Thanksgiving may be all about traditions, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick with the same old roast turkey and green bean casserole every year. Personally, I get obsessive about planning Thanksgiving, scouring the web for new recipes. Being from an Asian-American household, Thanksgiving meant a marriage of East and West, allowing me to think of traditional Thanksgiving foods in untraditional ways. Use these recipes as inspiration for your own Thanksgiving dinner, whether you’re going home for the holidays or participating in Friendsgiving. It’s a sure way to impress your friends and family.
Sides
Asian Garlic Green Beans
Photo courtesy of Food52
This is a healthier but equally as savory way to cook green beans.
Miso-Maple Roasted Roots
Photo courtesy of Food52
Try this easy twist on your typical roasted root vegetables.
Potato Gnocchi with Bacon Cream Sauce
Photo courtesy of The Kitchen Whisperer
Roasted brussel sprouts? Bacon? Gnocchi? Sounds like a dream come true.
Parmesan Sage Crusted Butternut Squash Galette
Photo courtesy of HowSweetEats
Pie isn’t just for dessert anymore.
Pull-Apart Stuffing Flavored Rolls
Photo courtesy of J. Kenji López-Alt at Serious Eats
If you think stuffing is the best part of Thanksgiving dinner, then these stuffing-flavored rolls will rock your world.
Roasted Brussels Sprout and Bacon Salad
Photo courtesy of Katie at the Kitchen Door
Brussels sprouts and bacon are match made in heaven.
Spicy Thai-Style Pomelo, Green Bean, and Zucchini Salad
Photo courtesy of J. Kenji López-Alt at Serious Eats
A refreshing salad that still leaves room for all the other delicious foods to come.
Sweet Potato Latkes with Curried Ketchup
Photo by Katherine Baker
Hanukkah may not be here yet, but latkes are always delicious.
Main Dishes
Adobo Turkey with Red Chile Gravy
Photo courtesy of Gourmet.com
Spice it up with this Filipino-style turkey.
Chinese-Style Roast Turkey Steamed Buns
Photo courtesy of J. Kenji Lopez-Alt at Serious Eats
No need for stuffing with this one- it’s like a mini dim sum during Thanksgiving dinner.
Herbed Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce
Photo courtesy of whatdidyoueat.typepad.com
Because let’s be honest here- turkey was meant to be eaten with cranberry sauce.
Turchetta
Photo courtesy of J. Kenji López-Alt at Serious Eats
Probably the fanciest way to cook turkey you’ve seen yet.
Turkey Burger
Photo by Rachel Davis
Thanksgiving dinner’s made easy with a simple turkey burger. Just add cranberry sauce, cheese, and maybe even some gravy and you’re ready to go.
Dessert
Lemon and Fresh Cranberry Scones
Photo by Alia Wilhelm
These make for a great after-dinner snack.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Photo by Bailey Culpepper
No bake = easiest dessert to make ever.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies
Photo courtesy of Averie Cooks
Who needs pumpkin pie when you can have pumpkin blondies?
Salted Caramel and Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Photo courtesy of Averie Cooks
Ooey gooey goodness in every single bite.
Sweet Potato Soufflés
Photo courtesy of Katie at the Kitchen Door
Impress all your guests with this soufflé that is 100x better than any sweet potato casserole.
Beverages
Cranberry-Ginger Sparkling Rum Cider
Photo courtesy of Katie at the Kitchen Door
So much festiveness in one drink.
Cranberry Kir Royale
Photo Courtesy of bonappetit.com
All you need is champagne and cranberry juice to make this sophisticated-looking drink.
Iced Tea with Cider, Mint and Honey
Photo by Bari Blanga
Need a pick-me-up before Black Friday shopping? Try this.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Photo courtesy of In Sonnet’s Kitchen
Because sometimes you need to end the meal with pumpkin, but you don’t have room in your stomach for pumpkin pie.
Looking for recipes that are a little more traditional? Try this: 103 Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Actually Make