18 Essential Thanksgiving Recipes for a Festive Spread
18 Essential Thanksgiving Recipes for a Festive Spread
From mouthwatering turkey to irresistible sides and desserts, Rily's selection of Thanksgiving recipes promises a memorable and delicious holiday spread.
With Canadian Thanksgiving fast approaching, followed by American Thanksgiving in November, no matter where you are, Turkey Day is just around the corner.
You can never go wrong with a traditional Thanksgiving menu featuring all the classics like turkey, savoury stuffing, seasonal vegetables, and that perfect pumpkin pie.
But, if you're looking to experiment with new dishes to present at your family's table, we've got you covered with this collection of Rily's favourite Thanksgiving recipes; from our kitchen to yours.
Invite your loved ones over to share in giving thanks for harvest and all the wonderful things that make life beautiful, over a mouth-watering spread of favourite autumn flavours.
Bacon-Woven Turkey
Step into a new realm of turkey perfection with Bacon-Woven Turkey, a culinary creation straight from the kitchen of Rily's founder, Meredith Holbrook. Tired of uninspiring, dried-out turkey? Look no further. This recipe transforms your Thanksgiving centerpiece into a sensational showstopper, delivering a succulent and flavourful experience that's beyond compare. By expertly combining the juicy succulence of turkey with the crispy allure of bacon, Meredith's culinary magic elevates your holiday feast to a whole new level.
Meredith's Bacon-Wrapped Turkey unveils the perfect blend of juicy turkey, crispy bacon, melted butter, and fragrant dried rosemary. Each mouthwatering bite is a testament to culinary finesse, making this dish a must-have on your Thanksgiving table. Whether you're craving a show-stopping centerpiece or simply a memory-worthy meal, this recipe offers a taste of holiday joy that's brimming with delectable flavours and culinary prowess.
Maple Roasted Carrots
Not only are these Maple Roasted Carrots super simple to make, but they’re also a gorgeous and colourful addition to your table spread.
This recipe is a celebration of fall harvest and that classic North American maple flavour and serves as a great reminder to be thankful for the beautiful food we grow right here at home.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli
As the weather begins to drop and leaves start turning, pumpkin flavouring and pumpkin motifs surround us and every year it's once again proven that you can put pumpkin on anything.
In this gluten-free ravioli recipe, pumpkin and sage are paired together to create a mouth-watering combo.
Your guests are sure to gobble it up, leaving none to add to your Thanksgiving leftovers, so consider making extra to freeze for another day.
Shredded Brussel Sprout Slaw
Topped with pancetta and pecans for crunch, apples for something sweet and a delightful Dijon vinaigrette, this salad will provide your guests with a cool and light palette cleanser amidst the heaviness of our more traditional Thanksgiving favourites.
Though they're now recognized as a North American staple for cooler months, Brussels sprouts are not indigenous to the continent.
Records trace the earliest use of Brussels sprouts back to the 13th century, in the Brussels region of Belgium, hence their name.
The powerful little greens didn't reach North America until the 18th century, when French settlers brought them to Louisiana. And this recipe, makes us thankful that they came this way.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This harvest inspired recipe is an easy and hearty option to incorporate into your Thanksgiving spread for any vegetarian and vegan guests. But it's also just a delicious side for everyone who wants to add some to their plate.
Named for its sweet, creamy, nutty flavour, acorn squash is not only tasty, but also aesthetically pleasing because of its fun flower-like shape when you cut into it.
This dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, potassium, and fibre, so in addition to being a delicious addition to your feast, it's also extremely nutritious.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread Stuffing
Whether you cook it in your turkey, or on the side, this cornbread stuffing is a great dish to serve for any guests that are avoiding gluten, or just curious about this spin on your classic stuffing.
Bursting with the perfect combinations of sweet and savoury flavours, soft interior and crispy golden-brown edges, watch with satisfaction as your guests pile their plates high with this glorious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread Stuffing.
Wild Rice Dressing
Indulge in the rich combination of textures and tastes as nutty wild rice meets a medley of fresh vegetables, coming together in harmony to create a dish that captures the essence of fall. Whether you're aiming to accommodate specific dietary needs or simply desire a change from the norm, this wild rice dressing invites you to savour a side that celebrates the warmth and abundance of Thanksgiving while infusing a wholesome touch to your festive meal.
Whether you’re gluten free or just looking to switch up your usual Thanksgiving side, this whole food based wild rice dressing is packed with veggies and full of all your favourite fall flavours.
Mushroom Puff Pastry Rolls
Step up your appetizer game with these delectable bites that put a vegetarian spin on the beloved sausage roll. Overflowing with rich umami flavours, the combination of earthy mushrooms, wholesome walnuts, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmonious symphony of taste. Whether you're catering to a vegetarian crowd or simply seeking a mouthwatering appetizer option, these rolls promise to delight your senses and leave your guests craving for more.
Sink your teeth into the flaky layers of puff pastry that encase this flavourful filling, creating a delightful contrast between the crispness of the pastry and the hearty indulgence within. With every bite, you'll savour a medley of textures and enjoy a hearty appetizer that captures the essence of comfort and celebration. These mushroom puff pastry rolls add a touch of elegance and creativity to your table, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of festive feasting.
