This year, I'll be hosting Thanksgiving again! I've already started planning this year's menu. I wanted to share some of the recipes I've used in the past for Thanksgiving meals. Some are traditional family recipes and others are ones I've grown to love from cookbooks or online food bloggers. This blog post is PACKED with a ton of options. I obviously am not making everything listed here on Thanksgiving, but it allows you to pick and choose what is best for you and your guests.
Appetizers
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Maybe it's an Italian thing, but my family often orders a pasta dish to share as an appetizer. I love it because I can never say no to pasta and I don't get overly stuffed from ordering it as an entrée. It's even better in the fall because the ingredients are fresher and in season. Make the ravioli a few weeks ahead of time, freeze, and finish preparing the day of for an easier Thanksgiving prep. Get the recipe HERE: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/butternut-squash-ravioli/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=1151065190_56708064_502584
Crispy Prosciutto Deviled Eggs
My friend Marielle and I think deviled eggs are so underrated. I mean they are literally so delicious and we stan a protein packed appetizer option. This is a fancy AF version of a classic deviled egg. If you're not pulling out your finest recipes on Thanksgiving than don’t even bother cooking! Get the recipe HERE: http://sevenlayercharlotte.com/2018/03/26/pimento-cheese-deviled-eggs-crispy-prosciutto/
Baked Brie Bites
By far, the EASIEST app you'll make, these brie bites are a huge hit for the cheesy fans in your life. I think I originally saw this on TikTok, but with a few simple prep steps you can make an amazing app. Get the recipe HERE: https://wellnessbykay.com/baked-brie-bites/
Fall Board
Get creative and make a fall inspired board with fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Most of it can be prepared ahead of time, which is key when hosting a large holiday meal. See some of my past boards below for inspiration.
Entrees/Sides
Fried Turkey
A few years ago, my husband wanted to try frying our thanksgiving turkey. It turned out so good, we haven't gone back since! I don't have a recipe for this one.. we just researched by watching YouTube videos, but if you are interested, you should try it!
Roasted Chicken
If you're opting out to making a large turkey this year, a beautiful roast chicken is a great option. I LOVE the recipe from Ina Garten. I've made this roasted chicken several times, it's really simple and comes out perfect every time. Get the recipe HERE:
Roasted Duck
I made a delicious roasted duck last year, I used alot of help from my brother and this blog. Duck was difficult for me to cook, because I had never cooked it before, but it was definetly worth it! If you are looking for a different protein to serve this thanksgiving, duck could be a great option for you. Get all the details HERE: https://juliasalbum.com/how-to-cook-duck/
Creamy Irish Potatoes
My mother-in-law gave me the recipe for these creamy potatoes. I don't know where it originated from, but they have quickly become a staple in our household. I make them on Thanksgiving because I actually don't like regular mashed potatoes! Get the recipe below:
Ingredients: 8-10 medium potatoes, 1 oz softened cream cheese, 2 c sour cream, 1/3 c chopped chives, salt, pepper, paprika, margarine, to taste.
Directions: Peel potatoes, boil until tender. Beat cream cheese and sour cream together. Add potatoes and beat until smooth. Stir in Chives, salt, and pepper. Pour into a well-oiled 2-quart casserole dish. Add slices of margarine on top and sprinkle with paprika. BAke at 350F for 30 minutes.
Roasted Brussels with Pecans and Butternut Squash
This side dish is one of my family's favorites! We have it every year. If you love brussels sprouts, you will love this fall twist on the vegetable.
Get the Recipe HERE: https://juliasalbum.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts-cinnamon-butternut-squash-pecans-and-cranberries/
Dessert
Jewish Apple Cake
My mom makes the most amazing Jewish Apple Cake. We always made it on Thanksgiving and enjoyed a piece on Black Friday to fuel our shopping day! This cake is dense, moist, and delicious. It’s a great way to use in season apples, too! My husband’s coworker said it was “the best ever.” I don’t take compliments lightly so I highly suggest you try this recipe. Get it below.
Ingredients: 4-5 thinly sliced apples, 5 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 c oil, 3 c flour, 2 c sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/3 c orange juice, 2 1/2 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs, 2 tsp baking powder.
Directions: Preheat over to 325F. Toss thinly sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Mix the remaining ingredients to make the cake batter. In a Bundt pan, layer cake batter and apples, alternating. Bake cake for 1.5 hours. Cool completely before inverting and serving.
Bruleed Pumpkin Pie
When I lived in Chicago, I only had one friend and she is an amazing baker. I dreamed about her biscotti… but this isn’t about biscotti (not until Christmas). This is about the fact that she introduced me to Broma Bakery.. a food blog that focuses on all things dessert. I’ve tried a lot of her recipes and they NEVER disappoint! She is one of my go to food bloggers when I’m looking for a dessert. This year I’m going to make her Pumpkin Pie recipe. Get it HERE: https://bromabakery.com/bruleed-pumpkin-pie/
Brown Butter Apple Bars
Another food blogger I love is Tieghan from Half Baked Harvest. Her recipes are really incredible and are easy to follow. I made these brown butter apple bars a few years ago and they were absolutely incredible. Another way to use up apples this season and takes a break from traditional pie desserts. You definitely have to try these bars! Get the recipe HERE: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/brown-butter-apple-blondies/
Cinnamon Bun Apple Bites
These cinnamon apple bites are something I created when Trader Joe’s came out with the cinnamon bun spread. This is a really easy dessert and would be a great recipe to get kids involved with. Get the recipe HERE: https://www.mealsbymoemoe.com/post/cinnamon-bun-apple-bites
Drinks
Apple Cider Mimosas
A mimosa, but replace orange juice with apple cider.. you will keep coming back for more.
Red Wine
You can’t go wrong with a smooth red wine on thanksgiving!
Fall Sangria
One year, I made this amazing fall sangria and I’m pretty sure only my uncle Buddy and I drank it 😂ever since I’ve stopped making it because my family isn’t big on sangria but if yours is.. definitely make a batch of sangria for you thanksgiving meal. Get the recipe HERE: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/thanksgiving-sangria/
Fresh Brewed Tea with Cranberry & Orange
I love to have fresh brewed iced tea in my house. I usually load the pitcher with lemon slices but for thanksgiving I like to change it up and put fresh cranberries and orange slices in the pitcher! It’s a fun and different way to serve a typical beverage.
Those are some of my Thanksgiving favorites. Be sure to let me know if you try anything this holiday season!
Xoxo,
Moe Moe
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