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Fall is a great time of the year. It kicks off the cozy season, the leaves start to change, pumpkin-spiced lattes are finally available and turkey day is right around the corner. Thanksgiving dinner is a staple among family and friends every November.
And while we all love spending the day eating, there is a lot of prep that goes into making an apartment Thanksgiving dinner. The traditional Thanksgiving menu includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
But sometimes, people don’t want to eat traditional food or have special dietary needs. So then what do you do? Fear not because there are other non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas that you can add to your dinner table this year. Whether you’re a Thanksgiving pro or this is your first time hosting don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
These are 15 non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas for you to try this holiday season.
1. Soup
Soup is a great addition to any meal, especially Thanksgiving, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. This year, why not add some pumpkin soup or pumpkin risotto to the menu? Use it as a starter before the main course. And obviously don’t forget to serve it with a delicious roll.
2. Roast beef
Don’t want to cook a turkey this year? Then consider cooking roast beef as your main course. Not only is it a fan favorite, but it also goes great with all the traditional Thanksgiving sides. Add a little mushroom gravy to the side for dipping. too.
3. Chicken stuffing casserole
If you don’t feel like cooking a meal with a million side dishes, then try this fresh twist on Thanksgiving dinner. It combines the main course and one of the most popular sides, stuffing, into one easy dish. Plus, it’s served in one serving dish so you’ll save on having to do so many dishes at the end of the evening, too.
4. Pasta
Who doesn’t love a nice big bowl of pasta? A great alternative to Thanksgiving dinner is pasta full of fall flavor. You can make butternut squash pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese that the whole family will love. And for the adults, pair it with a nice white wine to add that little je ne sais quois.
5. Roast chicken
Just because it’s a holiday meal, doesn’t mean you have to cook a roast turkey. Mix things up this year and make a roast chicken instead. Roast chicken can have incredible flavor when cooked properly. It also is great when served with mashed potatoes, green beans and even your favorite pie. Plus, you might have some leftovers for the next day.
6. Sweet potato curry
Vegan or not, this sweet potato curry is a delicious meal idea for Thanksgiving dinner. It has the flavor you grew up with and the added twist to make it special. It’s a great way to take a classic Thanksgiving menu item and a little zest.
7. Potpie
You can never go wrong with potpie. It has everything you need — the chicken or turkey, vegetables, gravy and most importantly, pie crust. Cook some of these flaky gems and your family will keep asking for more.
8. Lasagna
Just because it’s Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean you have to have turkey and gravy. This year, try out this Bechamel lasagna for dinner. It might not be what you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you won’t love it. And if you want to make it feel more like Thanksgiving, then serve it with some roasted vegetables or green beans.
9. Potato tortilla
Swap out your traditional mashed potatoes this year for a potato tortilla. It might seem like an unconventional dish, but it’s worth the risk. It’s a fun way to include the classic potato in the meal but add a fancier twist.
10. Butternut squash salad
Instead of serving butternut squash on its own, incorporate it into a salad this year. Mix it with some goat cheese, pomegranates and whatever else you’d like. This is a perfect addition to any holiday table. Plus, it’s a tasty and healthy way to get in your greens.
11. Salmon
This Thanksgiving dinner includes the land and sea on your table. Salmon is another fantastic non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner idea. Add it to your holiday menu this year and see how quickly it’s gone.
12. Gluten-free stuffing
So what you’re gluten free like 90% of people in SoCal? That doesn’t exclude you from having stuffing at Thanksgiving dinner. There are so many great gluten-free stuffing recipes around that you won’t even know it’s not made with traditional bread. This is a great option to include on your menu if you know certain guests have dietary restrictions due to celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
13. Pork tenderloin and vegetables
Wow your family and friends with pork tenderloin and roasted vegetables this Thanksgiving. We promise it’ll be a crowd-pleaser! Plus, pork usually doesn’t take as long to cook so you’ll save on time and oven space by swapping out the bird for the pork tenderloin.
14. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts have been all the rage the past couple of years and for good reason, too. Air fry or bake them with a little balsamic glaze and even your kids will gobble them right up.
15. Butter pecan pie cheesecake
Just when you think you can’t eat anymore, you find a little room for dessert. Whether it’s pumpkin pie, pecan pie or something new, people love a Thanksgiving dessert. Twist dessert up this year and combine your pecan pie with cheesecake.
Bring on the non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas
Thanksgiving is a special time of the year for everyone. It’s the time we gather together and are reminded of all the amazing things we have to be grateful for. While there are staples of Thanksgiving dinner, always save room for new ideas.
This Thanksgiving, be daring and add something new to your cooking repertoire. Surprise people with your new dishes! They’ll be a breath of fresh air from all the expected fare. And, who knows, these unconventional dishes might end up being your favorite.
Source: rent.com