More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

I noticed that a lot of readers are coming here for Thanksgiving recipe ideas, so I've decided to collect and highlight a few recipes from the archives that can really work well for your dinner this year. I've noted on each entry if it's something that can be made ahead or if it can be served at room temperature or cold. Also check out the Recipe Index for more ideas or my suggestions for Quick & Easy Thanksgiving Sides that can be prepared in 15 minutes or less of active time.

If you have any specific questions or need help with any recipe (even if it's not one of mine!) send me an email and I'll be happy to help. Think of me as your Thanksgiving cooking hotline! ;)


Breads
Pumpkin Spice Challah--This sweet pumpkin challah with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg would be incredible on your Thanksgiving table. It can be made the day before and the leftover are lovely toasted with butter or made into French toast. You can also make them into small rolls by reducing the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Rosemary & Garlic Focaccia Rolls--The dough for these rolls can be made 24 hours in advance and then simply prepared and baked the day of. The rosemary and garlic would pair well with the warm autumn flavors on your table.


Appetizers
Savory Rosemary & Chevre Mini Muffins--These savory muffins can be made up to 8 hours in advance and can be served warm or room temperature. They can be an easy appetizer along with your cheese plate, or can be served along with the meal as a bread.

Homemade Membrillo--This is my tutorial on making membrillo, a sweet quince paste that is often served along with cheese as an appetizer or during a cheese course. This recipe can be made several weeks in advance and can be served cold or room temperature. (Oh and because I hate peeling, I show you how to do it without having to peel the quince!)

Mini Crabcakes with Cilantro & Lime Aioli--These are a perfect appetizer because they can be prepared and assembled well in advance and are baked, not fried (!!). The aioli can be made from scratch, or by simply adding the herbs and spices to prepared mayonnaise. Easy!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds--This is a great little snack to keep in bowls on the coffee table for guests to snack on while enjoying their cocktails. This can be made in advance and should be served at room temperature.


Soups
Chestnut, Bacon, and Green Apple Soup--if you'd like to start your meal off with a soup course, this is definitely the way to go. This soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes total, and can be prepared in advance then quickly reheated just before serving.

Potage Parmentier (Potato Leek Soup)--This is an easy classic that can also be prepared in advance and can actually be served either hot or cold.


Salads
Roasted Potato Salad w/ Red Pepper & Smoked Paprika Dressing--The smoky dressing on this salad makes it perfect for Fall. It can be prepared ahead of time and served cold.

Mixed Green Salad with Ginger Vinaigrette --This is great homemade dressing that you can blitz up 24-hours in advance and serve with any packaged or freshly cut salad greens.


Desserts
Classic Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta--This creamy and cool dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance.

Vanilla Bean & Anise Poached Quince--This easy preparation for quince, which are in season right now, can be served with ice cream or over a basic pound cake.

Carrot Cake with Maple Orange Cream Cheese--This is my favorite carrot cake recipe and it can be made with shredded fresh carrots or leftover pulp from a juicer.

Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Torte--A completely flourless chocolate cake made with ground hazelnut meal (you can also substitute ground almond meal or ground macadamia nuts). This is one of the easiest cakes ever. Simply dump all the ingredients in a bowl, mix, and bake. It's always a favorite with chocolate fans.

Apple Cake--Another easy cake that highlights the flavors of the season. Use a mix of your favorite apples and serve with freshly whipped cream.