Thanksgiving can be a challenge when picky relatives are at the table, but these 17 recipes are guaranteed to win them over. From savory sides to crowd-pleasing mains, these dishes are designed to satisfy even the toughest critics. No matter their usual complaints, these recipes will have everyone clearing their plates without hesitation. Bring these to your Thanksgiving table, and even the fussiest family members will leave happy and full.
1. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche
This gluten-free pecan pie brings together bourbon, maple syrup, and pecans for a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Topped with maple dulce de leche, it’s ready in just over an hour and will have guests asking for more. The gluten-free aspect is so well hidden, no one will even notice. One bite, and picky relatives won’t leave a crumb on their plates.
Get the Recipe: 1. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup and Maple Dulce de Leche
2. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad features Israeli couscous, feta, pumpkin, and fresh herbs, making it a vibrant and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in under 30 minutes, the tahini lemon dressing with turmeric adds a unique touch that stands out. It’s an easy choice that brings fresh, bold flavors to balance out richer dishes. Guests might just clean their plates before the main course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: 2. Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
3. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
These puff pastry pockets combine the sweetness of caramelized onions with savory pumpkin in a buttery crust. Ready in 35 minutes, they’re great for appetizers or sides, giving everyone something to snack on before the feast. These bites are perfect for any picky eaters who may not dive into the turkey. You’ll be hearing compliments long before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: 3. Caramelized Onion and Pumpkin Puff Pastry Pockets
4. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
This roasted medley of potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers gets a refreshing twist from lemon, creating a vibrant side dish that complements the richness of Thanksgiving. Taking only 40 minutes, it adds a pop of color and flavor to the table. Even the picky eaters will go for second helpings of this bright, zesty dish. It might just become a new holiday staple.
Get the Recipe: 4. Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
5. Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella transforms ordinary chicken with prunes, olives, and capers into a Thanksgiving main course worth remembering. With its vibrant, bold flavors, this dish stands out as a unique alternative to turkey, ready in just over an hour. It’s an exciting choice that’ll have guests talking long after the meal is done. Even the pickiest relatives won’t resist this one.
Get the Recipe: 5. Chicken Marbella
6. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
This casserole blends sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds into a new take on classic Thanksgiving stuffing. Gluten-free and ready in about an hour, it brings together sweet and savory elements that might make everyone forget traditional stuffing. This dish will turn even the pickiest relative into a stuffing fan. Serve it, and watch the casserole dish get scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: 6. Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
7. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
Vegan Hubbard squash pie features a smooth, spiced filling and a coconut oil crust, offering a plant-based dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Ready in an hour, it’s sweetened with maple syrup and is sure to impress even non-vegans at your Thanksgiving. One slice, and everyone will forget there’s no butter in this pie. Expect your relatives to ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: 7. Vegan Hubbard Squash Pie
8. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken combines sweet molasses and crunchy walnuts for a flavorful twist on Thanksgiving dinner. This dish, ready in about an hour, brings a unique Persian-inspired flavor to the table. Even the turkey enthusiasts might find themselves reaching for chicken this year. Serve this, and it’ll redefine what Thanksgiving means for your family.
Get the Recipe: 8. Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts
9. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
These apple cranberry muffins mix sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a crunchy streusel topping, making them an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in 40 minutes, these bite-sized treats offer a balance of fruity flavors and crunchy textures. Even your pickiest guests will be grabbing one (or two) to add to their plates. They might just become your new go-to holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: 9. Apple Cranberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
10. Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
This baked cranberry cheesecake layers a rich, creamy filling with a tart cranberry topping, providing a festive alternative to pies. In just 90 minutes, it’s ready to challenge pumpkin pie for the spotlight. The tart cranberries cut through the richness, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert that leaves plates empty. Get ready for guests to fight over the last slice.
Get the Recipe: 10. Baked Cranberry Cheesecake
11. 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers
These Middle Eastern apple appetizers use a combination of cumin, sumac, and cinnamon to create a burst of flavor in each bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re an easy, flavorful starter for Thanksgiving. The sweet and savory mix will keep guests intrigued before the main course. After tasting these, they’ll never look at apples the same way again.
Get the Recipe: 11. 4 Easy Middle Eastern Apple Appetizers
12. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
This sheet pan dish features juicy chicken and roasted vegetables seasoned with smoky paprika, offering a one-pan option for Thanksgiving. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s simple to prepare but doesn’t skimp on flavor. The paprika adds depth, making this an easy choice for busy hosts. Watch your guests pile up their plates with this no-fuss dish.
Get the Recipe: 12. Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
13. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
This lattice-topped apple pie brings nostalgic flavors of spiced apples and a flaky crust to your Thanksgiving table. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a comforting dessert that will remind everyone of holidays past. The classic combination of flavors will make even the pickiest eater dive in for a slice. This pie is one tradition everyone will be happy to keep.
Get the Recipe: 13. Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie
14. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
These air fryer Brussels sprouts combine the tanginess of balsamic, the saltiness of feta, and the sweetness of pomegranate seeds for a flavorful, crispy side. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for Thanksgiving. Even the sprout skeptics might find themselves cleaning their plates. Expect this dish to surprise everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: 14. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
15. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
This tabbouleh salad, made with bulgur wheat, feta, and fresh herbs, brings a light, refreshing contrast to your Thanksgiving meal. In just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect complement to heavier dishes, offering a burst of bright flavors. Even the traditionalists at the table will be intrigued by this refreshing side. This salad might just change the Thanksgiving game.
Get the Recipe: 15. Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
16. Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
These butternut squash pickles, spiced with warm Middle Eastern flavors, add an unexpected twist to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in under an hour, they make a perfect addition to a cheese or charcuterie board. The sweet and savory notes will keep even your pickiest relatives reaching for more. These pickles might just start a new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: 16. Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
17. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
This Greek-inspired vegetarian moussaka layers zucchini with a creamy béchamel sauce for a hearty, gluten-free Thanksgiving dish. Ready in just over an hour, it offers rich flavors without the heaviness of meat, making it a satisfying main course. Even the turkey lovers at the table will be impressed with this vegetarian option. Serve it, and watch everyone clean their plates.
Get the Recipe: 17. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
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