12 Unique, Mouthwatering Dishes to Bring to the Thanksgiving Table This Year

The annual Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t just have to be turkey and mashed potatoes (although potatoes are unashamedly my comfort food).

So… were you asked to bring a side dish to the family dinner and you’re just not sure what to make? Here are some fresh and new ideas, from finger foods to tasty sweets.

Finger Foods:

1. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels

This recipe is super simple, uses few ingredients and is a people-pleaser. With honey and chives, it’s both sweet and savory, and so easy to quickly throw in the oven!

2. Goat Cheese, Apple & Honey Tarts

These crispy, baked pastries are topped off with a drizzle of honey, a perfect pair with the tangy cheese and sweet, fresh apple. These tarts could certainly pass for either a dessert or an appetizer, but I’m sure you’ll want to dig in as soon as you see ’em!

3. Cheesy Bacon “Holiday Crack”

Coining the name “holiday crack” by Half Baked Harvest for its addictiveness, this super easy-to-make app is to die for. You can use store-bought chips to make the process even easier, so all you need is brown sugar, maple syrup, bacon, cheese and a dash of cayenne pepper. Sweet, salty, cheesy… the perfect snack!

4. Butternut Squash and Feta Pastries

This sweet snack makes a great appetizer, and will have everyone asking for the recipe! Red pepper flakes make this tart a little bit spicy, or leave them out for a more sweet & savory flavor.

Sharable Apps and Sides:

5. Baked Brie with Pomegranate

Last year I was obsessed with the cranberry-brie crescent rolls – for good reason. Maybe this year I’ll try a little spin off on my favorite by adding pomegranate, honey, orange zest and of course serving with thin crackers. Check out the recipe here.

6. Cauliflower Cheese

A traditional British recipe, this side dish is so simple and tasty. It can act as a healthy stand-in for mac n cheese, with many of the same flavors. Whether you prefer it soft or cooked to a golden crisp, this dish makes a great side or appetizer.

7. Cranberry Whipped Feta

This dish is the perfect combination of sweet, savory and cheesy! If you love feta, you’ll fall in love with this recipe. You can use store-bought cranberry sauce, or follow the instructions on this recipe to make your own!

Sweets:

8. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Use this recipe for inspiration for your own little bite-sized pies. Who doesn’t love pumpkin? These desserts are adorable and so much easier to serve than a massive falling-apart pie that your cousin got into before the first course was even finished.

9. Rum Cake

Sick of pumpkin? My mom always loves to make a homemade rum cake, and it’s a big hit. This easy recipe calls for yellow cake mix, dark rum and vanilla among other baking ingredients.

10. Chocolate-Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

This flavor combination is the perfect fall dessert! With semi-sweet chocolate, fresh pumpkin and tangy cream cheese, this dessert is to die for – and the hardest part is waiting for the cheesecake to chill. Follow along this helpful recipe for tips on how to make the best cheesecake and know when it’s done cooking.

11. Layered Brownie Trifle

This dessert not only looks stunning with its 3 layers but is also perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth! With brownie, mousse and whipped cream, it’s a crowd pleaser for sure.

12. Apple Fritter Bread

Who doesn’t love a sweet bread? To make it even easier for those who don’t like to cook from scratch, this pull-apart bread recipe only calls for 4 ingredients. Use whatever cinnamon rolls or crescent roll doll you like best, and top it off with apples, sugar and cinnamon. With a drizzle of sugary glaze on top, this dish looks AMAZING.

Enjoy!

Spice up the usual dinner with these unique recipes to wow the fam’.

Tag me on Instagram @yourstrulycattaylor if you try any of the above recipes!

Yours Truly,

Cat Taylor