The Thanksgiving Feast: What's Your "Must-Have" Dish?

by SkinnyScoop Team posted to Food & Drink | 10,554 views

Whether it's warm roast turkey, buttery potatoes, sweet cranberry sauce of a plate piled high with tasty treats, we want to know: what's your "must-have" Thanksgiving dish? Links to your own blog posts, recipes or photographs are encouraged!

COCKTAIL: The Autumn Buck

Lantern’s Keep’s Autumn Buck: a concoction of ginger syrup, apple brandy, lime juice, allspice and other ingredients is the perfect holiday cocktail to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy. Components: 0.5 oz Lime Juice 1 oz Orange Juice 0.75 oz Ginger ...

Suggested by jyork:

Intimate, cozy and recently hailed as one of Time Out New York’s Best Winter Bars, Lantern’s Keep is quickly becoming a hotspot for cocktail aficionados, Broadway stars, theatre goers and business professionals alike.

APPETIZER: Cranberry Orange Salsa

amzn.to

1 Like

Suggested by reneeferguson:

Cranberry-Orange Salsa is an easy recipe that does triple duty to make you look like a rock star! Perfect to serve on a block of cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer, delicious colorful sidedish and fabulous on sandwiches the next day!

APPETIZER: Fig & Toasted Almond Brie

allrecipes.com

4 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by Sher:

This is a tantelizing appetizer to nosh on before after the big meal. It goes great with turkey (think sweet cranberry sauce or this).

Jackie: I have been craving figs and goat cheese but this sounds like an awesome combination! Must try :)

APPETIZER: Red Potatoes With Tomato-Avocado Salsa

Not so long ago, I fell in love with mini twice-baked potatoes. Naturally, I just had to try another recipe for a bite-size potato; this time I made potatoes topped with tomato-avocado salsa. These potatoes are less labor intensive, but just as

yumsugar.com

1 Like 1 Save

Suggested by Jackie:

These look delicious!! And they are vegetarian..I think I will be trying these this coming feast day :)

APPETIZER: Chicken Liver Pate' Crostini

A classic appetizer in Italy is chicken liver crostini, served in homes as the perfect welcome antipasto with a glass of prosecco for hungry dinner party guests.

Suggested by Ashley Bartner:

Pate' + Prosecco = Perfect Start

SIDE DISH: Tangy Roasted Brussel Sprouts

These roasted brussel sprouts are caramelized to perfection then tossed with a tangy sauce for an easy Thanksgiving side dish.

mymansbelly.com

3 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by Pamela Braun:

This brussel sprouts will convert even the most stubborn of eaters that they're delicious. Warning: they are very addicting.

Jackie: I am going to have to try this recipe. I have a new found love of this veggie but do not know how to cook it!

SIDE DISH: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes

This is my new favorite recipe and will be on the table this thanksgiving!

Suggested by Courtney Foster:

Prep time is 10 minutes at the most but the taste is amazing!

SIDE DISH: Brussel Sprouts

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts: Simply roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, and makes for an irresistible and healthy side dish that even ardent vegetable haters might like.

Suggested by Matt @ FaveDiets:

This is by far one of the tastiest dishes that gets served at my Thanksgiving table, and I think I look forward to these Brussels sprouts more than anything else served.

SIDE DISH: Grilled Artichokes with Basil Curry Sauce (via The Healthy Apple) *VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE*

I'm not gunna lie. When I think of artichokes, I think of lots of work in the kitchen and that's simply time we just don't have, right? Wrong.

thehealthyapple.com

3 Likes 2 Comments

Suggested by Amie Valpone:

Gluten-Free, Vegan and Dairy-Free. Perfect for Turkey Day!

Eden Godsoe: This sounds delicious.

Krista: I really want to try this!

SIDE DISH: Sauteed Green Beans

1 Like 1 Save

Suggested by Krista:

I absolutely LOVE sauteed green beans. Perfect with potatoes & some ham. I also pick ham over turkey any day!

SIDE DISH: Peas & Onions

breezymama.com

7 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by Alex Cushman Ota:

My must-have Thanksgiving dish is the easiest thing in the world--peas and pearl onions, which are found in the frozen food section of your grocer. My grandmother, and then my mother, has served this dish for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember, and it's the ONLY time of year that we eat it.

