33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas to Surprise Your Guests
Go way beyond turkey this year.
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If you're looking to shake up your typical Thanksgiving dinner menu, you've come to the right place! This collection of non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas is perfect for anyone who wants to try something new, like a fun fall pasta recipe or a creative twist on Thanksgiving pies! Of course, you can still incorporate a few of your favorite traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, too, but you may also want to give your guests a good surprise by adding in some spicy holiday recipes or even a bacon-wrapped turkey that's sure to impress dinner guests.
Looking to ditch the same old turkey and stuffing altogether? Here, you'll find plenty of unexpected main courses, fun Thanksgiving appetizers, and more. Think: pumpkin risotto, crab-stuffed mushrooms, mashed potato pancakes, and turkey meatloaf. You can also choose from one of the vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner ideas, like creamy butternut squash pasta or mushroom gravy. These would be perfect for a Friendsgiving celebration, too! Once you have your non-traditional Thanksgiving menu planned out, all you need to finish the meal is a dessert that's equally unpredictable—like say, a chocolate Thanksgiving dessert?
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin
This recipe takes classic potatoes au gratin to the next level! It's layered with caramelized onions and lots of cheese.
Beef Burgundy
Get ready for meltingly tender beef, veggies, gravy, and a pile of mashed potatoes. This dish feels special enough for any holiday feast.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Turkey Meatloaf
Looking to go more casual on Thanksgiving this year? Try a meatloaf made with ground turkey! It has that classic ketchup glaze that your family will love.
Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
A special occasion like Thanksgiving calls for a special side dish like this creamy mac and cheese loaded with fresh lobster! Whatever you do, don't forget the crispy breadcrumb topping.
Get the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe.
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
While you might not typically think of serving hummus on Thanksgiving, this easy appetizer is excellent for keeping your family happy while you wrap up the cooking. This version features roasted garlic and pumpkin for a taste of fall!
Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie
You won't miss the turkey with this hearty and flavorful main course. It's packed with butternut squash, mushrooms, spices, and covered in a golden brown lattice crust.
Get Ree's Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie recipe.
Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Just because you're switching things up doesn't mean it can't be comforting. This creamy, cheesy broccoli chicken casserole is topped with buttery crackers for the ultimate comfort food.
Get Ree's Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Traditional mashed potatoes get a crispy, cheesy makeover in this recipe. Pair them with green onions and sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Mashed Potato Pancakes recipe.
Chicken Fried Turkey
Shake things up with this crispy alternative to the classic whole-roasted turkey! The breaded and fried turkey cutlets taste exceptionally delicious when served with creamy turkey gravy.
Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe.
Cheese Soufflé
Get ready to hear the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when you bring this over-the-top side dish to the holiday table. It's an impressive savory soufflé that's light and cheesy.
Get the Cheese Soufflé recipe.
Cauliflower Steak
These thick slabs of cauliflower are roasted to perfection. You can doctor them up with lemon pepper seasoning, bbq rub, or even top them with a drizzle of chimichurri.
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This is not your typical mac and cheese, but it's still an all-around crowd-pleaser! The dish gets an extra dose of creaminess from pumpkin puree and the garlic butter breadcrumbs are the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Ranch Potatoes
Instead of simple roasted potatoes, give your spuds a zesty ranch-flavored spin! They're extra crispy, flavorful, and delicious when served up with a hearty spoonful of creamy ranch dressing.
Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
For a hearty alternative main course that's just as impressive as the turkey itself, look no further than this butternut squash lasagna! Each layer is loaded with hot Italian sausage, butternut squash puree, spinach, and plenty of cheese.
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey
Ree Drummond gave her turkey recipe a "little makeover" by making a glaze with plenty of heat. Even the gravy is made with adobo sauce from the can of chipotles!
Get Ree's Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey recipe.
Pumpkin Chili
Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving potluck or Friendsgiving menu, this fall-inspired chili is a comforting addition. The pumpkin puree and ground cinnamon make it feel extra-seasonal.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
Wow your family with a homemade risotto. It's something you might find at a restaurant, but it's surprisingly easy to make at home and this one is full of seasonal fall flavors.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
If turkey is non-negotiable when it comes to your family Thanksgiving, we get it! At least make it a turkey like you've never seen before—wrapped in bacon!
Get Ree's Bacon-Wrapped Turkey recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are like mini, individual versions of your favorite sweet potato casserole. They even have a crumbly streusel topping!
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Potato Galette
Your friends and family will *flip* for this potato recipe made in a skillet. It's extra crispy and delicious no matter what your main course might be.
Get the Potato Galette recipe.
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