Cooking together is a seriously underrated activity, but these Thanksgiving recipes make cooking together even more special. When you cook together, it’s a chance to press pause, tune out distractions, and tune into each other with the added benefit of exploring new recipes and ingredients. Plus, you know, you get to eat afterwards. So, we whipped up these Thanksgiving dinner recipes and side dish recipes to help you bond with those you love most, whether it’s with your partner, family, best friend, or your cat, Whiskers (hey, no judgment here).
TRY OUT THESE NONTRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DINNER RECIPES
For your next Thanksgiving meal, try something a little different. With nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner recipes like Pasta Pomodoro and Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine, you'll have a one-of-a-kind meal. Spicy Sausage Gnocchi with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Easy Mexican Lasagna are two more simple yet fun recipes for all you pasta lovers out there. If you really want to show off your cooking skills and impress your guests, make Lasagna Bolognese. The recipe is a bit more challenging, but adding Hunt's® San Marzano tomatoes will help create a bright, bold flavor that’s well worth the effort.
Looking for an excuse to break out your wok? Try the Asian-style Sweet & Sour Chicken Stir Fry with vibrant veggies. Save the dicing for another night and add Bird's Eye® frozen vegetables to cut out some prep time.
HOW ABOUT A THANKSGIVING BRUNCH INSTEAD?
If brunch is more your style, try out some of these tasty recipes. Make delicious brunch recipes like Chocolate Cake Waffles or Chocolate Heart-Shaped Pancakes for a unique spin on your Thanksgiving meal. And, if chocolate cake waffles aren't decadent enough, double down with this Red Velvet Donuts recipe. Don't worry, Duncan Hines® has your back with its Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix.
NO MATTER THE MEAL, MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
A big family dinner is always a great way to get everyone together, and there is no bigger family meal than a Thanksgiving meal. Why not add a fun spin to your day with a Thanksgiving dinner recipe that the family can make together? Try out this Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza. Everyone can get involved and customize their own dish.
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving recipes that make your holiday meal small and stress-free, try a crowd-pleasing casserole or pasta dish that you can pop in the oven while you visit. Caprese Macaroni and Cheese pasta with Slow Cooked Sunday Meat Sauce, and Penne Alla Vodka, are family-style dishes that everyone can chip in on. Delegate the duties, from chopping fresh herbs to cooking the pasta to mixing drinks. Remember, teamwork makes the dream and dinner work!
With all the house guests, family breakfast is a great time to connect. We recommend Buttermilk Waffles with Mixed Berry Sauce, covered with a dollop of Reddi-wip®. Add one of our favorite side dish recipes—Hash Brown Casserole—and you're all set for a carefree family-filled morning.
And don’t forget everyone's favorite Thanksgiving recipes: desserts. Keep it simple with recipes like Easy Brownie and Cream Sandwich Cookies. Even multiple desserts can be easy if you use ready-to-go mixes from Duncan Hines. So add a little color with Rainbow Cupcakes, too.
