Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

Toss your boring Thanksgiving dishes out the window and try something new and crazy and fun. Regular mashed potatoes? Nope. Standard stuffing? Not this year. Roasted whole turkey? We're making a turkey purse instead. We're not kidding. It's a turkey purse. (You'll have to keep reading to learn more about it.)

Wow your guests with any of the recipes ahead, which all take a dish you're used to and put a new spin on it. Some of them might even be something you would have never even thought of trying, and that's what makes them exciting. Your guests will thank you for such an amazing holiday experience. We promise!

01

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Put a twist on mashed potatoes by adding goat cheese.

Get the recipe: goat cheese mashed potatoes

02

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

Pumpkin and Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

You can't go wrong with the most iconic Fall flavor: pumpkin!

Get the recipe: pumpkin and cheddar scalloped potatoes

03

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

Red Hot Oyster and Kimchi Dressing

Bet you never thought of adding oysters and kimchi to your Thanksgiving dressing.

Get the recipe: red hot oyster and kimchi dressing

04

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Stuffing Muffins

Turn your standard stuffing into an appetizer by making it in muffin pans.

Get the recipe: stuffing muffins

05

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

Squash Casserole

Anyone can have regular squash, so why not bake it into a festive casserole instead?

Get the recipe: squash casserole

06

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole With Sweet ‘n’ Savory Bacon Pecans

This recipe adds bacon to your potato casserole. That should convince you to try it.

Get the recipe: bourbon sweet potato casserole with sweet 'n' savory bacon pecans

07

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (8)

Coca-Cola Ham

You read that right. This recipe includes Coca-Cola in your ham.

Get the recipe: Coca-Cola ham

09

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

Cranberry Apple Pie

Invoke the flavors of Thanksgiving with this tasty pie.

Get the recipe: cranberry apple pie

10

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

Pecan Pie Shooters

Break your pecan pie down into something more fun with these shooters.

Get the recipe: pecan pie shooters

11

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

Roasted Red Kuri Squash and Wild Rice Salad

Try out a new type of squash for Thanksgiving — like red kuri squash.

Get the recipe: roasted red kuri squash and wild rice salad

12

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

Boneless "Turkey Purse" With Stuffings and Peppercorn Gravy

Yes, you read that right. This is a turkey purse stuffed with all the good things Thanksgiving has to offer.

Get the recipe: boneless "turkey purse" with stuffings and peppercorn gravy

13

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (14)

Bourbon Maple Pumpkin Seed Caramels

These could be a dessert or even a sweet appetizer if you so choose.

Get the recipe: bourbon maple pumpkin seed caramels

14

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

Tahini-Thyme Brussels Sprouts

Make your brussels sprouts stand out on the table with the addition of fun flavors.

Get the recipe: tahini-thyme brussels sprouts

15

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (16)

Rice Pilaf With Cranberries and Pears

Throw cranberries into your rice for a pop of tart sweetness.

Get the recipe: rice pilaf with cranberries and pears

16

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (17)

Savory Pumpkin Custard

If you make this recipe, you absolutely have to serve it in a pumpkin. It's required.

Get the recipe: savory pumpkin custard

17

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (18)

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This isn't your regular lasagna! It's packed with squash fit for a Thanksgiving table.

Get the recipe: butternut squash lasagna

18

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (19)

Cranberry Salad

Toss out your boring cranberry sauce and make a cranberry salad instead.

Get the recipe: cranberry salad

19

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (20)

Deep-Fried Stuffing

If your family is the type that loves fried food, this recipe is for you.

Get the recipe: deep-fried stuffing

20

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (21)

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Pack your acorn squash full of this delicious quinoa mix.

Get the recipe: quinoa stuffed acorn squash

21

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (22)

Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese

What's better than plain brussels sprouts? Brussels sprouts made into mac and cheese.

Get the recipe: brussels sprouts mac and cheese

22

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (23)

Air Fryer Baked Brie With Cranberry Filling

Dust off your air fryer for this delicious holiday recipe.

Get the recipe: air fryer baked brie with cranberry filling

23

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (24)

Cheddar Apple Butternut Squash Soup With Cinnamon Pecan Crumble

Start your Thanksgiving meal with this yummy warm soup.

Get the recipe: cheddar apple butternut squash soup with cinnamon pecan crumble

24

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (25)

Cheddar Rye Apple Hand Pies

Send your guests out the door with one of these hand pies.

Get the recipe: cheddar rye apple hand pies

25

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (26)

Mini Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pies

How darling are these mini mushroom and goat cheese pies?

Get the recipe: mini wild mushroom and goat cheese pies

26

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (27)

Sweet Potato Noodles With Prosciutto and Cranberries

Instead of roasting or mashing your sweet potatoes, why not make them into noodles?

Get the recipe: sweet potato noodles with prosciutto and cranberries

27

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (28)

Banana Bread Pudding

Give your bread pudding a fruity twist by using bananas.

Get the recipe: banana bread pudding

28

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (29)

Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash

Try making this Fall recipe in your Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot stuffed acorn squash

29

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (30)

Thanksgiving Pull-Apart Bread

This recipe may be billed as leftover pull-apart bread, but you could also make it for the main show.

