Top Thanksgiving Dishes To Try This Year
When autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there's an unmistakable buzz of anticipation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving dinner is not just a meal—it's an age-old tradition that brings families and friends together around the table, fostering gratitude and creating lasting memories. The thought of a tasty Thanksgiving dinner - complete with roast turkey, flavorful side dishes, and the classic apple pie - beckons us to the dining table. More than just a culinary delight, the Thanksgiving holiday has deep roots in American history, a day to pause, reflect, and be thankful for the past year's blessings.
The Thanksgiving holiday's history is deeply rooted in the early days of America. The first Thanksgiving was a three-day feast in 1621, celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Native Americans as a way to give thanks for a bountiful harvest after a challenging year. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, ensuring that every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans would come together to reflect on their blessings. While roast turkey, apple pie, and various other dishes have become staples of the modern Thanksgiving menu, the essence of the celebration—gratitude and unity—remains unchanged.
And while Thanksgiving food can sometimes be synonymous with fatty foods and indulgent feasts, having a healthy and delicious meal is possible. From fresh takes on classic Thanksgiving side dishes to innovative mains that go beyond the standard roast turkey, there's a world of possibilities to explore during the holiday season.
As we venture into this guide, we aim to balance tradition and nutrition, showcasing Thanksgiving recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. So, whether you're curating a classic Thanksgiving menu or looking to infuse new flavors into your holiday spread, we've got you covered.
Do you find yourself constantly on the go but still want to indulge in healthy foods? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted various delicious recipes and groceries delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether juggling work, family, or other commitments, Hungryroot helps you enjoy mouthwatering foods without compromising your health goals. Get started today by taking our personalized quiz and start your health journey right from day one!
Our Favorite and Healthy Thanksgiving Foods
All American Turkey Meatloaf + Green Beans: This All-American dish features a hearty Florentine turkey meatloaf accompanied by tender trimmed green beans. With its rich and savory flavors, the meatloaf is baked until it's thoroughly warmed, then sliced to serve. On the side, green beans are steamed, offering a crunchy contrast to the meatloaf's rich texture. Boasting 34g of protein per serving, this meal ensures everyone stays full while keeping the calorie count modest at 340 per serving. Paired together, the turkey meatloaf and green beans are both rich in taste and nutritional value, making this a prime choice for this festive season.
Garlicky Turkey Tenderloin + Rosemary Potatoes: This Thanksgiving recipe is a standout due to its simplicity and balanced flavors. This savory dish pairs garlic and pepper turkey tenderloin with aromatic rosemary heirloom potatoes. To prepare, the turkey is seared in a skillet until browned while the potatoes are crisped to perfection, and steamed trimmed green beans provide a refreshing crunch. This dish is filled with a generous 43g of protein per serving. If you’re looking for a balanced and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving menu, opt in for this turkey tenderloin and rosemary potato recipe.
Turkey + Brie Thanksgiving Sandwich: This delightful Thanksgiving sandwich seamlessly combines the classic flavors of a festive feast into a quick and satisfying meal. Oven-roasted turkey breast is layered with creamy brie bites and tangy cranberry sauce, all sandwiched between two golden, toasted stuffin' muffins. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth brie, creating a fusion of flavors reminiscent of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. A great option for Thanksgiving leftovers, this sandwich helps you enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving in a lighter, more convenient form without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Family-Size Turkey Meatballs With Cranberry Glaze: These meatballs promise to be a hit at any dinner gathering. This recipe blends the savory ground turkey with aromatic garlic and herb seasoning, combined with crushed croutons, resulting in meatballs that are moist, flavorful, and packed with a satisfying crunch. Once baked, the meatballs are generously coated with a warm cranberry sauce, balancing the savory flavor of the meatballs. Whether savored on their own or paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this Thanksgiving staple is not to be missed.
