Thanksgiving Day become first set aside in North America to have a good time the harvest bounty of the New World. It's a useful reminder for those people modern-day-day urban-dwellers conversant in full-size supermarkets that shelves and cabinets of inexpensive food could not always be so without difficulty taken with no consideration. It appears appropriate that as we deliver thanks for being capable of spend an afternoon with circle of relatives and buddies, we have fun with food ? And usually lots of it!
These are a number of my preferred fall wonderful ideas from the masses of recipes I've posted through the years. From breakfast or brunch thru to snacks and appetizers, dinner thoughts, soups, salads and side dishes, and ? Of route ? Treats and cakes, there may be some thing for each vegetarian or any family with vegetarians to feed at Thanksgiving. There are even some ideas in there for vegans or folks who want to try an Indian-themed Thanksgiving dinner for a one-of-a-kind experience. Your own family and buddies just is probably giving thanks in your cooking on the quit of the day!
Check out those and other menu thoughts on |
Breakfast & Brunch |
The heavenly aroma of baked pumpkin and spices in these light and fluffy waffles makes the most fragrant and delicious Thanksgiving breakfast imaginable, and it's a great way to start the day with a fall harvest classic.
Apple-Oatmeal Breakfast Streusel CakeAutumn harvest apples star in this warm and delicious apple-oatmeal breakfast cake with ground cinnamon and a sweet crunchy streusel topping.
Apfelpfannkuchen (Baked German Apple Pancake)This soft and sweet baked apple pancake feels like a soufflé in the mouth with the wonderful flavors and aromas of brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Indian-Style Baked Eggs FlorentineAn Indian-style update on the classic Eggs Florentine with homemade spiced creamed spinach, this is a simple, stunning and extraordinarily delicious breakfast.
Indian-Style Fried Egg and Potato CakeHungry morning people will be delighted to see this hearty and filling savory fried egg and potato cake with Indian seasonings on the table.
Appetizers & Snacks |
Save the seeds from your holiday pumpkins and make these easy homemade roasted pumpkin seeds — so tasty, everyone from kids to adults will love them.
Roasted Tamari AlmondsClassic crunchy home-roasted tamari almonds make a terrific Thanksgiving Day snack … or a terrific any-day-of-the-year snack, for that matter. One of my all-time favorite snack addictions, I used to buy these pre-made from stores, but they're really ridiculously easy to make yourself.
Pumpkin HummusYes, it is pumpkin hummus! A creamy blend of whizzed up chickpea and pumpkin with a hint of spice makes an attractive and delicious feature on your Thanksgiving table.
Olive Cheese BallsPlump green olives baked in a slightly spicy and crispy cheese pastry, these simple little balls are the perfect snack or appetizer.
Kalamata Olive TapenadeThis is a bold flavored fresh tapenade made with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and herbs — a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Goat Cheese and OlivesEarthy mushrooms stuffed with tart sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, spices and jalapeños, and creamy and salty goat cheese — these will put the wow in your appetizer tray.
Coleslaw Bites with Jalapeño DipSimple, sweet and savory golden fried cabbage coleslaw balls served with a creamy, tangy and zesty yogurt and jalapeño dip — these will disappear in no time.
Smoked Gouda GougèresThese light, airy and delicious smoked Gouda cheese puffs just melt in the mouth — they just might be my favorite appetizer, and they'll disappear in no time at all.
Eggplant Quinoa Bites with PestoOne of my latest favorite appetizers, broiled eggplant slices are topped with a quinoa pesto, slices of fresh tomato and melted cheese.
Tempeh Stuffed MushroomsAnother new favorite, and this one is vegan and surprisingly nourishing — plump and juicy mushrooms stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced quinoa and smoky chipotle fried tempeh.
Paneer Tikka MasalaA classic Indian appetizer, delicious chunks of paneer cheese are marinated in spicy and tangy yogurt and then broiled to a beautiful golden brown.
Samosa-Style Stuffed Baked PotatoesBaked potatoes stuffed with a samosa style spiced vegetable filling, this is a unique and popular treat that can be served as a mid-day snack, a starter or side, or a late-night party food.
Dinner Ideas |
Rich, hearty, earthy and delicious, this gorgeous mushroom nut roast loaded with quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes and spices and seasonings all wrapped in a golden puff pastry is the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner, vegetarian or otherwise.
Spicy Lentil Quinoa Nut RoastThis hearty, nourishing and delicious spicy vegetarian "meatloaf" made with lentils, quinoa, mushrooms and cashews will satisfy even the carnivores in the family.
Indian-Style Samosa PotpieA rich, savory baked pie with a samosa-style potato, chickpea, spinach and vegetable filling in a flaky butter pie crust — this is a magnificent centerpiece for a special dinner, one that will appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and none of your guests will leave the table hungry.