Eden Godsoe: Big fan of peas!

SIDE DISH: Stuffing

3 Likes 2 Comments

Suggested by Fawnda Camarillo:

Proper.

Jackie: My mom makes such good stuffing! I wish I could have it for lunch right now :)

hihorosie: stuffing is a MUST!

SIDE DISH: Thanksgiving Stuffing

The stuffing is my favorite "must have." It’s fairly hard to mess up stuffing, so when I saw these variations, I knew I had to try at least one.

Suggested by Carol:

Poblano peppers, chorizo and cornbread...the perfect twist to the usual stuffing!

SIDE DISH: Herb Stuffing Muffins

A classic Thanksgiving recipe for herb stuffing, baked in muffin tins to maximize the best part - the crispy edges!

cookingontheside.com

4 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by Kathy Strahs:

It's not Thanksgiving at our house without the stuffing - these stuffing muffins give the perfect individual portions, with plenty of crispy edges. :-)

Jackie: Interesting...stuffing is definitely one of my favorite sides and I like this concept. I will have to check it out :)

SIDE DISH: Thanksgiving Stuffing (cooked in a Pumpkin on your BBQ!)

This unique stuffing recipe with sausage, ham and wild rice is cooked in a pumpkin on your BBQ. Makes an interesting thanksgiving dinner centerpiece that will impress your guests and family.

tasteofbbq.com

2 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by IanB:

This recipe is becoming popular as people look for interesting alternatives to presenting traditional thanksgiving recipes. This stuffing recipe takes a bit of time but the taste and visual appeal will have your family asking for it every year.

Larissa: This is unique indeed, what a festive and fun idea. Thanks IanB!

SIDE DISH: Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

3 Likes

Suggested by Jackie:

I LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy! Such a classic and simple side yet will always be my favorite and must have dish for Thanksgiving.

SIDE DISH: Roasted Butternut Squash with Oregano & Mint

Hearty fall dish, perfect for the holidays.

Suggested by Ashley Bartner:

A spin on squash - not the same nutmeg & cinnamon recipe!

Jackie: Sounds good!

SIDE DISH: Cranberry Sauce

Suggested by Beuna Tomalino:

I never like cranberry sauce until my daughter found this recipe. Now we make it every year. It is simple to make, healthy, and tasty!

SIDE DISH: Classic Cranberry Mold (via The Green Samaritan)

From Williams Sonoma - this cranberry mold made with fresh cranberries is easy and soooo good. An absolute must have now at every family Thanksgiving dinner in our home.

thegreensamaritan.com

3 Likes 1 Comment

Suggested by GreenSamaritan:

Easy, healthy and beautiful on the table!

Eden Godsoe: Looks yummy and love the mold from Williams Sonoma

SIDE DISH: Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash with Five-Spice Marshmallows

A delicious sweet potato and butternut squash casserole that is revved up by some five spice powder.

Suggested by Joanne Bruno:

This is list-worthy because it's a fun spin on a classic recipe that will leave your guests reaching for spoonful after spoonful!

Show more...

comments (43)

SkinnyScoop Team asks: Give us the dish (literally!): What food do you look forward most?

Add an item
Add a compliment

Beuna Tomalino added:

 I never like cranberry sauce until my daughter found this recipe. Now we make it every year. It is simple to make, healthy, and tasty!

SIDE DISH: Cranberry Sauce

eatyourlandscape.blogspot.com

Like SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Jackie added:

 These look delicious!! And they are vegetarian..I think I will be trying these this coming feast day :)

APPETIZER: Red Potatoes With Tomato-Avocado Salsa

yumsugar.com

Not so long ago, I fell in love with mini twice-baked potatoes. Naturally, I just had to try another recipe for a bite-size potato; this time I made potatoes topped with tomato-avocado salsa. These potatoes are less labor intensive, but just as

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Blond Duck added:

 My long time favorite is this pecan pie...I write an ode to it every year!

DESSERT: Pecan Pie

aduckinherpond.com

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Erin added:

 You don't have to worry about breaking the crust!

