While we always enjoy the comfort of classic recipes, sometimes it’s fun to change things up a bit and serve your guests unique Thanksgiving recipes instead.
Here, we’re taking a look at 15 non traditional Thanksgiving recipes that will leave your guests surprised in all the right ways.
Working for (and living with) a caterer is an interesting experience.
On the one hand – because you’re around someone who genuinely loves good food – you’re exposed to a wide variety of cuisines and unique tastes.
On the other hand, while working, you see the value in having go-to recipes that you’re known for making. These are the recipes that your guests love to have every time they come over, and would be disappointed if you didn’t serve them.
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Sometimes I feel like there’s a little bit of that same expectedness with Thanksgiving. The day just doesn’t feel quite right without turkey, cranberry sauce, and at least one thing pumpkin.
But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in a rut. Get creative with how you prepare your traditional foods, and leave your guests in awe.
These next few recipes are a fun way to add a new spin on Thanksgiving…everything made with craft beer! Choose one or choose them all, it’s sure to become a memorable holiday.
More Thanksgiving Recipes & Ideas:
- Your All-in-One Printable Thanksgiving Day Planner
- 35 Inspiring Ideas for Thanksgiving Table Settings
- Cranberry Bars with a Pistachio Shortbread Crust
- Sweet Potato Bars with Maple Frosting
Unique Thanksgiving Recipes Made with Craft Beer
Drinks and Cocktails:
A good host always has a drink ready when guests arrive. Set the tone for the entire meal with one of these craft beer cocktails
Stormy IPA Cocktail Recipe | Craft Beer Cocktails
With the combination of your favorite IPA, bold ginger beer, and just the right amount of lime, the Stormy IPA cocktail is an easy craft beer cocktail thats perfect any time of year.
Apple Cider Pumpkin Beer Shandy
Apple cider and pumpkin beer are mixed together and garnished with fresh apples, pomegranate seeds and rosemary for an incredible, seasonal treat.
Appetizer Recipes:
While the turkey bakes and the football game is on, set out these tasty treats to whet everyone's appetite.
Easy Beer Cheese Dip - BubbaPie
This awesome Pub Style version of classic cheese dip is rich, smooth and creamy in all the right ways. Pair it with pretzels, chips, or even vegetables while the turkey cooks and the everyone is watching the football game.
Easy Awesome Beer Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Beer turkey meatballs are a simple but delicious appetizer that is perfect with a stack of cocktail toothpicks nearby.
Side Dishes:
Ready for some tasty, non-traditional Thanksgiving side dishes? From soups to french fries, here are 5 new takes to add to your table.
Easy 3-Ingredient Beer Biscuits
With only 5 minutes of prep time, and 3 ingredients, this simple recipe is perfect for a busy Thanksgiving kitchen.
Oktoberfest Beer Sweet Potato Fries with Spiced Balsamic Dipping Sauce
This would definitely be an unexpected but very welcome side dish for your table. Hand-cut sweet potato fries are soaked in Oktoberfest beer and served with a zesty sauce.
Cheddar Beer Macaroni & Cheese with Cauliflower
Amber ale is combined to with three types of cheese to create a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and then baked until golden and bubbly for a delicious spin on classic macaroni and cheese.
Potato Beer Cheese Soup
Creamy and cheesy with a slight taste of your favorite beer (plus one more secret ingredient) this potato beer cheese soup is a perfect adaptation of the appetizer dip we all love.
Beer Brat Cheesy Chowder
A flavorful, cheesy and delicious Midwestern-inspired chowder sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites!
Main Dish Recipes:
It's time for the star of the show! Here are two non traditional Thanksgiving turkey recipes that are sure to leave your guests talking for years to come.
Rosemary Beer Brined Smoked Turkey
Who knew that adding beer to your turkey brine would make such a difference? But it does. Join in on the massive flavor with this Rosemary Beer Smoked Turkey Brine.
Sriracha Beer Injected Cajun Turkey Recipe
If your Thanksgiving crew is up for adventure, they're going to love this flavorful and delicious Sriracha beer injected cajun turkey.
Desserts:
You can still serve pumpkin pie for dessert, but don't be surprised if everyone reaches for one of these tasty beer-infused treats instead.
Beer Brownies with a Pretzel Crust
These mini beer brownies with a pretzel crust are the perfect, chewy, two-bite dessert when you want a small sweet bite to end the meal.
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies (made with beer!)
Made with a flavorful winter ale and cranberries, once you try these chewy oatmeal cookies, you'll never want plain cookies again.
Pumpkin Ale Cupcakes
Your guests would never guess that these pumpkin ale cupcakes with streusel cream cheese frosting come from a boxed mix. Score one for easy recipes for a crowd!
Molasses Stout Cookies with Stout Infused Cream Cheese Frosting
Your grandma's molasses cookies get a grown-up twist with a stout-based syrup and a stout-infused frosting too. This perfectly paired odd couple make a fantastic finish to your Thanksgiving meal.
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Janine Huldie says
Omg, this is so my kind of post and would love to make and any and all for Thanksgiving. We don’t host, my mother-in-law usually does, but always bring something and am totally thinking about making the cheddar ale spread and/or the mac and cheese, too. Thanks Leslie!! #happynowlinkup
Jen says
Alright it’s settled, I am coming to your house for Thanksgiving. I will do the dishes. Sound good? 🙂
Katy says
I’m all about the apps. I’ll just eat that cheese ale dip and beer battered anything all day!
Jessica says
Oh my gosh! This stuff looks amazing! I’ll be adding these to my pinterest board to try.
Carolina Twin Mom / Mary Peterson says
I have to know if you ended up making the beer mac and cheese? What did you think? I am constantly on the hunt for the Perfect Mac and Cheese recipe! Thanks for sharing these ideas!
#happynowlinkup
ERLENE AMAT says
I’m not a beer drinker, but I’m all for using it in food. All of these look delicious, especially the turkey gravy. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. Pinned.