Curried Vegetarian Shepherd's PieShepherd's pie is classic hearty fall comfort food, and you and your guests won't miss the meat at all with this curried vegetarian version made with lentils, vegetables and spinach topped with a light fluffy golden brown potato and sweet potato mash, especially when it's served with a savory portobello mushroom gravy.
Crusted Cornmeal Chickpea PotpieA vegetarian version of the classic chicken potpie, spiced sweet potato and carrots with buttery soft chickpeas are baked under a golden brown cornmeal crust topping — a colorful, hearty and delicious fall dinner centerpiece.
Vegetarian Mushroom BourguignonTender chunks of plump portobellos and chewy dried lobster mushrooms are simmered into a rich, thick and fragrant red wine sauce and served over a bed of steaming egg noodles — this is a gorgeous main course.
Chickpea Patties Smothered in Vegetable GravySpiced and lightly fried chickpea patties are smothered in a thick, hearty and delicious vegetable gravy made with your favorite fall vegetables
Vegetarian Cassoulet with Bread ToppingA rich and savory baked bean and vegetable casserole with dried herbs and a baked bread and Parmesan cheese topping — a filling and nourishing dinner for everyone.
Southern-Style Pinto Beans with Rice and Fried EggplantLooking for something a little different and treating your guests to a little Southern style hospitality? These hearty pinto beans are simmered in a rich, tangy and spicy barbecue-style tomato sauce with hickory smoke flavoring, and topped with fried eggplant slices for a truly unique and entertaining main dish.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Herbed Cannellini and ArtichokesTender roasted golden orange butternut squash mixed with a baked casserole of creamy cannellini beans, delicate artichokes, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, this vegan dinner is amazingly good.
Brussels Sprouts RisottoRisottos may not be traditional Thanksgiving fare, but they're always an elegant addition to an entertaining table — and an especially appealing fall addition when cooked with Brussels sprouts and topped with golden fried crispy Brussels sprout quarters.
Brussels Sprouts LasagnaAnother not-so-traditional Thanksgiving entrée maybe, but this lasagna stuffed with mushrooms, cheese and sliced balsamic Brussel sprouts would make a rich, sumptuous and delicious centerpiece.
Mushroom Spaghetti BologneseAny guest — meat-eater or vegetarian or vegan — will be delighted with this rich, smoky and delicious vegan version of the classic Italian spaghetti bolognese.
Roasted Eggplant InvoltiniA vegan version of classic Italian "little bundle" food featuring savory roasted eggplant and tomatoes rolled into slices of fried eggplant and served with tomato sauce — a special dish for special guests.
Baked Beans with Nigerian SeasoningsWhat is Thanksgiving dinner without baked beans? This vegan baked beans dish is one of my favorites, cooked with peanut butter and a delicious Nigerian-style seasoning.
Curried Red Kidney Beans with PaneerLooking for a spectacular Indian main course? This red kidney bean curry served with tender pieces of fried paneer cheese is rich, earthy, spicy and incredibly flavorful.
Black-Eyed Pea Pumpkin CurrySweet pie pumpkin roasted and then combined with earthy black-eyed peas and Indian spices to make this colorful, filling and nourishing curry.
Sides, Salads & Soups |
Scalloped potatoes are a mainstay of every holiday meal, and these soft, creamy and buttery potatoes get a special treatment worthy of the occasion with generous layers of a tangy and aromatic mushroom sauce that I maintain is simply the "best ever".
Greek-Style Cauliflower Gratin with Feta and OlivesThis cauliflower gratin is elevated with tomatoes, plump Kalamata olives, feta cheese and Greek seasonings. Lovely to look at and wonderfully fragrant, it`s so delicious I kept making it again and again.
Homemade Creamed CornAnother fixture of holiday meals, creamed corn is so much creamier and tastier when you make it yourself at home, and it's very easy too.
Classic Mulligatawny SoupMulligatawny soup is an almost essential starter for an Indian themed Thanksgiving meal, and especially warming on a cold autumn day. This is a truly classic version of this traditional soup.
Curry-Laced Pumpkin and Potato SoupLaced with just a hint of curry spice, this simple creamy pumpkin and potato soup is a lovely, nourishing and delicious way to start a Thanksgiving dinner.
Sweet Potato Chickpea SoupClassic fall root vegetables and chickpeas are cooked with gentle spices in a colorful, simple, warming and delicious bowl of soup that will make a big impression on your diners.
Hearty Lentil BorschtFall is the season for hearty soups and root vegetables, and there's nothing heartier or more satisfying than a hot bowl of this colorful sweet red beet borscht cooked with lentils, carrots and potatoes and a zesty seasoning.
Quinoa Stuffed TomatoesFresh garden tomatoes stuffed with a spicy and savory quinoa, olive and herb mixture, this is one of my most popular recipes and makes an attractive addition to any table.
