A Thankful Bounty

November 5, 2025

By Gretchen Westdal Centers

Around most Thanksgiving tables, the turkey is the star of the show — and for good reason! The start of the holiday season means embracing traditions and invoking nostalgia, and for many, that means the same dishes each year. But, if you are looking for more options to serve for this year’s upcoming holiday, we’ve got a cornucopia of delicious dishes to make for your friends, family and loved ones. And, if you’re a traditionalist, there’s a showstopping turkey recipe to level up your menu.

 

Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce | Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner

With the first nip of cooler air, nourishing and hearty dishes start to beckon. As guests arrive, shedding coats, warm up with these Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce. Since it’s a holiday, it’s a time for celebration, and these decadent ribs will have mouths watering with their fall-of-the-bone goodness. The beef is slowly cooked with herbs and vegetables, where it absorbs a medley of complementary flavors and transforms into a layered flavor experience. The red wine sauce ties it all together with a rich bow. One of the best features of this dish — apart from the flavor? It can be made in the slow cooker, saving you time and filling your home with enticing smells. Recipe and photo credit: Beef. It's What's For Dinner.

Get the recipe here: Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce

 

Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin | Iowa Pork

Unfortunately, cranberries tend to be overlooked outside November. Their fall harvest season is one of the main reasons, but we’ve also tended to associate them with a side dish to the Thanksgiving turkey. The bright, tart flavor works ideally with a mild flavor profile like turkey, or in this recipe, pork loin. If you’re feeling like switching up your Thanksgiving main dish this year, this Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin is a delightful choice. Pork loin, like turkey, is a lean and versatile protein that pairs well with a wide variety of flavors. With this recipe, cranberry, apple and breadcrumbs are rolled into a pork loin to create a mouthwatering burst of flavor. It’s an impressive entrée that will have guests considering cranberries all year long. Recipe and photo credit: Iowa Pork

Get the recipe here: Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin

Turkey and Tofu Yakatori | Soy Connection

Yakatori — meaning "grilled chicken" in Japanese — is a traditional dish featuring grilled chicken cooked over a charcoal fire and seasoned with tare sauce, a blend of soy sauce, sake and a sweetener. Over the centuries, as people are wont to do, the recipe has been adapted to feature different protein sources and variations on the seasoning. The ease and delectability of grilling over a charcoal stove inspired this Turkey and Tofu Yakatori. For a Thanksgiving meal unlike previous years, try pairing the traditional turkey with tofu atop turkey fried rice. Your taste buds will be dazzled by the array of spices and flavors. Think miso, ginger, Gochutgaru chili flakes, lemongrass, basil and mint! All of them blend seamlessly to wow and delight your guests with a turkey dish that stands out. Recipe and photo credit: The Soyfoods Council

Get the recipe here: Tofu and Turkey Yakatori

 

Dry Brine Spatchcock Turkey | National Turkey Federation

Don’t let the word ‘dry’ turn you off this dish. There’s nothing dry about the Dry Brine Spatchcock Turkey recipe that is bathed in an herb butter. Spatchcocking means splitting the bird by removing the backbone and butterflying it so the meat roasts evenly. After brining the turkey in salt brine and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours, the turkey is first cooked at high heat to brown it. Then, the temperature lowers, so the moisture is retained. While that roasts, the herb butter, featuring the classics rosemary, thyme and sage is combined. The herb butter is then placed under the turkey’s skin to evenly distribute it as it finishes cooking. The result? Crispy yet juicy turkey meat that will have family members fighting for the leftovers. Recipe and photo credit: National Turkey Federation

Get the recipe here: Dry Brine Spatchcock Turkey

 

The Nutcracker’s Pasta Carbonara | The Incredible Egg

For many, the Thanksgiving holiday is the kickoff to the many celebrations that are scattered throughout December. The Nutcracker’s Pasta Carbonara is the perfect dish to serve that will usher in the season of merriment and cheer. This is a rich and satisfying pasta dish that balances the creaminess of eggs with the savory flavors of pancetta and Parmesan. It’s an elegant yet easy option that feels indulgent enough for a special occasion, offering a whimsical nod to holiday traditions through its name and festive flavors. Recipe and photo credit: The Incredible Egg

Get the recipe here: The Nutcracker's Pasta Carbonara

 

 

Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms | U.S. Dairy

There are so many special things about living in the Midwest. And one of those signature specialties is the ubiquitous casserole. Humble in its design but crowd-pleasing in its appeal, the Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms is a quiet yet luxurious dish to serve for a holiday or a weeknight. This brings together tender chicken, hearty mushrooms and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s the kind of bake that fills the house with warmth and makes everyone feel at home — perfect for cozy gatherings. Recipe and photo credit: U.S. Dairy

Get the recipe here: Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Mushrooms