4 delicious Thanksgiving meal ideas from Olliffe
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that is closely associated with food as well as family. Many of us have warm memories of Thanksgiving dinner around the table with our loved ones, and we bet you have a favourite dish or two. Maybe it’s the turkey itself, or perhaps those delicious mashed potatoes and gravy…or hey, maybe you love roasted Brussels sprouts! We sure do. (Though we also have to talk about the magic of pumpkin pie…)
Cooking your family’s favourite dishes is a great way to approach Thanksgiving dinner, but it doesn’t hurt to try something new as well. A mix of new and familiar dishes can be really lovely—and over time, some of those ‘new’ dishes may become family favourites! Here are some Thanksgiving meal ideas and recipes to consider—we hope you enjoy them and they become a part of those memories made around the holiday table.
To reserve your Thanksgiving turkey, ham or roast, please contact us. Our homestyle holiday prepared food menu is available here. Thanks and happy Thanksgiving!
A classic roast turkey dinner
A roasted turkey dinner is a popular choice with many families, and with good reason. This is a delicious, comforting, classic meal that works well with a number of autumnal vegetables and other side dishes. If you’re roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving, consider making some of these great side dishes (along with those must-have mashed potatoes and gravy, of course). Make sure you’ve got an excellent stuffing recipe, too!
- Honey garlic butter roasted carrots
- Crumb-topped broccoli bake
- Garlic parmesan roasted sweet potatoes
- Maple-roasted parsnips
A holiday ham with savoury sides
Ham isn’t as common for Thanksgiving dinner, but it sure is delicious. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare in the oven, on your barbeque or even in your slow cooker! If your family is serving ham, consider these tasty sides.
- Potato leek au gratin
- Green bean casserole with bacon
- Biscuits with cinnamon honey butter
- Sweet potato gnocchi
A prime rib roast with elegant accompaniments
When we hear the words “prime rib roast,” our mouths start watering. You cannot go wrong with this exceptional cut of Ontario beef! If you’re preparing a prime rib roast this Thanksgiving weekend, here are some complementary sides to consider. Don’t forget the horseradish and some fresh dinner rolls!
- Roasted Brussels sprouts and squash and dried cranberries
- Garlicky sautéd spinach
- A wild mushroom galette
- Green beans with orange and gremolata
- Hasselback potatoes
A buffet-style family feast
If you’re hosting a large group, offering several different meat options is a great way to go. Consider roasting a turkey in the oven, warming a ham on the barbeque or in your slow cooker, and/or preparing a prime rib roast in a second oven or on the barbeque (here’s how). Choose side dishes that can be prepared ahead of time or require minimal preparation—when you’re cooking for a big gathering, time management is often as critical as culinary skill! Here are some options that may work well.
- Autumn apple salad with maple vinaigrette (prep everything but the dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge)
- Roasted beets with citrus
- Creamed kale with carmelized shallots
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Mushroom and leek bread pudding (a great alternative to stuffing)
Thinking about these recipes has us feeling hungry already, but it all starts with the main course—please call or email us as soon as possible to reserve your family’s favourite turkey, ham or roast or place an order for prepared dishes. Thanks very much for shopping local and supporting regenerative food this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!