36 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas to Wow Your Guests
Go way beyond turkey this year.
If you've made the same turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole for as long as you can remember, it might be time to mix things up this Thanksgiving! These non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas are perfect for anyone ready to shake up the usual Turkey Day menu with something fun, flavorful, and perhaps a little unexpected.
Of course, you don't have to skip the classics entirely—there's no shame in keeping your favorite stuffing recipe or a tried-and-true Thanksgiving pie. But sprinkling in a few new side dishes might exactly what your holiday meal needs to feel fresh again. Maybe that means swapping mashed potatoes for a creamy fall pasta, trying a cozy casserole with a twist, or even surprising everyone with a bacon-wrapped turkey that'll have the whole table talking.
Looking for something totally outside the box? This list includes creative Thanksgiving mains, vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, and Thanksgiving appetizers that bring big flavor to the table. From pumpkin risotto and curried veggie pot pie to mashed potato pancakes and crab-stuffed mushrooms, these recipes prove you don't have to stick with the same old bird and gravy routine. And if you're planning a Friendsgiving, even better! That's your chance to get really playful with the menu before the official holiday feast. Once you've picked your new favorite Thanksgiving dishes, just finish things off with an equally unpredictable Thanksgiving dessert (we're looking at you, chocolate lovers!).
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin
This isn't your everyday potatoes au gratin. Each layer is packed with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and rich flavor that's cozy enough for fall but fancy enough for Thanksgiving dinner.
Beef Burgundy
This slow-cooked beef with vegetables and red wine gravy practically melts when you touch it with a fork. Spoon it over mashed potatoes and you'll have everyone hovering near the stove.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
Turkey Meatloaf
Skip the big turkey this year and go with a loaf that's easy and flavorful. The glossy ketchup glaze makes this unexpected twist on a classic a comfort food that tastes like home. No carving knife required!
Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and full of buttery lobster, this is the definition of a special-occasion mac and cheese. Don't skip the crunchy breadcrumb topping—it's what makes the whole thing sing.
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. The roasted garlic adds depth, the pumpkin brings a touch of sweetness, and it's all-around fall in a bowl!
Cacio e Pepe Pie
This recipe tosses spaghetti in a rich cheese sauce with plenty of cracked black pepper, then bakes it in a springform pan until it slices like a dream. The result is gooey wedges with irresistibly crispy edges.
Get Ree's Cacio e Pepe Pie recipe.
French Onion Stuffed Potatoes
All the best parts of French onion soup—sweet onions, melty cheese, and rich flavor—get stuffed right into baked potatoes. One bite of these cheesy, oniony beauties and you'll be making them year after year.
Get Ree's French Onion Stuffed Potatoes recipe.
Pumpkin Penne alla Vodka
This fall version of the classic pasta dish adds pure pumpkin purée, and it makes the creamiest, coziest side. It's also the perfect excuse to add extra carbs to your Thanksgiving table!
Get Ree's Pumpkin Penne alla Vodka recipe.
Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie
Packed with mushrooms, butternut squash, and cozy spices, this vegetarian main feels every bit as festive as a turkey. The golden lattice crust on top seals the deal, because it's as pretty as it is satisfying.
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 easy to make and impossible not to love!
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.
Welcome Fall with a Wreath on Your Front Door
Quick and Easy Apple Tart
Dreamy Apple Pie
Apple Bread Pudding
