Thanksgiving is upon us, and as usual, the cheery holiday conjures up images of juicy turkey, crispy stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, and to top it off, sweet pumpkin and apple pie. While those may be the most popular thanksgiving food–for good reason–there are plenty of other unique recipes to experiment with! If gravy and mashed potatoes aren’t your thing, you can still celebrate gratitude with more diverse dishes.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This dish is inspired by zesty stuffed peppers, yet is more time manageable and just as delicious as the former! It’s made with simple ingredients like ground beef, red and green bell peppers, brown rice, cheese, and more vegetables—all components commonly found around the kitchen. Instead of stuffing the filling into the peppers, this dish slices and sautees them, then combines them with other ingredients. You could even get a little creative by adding quinoa, orzo pasta, mushrooms, or goat cheese for more flavor.
Surf and Turf Spread
Who said Thanksgiving has to be all about turkey? Surf and turf appeals to everyone, both hard-core steak lovers and those who can’t resist buttery lobster or shrimp. A seasoned steak, filet mignon or roast beef is the perfect bold counterpart to salmon, lobster, or shrimp. There are plenty of ways to go about this entree, but all are likely to be a hit! To honor traditional Thanksgiving meals, cozy sides like Brussels sprouts or creamy mashed potatoes can complement the main course. The guests at the table will certainly be impressed by the rich and festive meal!
S’Mores Pie
It’s hard not to love marshmallows or pie on their own, so combining them is sure to be a holiday favorite. This rich and melty pie brings a taste of summer to the table with its luscious chocolate filling, golden marshmallows on top, and crunchy crust made of graham crackers. For an extra touch, drizzling caramel on top or sprinkling sea salt over the marshmallows is a sure way to impress. Just remember to chill it ahead so the gooey chocolate can set correctly, and this fun, crowd-pleasing dessert will remind everyone of a warm campfire.
Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
Pumpkin is so undeniably fall, and combined with tiramisu, this classic Italian dessert gets a cozy new look. While tiramisu may sound complicated to make, this dish is surprisingly easy if you make it ahead of time. Ladyfingers and mascarpone are ideal for the tiramisu, and pumpkin puree and spices give it a light twist. Once the filling is made and the tiramisu is assembled from the ladyfingers, you could add a dusting of cocoa powder or crushed gingersnaps for extra flavor.
Thanksgiving is, after all, about gratitude, connections, and celebrating your favorite people. Whether you stick to the classics or try something new, sharing a meal with the people you love is a special Fall experience. Who knows, maybe a new and unique recipe will spark a new tradition, or even become the family favorite!
