Sure, Thanksgiving is the main event when it comes to cooking in November. But it’s just one day of eating—there are still 29 days of meal planning to think about (we’re not counting the Turkey Day leftovers).
For this month’s recipe roundup, we’re including a few ideas for your Thanksgiving table, but we’re also sharing dishes you can make throughout the month. Easy and quick meals like Roasted Wild Mushroom Pappardelle, Roasted Cauliflower and Fried Egg, and Giant Pork Meatballs with Bitter Greens. Some lighter fare like Toasted Bread, Bean, and Vegetable Soup, Five Spice Chicken Noodle Salad, and Cod with Roasted Chile Butter for the days before and after the big meal. And of course, some ideas for your leftovers. Browse them below—happy cooking!
Starters, Sides, Soups, and Salads
1 of 10Erin Kunkel
Brussels Sprout Salad with Pecorino and Tangerines
If you’ve never had raw brussels sprouts before, this salad will be a revelation. To save time, use a handheld slicer for the sprouts and onion.
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 10Thomas J. Story
Roasted Crudités
This rustic take on the raw vegetable platter is great for fall parties, especially when served with her homemade dips.
 
 
 
 
 
3 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Toasted Bread, Bean, and Vegetable Soup
We updated ribollita, a hearty, comforting Tuscan vegetable soup thickened with lots of day-old bread, with this lighter version. (We’ve added the bread at the end and only on top—and used oil sparingly.)
 
 
 
 
 
4 of 10Thomas J. Story
Buttermilk Cornbread
Instead of rolls this Thanksgiving, why not serve up cornbread?
 
 
 
 
 
5 of 10Thomas J. Story
Chicory Salad with Persimmons, Pomegranates, and Walnuts
Fruits, nuts, Fuyu persimmons, and two kinds of chicory (frisée and radicchio) go into this generous but light salad. Toss it at the last minute so it stays crisp.
 
 
 
 
 
6 of 10Iain Bagwell
Sweet Potato and Gouda Gratin
This colorful version of scalloped potatoes will be your new favorite side dish. For richest flavor and color, look for deep-orange-fleshed sweet potatoes with skin that’s burnt orange to dark red. A food processor’s shredding disc and 2-mm. slicing blade make quick work of the cheese, sweet potatoes, and shallot.
 
 
 
 
 
7 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Northwest Bounty Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a favorite appetizer because it’s easy, tasty, and versatile. This recipe features so many bold flavors like onion, tart cherries, blue cheese and hazelnuts.
 
 
 
 
 
8 of 10Erin Kunkel
Whipped Potatoes with Three-Onion Butter
The tricks to achieving very creamy mashed potatoes are to not overcook them and to whip them just until smooth (if you overwhip, they’ll get gluey). Serve some of the butter on the side, so guests can determine their level of richness.
 
 
 
 
 
9 of 10Thomas J. Story
Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Waffles
Think of these crisp, savory delights as a cross between a latke and a waffle. Dolloped extra-small, they’re great as appetizers, and the same batter (thinned with a bit of milk) makes outrageous pancakes. Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into something great with your waffle iron. Serve these as a savory brunch option alongside scrambled eggs. The outside of the waffles will be crisp while the sour cream adds a cool texture and the final sprinkle of bacon and green onions brighten and finish the dish. 
 
 
 
 
 
10 of 10Thomas J. Story
Thanksgiving Leftover Empanadas
Instead of having the same old turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving this year, try these easy empanadas. Use store-bought pie crust, and they come together in minutes. Find rolled-out pie crusts in the refrigerator section of your grocery store
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mains
1 of 10Victor Protasio
Roasted Wild Mushroom Pappardelle
For maximum flavor and chewy-soft texture, the mushrooms are roasted and then simmered in broth. Save a bit of pasta water to moisten each bowl before serving.
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 10Greg Dupree
Cod with Roasted Chile Butter
Any firm, mild fish is delicious cooked this way. Grilling the delicate fillet on foil keeps it from sticking to the grates.
 
 
 
 
 
3 of 10Thomas J. Story
Dry-Cured Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
Rub the turkey with salt two days before roasting to season it beautifully without the messiness of a brine. A flavorful herb butter adds juiciness.
 
 
 
 
 
4 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Roasted Cauliflower with a Fried Egg
Cooked sunny side up or over easy, the egg’s yolk becomes a rich sauce for the cauliflower.
 
 
 
 
 
5 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Five-Spice Chicken Noodle Salad
Like a cross between a noodle bowl and a salad, this dish is low in fat and has a kick.
 
 
 
 
 
6 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Giant Pork Meatballs with Bitter Greens
The bracing flavor of mustard or dandelion contrasts nicely with the savory meatballs, but you can use any greens you like (tougher greens, like kale, may require longer cooking). Serve with hot polenta on the side.
 
 
 
 
 
7 of 10Thomas J. Story
Porchetta-Style Roast Turkey
Stuffed with a flavorful herb paste, rolled, tied, and baked skin side out until golden, this succulent roast is the polar opposite of overcooked, bland turkey breast.
 
 
 
 
 
8 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Red Curry Tofu with Fall Vegetables
Red curry paste–a flavorful mix of chiles, lemongrass, ground shrimp, and more–is one of the great creations of the Thai kitchen. And it’s available in jars, making it possible to cook this complex-tasting dish in just a half-hour.
 
 
 
 
 
9 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Parmesan Polenta with Quick Ragù
Polenta is a great option when you crave Italian comfort food but have pasta fatigue.
 
 
 
 
 
10 of 10Annabelle Breakey
Turkey Sandwiches with Shallots, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese
This sandwich combines some very familiar Thanksgiving flavors (turkey and cranberry) with enough surprising ones (shallots and blue cheese) to make you forget you’re eating leftovers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Desserts
1 of 5Thomas J. Story
Deconstructed Pie
We love pie, but we also like to have fun with tradition. This pretty tablescape of fruits and leaves can be arranged a day or two ahead, as your holiday dinner decor. Then, when it’s time for dessert, bring out bowls, spoons, and paring knives; dishes of candied nuts and pie-crust cookies; some whipped cream; and a couple of bottles of liqueur. Your guests cut up their favorite fruits and add toppings and cookies, creating their own pie in a bowl.
 
 
 
 
 
2 of 5Annabelle Breakey
Spiced Persimmon Tart with Brandy Mascarpone
A press-in crust makes this dessert easy even if you’ve never made a pie. The brandied mascarpone topping gives it a special-occasion touch.
 
 
 
 
 
3 of 5Iain Bagwell
Sweet-Potato Pecan Pie
We adapted this recipe from Devil’s Teeth Baking Company to create a border that shows off the bright filling. To completely cover the pie, just double the topping.
 
 
 
 
 
4 of 5Thomas J. Story
Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cake
Not feeling apple or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Make this chocolate pecan cake.
 
 
 
 
 
5 of 5Iain Bagwell
Lattice-Top Apple Quince Pie
Cooks the fruit ahead so the pie won’t collapse in the oven.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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