wrapped Brats
Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Gnocchi
This creamy pumpkin sausage gnocchi is perfect when you want a warm, comforting dish that’s a bit different from the usual Thanksgiving fare. It’s a great non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe that’s easy to prepare and combines the flavors of fall with a hearty bite, making it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Sausage Gnocchi
Hot and Fast Smoked Brisket
For a bold non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, try this hot and fast smoked brisket. It cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional smoking, while still delivering a tender, flavorful main dish that will leave your guests raving. Pair it with your favorite sides for a Thanksgiving meal unlike any other.
Get the Recipe: Hot and Fast Smoked Brisket
Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin risotto combines creamy rice with the natural sweetness of roasted pumpkin, making it a delightful choice for anyone seeking non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes. Its rich texture and autumn flavors create a cozy side dish that fits right in with the holiday spread, yet offers something a bit more unique.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto
Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
This easy pumpkin soup brings a comforting and rich flavor to the table, making it a wonderful non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe. The blend of savory pumpkin with cinnamon and maple syrup will have your guests reaching for seconds, and it’s so simple to prepare that it won’t add stress to your holiday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
These flaky ham and cheese pinwheels are a fun and casual option if you’re looking to change up the usual holiday snacks. They work great for a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, offering bite-sized deliciousness that’s perfect for grazing before the main meal. They’re easy to make and sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Ham And Cheese Pinwheels
Keto Chicken Pot Pie
For those following a low-carb diet, this keto chicken pot pie is a comforting and hearty meal that works well for Thanksgiving. It’s a great non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe if you’re looking to serve something different, yet still full of flavor. You might want to make two because it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Pot Pie
Ube Tart
This vibrant ube tart is a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving dessert lineup. As a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, its creamy filling and buttery crust offer a unique twist on the usual pies, while its bold purple color makes it a true showpiece for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Ube Tart
Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Juicy and flavorful, this baked pesto chicken is an easy alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. As a non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe, it pairs perfectly with fresh sides like roasted vegetables or potatoes and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe
Wild Rice and Oyster Dressing
This Louisiana-inspired wild rice and oyster dressing is a savory option for anyone wanting to branch out from traditional stuffing. It’s a unique, non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe that combines hearty wild rice with the briny flavor of oysters, offering a new side that stands out on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice and Oyster Dressing
Vegan Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
Perfect for vegans and meat-eaters alike, this vegan meatloaf with a ketchup glaze is a crowd-pleaser during the holidays. If you’re looking for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, this dish delivers all the comfort of a meatloaf but without any animal products, making it ideal for guests with dietary restrictions.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Meatloaf with Ketchup Glaze
Balsamic Green Beans
Balsamic green beans are a fresh and tangy side dish that fits perfectly with any Thanksgiving meal. If you’re searching for non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, this one is quick, easy, and brings a new flavor profile to the usual lineup of sides, especially with the addition of walnuts for texture.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Green Beans
Blue Mashed Potatoes
These blue mashed potatoes are a visually striking side that brings a fun, non-traditional element to your Thanksgiving spread. They have the same creamy texture as regular mashed potatoes, but with a pop of color that makes them unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Blue Mashed Potatoes
Dutch Oven Orange Roasted Chicken
This orange roasted chicken is the perfect centerpiece if you want something a bit different from the usual turkey. The sweet, citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with savory vegetables, making it an excellent non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe that’s both flavorful and festive.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Orange Roasted Chicken
Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes
These cheesy ranch bacon potatoes are a rich and indulgent side dish that works well with just about any holiday meal. They’re a fantastic non-traditional Thanksgiving recipe for anyone who wants to add a comforting, creamy, and flavor-packed dish to the table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes
No-Bake Halloween Treats That’ll Steal the Show—No Oven Required
If you’re looking for Halloween treats without the hassle of baking, you’re in the right place. No-bake Halloween treats are perfect for busy days when you want something quick and impressive. These recipes come together fast and still look amazing for any spooky gathering.