Creative Thanksgiving Menu

It can be a challenge to come up with a creative Thanksgiving menu, especially if your guests are turkey-and-mashed-potato purists.

You can serve something special and satisfy traditional tastebuds by using typical Thanksgiving ingredients in surprising ways. Consider adding one or two of these dishes to your dining table, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, make it a truly memorable meal with our suggestions for Thanksgiving menu alternatives.

Appetizers

+ Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Goat Cheese from Smitten Kitchen. Typically served as a side, sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have. But when thickly sliced and topped with a seasonal mixture that includes cranberries and pecans, they’re an unexpected appetizer.

+ The Winter Squash Dip is a flavourful, garlicky dip that can be made ahead of time, so you can spend time enjoying it with guests. From Martha Stewart.

Sides

+ Haricots Verts, Roasted Fennel and Shallots. Boring green beans get a sophisticated upgrade when roasted with fennel and shallots. From Bon Appetit

+ Stir-fried Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Parmesan from Simple Bites. Brussel sprouts have a bad rap; kids and adults alike tend to steer clear of this cruciferous veggie even when it’s in season. Surprise their taste buds with this stir-fried version. A healthy splash of lemon and a pinch of parm keep the flavour light, balancing out a typically heavy meal.

+ The Wasabi Mashed Potatoes will add fusion flavour to your Thanksgiving table!

Desserts

+ Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee that is baked and served inside a mini pumpkin. Better Homes and Gardens gave this classic dessert a Thanksgiving twist.

+ Cranberry-Poached Pears. For a light dessert option, this sweet and tart dish looks gorgeous and takes advantage of the season’s fruit harvest. From Martha Stewart.