As Thanksgiving gets closer, lots of families are getting ready to come together at the table to say thank you and eat a big meal. While traditional Thanksgiving foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are common, why not try something new and exciting this year. Here are some fresh and different foods to consider adding to your Thanksgiving menu for a modern twist on the traditional meal.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Instead of the usual mashed sweet potatoes, you can try serving stuffed acorn squash as a tasty side dish. Carve out the center of acorn squashes, cook them in the oven, and stuff them with a tasty mix of quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and herbs. This is a delicious and attractive choice that can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and vegans.

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Make your cranberry sauce taste even better by adding the orange peel and a little bit of jalapeño. This will give it a nice mix of flavors. The tangy and slightly spicy flavor will go well with the classic turkey and gravy.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Begin your Thanksgiving meal with a cozy soup made from butternut squash and apples. It’s a nice and friendly way to make your guests hungry before the main meal. The sweet taste of the apples goes really well with the natural flavors of the squash.

Hasselback Potatoes

These thinly cut and cooked potatoes are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Put garlic, herbs, and a little bit of Parmesan cheese between the slices to add a lot of flavor to every bite.

Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Pecans

Classic stuffing is given a Southern flavor by adding cornbread, flavorful sausage, and crispy pecans. The mix of sweet and savory tastes will make your guests want more.

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Carrots

If you want a side dish that tastes both sweet and savory, give maple-bourbon glazed carrots a try. The glaze makes the carrots taste even better by adding a rich and smoky flavor. It goes really well with your Thanksgiving meal and will make it more special.

Pomegranate and Pear Salad

Try a fresh and tasty salad with juicy pomegranate and pear. The tasty and juicy pears, combined with the tangy pomegranate seeds, have a great mix of flavors. This makes it a nice addition to the heavier dishes on the table.

Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Mushrooms

If you want a yummy start to your meal or a tasty addition to your main dish, give cranberry and Brie stuffed mushrooms a try. The creamy Brie cheese and sweet-tart cranberry filling taste really good together and your guests will love it.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Instead of having the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dessert, you could try something different and have a pumpkin cheesecake instead. Your friends will want to know how to make the delicious and flavorful filling and crust made with graham crackers.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

If you want something really delicious, you should try a chocolate pecan pie. The mix of delicious chocolate and crispy pecans in a light crust is a yummy way to finish your Thanksgiving meal with a sweet touch.

This Thanksgiving, try cooking and tasting new foods. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous with different flavors. These new and interesting foods will give your usual Thanksgiving meal a modern and refreshing twist, and your guests will definitely enjoy trying them. Enjoy your holiday dinner with these delicious extras that honor the feeling of being together and thankful.