1French Onion Potatoes au Gratinfrench onion potatoes au gratinDavid Malosh

This isn’t your everyday potatoes au gratin. Each layer is packed with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and rich flavor that’s cozy enough for fall but fancy enough for Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the French Onion Potatoes au Gratin recipe.

2Beef Burgundynon traditional thanksgiving dinner recipesDanielle Daly

This slow-cooked beef with vegetables and red wine gravy practically melts when you touch it with a fork. Spoon it over mashed potatoes and you’ll have everyone hovering near the stove.

Get Ree’s Beef Burgundy recipe.

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3Turkey Meatloafplates of meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and green beansWill Dickey

Skip the big turkey this year and go with a loaf that’s easy and flavorful. The glossy ketchup glaze makes this unexpected twist on a classic a comfort food that tastes like home. No carving knife required!

Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.

4Lobster Mac and Cheeselobster mac and cheeseC.W. Newell

Creamy, cheesy, and full of buttery lobster, this is the definition of a special-occasion mac and cheese. Don’t skip the crunchy breadcrumb topping—it’s what makes the whole thing sing.

Get the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe.

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5Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummusnon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas pumpkin hummusRalph Smith

While you might not typically think of serving hummus on Thanksgiving, this easy appetizer is excellent for keeping your family happy while you wrap up the cooking. The roasted garlic adds depth, the pumpkin brings a touch of sweetness, and it’s all-around fall in a bowl!

Get the Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus recipe.

6Cacio e Pepe Piethe pioneer woman cacio e pepe pieDavid Malosh

This recipe tosses spaghetti in a rich cheese sauce with plenty of cracked black pepper, then bakes it in a springform pan until it slices like a dream. The result is gooey wedges with irresistibly crispy edges.

Get Ree’s Cacio e Pepe Pie recipe.

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7French Onion Stuffed Potatoespioneer woman french onion stuffed potatoesRyan Liebe

All the best parts of French onion soup—sweet onions, melty cheese, and rich flavor—get stuffed right into baked potatoes. One bite of these cheesy, oniony beauties and you’ll be making them year after year.

Get Ree’s French Onion Stuffed Potatoes recipe.

8Pumpkin Penne alla Vodkathe pioneer woman pumpkin penne alla vodkaDavid Malosh

This fall version of the classic pasta dish adds pure pumpkin purée, and it makes the creamiest, coziest side. It’s also the perfect excuse to add extra carbs to your Thanksgiving table!

Get Ree’s Pumpkin Penne alla Vodka recipe.

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9Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pienon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas curried veggie lattice pot pieDavid Malosh

Packed with mushrooms, butternut squash, and cozy spices, this vegetarian main feels every bit as festive as a turkey. The golden lattice crust on top seals the deal, because it’s as pretty as it is satisfying.

Get Ree’s Curried Veggie Lattice Pot Pie recipe.

10Broccoli Chicken Casserolenon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas broccoli chicken casseroleWill Dickey

Just because you’re switching things up doesn’t mean it can’t be comforting. This creamy, cheesy broccoli chicken casserole is easy to make and impossible not to love!

Get Ree’s Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.

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11Mashed Potato Pancakesmashed potato pancakesDanielle Daly

Traditional mashed potatoes get a crispy, cheesy makeover in this recipe. Pair them with green onions and sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Get the Mashed Potato Pancakes recipe.

12Chicken Fried Turkeychicken fried turkeyDanielle Daly

Shake things up with this crispy alternative to the classic whole-roasted turkey! The breaded and fried turkey cutlets taste exceptionally delicious when served with creamy turkey gravy.

Get the Chicken Fried Turkey recipe.

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13Cheese Soufflécheese souffleWill Dickey

Get ready to hear the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ when you bring this over-the-top side dish to the holiday table. It’s an impressive savory soufflé that’s light and cheesy.

Get the Cheese Soufflé recipe.

14Cauliflower Steakcauliflower steakCaitlin Bensel

These thick slabs of cauliflower are roasted to perfection. You can doctor them up with lemon pepper seasoning, bbq rub, or even top them with a drizzle of chimichurri.

Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.

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15Pumpkin Mac and Cheesepumpkin mac cheeseCaitlin Bensel

This is not your typical mac and cheese, but it’s still an all-around crowd-pleaser! The dish gets an extra dose of creaminess from pumpkin puree and the garlic butter breadcrumbs are the perfect finishing touch.

Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.

16Ranch Potatoesnon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas ranch potatoesCaitlin Bensel

Instead of simple roasted potatoes, give your spuds a zesty ranch-flavored spin! They’re extra crispy, flavorful, and delicious when served up with a hearty spoonful of creamy ranch dressing.

Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.

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17Butternut Squash Lasagna non traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas butternut squash lasagnaCaitlin Bensel

For a hearty alternative main course that’s just as impressive as the turkey itself, look no further than this butternut squash lasagna! Each layer is loaded with hot Italian sausage, butternut squash puree, spinach, and plenty of cheese.

Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.

18Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkeynon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas honey chipotle turkeyDavid Malosh

Ree Drummond gave her turkey recipe a “little makeover” by making a glaze with plenty of heat. Even the gravy is made with adobo sauce from the can of chipotles!

Get Ree’s Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey recipe.

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19Pumpkin Chilinon traditional thanksgiving dinner ideas pumpkin chiliWill Dickey

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving potluck or Friendsgiving menu, this fall-inspired chili is a comforting addition. The pumpkin puree and ground cinnamon make it feel extra-seasonal.

Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.

20Pumpkin Risottopumpkin risotto with sage and baconCaitlin Bensel

Wow your family with a homemade risotto. It’s something you might find at a restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home and this one is full of seasonal fall flavors.

Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.

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