Roasted Beetroot with Toasted Walnuts and YogurtThis simple salad of roasted beets and toasted walnuts in a tangy yogurt dressing will add plenty of color and texture to the start of your meal.
Creamy ColeslawA classic salad at just about any kind of get-together, you can't go wrong serving this quick and easy coleslaw with a tangy and creamy dressing and just a little kick.
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw Dressed with AvocadoOr you might want to entertain your vegan friends with this variation on the classic coleslaw tossed with a creamy, tangy and zesty avocado and mustard dressing — it might even be tastier than the original, and you won't miss the mayonnaise.
Spicy Indian Green BeansA serving bowl of green beans is a fixture on holiday tables, and these lightly fried crunchy green beans simmered in coconut milk get dressed up with an aromatic blend of Indian seeds.
Cauliflower and Pea CurryGreen peas and lovely fresh cauliflower are cooked until just tender in gentle and fragrant Indian spices and seeds for a delicious and truly gorgeous side dish.
Indian-Style Roasted Squash CurryMyself, I'm thankful for Indian food! Fork-tender pieces of roasted squash simmered in a hot and fragrant Indian-spiced curry is just the thing for the fall table.
Brown Rice and Blue Cheese Gratin with Cauliflower and BroccoliThis savory brown rice, cauliflower and broccoli gratin with a zippy blue cheese sauce is so rich, it could almost be the main course — serve this if you want to spoil and fill your guests.
Yellow Lemon Rice with Fried CashewsAnother classic side dish for Indian dinners, this lovely and fragrant yellow lemon rice tossed with golden brown fried cashews and Indian seasonings is simple to make and vegan friendly too.
Southern-Style Buttermilk BiscuitsPerfectly light, flaky and buttery, these classic Southern-style biscuits are easy to make and have a wonderful little tanginess from buttermilk — a fantastic accompaniment to a Thanksgiving or any special meal.
PopoversSimple, light and fluffy, these "egg-y" popovers make a great addition to any group dinner — slather with butter and sprinkle salt and pepper on top of a hot popover for a real treat.
Cheddar Dijon BiscuitsA simple and always popular solution for filling out your meal, these biscuits have a delicately crusty exterior surrounding a melt-in-your-mouth fluffy interior of Cheddar cheese accented with parsley and Dijon mustard.
Classic CornbreadAnother great way to fill out a meal, and one that's vegan too, this simple classic cornbread is a fall favorite — dense, filling and loaded with plenty of cornmeal flavor and crunch.
Treats & Desserts |
Make several batches of these moist and flaky pumpkin scones with pumpkin pie spice, and your guests will enjoy them all day long with breakfast, lunch and dinner, and as snacks and dessert. The aroma of the pumpkin pie spices will linger in your kitchen for hours.
Pumpkin PieThis is the classic finish to a Thanksgiving dinner — homemade spiced pumpkin pie with fresh pumpkin baked in a flaky butter crust.
Pumpkin CheesecakeIf you're looking for something a little special to end your Thanksgiving dinner, this simple, light and creamy and not-too-sweet crustless pumpkin cheesecake with pumpkin spices will delight your guests.
Quick and Easy Pumpkin Molasses Chocolate Chip BreadMoist, delicious and wonderfully fragrant, this quick and easy pumpkin bread sweetened with molasses could double as a breakfast loaf or a dessert — and it's all vegan too.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding with Banana and AvocadoNo time to bake a pumpkin pie but craving pumpkin pie flavor? Try this ridiculous easy no-bake pudding with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spices, avocado and banana — it's not only rich and creamy, but it's good for you too!
Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese LoafNo pumpkin in the house? In that case, this "cheesecake" loaf bursting with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon is moist, rich, creamy and delicious.
Caramelized Corsican Apple TartOne of my favorite treats, this custardy caramelized cake loaded with gooey baked apples is deliciously decadent but surprisingly easy to make.
Sour Cream Blueberry CakeMoist delicious glazed bundt cake bursting with blueberries in every bite, this is one of my favorite desserts for entertaining. Everybody loves it.
Olive Oil Almond CakeIf you're looking for a dessert that's not quite so rich and sweet but delicious and appealing as well, try this simple olive oil and almond cake — it's light enough to serve with your afternoon tea or coffee.
Homemade Peanut Butter CupsLooking for some after dinner treats? These easy-to-make homemade chocolate peanut butter cups are rich and decadent — your guests will feel entirely spoiled.
Quick and Easy Healthy Peanut Butter BallsOr if you're looking for a healthier guilt-free treat in the evening after a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner, these quick and easy no-bake peanut butter balls are creamy, milky and wholesome — peanut buttery deliciousness in a bite-size ball.