Not Your Average Thanksgiving: 17 Ideas That’ll Wow Everyone

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning that menu! Whether you’re tasked with bringing a dish or hosting the whole shindig, you need a recipe or two that really takes the cake (er, pie). These delicious and memorable recipes will make your menu sparkle above the rest.

Four glasses of a pear and rosemary cocktail garnished with cranberries, star anise, and pear slices, surrounded by whole pears and sprigs of rosemary.
Pear Thanksgiving Punch. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water

A glass of water with apples, oranges, rosemary and cinnamon.
Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Fall spices, herbs and fruits come together in a pitcher of Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water to make a festive drink for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Infused Spa Water

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

A chocolate pie with nuts on top and a scoop of ice cream on a light green plate with two forks.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Feast + West.

The classic pecan pie gets an upgrade with the addition of chocolate and whiskey. This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is full of flavor and oh-so-good! Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Pomegranate Martini

Two glasses of pomegranate martini cocktail on a tray.
Pomegranate Martini. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Shake up an upgraded cocktail experience with this Pomegranate Martini recipe, featuring vodka, pomegranate juice and a touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Martini

Apple Pecan Salad

A salad with apples, walnuts and cranberries.
Apple Pecan Salad. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Serve up an Apple Pecan Salad with a zesty apple cider dressing for the perfect Thanksgiving salad. Apples, goat cheese, pecans and dried cranberries sit atop a bed of greens and are drizzled with a sweet-and-sour dressing made with apple cider and fresh lemon juice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pecan Salad

Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

A glass pitcher filled with brown liquid is on a white surface. The background includes small pumpkins, a wooden stand, cinnamon sticks, and a plaid cloth.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer. Photo credit: Feast + West.

When you serve coffee after dinner, offer up this cozy homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer made from scratch! No need to buy the store-bought creamer or overpriced fall lattes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries on a gold spoon.
Sugared Cranberries. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Sugared cranberries are guaranteed to make a statement at your next holiday meal! Make this show-stopping recipe with just three ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Sugared Cranberries

Apple Cider Mojito

Two tall glasses of iced apple and lime drinks with mint and cinnamon garnish on woven coasters, surrounded by apples, limes, mint leaves, and a gold jigger on a marble surface.
Apple Cider Mojito. Photo credit: Feast + West.

In this Apple Pie Mojito, the apple cider brings a welcome autumnal twist to this summer classic that will have your Thanksgiving guests asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Mojito

Pear Thanksgiving Punch

Four glasses of a pear and rosemary cocktail garnished with cranberries, star anise, and pear slices, surrounded by whole pears and sprigs of rosemary.
Pear Thanksgiving Punch. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Looking for a Thanksgiving drink that doesn’t have cranberry juice or apple cider? This Pear Thanksgiving Punch answers the call. It’s a fun drink full of fall flavors, and a great recipe to make your holiday menu a little more special and unique.
Get the Recipe: Pear Thanksgiving Punch

Sweet Potato Toast Bites

Sweet potato crisps with cranberries and sage.
Sweet Potato Toast Bites. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Make these Sweet Potato Toast Bites topped with goat cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts and fresh sage! They are a delicious gluten-free party appetizer your guests will devour.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Toast Bites

Caramelized Pear Baked Brie

A plate of caramelized pears and crackers.
Caramelized Pear Baked Brie. Photo credit: Feast + West.

With warm, spiced pears and soft, melty cheese, this Caramelized Pear Baked Brie is always a popular Thanksgiving appetizer for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Pear Baked Brie

Pumpkin Eggnog

A glass of pumpkin spice eggnog with cinnamon.
Pumpkin Eggnog. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This creamy Pumpkin Eggnog with spiced rum is easy to make and even easier to love. It’s great for everything from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Eggnog

Homemade Apple Cider

A cup of apple cider with cinnamon sticks and apples.
Homemade Apple Cider. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Make your own Apple Cider on the stovetop with real apples, spices and a hint of citrus. It’ll warm you and your Thanksgiving guests right up. Bonus: Your kitchen will smell delightful.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Apple Cider

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

A cheese ball covered with bacon and green onions is placed in the center of a plate surrounded by circular crackers.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is absolutely drool-worthy! Make this super simple appetizer for your Thanksgiving guests to nibble on while they await the turkey carving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Cat Head Biscuits

Cheesy biscuits in a skillet on a table.
Cat Head Biscuits. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Cat Head Biscuits are not only fluffy biscuits the size of a cat’s head, but they’re filled with a pocket of melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cat Head Biscuits

Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a glass bowl with a spoon.
Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Complete your Thanksgiving menu with Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. It pairs perfectly with turkey and side dishes, or you can use it in a cocktail!
Get the Recipe: Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Sausage Balls

Sausage balls on a tray with rosemary sprigs.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Classic sausage balls are everyone’s favorite appetizer! Make this super easy recipe in just about a half hour. Your Thanksgiving crew will devour them in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Thanksgiving Sangria

A glass of Thanksgiving sangria with an apple, a pitcher, some rosemary and cinnamon sticks.
Thanksgiving Sangria. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Serve up some festive, spiced Thanksgiving Sangria at your holiday feast. With apple cider, bourbon, white wine and fall flavor, it will be a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Sangria

decorative icon of a beer stein.

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