The Best New Trendy Thanksgiving Recipes for 2024
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and share a meal that's both traditional and trendy. If you’re looking to shake things up this year, we’ve gathered the hottest new recipes for a modern twist on Thanksgiving classics. From creative takes on turkey to plant-based dishes, these recipes are sure to impress.
1. Spiced Maple Butter Roasted Turkey
Forget the plain roasted turkey! This year's trend is all about layering flavors with spices and sweet notes. The combination of cinnamon, smoked paprika, and a maple-butter glaze creates a perfectly crisp and flavorful turkey skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the turkey dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and paprika.
- Rub the turkey with the butter mixture, getting under the skin for maximum flavor. Stuff with fresh herbs.
- Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 3-4 hours depending on the size), basting occasionally.
2. Miso Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are having their moment, and this miso-honey glaze brings an umami twist to this trendy vegetable. The combination of salty, sweet, and savory flavors makes this a standout side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Once the sprouts are golden brown, toss them in the miso glaze and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
3. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
For a cozy, hearty side dish, this creamy butternut squash risotto infused with sage is the perfect new addition to the Thanksgiving table. It offers a rich, velvety texture with a hint of earthy herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Roast the diced butternut squash at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a large pan, sauté shallots in olive oil. Add the rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the wine, stirring until absorbed. Gradually add broth, one ladle at a time, while continuously stirring.
- Once the rice is creamy and cooked through, stir in the roasted squash, Parmesan, and fresh sage. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Harissa Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots are taken to the next level with this sweet and spicy glaze. The harissa adds a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots in olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, honey, and lemon juice.
- Toss the roasted carrots in the harissa glaze and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
5. Cranberry Pomegranate Relish
Skip the canned cranberry sauce this year and opt for a fresh, tangy relish. Pomegranate seeds add a trendy pop of color and texture, while the orange zest brightens the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
- In a food processor, pulse the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon until combined but still chunky.
- Stir in the pomegranate seeds. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
6. Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
For a dairy-free, crowd-pleasing dessert, these vegan pumpkin cheesecake bars offer a smooth and creamy texture without the use of traditional cream cheese. They’re perfect for guests with dietary restrictions!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted coconut oil and press into the bottom of a lined baking dish.
- Blend the soaked cashews, pumpkin puree, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until set. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
These trendy Thanksgiving recipes offer something new for everyone at your table. Whether you're adding a touch of global flair with harissa and miso or offering plant-based options like the vegan cheesecake bars, these dishes will create a memorable and modern Thanksgiving feast! Happy cooking!