DESSERT: Skillet Apple Pie via America's Test Kitchen

americastestkitchen.com

Saw this on Red Tricycle and it looks delish. Apple pandowdy harks back to Colonial-era New England—the dessert takes a more rustic approach to apple pie in that it features just one pastry crust, placed on top of a lightly sweetened apple..

Like SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Native Foods Cafe added:

 The coconut milk makes these tubers nice and rich and creamy and the roasted garlic adds an amazing flavor profile.

SIDE DISH: Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes *VEGAN*

youtu.be

Mashed potatoes with coconut milk and roasted garlic.

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Native Foods Cafe added:

 Green bean casserole is a great tradition! Grandma will never know her recipe has no dairy these days... It is that good!

SIDE DISH: Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots *VEGAN*

youtu.be

Fresh green beans, mushrooms, crispy shallots and breadcrumbs in a delicious creamy (non-dairy) sauce.

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Native Foods Cafe added:

 This light yet creamy gratin is the perfect side dish as it incorporates potatoes, fennel and apples in one dish! A true fall casserole. They are sliced very thin then layered with a cashew based cream sauce! Dairy-free and delicious... and sure crowd pleaser.

SIDE DISH: Potato Fennel Gratin *VEGAN*

blog.nativefoods.com

Thinly sliced Yukon Golds, fennel, and apples layered with a creamy cashew sauce then topped with bread crumbs and baked till bubbly and a light golden brown.

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Alex Cushman Ota added:

 My must-have Thanksgiving dish is the easiest thing in the world--peas and pearl onions, which are found in the frozen food section of your grocer. My grandmother, and then my mother, has served this dish for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember, and it's the ONLY time of year that we eat it.

SIDE DISH: Peas & Onions

breezymama.com

Like (7) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Lacey Lybecker added:

 This Bok Choy Salad is an "un"-traditional Thanksgiving side dish worth making any time of year!

SIDE DISH: Bok Choy Salad via A Greener Kitchen

agreenerkitchen.com

Bok Choy Salad may not sound like a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, but it has become tradition in my family. My mom has been making this dish for years and her sisters still call a week before to ask if she’s bringing the Bok Choy Salad....

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Courtney Foster added:

 Prep time is 10 minutes at the most but the taste is amazing!

SIDE DISH: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes

cookingupafamily.com

This is my new favorite recipe and will be on the table this thanksgiving!

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Swati Sapna added:

 3 delicious cakes that can make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!

DESSERT: 3 Delicious Cakes

theweekendepicurean.blogspot.com

Some delicious cake recipes

Like SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Swati Sapna added:

 Sometimes the simplest of things make a day special...an all-time favorite!

DESSERT: Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Muffins

theweekendepicurean.blogspot.com

Choco chip muffins

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Swati Sapna added:

 A must have for every meal... And whats Thanksgiving without some potatoes?!

SIDE DISH: Fried Sweet Potatoes

theweekendepicurean.blogspot.com

Sweet Potato Fries

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Claudia added:

 We all love Thanksgiving for one main reason: Food! Fear no more! Compliment your tasty turkey with some of these easy side dishes inspired by Trader Joe's of course.

RELATED LIST: Cheat Sheet for a Trader Joe's Thanksgiving

skinnyscoop.com

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

IanB added:

 This recipe is becoming popular as people look for interesting alternatives to presenting traditional thanksgiving recipes. This stuffing recipe takes a bit of time but the taste and visual appeal will have your family asking for it every year.

SIDE DISH: Thanksgiving Stuffing (cooked in a Pumpkin on your BBQ!)

tasteofbbq.com

This unique stuffing recipe with sausage, ham and wild rice is cooked in a pumpkin on your BBQ. Makes an interesting thanksgiving dinner centerpiece that will impress your guests and family.

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

reneeferguson added:

 Cranberry-Orange Salsa is an easy recipe that does triple duty to make you look like a rock star! Perfect to serve on a block of cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer, delicious colorful sidedish and fabulous on sandwiches the next day!

APPETIZER: Cranberry Orange Salsa

amzn.to

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Danielle Giordano Caldwell added:

 This simple vegetarian recipe makes for a moist, delicious Tofurky Roast and will have you asking, does it get any easier then this?

