Five Unusual Dishes To Make For Thanksgiving To Wow Your Guests

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA: Thanksgiving is all about tradition, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But if you’re looking to shake things up this year and surprise your guests with something new, why not break away from the usual menu?

From savory twists to unexpected desserts, here are five unusual dishes that will make your Thanksgiving dinner truly unforgettable.

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Wow Your Thanksgiving Guests With These Five Dishes:

1. Butternut Squash Risotto with Sage and Brown Butter

While mashed potatoes are often the star of the Thanksgiving side dish lineup, why not swap them for a creamy, comforting risotto? Butternut squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the dish, while sage and brown butter bring a savory, aromatic depth. The combination of textures, creamy risotto with tender bits of squash, will be a delightful departure from the ordinary. This dish is elegant enough for a fancy dinner yet simple enough for a cozy family meal. Plus, it’s a perfect vegetarian alternative to serve to your non-meat-eating guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• Fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast the butternut squash until tender and caramelized.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in butter, then add the rice, allowing it to toast slightly.
3. Gradually add the wine and broth, stirring constantly until the rice is tender and creamy.
4. Finish with roasted squash, brown butter, and crispy sage leaves for a rich, flavorful finish.

2. Cranberry and Jalapeño Chutney

For a unique twist on the traditional cranberry sauce, consider making a cranberry chutney with a kick! This spicy-sweet side combines tart cranberries with the heat of jalapeños, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a zesty condiment that’s perfect for spooning over turkey or mixing into stuffing. It adds a burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and exciting, complementing the richness of the turkey with a sweet and spicy contrast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat.
2. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and the chutney to thicken.
3. Let it cool before serving alongside your turkey or mashed potatoes.

3. Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

This dish puts a fresh spin on the classic comfort food. Spaghetti squash replaces pasta, making it a lighter (but equally delicious) alternative to the usual macaroni. The strands of squash mimic the texture of pasta, and when smothered in creamy cheese sauce, it’s a hit for both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to try something new, this spaghetti squash mac and cheese is an unexpected and satisfying way to add some variety to the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour (or gluten-free flour)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Roast the spaghetti squash until tender, then scrape out the strands.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour, adding milk gradually to form a creamy sauce.
3. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
4. Combine the cheese sauce with the squash strands and serve hot.

4. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Brussels sprouts are often a love-it-or-hate-it vegetable, but when roasted with a touch of maple syrup, crispy bacon, and toasted pecans, they become a savory-sweet sensation that even skeptics will enjoy. The caramelized edges of the sprouts, the crunch of pecans, and the salty-sweetness of bacon create a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a delightful alternative to green bean casserole that adds both crunch and depth to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2. While roasting, cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. In the last few minutes of roasting, toss Brussels sprouts with maple syrup, bacon, and toasted pecans. Serve immediately.

5. Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving favorite, but if you’re craving a dessert with a twist, consider making a pumpkin tiramisu. This Italian-inspired dessert layers spiced pumpkin custard with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream for a decadent yet surprisingly light treat. The coffee adds a depth of flavor, while the pumpkin spice gives it that autumnal warmth. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s just as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1 pack of ladyfingers
• 1 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Mix the pumpkin puree, mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and spices to form a creamy pumpkin filling.
2. Quickly dip ladyfingers into the coffee, then layer them in a dish.
3. Spread half of the pumpkin mixture over the ladyfingers, then repeat the layers.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, garnished with a dusting of cinnamon.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to showcase your creativity in the kitchen. These five unusual dishes, whether they’re side dishes, main courses, or dessert, offer a fresh take on the traditional meal, while still honoring the flavors of the season. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests with something spicy, creamy, or entirely unexpected, these recipes will surely make your Thanksgiving celebration one to remember. Happy cooking.