Need Something to Make for Thanksgiving? Here Are 19 Recipes to Add to Your Table

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so we're sharing some recipes that might be something a little different to add to your menu this year. We’ve got suggestions for casseroles, sides, veggies, sweets, and a couple of cocktails for you to try out.

If you want some tips from a food industry professional on how to get through preparing a Thanksgiving meal, Milk Street’s culinary director shared some advice with us last year.

Roast Turkey and Gravy with Herbes de Provence and Lemon

If you're looking for a recipe for your centerpiece, this roast turkey recipe from America's Test Kitchen has got you covered. Be sure to read the whole recipe through ahead of Thanksgiving, as you need to start preparing the turkey at least 24 hours in advance. And it will take up precious oven space for up to three hours, so plan accordingly. 

Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Bacon

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, apples, and shallot cook quickly in this easy side dish with flavors perfect for Thanksgiving. The recipe comes from the cookbook Milk Street Simple.

Savory Sweet Potato Gratin

This Milk Street recipe is a good substitute for the classic sweet potato casserole. The bonus? No marshmallows needed. If you’ve got a lot to cook, the gratin can be made a day ahead.

Ligurian Potato, Green Bean, and Mushroom Gratin

Milk Street also offers a fresh take on the classic green bean casserole with this potato, green bean, and mushroom gratin. It works as a side or a main dish for vegetarians.

Tater Tot Hotdish

If you’re from Minnesota, you probably know what hotdish is. These baked casseroles typically include protein and vegetables bound in a creamy sauce with a starch, making them a great add-on for Thanksgiving. Give this recipe for Tater Tot Hotdish from Cook’s Country a try.

Mashed Potatoes with Caraway-Mustard Butter

Add a little bit of kick to your mashed potatoes with this Milk Street recipe. Horseradish gives them a little bit of a sweet heat.

Mashed Potato Pancakes

These mashed potato pancakes from PBS are a great way to repurpose the huge amounts of leftovers from Thanksgiving.

Chickpea Stew with Honey-Roasted Cauliflower and Root Vegetables

This recipe from PBS host Diane Kochilas of My Greek Table works well as a great vegetarian main and a simple sheet-pan recipe.

Mac 'n' Cheese from Bell Heir's BBQ and Luella's Southern Kitchen

When Tyris Bell, the brother of Luella's chef Darnell Reed and the restaurant's manager, opened his own spot, Bell Heir's BBQ in Canaryville, he also decided to include this decadently cheesy recipe on his menu.

Pastitsio

If you’re looking for a different kind of casserole, this recipe for pastitsio (sort of like a Greek lasagna) from America’s Test Kitchen could be a good fit on Thanksgiving, and is hearty enough to be a main course.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Browned Butter-Orange Vinaigrette

This recipe is the epitome of fall food. Roasted pistachios add some texture to this warm, buttery side. The recipe can easily be doubled if you have a lot of guests at your table.

Roasted Baby Artichokes

This recipe comes from Monteverde’s Sarah Grueneberg and was created by “happy accident.” With an herb marinade, this dish turns out like fried artichoke chips but without the hassle of a mandoline. It could be a fitting side or something to snack on while people wait for the big meal.

Pumpkin Seed Rolls

Your Thanksgiving rolls can be more than just gravy-dipping vehicles; bring in the flavors of the season with some pepitas for these rolls from Milk Street. These are best when made the day of serving.

Cranberry Curd Tart with an Almond Crust

The vibrant color of this cranberry curd tart from America’s Test Kitchen will brighten up any Thanksgiving table. This recipe is great for Christmas and other winter holidays, too.

French Apple Cake

Not a fan of pie? This apple cake recipe from Milk Street brings all the warmth and flavors of a traditional apple pie.

Pumpkin Tart

If pumpkin pie is too dense for you, this tart serves as a lighter version, while sautéing the pumpkin puree with dark brown sugar adds a caramel flavor.

S'mores Bars with Toasted Meringue

If you’ve got kids coming over for Thanksgiving, try this sweet treat from Milk Street. Adults who may have grown out of their love of marshmallows can try it too, since the marshmallows here have been replaced with an airy meringue.

Bijou Cocktail

Add some spirit to your Thanksgiving with this cocktail from Milk Street editorial director J.M. Hirsch. This gin cocktail is ideal for people who like bourbon or want a slightly brighter version of an Old Fashioned.

Tia Barrett's Riff on a Kir Royale

If you’re in the mood for a champagne cocktail, this twist on a classic kir royal from Tia Barrett, the beverage director at Lincoln Park’s upscale Esmé, will add some sweet, floral notes to your meal.