Thanksgiving Recipe Round-Up

Even with all of the Thanksgiving recipe round up posts I’ve read recently, I’m not tired of them yet. It’s always fun to get new ideas for holiday dishes and parties. There’s so much variety out there, and I think it’s fortunate to have so many diverse eating styles, cooking methods and techniques available on the internet.

Thanksgiving Recipe Round Up

In the style of many of my favorite bloggers, I thought it would be cool to make a list of holiday recipes I’ve been scoping out and/or tried. But here’s the kicker: none of them are my own. I figured I’d spread the link love around, especially when there are so many incredible dishes to choose from! 

Thanksgiving Breakfast

Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls. I made these for Christmas last year, and even as someone who’s extremely fearful of making homemade rolls and breads, it was a piece of cake. I can’t wait to make them again this year

Pecan pumpkin raisin scones

Fruit platter

Green chili breakfast casserole (still need to ask nana for her recipe!)

Green corn tamales and red tamales (usually purchased from the tamale man)

Beans

(We usually do a Mexican breakfast for any holiday.. or any day that ends in “y,” really)

Thanksgiving Appetizers and Salads

5 layer Greek dip

Roasted butternut squash salad 

Spinach artichoke dip

Roasted shrimp cocktail

Holiday soup for the soul

Soups

Kale and white bean soup

Ginger squash soup 

Creamy broccoli soup

Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving Sides and Entrees

Marinated Thanksgiving turkey

Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes I often use this recipe for squadron potlucks

Cranberry sauce <— the best

Garlic mashed potatoes

Green bean casserole

Vegetarian gravy 

Sweet and sour brussels sprouts

Vegan stuffing

Thanksgiving Desserts

Thanksgiving Desserts

Peppermint patty brownies -I’m actually going to check and use boxed mix for the brownie part and actually make the peppermint layer 😉

Flourless chocolate torte

Paleo pumpkin bars

Crockpot pumpkin spice lattes

Deep dark chocolate cookies

Chocolate coconut bars

Chocolate covered orange peels

What’s on your recipe radar? What are you responsible for making this year? I kind of lucked out in the sense that I only have to do dessert.

Quite a few people have asked about my healthy eating strategy for the holidays. I’ll go ahead and tell you: there is none. I eat pretty healthy for the most part, but for parties and holidays, I eat a mix of whatever is there and enjoy every bite. I usually try a little bit of everything (minus the pork and beef stuff) and go back for seconds of the things I really love. One thing to remember is that the holiday is about the people, not the food, even though the food is pretty dang delicious 😉 Don’t stress about it.

One thing that frustrates me is seeing crazy workout and eating plans over the holiday season- now is the time to focus on maintenance, and hopefully your lifestyle is one that allows you the things you enjoy on a regular basis so you don’t feel the need to go buck wild over the holidays. You can read more about my thoughts on healthy holidays here.

My mentality about treats and so-called unhealthy eats has changed a lot over the years, but even more so since I had Liv. Now I’m just really happy to eat food that I didn’t have to make myself 😉

What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Our family always goes golfing after the meal

Thanksgiving Golf

and plays poker. I surprisingly did pretty well last year but the Pilot came in for the win 😉

As much as I love Thanksgiving, I’m even more excited about snowman everything and Christmas lights. I busted the Michael Buble CD out today.

Hope you have a great night <3

xoxo

Gina

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27 Comments

  1. China on November 20, 2012 at 12:34 am

    I busted out the Buble Christmas CD today, too! 😉

  2. Bek @ Crave on November 20, 2012 at 1:31 am

    As an Aussie we don’t do the whole thanksgiving thing. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy all the thanksgiving related posts 😉 In regards to the healthy holidays stuff- my eating habits and exercise is a lifestyle so I maintain it all year round. I don’t deprive myself for weeks only to go over board at christmas..it’s all about moderation and balance!

  3. Averie @ Averie Cooks on November 20, 2012 at 4:07 am

    Nice roundup of eats, Gina!

    Funny you mention that about Ree’s rolls! I just posted another bread/roll recipe and still have yet to try hers. Have always wanted to…but I don’t have as many kids as she does and don’t quite need so many 🙂

    Have a great holiday and enjoy the brownies if you make them!

  4. nikki on November 20, 2012 at 6:31 am

    It’s our first thanksgiving as a non-long distance couple (i.e. actually making a turkey.. together), so I LOVE the recipe roundups! Also it makes me thankful for my parents for not being total beeetches when we were total beeetches as kids when they were trying to cook.

  5. Kristen on November 20, 2012 at 6:57 am

    Oh man, I knew I was going to make those peppermint patty brownies the second she posted them!
    I’m also making real cranberry sauce this year. I must admit I’ve never had the real thing. Which leads me to also admit….I sort of dig the canned stuff. Sorry? I’m not sorry. 🙂

    I pretty much have one strategy for the holidays….eat whatever I want (not the whole holiday season, just on the actual DAY). I stick to my regular eating habits all of the other days, with a few bites of goodies here and there and I still workout regularly. That works for me.

    WooHoo!! Let the holidays begin!!!!! Now, I suddenly hear Christmas music and cheesy holiday Lifetime movies calling my name.