MAIN COURSE: Aunt Jean's Crock Pot Tofurky *VEGETARIAN*

tofurky.com

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Ashley Bartner added:

 Pate' + Prosecco = Perfect Start

APPETIZER: Chicken Liver Pate' Crostini

latavolamarcherecipebox.blogspot.com

A classic appetizer in Italy is chicken liver crostini, served in homes as the perfect welcome antipasto with a glass of prosecco for hungry dinner party guests.

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Ashley Bartner added:

 A spin on squash - not the same nutmeg & cinnamon recipe!

SIDE DISH: Roasted Butternut Squash with Oregano & Mint

latavolamarcherecipebox.blogspot.com

Hearty fall dish, perfect for the holidays.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Anthony Codispoti added:

 Cooking with just 1 teaspoon of edible green tea leaves gives the same number of antioxidants found in 30 cups of brewed tea.

MAIN COURSE: Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce & Edible Organic Green Tea Leaves (via Eat Green Tea)

eatgreentea.com

Tired of turkey dishes? Try another popular holiday poultry dish. Few things compare in taste to succulent duck with with a plum sauce accent.

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Betty added:

 Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten--no kidding!

DESSERT: Allergen-Friendly Pumpkin Bread Recipe

bettycrocker.com

Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread.

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Matt @ FaveDiets added:

 This is by far one of the tastiest dishes that gets served at my Thanksgiving table, and I think I look forward to these Brussels sprouts more than anything else served.

SIDE DISH: Brussel Sprouts

favedietsblog.com

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts: Simply roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, and makes for an irresistible and healthy side dish that even ardent vegetable haters might like.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

The Conscious Plate added:

 This article provides some great tips for a Conscious Thanksgiving Plate; one that will taste delicious and leave you feeling great. Plus two delicious recipes just in time for Thanksgiving!

MAIN COURSE: A Concious Thanksgiving Plate

theconsciousplate.com

The Conscious Plate - The way food was meant to be.

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

The Fresh Diet added:

 It's easy to make and comes in at less than 300 calories & packs 23 grams of protein - gobble gobble!

LEFTOVERS: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Wrap (via The Fresh Diet)

blog.thefreshdiet.com

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, here’s a healthy recipe for you all to enjoy when you’ve got extra turkey lingering in your refrigerator! This is a great wrap sandwich to enjoy the day after (or the next few days after) Turkey Day....

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

jyork added:

 Intimate, cozy and recently hailed as one of Time Out New York’s Best Winter Bars, Lantern’s Keep is quickly becoming a hotspot for cocktail aficionados, Broadway stars, theatre goers and business professionals alike.

COCKTAIL: The Autumn Buck

thelanternskeep.com

Lantern’s Keep’s Autumn Buck: a concoction of ginger syrup, apple brandy, lime juice, allspice and other ingredients is the perfect holiday cocktail to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy. Components: 0.5 oz Lime Juice 1 oz Orange Juice 0.75 oz Ginger ...

Like (12) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Kathy Strahs added:

 It's not Thanksgiving at our house without the stuffing - these stuffing muffins give the perfect individual portions, with plenty of crispy edges. :-)

SIDE DISH: Herb Stuffing Muffins

cookingontheside.com

A classic Thanksgiving recipe for herb stuffing, baked in muffin tins to maximize the best part - the crispy edges!

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Sher added:

 This is a tantelizing appetizer to nosh on before after the big meal. It goes great with turkey (think sweet cranberry sauce or this).

APPETIZER: Fig & Toasted Almond Brie

allrecipes.com

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Spice Islands added:

 This bird is unlike any you’ve tasted with a generous dose of spices, bourbon and aromatics

MAIN COURSE: Spice Islands Vanilla Brined Turkey

spiceislands.com

This bird is unlike any you’ve tasted with a generous dose of spices, bourbon and aromatics

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Spice Islands added:

 A non-traditional twist on Thanksgiving sweet potatoes.

SIDE DISH: Spice Islands Sweet Potato Risotto

spiceislands.com

A non-traditional twist on Thanksgiving sweet potatoes

Like (5) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

bha1016 added:

 Enjoy as a delicious mid-afternoon snack or after your turkey dinner!

