When it comes to Thanksgiving, many of us may have certain requirements at the dinner table. There are certain dishes and tastes that we expect and anticipate enjoying with our family and friends. We may be able to state something like, “it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without ____.”
Whether you hold high standards for the Thanksgiving menu or are more lax on what dishes you enjoy, this day can certainly become a culinary endeavor.
There’s probably nothing wrong with the way your grandma used to prepare a green bean casserole, and how you do as well. But what if there was a way to bring in new flavors or enhance the existing flavors to try something new? What if you could help support the nutritional value of these typically heavy dishes with some healthier alternatives?
This Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered.
7 Dishes to Amp Up the Flavor This Thanksgiving
With the unique and wholesome ingredients you’ll find at Fustini’s, you can amp up the flavor of your Thanksgiving favorites, while still preserving that sentimental and nostalgic feeling. Here, we share some new takes on classic recipes that may just spark some new ideas this Thanksgiving feast.
Green Bean Casserole
One of the most significant ways to amp up the flavor of this dish is by preparing your own cream of mushroom soup. Making it from scratch may take a bit more time, but it sure is worth it. Fresh mushrooms bring out a natural and wholesome flavor—something that’s more difficult to get in a can. Check out this Green Bean Casserole recipe that shares how to make your own cream of mushroom soup.
Using fresh green beans instead of canned can also bring out that natural green bean flavor a bit more. These blanched beans also may help prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
In this casserole, you can also amp up the onion flavor by making your own sautéed onion topping. And by bringing in Fustini’s Sage and Wild Mushroom olive oil in both the onion topping and casserole itself, you can further elevate that natural mushroom flavor. Check out this recipe for another take on Green Bean Casserole.
Stuffing
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, there’s a lot of versatility and opportunity for creativity in making this dish. There are a plethora of different ingredients and flavor components that you can toss in to bring a new take on this holiday classic. Check out these recipes for a bold new take on your Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Apple Cranberry Stuffing - Bring in some sweetness to this recipe with natural fruit flavors. The fresh herbs and crunchy apple and celery make this dish something to remember.
- Apple Pecan Stuffing - So delicious, it sounds like a dessert. This recipe brings in classic fall flavors and double the apple with both fresh diced apples and Michigan Apple balsamic vinegar.
- Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffing - Bring in some different fall flavors with this hearty and savory stuffing. The Sage and Wild Mushroom olive oil also help to bring all these fall flavors together harmoniously.
Whether you turn it more savory or more sweet, there is a lot of space for creativity and fun when it comes to baking up a pan of stuffing.
Pecan Pie
While many pecan pie eaters may be traditionalists when it comes to their dessert, there’s still plenty of opportunity for innovation. This recipe brings in a fruity component with Blood Orange olive oil in the crust and filling. It also brings a surprising bite with some Iron Fish Honey Vinegar in the fill and the bourbon whipped cream topping.
Check out this recipe for a new take on pecan pie.
Cranberry Sauce
One of the easiest ways to add an extra surprise to your cranberry sauce and topping is by adding orange. This recipe includes both mandarin slices and orange juice, as well as an apple, to give it an extra fruity boost. The splash of Cinnamon Pear Balsamic also brings a pop of flavor you might not expect.
Mashed Potatoes
Classic baking potatoes can easily become your canvas in which to paint in a variety of different flavors, ingredients and herbs. This recipe integrates a savory garlic flavor with Gremolata olive oil and is also topped with a crispy, crunchy topping. This recipe brings in fresh spinach and basil leaves to add some color to this favorite. Or, weave in chive and Garlic olive oil, like in this recipe. Find a new addition? Let us know below in the comments or on social media!
Candied Yams
While often included in the main meal, these extra sweet sweet potatoes could easily serve as a dessert. An easy way to bring in a new flavor is by using a splash of Iron Fish Honey Vinegar. Additionally, you can also throw in a serrano chili to spice things up, too.
Check out this recipe for a spicy take on candied yams.
Pumpkin Pie
With so much bold pumpkin flavor, this classic dessert may raise some particular expectations for your diners. But, that doesn’t mean you still can’t integrate some amped up flavor in your pie. This recipe boosts the nutty flavor with Walnut oil. It also brings an element of sweet and fruity spice with Cinnamon Pear balsamic vinegar in both the roasted pumpkin itself and the whipped cream topping.
How are You Spicing Up Thanksgiving?
When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are certainly some dishes that we’ve just got to find on the table. But that doesn’t prevent you from incorporating new, fresh and fun flavors into those classics. Spice up your Thanksgiving with some of these ideas. Let us know how they turn out by commenting below or sharing on our social media channels!