Yummy Thanksgiving Recipes (Fall 2021)
Grab your turkey with all the fixings, breakout the slipcovers, furniture protectors, and overnight blankets, fire up the oven and prepare for a Thanksgiving feast to remember. After nearly two years of walking on eggshells, doom-scrolling, and too much news--many of us will finally have the opportunity to celebrate with our loved ones in-person.
From amazing side dishes (only few can make well) to unbeatable desserts and plenty of turkey, this Thanksgiving promises to bring more than a few smiles and welcome memories to the table. Whether celebrating at home or visiting another, we should embrace the holiday with some celebratory contributions of our own. As always, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for new side dish and dessert ideas to serve your guests and impress your hosts, check out this nifty list of yummy Thanksgiving recipes guaranteed to disappear from the serving platter.
Side Dishes
1. Creamy & Savory Potatoes Au Gratin
This recipe is no small potato. Made from thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and milk--Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin is the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. With a bake time of 90 minutes, the end result is a flavorful and crisp golden dish that’s sure to wow guests and pile up on plates. See below for ingredients and instructions on baking this slam dunk side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- Garnish optional (we like to use fresh green onions!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to around 375° F. Lightly grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish. Neatly layer your potato slices into the baking dish.
- Melt your unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add in your minced onion and garlic - let simmer until soft and translucent.
- Whisk in flower until browned (around a minute). Then gradually whisk in milk, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture has thickened (2-3) minutes. Turn the heat down to low and add your cheeses (gently whisking until melted).
- Evenly pour the contents of your saucepan over your layered potatoes then cover with aluminum foil. Place in your preheated oven to bake for 1-hour.
- Remove the aluminum foil from your baking dish and let cook for an additional 20-30 minutes (or until lightly browned).
- Add your garnish and bon appetit!
2. Hearty Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet, salty, and savory, there’s nothing that beats a primetime sweet potato dish. Not only is this side-dish vegetarian friendly but it’s easy to make, requires few ingredients, and ready to serve in under an hour. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this amazing Thanksgiving side dish is sure to light up the room. See ingredients and instructions below.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into even 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Garnish optional (we suggest parsley and parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° F
- Combine all ingredients into a 10 x 10 baking tray or casserole dish. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until your sweet potatoes are golden brown (be sure to stir at around the 25 minute mark).
- Sprinkle with your preferred garnish, plate, and enjoy!
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Now, let’s dig into some Thanksgiving dessert recipes…
Desserts
1.Classic Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving recipe list is complete without this holiday favorite. Not only will pumpkin pie be expected but some would argue that it isn’t quite Thanksgiving without it. From flaky crusts and silky pumpkin filling, to whip cream, ice cream, and whatever else you choose to pair it with--this recipe for classic pumpkin pie is something everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup ice water
Pie Filling:
- 1 can pumpkin puree (or 398 ml of self-made puree)
- 1 large egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- Whipped cream (for plating)
- Pecans (optional garnish)
Instructions
Pie Crust:
- Add flour, butter, sugar, and salt into your food processor (or blender). Pulse until the flour forms into small pieces of dough (about a minute or two)
- Drizzle ice water into the mixture (*make sure the water is ice cold*). Close the lid and continue to pulse your dough until it has a breadcrumb consistency.
- Transfer your dough to a work surface. Use your hands to squeeze the crumby pieces together until it forms a solid piece of dough. Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap in plastic saran wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough into a 14-inch circle. Transfer this rolled dough into a greased pie plate (about 9-inches). Fold your dough around the rim and tuck them under to create a crust. Crimp the edges of the dough with a fork or your fingers.
Making the Pie:
- Preheat oven to 425° F
- In a large bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, egg, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined. Add in your sweet condensed milk, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well blended and smooth.
- Pour your pie filling into your prepared crust and lightly shake the plate to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, then reduce your oven’s temperature to 350° Bake for another 40 - 45 minutes. (*to make sure your pie is done, insert a toothpick or paring knife into the center of the pie. If the toothpick or paring knife comes out clean, your pie is ready to be cooled*).
- Remove your pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. Once completely cooled, serve immediately or refrigerate.
- Garnish with whipped cream and/or your topping of choice.
2. Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie bars aren’t just an amazing desert or substitute for pumpkin pie haters (...those scoundrels). In fact, if you’re still waiting on the turkey and side-dishes, serving pecan pie bars (prepared the morning of or night before) can be a great way to prepare those hungry palates for the grand meal to come. Not only are these bite-sized beauties fun to make but they’re super-adaptable to substitutes that include peanuts, macadamias, almonds, and chocolate.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup and 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup and 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup and 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease a square pan (approx. 9 inches) with cooking oil spray and line with parchment paper.
- Cream your butter and sugar together with a whisk or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add your vanilla extract and beat until blended in. Gradually add flour (while beating) until combined. Continue mixing until your dough becomes breadcrumb-like and less dry.
- Press your crumb mixture into the bottom of your pan and pack it in to form a single thin layer. Bake for around 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
- Remove your pan from the oven and add your pecan (or other topping) while the crust is still hot.
Pecan (or other) Topping
- Prepare your pecan topping while the crust is baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your brown sugar, flour, and salt. When this mixture is blended, add maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and combined. Stir in the pecans once well-combined.
- Pour this topping over the shortbread crust as soon as you remove the crust from the oven (while still hot). Return the baking pan back to the oven and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes (allowing the filling to set).
- Allow your pecan bars to cool at room temperature, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-hour (preferably overnight) before slicing and serving.
- Voila! Your pecan pie bars are ready for the big stage!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts. Be sure to tag us in pictures of your completed feast before munching down. Remember to stop by our online store for all of your slipcovers, furniture protector, blanket, and other holiday gathering needs.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As always…