By: Kira Chick
It’s that time of year where we all start preparing to go up a pant size from all of the amazing holiday foods that come with the season. We’re all familiar with the typical Thanksgiving menu; turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and so many more. Although tasty and delicious, it’s what we have every year. Are you looking to spice up your Thanksgiving and stray from the traditional menu? Here are a few delicious twists on some classic holiday favorites.
Cornbread sausage stuffing is the perfect spin from traditional bland white bread or boxed stuffing. Cornbread adds the perfect sweetness to this side dish and is balanced by the taste of spicy (or sweet) sausage, rather than the traditional turkey flavor. SJU Junior, Skylar Althouse, tried this recipe for herself, and said it was delicious. After baking it, she gave us a tip; make sure the consistency is paste-like, rather than thick! Check out this twisted yet tasty recipe!
By: Skylar Althouse
Maple Orange Cranberry Sauce (Vegan)
If you’re sick of the boring bowl of cranberry sauce sitting on your Thanksgiving table, this is the perfect recipe for you. This creative side dish incorporates sweet maple syrup and zesty orange juice to give your cranberry sauce a tangy and sweet surprise, with of course, ripe cranberries to still keep it original. This sauce can be made three days ahead of it being served, and can be made quickly and efficiently! Interested in this delicious spinoff? Here’s the recipe!
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese (Can be made vegan or gluten free!)
This tasty side dish could end up being the yummiest comfort food ever during the Thanksgiving holiday. It is also is surprisingly healthy, and can be made vegan! The dish has many options; it can be made from scratch, or if you’re on a time crunch, with your favorite mac and cheese brands such as Velveeta or Kraft. In addition, heavy cream is substituted for the perfect fall flavor of pumpkin, cutting back many calories as well as giving you 200% of your daily dose of Vitamin A! This dish can also be made with butternut squash instead of pumpkin, and noodles can be substituted for rice, quinoa, or even veggies! See the many options of this tasty side with this recipe!
Cheesy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
The classic reaction to brussel sprouts tends to be along the lines of “ew” and even the smell can make people shutter. However, this decadent spin on brussel sprouts will have you asking for seconds. In this new recipe, brussel sprouts are covered in melted sharp white cheddar (or any cheese you choose), and crispy bacon. Although brussel sprouts are healthy and nutritious, the gooey cheese and crispy bacon will make it seem like you aren’t even eating veggies. Check out the full recipe here!
To finish with a delicious dessert, this recipe is a perfect way to top off your twisted Thanksgiving. The tastes of fall classics ingredients come together to give you a creamy and flavorful dessert with the cheesecake. This incorporates the tastes of a pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and flakey graham cracker crust into the perfect ending for your meal. For more on this recipe, click here!
By: Skylar Althouse
There are many classic Thanksgiving recipes that can be twisted for a different meal every year. You’ll most likely be eating a TON of food on Thanksgiving, so why not stray from what you ate last year and create a delicious meal? If you need more ideas for unique and tasty dishes for the upcoming holiday, you can also try Paprika Roast Turkey, or yummy Mustard and Tarragon Roasted Sweet Potatoes. With twists like this, you’ll be more than thankful this holiday season.
