Tasty Twists on Thanksgiving Recipes
Written by Hannah Strandberg
In 1621, Plymouth pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians shared a meal together to celebrate the harvest. Since they didn’t have Amazon Fresh back then, the original Thanksgiving recipes only included local foods like waterfowl, corn, squash, berries and deer. That’s right; sadly, butter and wheat flour was not readily available for pilgrims to whip up a few pumpkin pies.
Still, it sounds like something we all wish we could go back in time to see. A handful of colonies turned the meal into an annual tradition, but it wasn’t until 1823 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Since that first meal over 200 years ago, Thanksgiving food has elevated beyond spit-roasted ducks and blackberries. Now we spend days in the kitchen, whipping out creams, custards and sauces, sneaking sips and bites as we go along, all to prepare for the most beloved day in November.
We’ve taken to the Internet to find some of the most tantalizing, mouth-watering Thanksgiving day recipes out there, and each one comes with a tasty twist on its traditional counterpart. Take a look at what we found!
P.S. You might want to grab a snack first.
Looking for farmhouse-style fall decorations? Click here to find our top picks! Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!
Green Bean Cheddar Casserole
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a cheesy twist on classic Thanksgiving recipes. Not only is this recipe delicious, it looks beautiful!
Brie, Apple and Honey Crostinis
These elegant treats keep the tummy-rumbles away while your guests wait for the main event. Plus, they're simple and easy to make.
Pumpkin Mac 'n Cheese
Pumpkin mac 'n cheese? That's one we never thought we'd see, but we're so glad we did. It's a bold spin on an American favorite—surprise friends and family by putting it on the table this Thanksgiving!
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
No, you're not dreaming, that really is a turkey wrapped in crispy, yummy bacon. Stun everyone at the table with a centerpiece that looks complicated to make (but is actually easy!)
Pineapple Cranberry Sauce
Sweet 'n tangy, that's how we like our pineapple-cranberry sauce. This tropical twist is sure to be a crowd-favorite.
Spiced Sweet Potato Tian
Doesn't this look like art? It's healthier than the many sugar-coated sweet potato recipes out there and packs a savory punch that's just as delicious.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
If you're tired of finding abandoned apple cider glasses all over your house, try these apple cider donuts! They're baked, not fried, so there'll be no oil popping in your face while you make these beauties.
Blueberry Maple Cornbread in a Skillet
Mmm, blueberries baked in cornbread? Yes, please! Hide a juicy blue surprise in your cornbread this year, and the fact that it's baked in a skillet just adds to your farmhouse cred.
Triple-Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
If you make this, we just have one piece of advice: Move fast and get yourself a slice of this triple-chocolate pumpkin pie before its creamy decadence gets gobbled up!
Cornbread and Apple Stuffing
You'll want to stuff your face with this stuffing recipe that boasts a delightful addition of cornbread and apple chunks. If you make it every year, why not mix it up a little, right?