We’ve got plenty of fresh Thanksgiving recipes coming your way, but let’s take a look at some of our favorites from yesteryear.
Main course
1. Herb-roasted turkey legs
Perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving party, these herb-roasted turkey legs are less stressful for anyone who’s hosting for the first time.
2. Bourbon and honey-glazed turkey
You’ve got to start with the star attraction, but that doesn’t mean a plain Jane bird. Try this bourbon and honey-glazed turkey to add a little extra flavor to your festivities (and so you have a stash of whiskey if your relatives start to get to you).
Veggies
3. Lower-calorie collard greens
As a Southern gal, it’s hard for me to imagine life without collard greens, but people often leave them off the menu because good, old-fashioned greens need plenty of fat to cook. This leaner collard greens recipe will let you indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure without the guilt.
4. Mini corn puddings
Sweet and creamy, these little corn puddings in individual ramekins look so epicurean but are deceptively simple to make.
5. Mini homemade green bean casseroles
Shake up Thanksgiving without giving the traditionalists a conniption fit with these adorable little green bean casseroles topped with crispy fried onions.
6. Farro, spinach and cranberry salad
It’s tempting to skip the salad when you have so many tasty sides, but you’ll change your mind when you taste this healthy, nutty farro, spinach and cranberry salad.
7. Butternut squash croquettes
This might just be the secret to sneaking veggies onto the kids’ table. These crispy fried butternut squash croquettes are sweet with a hint of cinnamon. They’ll never know they’re eating veggies.
Potatoes
8. Ultimate creamy mashed potatoes
Sometimes it’s fun to mix it up, but sometimes you just have to go back to the basics. These simple creamy mashed potatoes have only five ingredients, but they’re big on flavor.
9. Herbed scalloped potatoes
Cheesy and fragrant, these herbed scalloped potatoes are the quintessential accompaniment to a juicy turkey.
10. Spicy bacon mashed potatoes
From fake mashed potatoes to the real deal — kicked up a notch. I know we had you at bacon, but these spicy mashed potatoes also feature smoky, spicy chipotle peppers.
11. Better-for-you candied sweet potatoes
You’ll never miss those sugar-laden marshmallows when you taste these lower-fat candied sweet potatoes jazzed up with orange, cinnamon, brown sugar and pecans.
Stuffings and rolls
12. Sausage and cornbread-stuffed acorn squash
It’s not Thanksgiving without stuffing, but oh, the baked-on mess! This clever stuffing recipe uses acorn squash as a serving dish, reducing your after-dinner cleanup and adding supercharged fall flavor.
13. Gluten-free quinoa stuffing
Not only is this gluten-free and healthy, but quinoa stuffing has a wonderful texture that will appeal to those staunch “stuffing is mushy” people.
14. Lower-fat cornbread dressing
There’s so much food on Thanksgiving that sometimes it seems one serving of cornbread dressing could be hazardous if you’d like a little of everything. This lighter version lets you enjoy this Southern Thanksgiving staple with fewer calories (and more room for other sides).
15. Whole-wheat dinner rolls
You can’t have Thanksgiving without homemade rolls. These whole-wheat rolls get just a hint of sweetness from maple syrup and taste absolutely yummy slathered with creamy butter, but they aren’t as time-consuming as most roll recipes.
Drinks
16. Cranberry, pear and raspberry slushies
This cranberry, pear and raspberry mocktail doesn’t need alcohol to help you celebrate. That said, if you want to spike yours with a bit of that whiskey you saved back when making the bourbon and honey-glazed turkey, then your secret is safe with me.
Desserts
17. Marshmallow-filled sweet potato cupcakes
It’s not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes and marshmallows, but it doesn’t just have to be a side dish. These luscious marshmallow-filled sweet potato cupcakes are a creative alternative to sweet potato pie.
18. Peanut butter ice cream cornucopias
Ice cream isn’t just a topper for pecan pie. These adorable little ice cream cornucopias can be the star of the dessert table.
19. Cheesecake mashed potato bites with caramel gravy
Sometimes it’s fun to pull the old switcheroo. These cheesecake bites may look like mashed potatoes and gravy, but it’s actually a sweet and creamy dessert.
20. Caramel apple pie-filled pecan cupcakes
There’s nothing about the phrase “caramel apple pie-filled pecan cupcakes” that doesn’t sound like a dessert lover’s dream, but just in case you aren’t already convinced, I’ll break it down for you. Caramel apples, pie, pecans and cupcakes. ‘Nough said.
21. Pecan pie bites
Making the dessert mini means even those who gorge themselves (so everyone) can have at least a little dessert. These pecan pie bites are as easy as they are cute.
More Thanksgiving know-how
Just say no to the insanity of Thanksgiving in a Bucket
48-hour Thanksgiving dinner timeline
A guide to Thanksgiving serving sizes
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