DESSERT: Pumpkin Spiced Smoothie (via Claire Robinson)

• 1 ½ cups ice • 1 container (6 oz.) low fat coffee yogurt • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice • 1/4 cup Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream -Combine ice, yogurt, pumpkin pie spice and Natural Bliss in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve in glass.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Pamela Braun added:

 This brussel sprouts will convert even the most stubborn of eaters that they're delicious. Warning: they are very addicting.

SIDE DISH: Tangy Roasted Brussel Sprouts

mymansbelly.com

These roasted brussel sprouts are caramelized to perfection then tossed with a tangy sauce for an easy Thanksgiving side dish.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Jackie added:

 Dessert is my favorite part of any meal, so here are some great recipes for desserts other than the traditional pumpkin pie.

RELATED LIST: Beyond Pumpkin Pie | 15 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts Recipe Roundup

thekitchn.com

Cranberry Curd Bars with Walnut Shortbread Crust

Like SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Carol added:

 Poblano peppers, chorizo and cornbread...the perfect twist to the usual stuffing!

SIDE DISH: Thanksgiving Stuffing

associaliving.com

The stuffing is my favorite "must have." It’s fairly hard to mess up stuffing, so when I saw these variations, I knew I had to try at least one.

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Jackie added:

 I LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy! Such a classic and simple side yet will always be my favorite and must have dish for Thanksgiving.

SIDE DISH: Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

GreenSamaritan added:

 Easy, healthy and beautiful on the table!

SIDE DISH: Classic Cranberry Mold (via The Green Samaritan)

thegreensamaritan.com

From Williams Sonoma - this cranberry mold made with fresh cranberries is easy and soooo good. An absolute must have now at every family Thanksgiving dinner in our home.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Chef Amy Fothergill added:

 By far, the best recipe I have used. My students love this and you make the no-fail crust in a food processor.

DESSERT: Pumpkin Pie (via The Family Chef) *GLUTEN FREE*

thefamilychef.blogspot.com

This recipe is quite near to my heart; it was my first blog entry 4 years ago! I make it these days with a gluten-free crust and it still comes out perfect every time.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Amie Valpone added:

 Gluten-Free, Vegan and Dairy-Free. Perfect for Turkey Day!

SIDE DISH: Grilled Artichokes with Basil Curry Sauce (via The Healthy Apple) *VEGAN & GLUTEN-FREE*

thehealthyapple.com

I'm not gunna lie. When I think of artichokes, I think of lots of work in the kitchen and that's simply time we just don't have, right? Wrong.

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Eden Godsoe added:

 Maybe its not a "must have" dish but it certainly is a "can't go wrong" inclusion. Pumpkin seed brittle is yummy on its own or served with pie, ice cream or other sweets.

DESSERT: Pumpkin Seed Brittle

sophistimom.com

A great spiced pumpkin seed brittle recipe from Sophistimom

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Kristl Story added:

 Dessert...it's the most important course!

DESSERT: Pumpkin Cheesecake (via The Budget Diet)

thebudgetdiet.com

This Pumpkin Cheesecake is frugalicious (frugal and delicious) because it will cost you less than $10 to make. Compare that to just under $50 for The Cheesecake Factory’s Pumpkin Cheesecake, and yes – it’s as good as The Cheesecake Factory!

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Joanne Bruno added:

 This is list-worthy because it's a fun spin on a classic recipe that will leave your guests reaching for spoonful after spoonful!

SIDE DISH: Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash with Five-Spice Marshmallows

joanne-eatswellwithothers.com

A delicious sweet potato and butternut squash casserole that is revved up by some five spice powder.

Like (4) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Fawnda Camarillo added:

 Proper.

SIDE DISH: Stuffing

Like (3) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Larissa added:

 Casseroles aren't really my thing, and I'm kinda meh on sweet potatoes, but I LOVE this dish. The sweetness balances out the meal and it's always a crowd pleaser!

SIDE DISH: Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

allrecipes.com

My family begs me to make this creamy baked dish every Thanksgiving and Christmas. What makes it so good is the pecan topping! Try it and I'm sure it will become your new tradition!

Like (2) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion

Krista added:

 I absolutely LOVE sauteed green beans. Perfect with potatoes & some ham. I also pick ham over turkey any day!

SIDE DISH: Sauteed Green Beans

Like (1) SkinnyScoop Team promoted this suggestion