  6. Hillary on November 20, 2012 at 7:01 am

    We have a slightly Jewish Thanksgiving every year, and I always bring the knishes! I’m also in charge of sweet potatoes, stuffing, and a dessert (this year I’m making a pumpkin pie with a homemade gingersnap crust). It’s a lot of work, but I absolutely love it.

  7. Colleen on November 20, 2012 at 7:40 am

    Christmas music is my favorite!
    My new favorite album is PTXmas by the Pentatonix. Here’s a link to their version of Carol of the Bells, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUFzC6_fp8, I bet you’d really love the album – their arrangement of “This Christmas” is so funky and fun!

  8. Natalie @ FreshLifeFindings on November 20, 2012 at 7:56 am

    I love your recipe round up! Such a great combo of different flavors 🙂 My husband would love if our families tradition was golf! Maybe I’ll think about making it one down the road! Enjoy your holidays! I brought out the Michael Buble too 🙂

  9. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on November 20, 2012 at 8:09 am

    I’ve been listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album too. 😀

    And what a great round up of recipes. I have those peppermint patty brownies bookmarked too – I can’t wait to make them!

  10. Danica @ It's Progression on November 20, 2012 at 8:21 am

    I just got out my Michael Buble Christmas CD too–it’s thee best.

  11. Danielle@cleanfoodcreativefitness on November 20, 2012 at 8:25 am

    I love your holiday eating “strategy”! Finally someone else who understands that the holidays are not the time to lose the weight! I think everything in moderation is fine! Love the recipe list you’ve got. Those cinnamon rolls sound amazing.

  12. Kerry @ Totes My Oats on November 20, 2012 at 8:34 am

    What a great roundup! Everything sounds amazing.

  13. Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction on November 20, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Brussel sprouts with dried cranberries and pine nuts and pumpkin whoopie pies!

  14. alyssa - life a la wife on November 20, 2012 at 8:45 am

    If you are making all of those desserts I’m inviting myself over!

    I am making pumpkin whoopie pies, cheesy broccoli rice & a cranberry sangria!

  15. Heather on November 20, 2012 at 9:09 am

    Chocolate chip and bourbon pecan pies! It’s the first year I’ve been trusted with dessert, and my in-laws take their sweets VERY seriously 🙂

  16. Meghan @ After the Ivy League on November 20, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Cinnamon rolls sound like the absolute perfect way to start Thanksgiving. I’ve never made any yeasted bread product though, and I’m a little intimidated. Thanksgiving morning probably isn’t the best time to experiment with a new recipe (in case it fails) but it’s definitely on my radar now!

  17. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on November 20, 2012 at 10:00 am

    I suck at poker! But it’s still fun to play. Micheal Bubles Christmas CD is one of my favorites! He has such a sexy voice.

  18. Amanda @ .running with spoons. on November 20, 2012 at 10:39 am

    Definitely nowhere near getting tied of these recipe roundups. Us Canadians had our Thanksgiving last month, so I’m stocking up on some ideas for Christmas 😉 And I’m definitely eyeing those cinnamon rolls… I’ve always wanted to make them, but the whole process sounded so intimidating so I’m glad to hear that they’re pretty fuss-free!

  19. Sarah @ Yogi in Action on November 20, 2012 at 11:26 am

    In Canada our Thanksgiving was last month- but my strategy is very much like yours! Eat it, enjoy every bite, and not stress about it. It makes the holiday’s so much more enjoyable.

    Though I am getting very excited for Christmas. And more so, December 1- as that’s the day my boyfriend and I are putting up the Christmas tree!

  20. Meredith on November 20, 2012 at 12:04 pm

    YES! THANK YOU for such a sane and welcome outlook on the holidays! Such a refreshing contrast to the ubiquitous chorus of “hurry up, focus on buring calories and cutting out foods (when you could be relishing in the joys of giving thanks for your blessings and spending time with loved ones)”…

    “One thing to remember is that the holiday is about the people, not the food, even though the food is pretty dang delicious Don’t stress about it.

    One thing that frustrates me is seeing crazy workout and eating plans over the holiday season- now is the time to focus on maintenance, and hopefully your lifestyle is one that allows you the things you enjoy on a regular basis so you don’t feel the need to go buck wild over the holidays.”

    One of the many reasons why I LOVE (and an thankful for) your blog. Life is short and you are such a inspiring example of making the most of it. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

  21. Haley on November 20, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    I’m making this delicious spinach & feta dip! http://haleyeats.com/2012/11/18/spinach-feta-dip/

  22. Shaina on November 20, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    this post is amazing!! I’m making an app and dessert this year. Goat cheese stuffed dates and this sweet potato creme brulee that I’m scary excited for: http://www.southernplate.com/2012/11/sweet-potato-creme-brulee.html

    • Fitnessista on November 20, 2012 at 5:44 pm

      that sounds insanely amazing

  23. Jodie on November 15, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    Which brand of canned chipotles do u use?

    • Fitnessista on November 15, 2015 at 7:00 pm

      i’m not sure! usually whatever they have at target

  24. Lata on November 15, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Hi Gina! Thank you for the roundup, I was wondering if IOU had a cauliflower mash recipe that you use? I wanted to make that as a side with mashed potatoes as healthier alternative and I wondered if you had recs or a recipe?

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