The Easy Turkey Day Plate: This holiday meal features seasoned turkey meatballs and the earthy flavors of roasted halved Brussels sprouts. Adding a festive flair, these elements are combined with holiday-stuffing vegetable rice and a drizzle of cranberry sauce. With a delicious blend of flavors and nutrition, this easy turkey day plate promises to be a tasty and wholesome addition to your holiday menu.
Family-Size Sweet Potato Marshmallow Boats: This family-friendly recipe elevates the traditional pairing of sweet potatoes and marshmallows. Mashed sweet potatoes serve as the centerpiece of this dish, with a touch of fresh rosemary. Vegan marshmallows are then nestled atop, providing a toasty sweetness when baked. With a delightful contrast of textures and flavors and its focus on healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, these boats are a stellar choice for a festive yet health-conscious Thanksgiving dinner spread.
Family-Size Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: This luxurious side dish captures the essence of hearty Thanksgiving fare. The recipe combines creamy russet potatoes with the aromatic notes of roasted mashed garlic puree. Adding creme fraiche adds to the dish’s richness, resulting in a mouthwatering mashed potato dish that pairs well with Thanksgiving main dishes like turkey, pork, and fall vegetables.
Family-Size Balsamic Bacon Glazed Brussels: The recipe is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, combining Brussels sprouts and the crisp sweetness of Gala apples. The vegetables and apples are oven-roasted until tender and golden. On the side, smoked pork bacon is pan-fried and crumbled, introducing a deep smoky note. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar tops off the dish, adding a tart edge that rounds out its diverse flavors.
Family-Size Creamy Thyme Mac ‘n Cheese: Serve this kid-approved Thanksgiving side dish this holiday, and watch as guests eagerly return for seconds. This recipe is a blend of chiocciole pasta combined with a creamy classic alfredo and sharp cheddar cheese sauce. The dish's unique spin comes from the fresh thyme, which is roughly chopped and mixed into the pasta. Once combined, the pasta is transferred to a baking dish, topped with a layer of cheese, and baked until golden and crispy. We recommend balancing this hearty dish with a lighter, vegetable-based side to maintain a well-rounded, nutritious Thanksgiving dinner.
Turkey Meatloaf + Cauliflower Mash: This recipe is ideal for those in search of a healthier, low-carb twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. This meal features a mouthwatering combination of florentine-style turkey meatloaf and keto-mashed cauliflower. The meatloaf is conveniently prepared by simmering the unopened pouch in a pot of boiling water, resulting in tender slices of meatloaf. On the side, the mashed cauliflower provides a low-carb, creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Ground Bison Stroganoff: Opting for this dish as part of your Thanksgiving menu brings a unique twist to the traditional fare. It features ground bison meat, which is seasoned and seared, then paired with the hearty baby bella mushrooms, all enveloped in a savory mushroom gravy. Opting for this stroganoff for your Thanksgiving menu introduces a contemporary twist to a classic dish.
Garlic Pepper Roasted Turkey + Sweet Potato Mash: This recipe features the garlic pepper roasted turkey paired with soft and creamy mashed sweet potatoes and sauteed Brussels sprouts. The rich mushroom gravy also blankets the dish with an extra layer of savory warmth.
Staying Creative With Thanksgiving Foods
Crafting the perfect Thanksgiving meal is an art, a blend of tradition and innovation. There are endless ways to elevate popular Thanksgiving foods, whether adding a drizzle of maple syrup to your pecan pie or infusing your casserole dish with the refreshing tang of lemon zest. A sprinkling of brown sugar here, a splash of olive oil there, and you're already on your way to culinary excellence. Don't shy away from introducing new elements like fresh herbs to your wild turkey or a dollop of sour cream to enhance traditional dishes.
With a dash of creativity and a willingness to experiment with ingredients, this year's Thanksgiving feast can be both familiar and refreshingly new. So, as you gather around the table, adorned with dishes brimming with flavors and memories, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. Remember, the unique twists and personal touches make the celebration truly special.
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