Get the recipe: Thanksgiving pull-apart bread

30

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (31)

Beer Bread Muffins

Beer bread muffins? Sign us up.

Get the recipe: beer bread muffins

31

Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (32)

Turkey Soup With Stuffing Dumplings

Rather than roasting your turkey, try making a soup with it instead.

Get the recipe: turkey soup with stuffing dumplings

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Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (33)
Wow Your Guests With 30+ Totally Creative Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How much Thanksgiving food do I need for 30 people? ›

Three or four bites of food per person should be plenty.

How much food do I need for 20 people for Thanksgiving? ›

How Much Food to Make for Thanksgiving
Menu ItemSmall (2 to 4 )Large (14 to 20 )
Appetizer13 to 4
Soup4 cups16 cups
Turkey (whole)6 pounds18 to 25 pounds
Salad12 to 3
9 more rows
Oct 29, 2021

What do you make for Thanksgiving as a guest? ›

What should guests bring to Thanksgiving?
  1. Pumpkin cheesecake. Make a savory yet sweet pumpkin cheesecake. ...
  2. Cinnamon rolls. ...
  3. Spiced apple cider. ...
  4. Brie toasts. ...
  5. Crudite cups. ...
  6. Deviled eggs. ...
  7. Charcuterie board. ...
  8. Butternut squash lasagna.
Nov 22, 2023

How do you cook a large group for Thanksgiving? ›

The best dishes to make for big groups are things that you can make ahead, which is why casseroles are such a Thanksgiving icon. Mac and cheese, green bean casserole, stuffing or dressing (whichever name you call it), and baked yams can all be finished in advance and put into the oven while your turkey is resting.

How many trays of food do I need for 30 guests? ›

Full Trays generally serve 25-30 people, half trays, 12-15 people depending on the quantity of other foods served.

How much turkey do I need for 30 adults? ›

The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest. If you're buying boneless meat, assume about 8 ounces per guest.

How do you feed a lot of people on Thanksgiving? ›

Plan Ahead:

Making and freezing a large batch of your favorite recipe ahead of time to have on hand will save you a bunch of time—and cleanup. Keep it simple (you'll have ample opportunity to impress your guests on Thanksgiving) and go for one-pot wonders you can easily reheat, like a hearty stew.

How many sides should a Thanksgiving dinner have? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

How many cups of stuffing do I need for 20 people? ›

In order to fill the cavity of the bird you are stuffing, you should make 3/4 cup of stuffing per person. You may not be able to fit all the stuffing into your turkey. If this is the case, then you can even make a casserole to fill up your guests!

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What is a good menu for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
  • Roast Turkey. So, what are the top five traditional Thanksgiving foods? ...
  • Pumpkin Pie. If you only make one dessert for your traditional Thanksgiving food ideas, make sure that it's pumpkin pie. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Smoked Turkey. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Gravy.
2 days ago

What are the top 20 Thanksgiving foods? ›

Recipes Featured in this Article
  • Caramelized Brussels Sprouts.
  • Spicy Sweet Potato Casserole.
  • Collard Green and Black Rice Salad with Coconut-Lime Dressing.
  • Mashed Potato Casserole with Gruyère and Browned Onions.
  • Easy-As-Pie Pumpkin Bars.
  • Caramel Apple Pie.
  • Flourless Soy Sauce Brownies.
  • German Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Nov 16, 2023

What do most people serve for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I'm with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.

How to make a Thanksgiving buffet? ›

People naturally want to move from left to right at a buffet table, so take advantage of that flow: start with stacks of plates on the left end of the table, then follow them with the turkey (and any other big proteins you might be serving) and then heavy, starchy dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing (and anything ...

15 Big-Batch Thanksgiving Recipes to Feed a ...PureWowhttps://www.purewow.com ›

These big batch Thanksgiving recipes will feed even the rowdiest of families and friends on Turkey Day. From fast turkey to au gratin potatoes, get our 15 favor...
Starting early (dinner is served around 4:30) helps, too. But the best way to get an advantage on dinner for a crowd is to cook ahead, so that come Thanksgiving...
The early arrival of guests makes Thanksgiving feel like it starts a few days early. Here are some easy ways to feed the holiday crowd, giving you more time to ...

How much is enough food for 30 people? ›

Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet. Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.

How much turkey and ham for 30 people? ›

You'll need a total of about 1 pound per person of all bone-in meats or 1/2 pound per person for boneless meats. Here is a quick guide to how many pounds of ham and turkey you will need depending on if the meat is bone-in or boneless (assuming a 50/50 split of turkey and ham being served):

How many people will 20 lb turkey feed at Thanksgiving? ›

A 20-pound turkey will feed between 12 and 14 people.

How many pies do I need for 20 people for Thanksgiving? ›

At least 4. Three. With apps, main course, a bunch of starchy sides, and ice cream, 20 people can't finish off three pies. I do an apple, pumpkin, and chocolate silk for Thanksgiving.

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