This year I am especially excited for Thanksgiving because I’ve spent the last year developing my ideal holiday menu. In the past, I’ve just been responsible for bringing a side or two, and I was always in charge of early afternoon charcuterie. But the past few years my sister and I have hosted and cooked Thanksgiving dinner just the two of us. Luckily we both love to be in the kitchen so we made it through, but it made me realize how desperately we need more simple and healthy Thanksgiving recipes.
I polled my audience, tested recipes, and made sure that theres a little something for everyone. From sides, to the main course, to the ultimate dessert – the official RGE Thanksgiving Menu is here. I like to call this menu “Everything But The Turkey” because the truth is I don’t really care for turkey! Read through the post to see what unconventional main course I’ll be making this year. I can’t wait to hear what you think and see what you make this week. Enjoy!
My Quick Hosting Tips
- Set the table the day before! It always takes me longer than expected to arrange the table-scape, place the candles and decor, fold napkins, etc. Setting the table the night before can save valuable cooking time day of!
- Prep as much as you can the day before: chop veggies; prep all the pots, pans and dishes you’ll need; measure out spices, etc.
- Make any desserts and sides that can be refrigerated in advance. For example, the stuffing can be prepped to almost complete and then popped into the oven for 30 minutes right before serving.
- Enjoy the day and ask for help! Whether you delegate prepping or cleaning, get your friends and family involved. It makes everything more fun to do it as a team.
SHOP MY HOSTING ESSENTIALS
Sourdough Sausage & Mushroom Stuffing
Get ready to impress everyone this holiday season with this insanely simple and unbelievably delicious stuffing. This dish will no doubt become the most delicious side dish at any Thanksgiving feast. It’s also dairy-free – but nobody will even know! Be sure to pair this with my GF, DF Bone Broth Gravy. You’ll have everyone coming back for seconds with this one. Click here for the recipe.
Bone Broth Gravy (DF, GF)
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful gravy, you’ve come to the right place. I recently perfected my Bone Broth Gravy and it’s not only the most savory, gluten-free and dairy-free gravy, it’s mouthwateringly delicious and the best addition to all your favorite Thanksgiving mains and sides. Click here for the recipe.
Roasted Veggies with Bacon and Pepita Pesto
This elevated Thanksgiving side is packed with so much flavor – from the most delish roasted veggies (squash, sweet potato and brussels sprouts), crispy bacon and tossed in the freshest, yummiest pepita pesto – prepare to be blown away. It’s too good!
Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes (GF, DF)
I can personally promise these mashed potatoes 100% live up to their name. They’re creamy and buttery (yet lactose-free!) and just so fluffy and delicious. Without a doubt, this will be the side that has everyone coming back for seconds, making for the perfect addition to any dinner party or holiday meal all season long. Click here for the recipe.
Green Bean Sauté With Sun Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
If you haven’t heard me rant about this yet, I’m not a big fan of the traditional green bean casserole. I prefer lighter, more fresh veggies on the side of my Thanksgiving feast. I’ve been making this dish for years because of how flavorful and healthy it is. It’s also super easy to make, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Click here for the recipe.
Dairy-Free Potato Gratin
Anytime potatoes are involved, you just know it’s going to be a good meal! And while this potato gratin sounds and looks kinda fancy, I can promise it’s effortlessly made and filled with flavor. You won’t be disappointed! Plus, this is one of those sides that you can prep ahead to make your Thanksgiving just a little smoother. Click here for the recipe.
Crockpot Pot Roast
This has become our tradition for our Thanksgiving entree. You won’t believe how easy and full of flavor this meal is to make. The chuck roast is so tender, it basically falls apart in your mouth. It’s kind of life-altering and I just know you’re going to love it too! The best part is that it takes such little prep time but your house will smell amazing all day. Click here for the recipe.
RGE Roast Chicken
One entree I’ve made in the past instead of turkey is a classic roast chicken. It works well for us because we usually have a small group (and tons of food!) so we don’t need tons of turkey! I also prefer chicken in general, so it’s a win win for me. If you’re hosting a smaller group, or intimidated by turkey, give this roast chicken a shot this year. You might just be converted! Click here for the recipe, featured in my NYT Best-Selling Cookbook.
SHOP MY KITCHEN NECESSITIES
Pumpkin Pie Bars
If you love pumpkin pie then making these bars is a must this year. The recipe is GF and DF but your family and friends will never know – the crunchy cinnamon-y crust is to die for and the pumpkin filling is so simple but insanely delicious. This might just be the perfect dessert to share with your loved ones! Click here for the recipe.
Paleo Apple Crisp
This apple crisp is the crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to bring to every holiday gathering. It’s comforting, deliciously sweet and crumbly, but somehow gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free – aka the RGE way. I love creating ‘healthier’ recipes based on the classics and showing you that all it takes is a few simple swaps to make these better-for-you versions, really proving you totally can have your cake and eat it too. Just make sure you leave room for dessert! Click here for the recipe.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwiches
Thanksgiving day gets all the attention when it comes to food content, but I think it’s time we show some love for those few days post-holiday. And what better way to celebrate leftovers than with these insanely delicious leftover inspired sandwiches. We might as well put everything to good use and make these sammies to fuel us for whatever Black Friday and the weekend has in store – shopping, decorating for Christmas, or just taking it easy at home with the fam, because that’s totally ok too. Click here for the recipe.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
I made this with our Thanksgiving leftovers last year and holy moly, it’s going to be an annual tradition for sure. Making a turkey (or chicken) pot pie with leftovers is an amazing way to use up tons of leftover meat in a new and delicious way if you get sick of your standard leftover plate! I’ll be making this one this year, no doubt. Click here for the recipe, featured in my NYT Best-Selling Cookbook.
