This Thanksgiving, why not shake things up a bit with a mix of classic favourites and fresh new dishes? Whether you’re sticking to traditional flavours or trying something bold and different, there’s something here for everyone at the table—vegetarians, meat lovers, and even those picky eaters. From cheesy bites to hearty mains and vibrant salads, these recipes are guaranteed to impress and make your holiday meal extra special.
Thanksgiving Prep Made Simple
Planning makes Thanksgiving cooking a breeze. Here’s how to make these dishes in advance without compromising flavour or texture.
- Stuffings: Our favourite Apricot & Chestnut Stuffing and the Spiced Cranberry Stuffing, can be assembled a day ahead and baked fresh before serving, ensuring they come out warm and fragrant.
- Turkey & Gravy: Prep your Roast Turkey with Cider Gravy by preparing the rub and stuffing in advance; cook it on Thanksgiving day for the best flavour and juiciness. The gravy can also be prepared from the day before using the turkey drippings and cider.
- Pies: The Butternut Squash & Mushroom Wellington can be fully assembled a day before and baked fresh, retaining its crispy, golden pastry. For the Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie, refrigerate the fully assembled dish and bake it just before dinner.
- Salads: The Pumpkin Kale Salad is make-ahead friendly—roast the pumpkin and mix the dressing earlier, then toss everything together just before serving. Similarly, the Quinoa Mango Salad can be made the night before as it holds up beautifully. With the Strawberry Balsamic Salad, prep the ingredients beforehand, but assemble it fresh to maintain its vibrant crunch.
- Baked Goods: Bake the Cheddar Scones in advance and reheat for buttery perfection. The Semolina Focaccia is best baked earlier in the day; serve it fresh or gently warmed.
- Appetizers & Snacks: The Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is an ideal make-ahead dish, as chilling it enhances the flavours. For the Puff Pastry Tarts, assemble and bake on Thanksgiving day for ultimate crispiness.
- Hot Dishes: The Creamy Chilli Mac & Cheese can be cooked, refrigerated, and reheated when needed. The Mixed Bean Vegetarian Chilli is even better when made a day in advance, as the flavours have more time to meld. The Zucchini Fritters are best cooked fresh, but you can save time by preparing the batter ahead.
- Pasta: For the Brown Butter Pistachio Pasta, prepare the roasted pumpkin and pesto beforehand, and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Make your Thanksgiving a stress-free and delicious day for everyone! Here’s a roundup of delicious Thanksgiving dishes to inspire your menu this year!
Thanksgiving Sides Roundup
1
Apricot & Chestnut Stuffing
Everyone enjoys this fruity, nutty stuffing. The flavours and textures pair perfectly with turkey or stands alone as a satisfying side.
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2
Spiced Cranberry Stuffing
This Spiced Cranberry Stuffing brings all the cozy, festive vibes to your Thanksgiving table. Sautéed shallots, celery, and crispy bacon create a savory foundation, while dried cranberries and orange zest add just the right balance of sweetness and zest. Warming spices like rosemary, nutmeg, and allspice perfectly complement the high-quality pork sausage, and chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch. Finished with a splash of dry cider, it’s a flavorful, standout side dish for your holiday feast!
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3
Creamy Chilli Mac & Cheese
The Creamy Chilli Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving table. This hearty dish combines tender macaroni, flavourful ground beef, and a rich, savoury sauce with just the right kick of chili seasoning. It’s a cozy crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday feast. Perfect for rounding out your menu with a satisfying, flavour-packed side!
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4
Butternut Squash & Mushroom Wellington
A delightful Butternut Squash and Mushroom Wellington is a special addition to your Thanksgiving table. It can be served as a main but also as a side or appetizer. In this recipe, the filling is made of roasted butternut squash, onions, red pepper, chestnut mushrooms, and hard goat’s cheese, all encased in a buttery puff pastry.
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5
Homemade Mustard Spiced Cheddar Scones
Cheesy goodness with a hint of spiciness. thanks to a perfect blend of Cheddar, mustard, and cayenne pepper. Wow, your Thanksgiving guests with a fresh batch of these cheese scones.
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6
Ranch Seasoned Bacon Cheese Ball
Prepare this hors d’oeuvre in a few minutes. You won't regret as it can be make ahead and is perfect to snack on when you start having hunger pangs while preparing the last dishes for dinner. You just need to blend cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, scallion whites, and 2 pieces of cooked bacon in a food processor.
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7
Goat’s Cheese & Tomato Puff Pastry Tarts
These mega puff pastry tarts delight the table with the simplest ingredients – goat's cheese and tomatoes. An excellent vegetarian side that everyone will like!
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8
Cashew Nut Dressed Roasted Pumpkin Kale Salad
A healthy and delicious salad showcasing fall's finest produce! While this recipe is sure to be a hit with vegan crowds, it's a side dish everyone will enjoy. The rich and flavorful cashew dressing elevates it to stand proudly among the best on your table.
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9
Mango Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Loaded with flavour and nutritional ingredients it give a South Western vibe to your table.
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10
Favourite Strawberry Balsamic Salad
My Strawberry Balsamic Tricolore Salad is a year-round favorite. It’s not overloaded with cheese or heavy dressings, making it perfect for those who enjoy dressed-up greens while keeping things light and refreshing.
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11
Parmesan Zucchini Fritters
Add freshly cooked zucchini fritters to your Thanksgiving table! These fritters are not only healthy, tasty, and nutritious but also incredibly convenient. They take just 20 minutes to prepare and can be prepped ahead of time, making them a perfect addition to your holiday feast.
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12
Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pie
A wholesome savoury pie with leek and mushrooms is this Fall's winner at Wellbeing Barista.
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13
Mixed Bean Vegetarian Chilli
Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will love a warm bowl of this mixed bean vegetarian chili as part of their Thanksgiving meal. Packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of spice, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
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14
Boiled Potato Semolina Crust Italian Focaccia
This is a simple homemade bread prepared with few ingredients and can be prepared ahead. You can add the toppings favoured in Puglia like Mozzarella di Bufala, tomatoes and olives or anything that you prefer like garlic, herbs and other cheese.
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15
Brown Butter Pistachio Pesto Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin
This dish is bursting with fall flavors, thanks to the roasted pumpkin and brown butter mix. The pistachio pesto is the crowning touch that makes this brown butter pistachio pasta truly unforgettable.
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