While working your Thanksgiving menu this year, you might find yourself hemming and hawing over keeping things simple and classic, or creative and daring. You don’t want to mess with the turkey, but maybe the mashed potatoes could use a makeover. There is also a whole world of mouth-watering stuffing recipes you’ve been aching to try — and let’s not forget that pie! So many options, so little time. But don’t worry — while you’re looking for the best wines to pair with your feast, consider those you can splash into your dishes as well. We’ve got 18 holiday recipes that will inspire you to think outside the box without being reckless.
1. White Wine Ginger Thyme Brined Roast Turkey: If you host Thanksgiving dinner every year, you know the pressure of getting the turkey right. This is why most people don’t stray from their tried and true methods. But if you’re feeling confident this year and want to switch things up, this wine-brined turkey is surely the way to go. (via Boulder Locavore)
2. Butternut Squash Noodles With White Wine, Mushroom and Sage: It isn’t uncommon to see squash on the table among other traditional Thanksgiving sides — and it’s typically dubbed as the boring side. But you can easily change that with this recipe. Spiralize your squash, smother it with a mushroom sage white wine cream sauce, and get people talking. (via Rawmazing)
3. Wine-Braised Rainbow Carrots With Sage: Cooked carrots can be a drag if they aren’t seasoned properly, but this recipe might leave your family wanting seconds. These stunning rainbow carrots are braised with sage in white wine, resulting in a warm and earthy side dish that is *perfect* for the holidays. (via The Missing Lokness)
4. Mashed Potatoes With Wine and Goat Cheese: If you thought that big steamy bowl of mashed potatoes was the best thing about Thanksgiving before, you won’t be able to handle yourself once you dig into this stuff. With the addition of wine and goat cheese, you get the creamiest and tangiest taters you’ve ever had. (via Glamorous Bite)
5. Pumpkin Risotto: Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins, so adding pumpkin to this savory holiday dish makes total sense. With the addition of white wine and ginger, this atypical Thanksgiving side just might become a regular on your TG menu. (via Strudel and Cream)
6. Coq au Vin With Mashed Potatoes: If you’re looking to keep it low key this holiday season, cooking an entire feast is likely out of the question. This chicken braised in red wine is a classic French dish that will bring elegance to your table without the hassle. (via Jo Cooks)
7. Cranberry Hibiscus Sauce: If the idea of using dried hibiscus leaves doesn’t entice you to make your own cranberry sauce this year, perhaps the addition of red wine will. Once you try this homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll never want to see that red tin-shaped blob again! (via Munchin With Munchkin)
8. Wine and Shallot Brussels Sprouts: One of the most under-appreciated veggies is the Brussels sprout. Unless you’ve had it prepared and seasoned properly, you likely turn your nose up at the mere mention. However, when pan-seared and tossed with wine, they could easily convert *any* hater. (via Edible Sound Bites)
9. Tender Slow Cooked Roast in Red Wine Reduction: If you think you *have* to cook a bird for Thanksgiving, think again. There are zero rules — only traditions — and sometimes it’s fun to break those. Especially when breaking tradition means devouring a juicy roast that has been slow cooked in red wine. (via Hungry Couple)
10. Root Mash With Wine-Braised Shallots: If you’re in search of a fall-inspired vegetarian main or a healthy side for your meat, look no further. This succulent root mash is BOMB. Hearty lentils and sweet winter squash mingle with wine-braised shallots to bring you flavors you will long for. (via Dishing Up the Dirt)
11. Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms: This simple yet innovative side would make a great addition to any Thanksgiving spread. These buttons are cooked in a pan with red wine, butter and garlic, creating flavor bombs that will knock the socks off of every mushroom lover at your table. (via Kristeena Michelle)
12. Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey With White Wine Pan Gravy: If sticking with traditions is your jam, then this classic roasted turkey has your name on it — nothing fancy to see here! Butter and herbs bring simple flavors to this bird, and you’ll use those tasty pan drippings to whip up a delish white wine pan gravy. (via Half Baked Harvest)
13. Marsala Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms With Pecans: This is a healthy gourmet-level Thanksgiving side that will help balance out all of that carb-heavy goodness you consume. These roasted veggies are tossed in a marsala marinade and finished with a crunchy pecan crumb topping. (via Food Done Light)
14. Tartiflette: Serving your potatoes mashed or roasted is a guaranteed hit, but it’s also a little been there, done that. Surprise your fam and up your potato game this year with this swoon-worthy French classic. You get crispy bacon, melty Brie and white wine — what is there not to love? (via Girl Gone Gourmet)
15. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie With Red Wine Lentils: This comforting veg dish makes for a great plant-based main or a hearty side dish, with its red wine lentils and sweet potato topping. The best part is this bad boy can be made in advance to ease your Thanksgiving prep stresses. (via Natural Comfort Kitchen)
16. Roasted Baby Potatoes in a Homemade Mushroom Sauce: Imagine tender roasted potatoes and meaty mushrooms tossed in a creamy and garlicky wine sauce. Heaven-sent, amirite? It gets better; this elegant one-pan side only calls for 15 minutes of prep and very little cleanup. (via The Cookie Writer)
17. White Wine Vegan Garlic Butter: With only three ingredients and a quick spin in the food processor, you can butter your family up with this smooth and garlicky GF spread. Your omnivore guests will be so consumed by the flavors, they won’t *ever* believe it’s actually vegan. (via An Unrefined Vegan)
18. Couscous Pilaf With Sautéed Mushrooms: If you’re looking for a filling side that isn’t stuffing or potatoes, this easy and super tasty couscous pilaf is the way to go. The couscous is simmered in broth and white wine giving this dish an extra punch of flavor that everyone can enjoy. (via Jo Cooks)
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Dana Sandonato
Born in Canada and now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Dana is a coffee-reliant food writer with a healthy appetite, a taste for culinary adventure, a thirst for good beers, and an endless hunger for food photography. When not writing for Brit + Co, she can be found pouring herself into her blog-turned-webzine, Killing Thyme, or taste-testing at local breweries with her husband. Dana's ideal down time includes pizza, marathoning on Netflix, or watching her fave flicks from the 80s and 90s - no matter how great or awful they are!
