Thanksgiving Recipes: Sides & Desserts You’ll Love

Thanksgiving dinner is all about gathering around the table and sharing a delicious meal. But if you find yourself making the same side dishes year after year, we’ve gathered a few recipes that we think will pair wonderfully with your Gartner’s turkey.

From savory sides with a little something extra to desserts that go beyond the usual pumpkin pie, here are a few recipes worth adding to your holiday spread.

5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Serve Alongside Thanksgiving Turkey

1. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

Brussels sprouts are a Thanksgiving staple for a reason, but adding some of our thick-cut bacon and crunchy pecans gives them a little upgrade that is perfect for the holidays. This combination brings plenty of flavor to the table, and the smoky bacon just might even make the Brussels sprouts skeptics give it a try.

Get inspired: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans

2. French Onion Melting Potatoes

If mashed potatoes are a must-have at your Thanksgiving table, consider giving your potatoes a little makeover. French onion melting potatoes bring together tender, buttery potatoes and rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. They’re comforting, hearty, and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Get inspired: French Onion Melting Potatoes

3. Balsamic Cranberry Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta and Pistachios

Cranberries don’t have to be reserved for cranberry sauce. This colorful dish pairs roasted carrots with a cranberry-balsamic glaze, creamy whipped feta and pistachios. It’s a great way to utilize seasonal ingredients and add a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.

Get the recipe: Balsamic Cranberry Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta

4. Crunchy Apple and Cucumber Salad

With all the warm, rich dishes on the Thanksgiving table, a crisp salad can be a welcome addition. Apples bring a little sweetness and crunch, while cucumber keeps things fresh. It’s an easy way to add something lighter to your holiday menu.

Get inspired: Cruncy Apple and Cucumber Salad

5. Brown Butter and Sage Pull-Apart Bread

Bread is obviously a staple for any Thanksgiving spread, but this brown butter and sage pull-apart bread is a fun way to add some unique flavor to the mix. Made with garlic, fresh sage, melted Havarti cheese and soft dinner rolls, they are buttery, savory and full of cozy fall flavors.

Get the recipe: Brown Butter and Sage Pull-Apart Bread

5 Thanksgiving Desserts Beyond Pumpkin Pie

1. Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

If you love a fresh apple cider doughnut, this one is for you. Apple cider doughnut cake brings those delicious fall flavors into a soft, cinnamon-sugar-y cake that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a fun alternative to traditional pie.

Get inspired: Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

2. Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake

Pumpkin pie lovers, here’s your new holiday dessert. This Basque-style cheesecake combines pumpkin and spices with a creamy center and a caramelized top. It’s a great way to keep the pumpkin flavor for your dessert, while stepping outside the traditional box.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake

3. Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Can’t decide between pecan pie and cheesecake? Good news, you don’t have to. Pecan pie cheesecake combines a creamy cheesecake filling with a sweet pecan topping for a dessert that’s rich, delicious and sure to stand out on the dessert table.

Get inspired: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

4. Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake

Cranberries and apples are a perfect pairing for fall, and this easy dessert brings them together wondefully. It’s a great option if you want something warm, fruity and easy to serve.

Get inspired: Cranberry-Apple Dump Cake

5. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Candied Pecans

These bars combine the best parts of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and a crunchy pecans. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them a great choice for a busy Thanksgiving gathering. You can also make them ahead of time so there’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Candied Pecans

Happy Thanksgiving from Gartner’s!

At Gartner’s Meat Market, we know that a great holiday meal is about more than what’s on your plate. It’s about gathering with family and friends and enjoying the traditions that make this time of year special.

And when it’s time to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, make sure to give us a call to place your order.

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