Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, reminiscing, and creating memories over delicious food. But amidst the turkey and pumpkin pie, many classic dishes from Thanksgivings past have been overshadowed by modern trends. These nearly forgotten recipes are filled with flavors that once graced family tables and are worth revisiting.
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Corn Pudding
This classic corn pudding is a creamy, sweet dish that pairs perfectly with savory Thanksgiving flavors. To make it, you’ll need 2 cups of whole corn kernels, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and ¼ cup of sugar. Start by blending the corn until it’s lightly pureed but still textured, then mix in the cream, eggs, melted butter, and sugar. Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until golden and set. This dish brings a comforting, creamy texture that rounds out any holiday meal.
Giblet Gravy
Traditional giblet gravy adds a rich, savory note to any Thanksgiving spread. Gather 1 cup of chopped giblets, 1 onion, 1 celery stalk, 2 cups of turkey broth, 2 tablespoons of flour, and salt and pepper. Sauté the giblets, onion, and celery in a bit of butter until they’re tender, then sprinkle in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add turkey broth, stirring until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer until flavors meld. This gravy is perfect over mashed potatoes or turkey and brings an authentic flavor of old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
Oyster Stuffing
Oyster stuffing was once a Thanksgiving favorite, adding a unique coastal flavor to the table. You’ll need 2 cups of cubed bread, 1 pint of fresh oysters, 1 cup of diced celery, 1 diced onion, ½ cup of chicken broth, and a dash of thyme and sage. Start by sautéing the celery and onion in butter until soft, then combine with the bread cubes and seasonings. Stir in the oysters and broth to moisten, then bake in a covered dish at 350°F for 30 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 to brown. This dish is a deliciously different stuffing that deserves a comeback.
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is a fruit-filled, creamy side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. You’ll need 1 can of mandarin oranges, 1 can of pineapple chunks, 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and ½ cup of sour cream or whipped cream. Drain the canned fruit, then mix all the ingredients in a bowl until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. This salad adds a touch of sweetness and is a beautiful addition to your holiday table.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet potato soufflé adds a light, airy twist to classic sweet potatoes. You’ll need 4 medium sweet potatoes, ½ cup of brown sugar, 3 large eggs, ¼ cup of butter, ½ cup of milk, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then scoop the flesh into a bowl, mashing until smooth. Beat in the brown sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and cinnamon until fluffy, then pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden. This soufflé is a nostalgic, fluffy dish that melts in your mouth.
Celery Root Puree
Celery root puree was once a traditional side, with its mild, earthy flavor making it a perfect complement to richer Thanksgiving dishes. You’ll need 2 celery roots, 1 potato, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and salt to taste. Peel and chop the celery roots and potato, then boil them together until soft. Drain and blend with milk and butter until smooth, adding salt to taste. Serve this creamy puree as an alternative to mashed potatoes for a sophisticated, old-world flavor.
Mince Pie
Mince pie is a spiced fruit and meat pie that was a holiday staple in early American kitchens. To make it, you’ll need 1 pie crust, 1 cup of chopped apples, ½ cup of dried currants, ½ cup of raisins, ¼ cup of suet or butter, ½ cup of apple cider, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combine all filling ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the mixture thickens. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until golden. This pie is a unique, savory-sweet treat worth rediscovering.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish, unlike traditional cranberry sauce, is a raw and refreshing addition to the Thanksgiving table. You’ll need 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 1 orange (including the peel), and ½ cup of sugar. In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and orange until finely chopped, then mix with the sugar. Let the relish sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. This tangy, vibrant relish is perfect for adding a fresh burst of flavor to roasted meats.
Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a simple but elegant side dish that used to be a Thanksgiving favorite. You’ll need 1 pound of green beans, ¼ cup of sliced almonds, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Blanch the green beans until tender-crisp, then drain and set aside. In a skillet, toast the almonds in butter until golden, then toss with the green beans and season with salt. This light dish adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness to your Thanksgiving feast.
Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is a warm, comforting side dish that’s easy to make and loved by all ages. You’ll need 4 large apples, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Peel and chop the apples, then cook them in a saucepan with water, sugar, and cinnamon until soft. Mash to your desired consistency, leaving it chunky or making it smooth. Serve warm or cold for a simple yet delicious side that complements all Thanksgiving flavors.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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