By Sidney Yang
Updated Nov 24, 2023
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As much as you love a traditional Thanksgiving meal, sometimes you want to try something new. If you wonder where to begin, look no further – this selection of amazing non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas is exactly what you need. From Spinach Dip Puff Bites to Instant Pot Turkey Breast With Garlic-Herb Butter, these unconventional Thanksgiving dinner recipes are the perfect way to take your Thanksgiving menu from boring to the most memorable dinner your guests will ever have. Enjoy!
33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe Ideas
1. Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
2. Pepperoni Basil Tomato Puffs
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Bite-sized with big flavor! Perfect for Sunday brunch.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
3. Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
These super festive bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls make for a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
4. Spinach Dip Puff Bites
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
These spinach dip puff appetizers made into a muffin tin are the perfect party appetizer for the holidays
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
5. Honey-garlic Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Crisp and sticky - The ultimate last-minute appetizer!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
6. Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
These bacon and Brussels sprouts bites are a perfect addition to your snack table for a festive dinner!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
7. Cheddar Corn Dog Mini Muffins
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Super cute and adorable - A great brunch snack or the perfect appetizer for the big Thanksgiving dinner coming up!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
8. Grilled Shrimp and Chorizo Appetizers
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Crispy Shrimp and Chorizo drizzled in an irresistible Roasted Pepper sauce so easy and incredibly delicious. This is one MUST make appetizer for any special occasion!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
9. Succulent Shrimp Shooters with Mango Sauce
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This grilled shrimp shooters appetizer is the easiest and flavor-packed shrimp tapas!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
10. Baked Bacon-Wrapped Dates
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Trust us, these tiny bacon appetizers will disappear from the buffet table before you can say "Come on in."
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
11. Spicy Deviled Eggs
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This spicy deviled eggs recipe is a classic, bite-size hors d'oeuvre for an elegant Easter buffet.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
12. Garlic Herb Butter Steak in Oven
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This melt in your mouth roasted
steak recipe is just what you need to celebrate the holidays this year!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
13. Perfect Roast Beef & Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
A tender roast beef on top of rich fingerling potatoes with incredible flavors. This roast beef recipe is a perfect weekend or Holiday dinner!
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
14. Garlic Butter Herb Roast Beef
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Tender and juicy Roast Beef - Your guests will go crazy for this garlic butter herb roast sirloin!
Cooking time: 75 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 75 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
15. Garlic Balsamic Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This slow cooker pork shoulder recipe is a crowd pleasing dinner with very little effort that will yield leftovers for days.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
16. Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Juicy and Tender Pork Tenderloin Roast - The pork tenderloins are rubbed with thyme, rosemary, and spices, then brushed with a honey garlic glaze, and roasted in the oven at 375ºF. Rich with holiday flavor, this is the best pork tenderloin recipe ever!
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
17. Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
These roasted turkey breasts with herb butter make an epic Thanksgiving holiday meal loaded with flavor.
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 90 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
18. Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Loin
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
An easy, comforting and tender crockpot meal everyone will love.
Cooking time: 240 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 240 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
20. Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter SpatchCock Chicken
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This roasted spatchcock chicken is crisp and juicy at the same time.
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
21. Red Wine-Braised Pork Stew
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
The rich flavor of this braised pork stew recipe is going to become a new family favorite!
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
22. Oven Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Crisp and tender, this roasted chicken recipe is packed with spicy flavors.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
23. Easy Chicken Cacciatore
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Easy and healthy whole chicken recipe with fantastic Italian flavors!
Cooking time: 65 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 65 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
24. Roasted Pork Loin with Green Beans
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This roasted pork loin with green beans is easy enough for a weeknight meal and fancy enough for your holiday dinner parties!
Cooking time: 45 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 45 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
25. Baked Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables and Spiced Butter
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Our baked pork tenderloin is a flavorful and nourishing dish made with simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and vegetables. This pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
26. Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This baked Tuscan chicken casserole recipe is so quick to make and flavorful. Everyone will love it!
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
27. Puff Pastry Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Pork tenderloin in puff pastry is the perfect main dish for a festive dinner with family and friends.