Grain-Free Rosemary Focaccia
This Grain-Free Rosemary Focaccia is a culinary masterpiece tailored for paleo and grain-free enthusiasts. This recipe reimagines the classic focaccia with a fluffy yet crispy twist, adorned with aromatic rosemary, generous drizzles of olive oil, and a touch of flakey salt. While this creation stands beautifully on its own, its versatility shines as you explore the option to personalize it with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, halved olives, or delicate layers of potatoes.
This recipe can be easily customized to host your favourite herbs and vegetables, making each slice a canvas for your taste preferences. Whether you're dipping it into a pool of rich olive oil and balsamic vinegar or savouring its natural essence, this Grain-Free Rosemary Focaccia offers a satisfying symphony of flavours and textures. As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, this crowd-pleasing focaccia will not only satisfy your cravings but also showcase the joy of embracing dietary diversity in a dish that's as delicious as it is accommodating.
Rosemary Roasted Vegetables
Experience the delightful allure of our Rosemary Roasted Vegetables, where the aromatic essence of rosemary intertwines with a medley of roasted veggies to create a dish that's both rich in taste and health benefits. As you relish the harmonious blend of textures and flavours, remember that rosemary is not just a culinary delight but also a source of disease-fighting antioxidants that contribute to your well-being with every delicious bite.
Beyond its robust flavour, rosemary holds a unique ability to uplift your mood, infusing your mealtime with a dash of positivity. Embrace the simplicity of this dish, where rosemary effortlessly enhances the earthy goodness of roasted vegetables. With every forkful, you're not only treating your senses to a delightful experience but also nourishing your body with the revitalizing properties of this remarkable herb.
Warm Fall Harvest Salad
Typically associated with summer, salads don't often make it to the Thanksgiving table. But, who's to say salads can't be warm?
Let us inspire you with this Warm Fall Harvest Salad, filled with delicious greens, roasted vegetables, and topped with pecans and dried cranberries.
The ingredients that make this dish so delightful, like beets, Brussels sprouts, and carrots, are common cooler-weather foods, and pair perfectly with the traditional staples of a Thanksgiving feast.
Stovetop Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving classic that brings comfort and nostalgia to the holiday table. Unlike a traditional green bean casserole, this one is cooked on a hot cast iron skillet and contains zero cream, or milk.
Our Stovetop Green Bean Casserole adds a pop of vibrant green, and is especially perfect for folks who like things a little crispy and crunchy.
Maple Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and fresh orange juice, this cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Whether served as a condiment alongside turkey or as a delightful accompaniment to other festive favourites, this cranberry sauce captures the essence of Thanksgiving and adds a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
Plant-Based Mushroom Gravy
This delicious vegan mushroom gravy is perfect for pouring on top of just about anything you'll have on your table this Thanksgiving.
If you and your guests prefer a meat-based gravy, supplement some (or all) of the vegetable stock in this recipe with drippings from your turkey.
Delicious either way and packed with umami flavour from mushrooms, miso and nutritional yeast, our Plant Based Mushroom Gravy bound to be your new favourite gravy.
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie
Many people would say that Thanksgiving just isn't complete without pumpkin pie. Made with a gingersnap cookie pie crust, this take on the classic dessert is perfect for anyone who thinks spice is the most important part of a pumpkin pie.
Loaded with a luscious vegan filling in a grain-free crust, this Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie can (and will) be enjoyed by all.
Serve warm or at room temperature, whipped topping and ice cream are optional, but always recommended because... it's just so delicious.
Raspberry Pear Crisp
We hope your guests will leave enough room for dessert after the literal feast you've presented them with, because this Raspberry Pear Crisp is too good to miss out on.
A crisp or crumble is a classic dessert loved across generations, originating from World War II when British Apple Crumble spiked in popularity due to its simplicity and access to ingredients during food shortages and rationing.
Serve our take on the classic crumble either warm or at room temperature with ice cream, this dish is the perfect amount of juicy, tart flavour and sweet.
Gluten-Free Cherry Hand Pies
Delight in the perfect combination of flavours and health benefits with these delectable treats. Bursting with the vibrant tartness of cherries, each bite of these flaky, gluten-free hand pies offers a delightful journey for your taste buds. Beyond the scrumptious taste, these hand pies are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in polyphenols, cherries take the spotlight, working their magic to combat inflammation and provide a boost of long-term antioxidant benefits, ensuring your well-being while indulging in this delightful dessert.
Elevate your dessert experience with the convenience of handheld pies that boast both exquisite taste and nutritional value. The sweet and tangy cherries provide a burst of flavour that pairs harmoniously with the tender, flaky crust. Each bite is a celebration of both taste and health, making these gluten-free cherry hand pies a delightful addition to your table and a guilt-free way to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert experience with these adorable bite-sized treats that capture the essence of pumpkin pie perfection. Crafted with simplicity in mind, these mini cheesecakes offer a delightful combination of creamy texture and rich pumpkin flavour. Whether enjoyed during the autumn season or any time you're craving a wholesome and satisfying dessert, these vegan delights are sure to bring joy to your palate and a touch of comfort to your table.
Beyond their irresistible taste, these vegan pumpkin pie cheesecakes hold a treasure trove of health benefits. Packed with powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, and K, pumpkins offer a natural boost to eye, skin, heart, and immune health. The inclusion of fibre and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron further enhances their nutritional value. Each delectable bite not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your overall well-being, making these mini cheesecakes a guilt-free way to treat yourself to a dessert that truly nourishes.
