• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cooking With Bliss
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Desserts
  • How To
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Healthy Recipes
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipe Index
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Thanksgiving Recipes

    15+ Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

    Published: Oct 30, 2021 by Cree · This post may contain affiliate links.

    If you love a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimming, we get it and totally understand. If that's not your thing, we get that too and totally stand by you. This doesn't mean that we're throwing a beautifully golden brown and delicious Garlic Butter Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe by the waist-side because we're not. Why not get creative and this year opt for some Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas that will impress your guests.

    Appetizers

    Oven Roasted Stuffed Mini Peppers
    Oven roasted sweet mini peppers stuffed with taco meat, beans and melted cheese for a quick and easy appetizer.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    stuffed peppers served on white plate with cilantro for garnish
    Sweet Grilled Peppers
    This Grilled Peppers are the perfect side dish for your next outdoor BBQ.  Arrange your platter with these vibrant grilled sweet mini peppers, zucchini and baby bok choy for a creative way to add vegetables to your dinner menu.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    grilled sweet mini peppers, zucchini, and bok choy served on white platter
    Oven Roasted Shrimp
    Oven Roasted Shrimp such a delicate and savory dish that's perfect as an appetizer. It's simple versatile and a 100% crowd-pleaser.
    {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    oven roasted shrimp
    Crispy Spring Rolls Recipe
    These Crispy Spring Rolls stuffed with fresh red and green cabbage, carrots, cilantro and chopped chicken are pan fried to create the perfectly crisp outer coating.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    spring rolls on wooden serving try with dipping sauce

    Main Course

    Browse this collection of Non Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas to see which recipes resonate with you the most. These recipes are simple and doesn't require a ton of ingredients.

    Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe in White Wine Sauce
    This Roasted Cornish Hen Recipe is cooked to perfection and drizzled in a delicious rich and velvety gravy.  It's simple and uses only a few ingredients.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    roasted cornish hens in white wine sauce in cast iron skillet
    Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
    Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast is a healthy one pan dish that's simple and quick to make for any weeknight dinner. It's stuffed with mozzarella cheese and mushrooms and drizzled with a mix of its pan juices and white wine.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    mozzarella stuffed chicken breast
    Cajun Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
    This Cajun Spatchcock Chicken Recipe is perfectly seasoned with a generous amount of kosher salt and a flavorful Cajun spice blend. It's easy, delcious and makes the perfect weeknight dinner.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    spatchcock chicken seasoned with Cajun spice blend on white plate white plate
    Easy Braised Brisket
    Beef Braised Brisket marinated in a flavorful Cajun spice blend and cooked low and slow until fork tender then basted with the delicious pan juices.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    braised brisket cut into slices on cutting board
    Braised Turkey Neck Recipe
    Delicious tasting turkey necks braised in chicken broth until fall off the bone fork tender and laid on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    turkey neck on top of garlic mashed potatoes
    Rosemary Marinated Lamb Loin Chops
    Lamb Loin Chops marinated in a delicate rosemary garlic vinaigrette then pan seared and finished in the oven for the most tender and mouth-watery dinner.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    lamb loin chops in oval gray platter
    Lemon Garlic Broiled Salmon
    Broiled salmon in a lemony garlic sauce that's ready in under 20 minutes.  This no-fuss salmon is key to having dinner on the table quick, fast, and in a hurry.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    lemon garlic broiled salmon on top of bed of lettuce on white plate
    How to Make Lobster
    Learn to make lobster tails using these simple step by step instructions.  You'll learn the process of cleaning to how to butterfly lobster for the most beautiful presentation.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    broiled lobster tails on round serving platter garnished with parsley
    Cajun Seafood Boil
    Cajun Seafood Boil loaded with tender crab, shrimp, red creamer potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and andouille sausage all coated in a Cajun garlic butter sauce.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    seafood boil in pan garnished with lemon lemon and parsley
    Seafood Gumbo Recipe
    This Seafood Gumbo Recipe made with the delicious flavors of chicken, smoked sausage, shrimp, crab and aromatic vegetables enveloped in a luscious and savory rich roux.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    seafood gumbo in large white bowl served with rice

    Side Dishes

    Looking for some great side dishes to pair with your main course. We bet you are!