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
28. Carrot Mushroom Turkey Hand Pies
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Portable for lunch and quick to reheat, these turkey hand pies are also a great way to remix your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
29. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe
with garlic Herbed butter is the best way to save time preparing Thanksgiving dinner! Yum!
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
30. Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This caramel apple upside-down cake recipe is a delicious fall dessert with buttery crust, caramelized apples, and an amazing presentation. Enjoy the caramel apple cake for dessert or even breakfast!
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
31. Tuscan Baked Chicken
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Crisp and juicy, these Tuscan baked chickens make for a marvelous main course that is sure to impress on your holiday table.
Cooking time: 50 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 50 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
32. Mayonnaise Roasted Whole Chicken
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Crisp and juicy, roasted to perfection with an incredible mayonnaise rub everyone will love.
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
33. Blackened Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
THE easy salmon recipe of your dreams! This delicious blackened salmon recipe is fool-proof and ready in under 30 minutes!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
34. Honey Balsamic Instant Pot Chicken
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Fall-off-the-bone chicken legs make for an effortless dinner ready in 30 minutes or less!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
35. Baked Teriyaki Chicken
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
An easy chicken dinner baked in the oven with a sticky homemade teriyaki sauce.
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 40 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
36. Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Butter Sauce
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This Instant Pot pork loin has a special cranberry butter sauce that gives it incredible flavor!
Cooking time: 7 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 7 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
37. Spicy Roasted Pork Loin
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Deliciously spicy and so easy to throw together for a family dinner.
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 120 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
38. Balsamic Pork Tenderloin in Oven with Fall Veggies
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Juicy tender pork tenderloin with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes seasoned to perfection with balsamic rosemary sauce and roasted in the oven. A spot-on family dinner on the table in 35 minutes.
Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
39. Roasted Bacon Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Glaze
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This roasted bacon pork tenderloin recipe has superb flavor and is very easy to cook – A must for your Holiday menu.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
40. Honey Mustard Roasted Pork Loin Sheet Pan Dinner
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Effortless yet impressive—This pork loin recipe is perfect for a dinner party or a weeknight special.
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 60 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
41. Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
This oven-roasted chicken has crispy skin and is so juicy! The whole chicken is roasted in garlic and herbs-infused butter. Worthy of an elegant holiday dinner or any party!
Cooking time: 80 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 80 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
42. Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb with Butter Sauce
eatwell101.com33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Easy Rack of Lamb Recipe - This Garlic Roasted Rack of Lamb is the most elegant family holiday dinner ever!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
33 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas: Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
by eatwell101
Yield: Makes 12 Prep Time: 10 min Cook time: 0 min
These super festive cheese balls won't last long on your table - definitely a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients you need for the Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls
16 oz (450g) cream cheese
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus extra for garnish
1 1/2 cups nuts (walnut, pecan…) divided
1 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/2 cup minced fresh chive
Directions
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, cinnamon and honey (or maple syrup) until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup pecan chips, and mix well combine. Set aside.
2. Line a plate or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Toss together remaining nuts, dried cranberries, and chopped chives.
3. Using a cookie scoop, scoop out one ball of cheese filling and toss into the nut mixture. Continue until all cheese balls have been rolled in the coating.
4. Refrigerate the cranberry nut cream cheese balls until ready to serve. Enjoy! ❤️
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread or as is with a toothpick.
- You can make these up to three days before, store them in the refrigerator sealed in an airtight container.
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More ideas for a non-traditional Thanksgiving menu
- Non-traditional Thanksgiving meats: Turkey is not necessarily the Holy Grail of Thanksgiving – some actually hate it! Try some lighter poultry like roast chicken, duck legs, or a nice cut of beef for a festive roast. Pork loin or tenderloin are also great alternatives for a modern take on Thanksgiving.
- Try fish for Thanksgiving: A roasted whole king salmon fillet will make an impact for sure! It makes a great alternative to Turkey for a smaller family or gathering of friends. Plus, salmon being lighter, you’ll enjoy more of the Thanksgiving sides!
Did you make one of these non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!
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