Thanksgiving is hands down the best holiday for foodies across the country. Having the same things every single year, though, can definitely get dull. Every year at my family’s Thanksgiving dinner, we try to find at least one new swap to keep the meal interesting.
Choosing a new recipe each year to incorporate into our meal is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s also a great way for our family to come together to think up new ideas when we’re planning the menu. Here are a few innovative swaps to make this year to take your Thanksgiving side dishes to the next level.
Roasted Carrots
Instead of the traditional green bean casserole, try these roasted carrots. Not only do they use simple ingredients, they take almost no time to prepare. Plus, these carrots are healthier than green bean casserole, so they won’t leave you as stuffed and you’ll have even more room for turkey.
Stuffed Mushroom Caps
Rather than making more of that same old stuffing you have every year, try stuffed mushroom caps. You could put almost anything into the cap of a Portobello mushroom, but my personal favorite recipe is this one. The grated cheese and the mushroom give it a new texture and flavor that will be sure to please.
Cranberry Relish
Instead of cranberry sauce from a can, which honestly doesn’t taste that great in the first place, try making cranberry relish this year. This recipe includes hints of orange, which complements the cranberries and will have everyone asking for seconds. As an additional benefit, you won’t have to reshape this relish after dumping it out of the can to make it look homemade.
Spaghetti Squash
Instead of mac and cheese, try spaghetti squash this Thanksgiving. It may be a little more difficult to make than your normal pasta side dish, but it has tons of health benefits and a totally different texture that everyone will love. You can top this dish with pretty much anything, so go ahead and get creative!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie
I know pumpkin pie is a staple of the Thanksgiving feast, but what about a salted caramel apple pie? Nothing says fall like apple pie, and the salted caramel flavor will give it a new twist. It may be a little different than what you’re used to, but I promise you won’t regret trying this delicious dessert.
Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but that doesn’t mean that new side dishes can’t be introduced once in a while. Who knows, maybe one of these recipes will become your new favorite food tradition.