    Stir Fry Cabbage
    Tender Stir Fry Cabbage seasoned with a Cajun spice blend and tossed with seared chicken andouille sausage for a quick and easy side dish.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    stir fry cabbage in cast iron skillet
    Crispy Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
    Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes coated in extra virgin olive and herbes de provence are perfectly golden and crisp on the outside yet buttery and tender on the inside.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    crispy oven roasted baby potatoes on white plate
    Oven Roasted Broccolini
    Oven roasted broccolini roasted until slightly charred with a squeeze of lemon and sprinkles of red pepper flakes is the perfect side dish for your next weeknight dinner.  This simple recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and pairs nicely with almost any main dish.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    close-up shot of roasted broccolini
    Roasted Beets in Foil
    An easy and foolproof way of roasting beets in foil.  Only 3 ingredients used to enhance the delicate sweet flavor of this beautiful root vegetable.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    roasted beets cut into chucks on white plate.
    Simple Arugula Salad With Nectarines
    Crisp nectarines and toasted walnuts over a bed of peppery arugula and vibrant micro-greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    frontal view of simple arugula salad with nectarines
    Vegan Roasted Beet Salad with Grilled Peaches
    Vegan Roasted Beet Salad with Grilled Peaches, a delicious fresh salad made with beautiful golden beets that are oven roasted until tender and crisp grilled peaches. Serve it cold or warm.  Either way you will not be disappointed.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    vegan roasted beet salad with grilled peaches and arugula

    Dessert

    These desserts may not be filled with pumpkin or apples, but they are definitely worthy of a place at your dessert table.

    Brownie Trifle Dessert
    This Chocolate Brownie Trifle is a chocolate lover's dream. It's a healthier version made with applesauce instead of oil or butter. I can't even begin to tell you how luscious and decadent this dessert is.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    brownie trifle with slice cut out
    Brownie Mix Cookie Bars
    Brownie Mix Cookies, a mash-up between chocolate chip cookie dough and brownies, for the ultimate chocolatey dessert that's soft, frudge-y, gooey and delicious.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    brownie cookie bars on cooling rack drizzled with fudge
    Vanilla Pudding Recipe
    This simple 7-ingredient homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe will soon become your family's favorite go-to dessert.  It's velvety texture is light, creamy and oh so delicious.  Serve this pudding alone or layer with vanilla wafers- the possibilities are limitless
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    vanilla pudding in glass casserole with crumbled vanilla wafers on the side next to a small white plate
    Brazilian Pineapple Dessert
    This delightful Brazilian Pineapple Dessert is warm yet refreshing and has the perfect hint of cinnamon that adds the perfect twist to this inviting dessert.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    Brazilian Pineapple Dessert
    Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
    Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls that are soft, fluffy, & cinnamon-y. Breakfast can't get any better than delicious warm cinnamon rolls made from scratch.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    bake cinnamon rolls in round baking dish
    Strawberry Shortcake Parfait
    Indulge yourself with these delightful Strawberry Parfaits. They are light, delicious and are easy to make.
    Make this recipe {Save}Saved! {Pin Recipe}
    two strawberry parfaits on tray.

    Lastly, holidays are about sharing delicious food and enjoying great conversation with family and friends and that tradition will live on forever. With that said, it's perfectly fine to think outside-the-box and share other fun and creative dinner ideas.

    Did you make any of these recipes?

    If so, let me know how it went. Leave a 'Star Rating' within the recipe card and/or TAG @cookingwithbliss on Instagram. I can't wait to see how it turned out.

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Roasted Beets in Foil
    • How to Cook Tri Tip in the Oven
    • Prime Rib Dinner with Red Wine Sauce
    • Dutch Oven Cajun Turkey Breast

    Reader Interactions

    Thanks for visiting! Please feel free to leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi There, I'm Cree! Welcome to Cooking With Bliss. I absolutely love cooking and sharing recipes with my family, friends, and all of you. Whether you're vegetarian or a meat-lover, there's something here for all to enjoy. More About Me here!

    Download my FREE cookbook

    Healthy Recipes

    • Best Healthy Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
    • Braised Turkey Neck Recipe
    • Grilled Chuck Roast in Foil
    • Basil Pesto Pasta With Veggies (No Pine Nuts)

    Popular Posts

    • Best Way to Cook London Broil
    • Oven Baked Chuck Roast Recipe
    • Pan Fried Panko Chicken Breast
    • Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey
    Image showing where Cooking With Bliss was featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top ↑

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Subscribe

    • Cooking Tips: Sign Up here!

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Cooking With Bliss