44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (1)Carrie Madormo, RN

44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (2)Hannah PughUpdated: Feb. 21, 2024

    Remember these vintage recipes like oyster stuffing, sweet gelatin molds and Cornish game hens? These nearly-forgotten Thanksgiving recipes will surprise all of your guests.

    1/43

    Simple Lime Gelatin Salad

    Looking for a festive dish to lighten up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

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    2/43

    Taste of Home

    Oyster Stuffing

    My mother made this stuffing every Thanksgiving for my father who loves it! And now I make it. —Amy Voights, Brodhead, Wisconsin

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    3/43

    Taste of Home

    Glazed Cornish Hens with Pecan-Rice Stuffing

    Cornish hens bake up with a lovely golden brown shine when they are basted with my sweet and tangy glaze. The traditional rice stuffing has some added interest with crunchy pecans and sweet golden raisins. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

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    4/43

    TMB Studio

    Ambrosia Salad

    Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina

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    5/43

    Sugar Cream Pie

    I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie, especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it “Hoosier” sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana

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    6/43

    Creamed Peas

    I can still taste these wonderful peas in Mama’s delicious white sauce. Our food was pretty plain during the week, so I thought this white sauce made the peas ‘extra fancy’ and fitting for a Sunday meal.

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    7/43

    Grandma's Rosemary Dinner Rolls

    My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania

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    8/43

    Party Cheese Balls

    These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. —Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin

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    9/43

    Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

    These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

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    10/43

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup

    I was honored when my fireman son-in-law asked to add this recipe to their firehouse cookbook. You can prepare parts of this turkey soup ahead of time and then assemble when ready. Serve with crispy whole-grain crackers. —Carol Perkins, Washington, Missouri

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    11/43

    Cornbread Dressing

    There’s nothing quite like cornbread dressing at Thanksgiving. —Drew Weeks, Edisto Island, South Carolina

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    12/43

    Taste of Home

    Sausage Chive Pinwheels

    These spirals are simple to make but look special on a buffet. Our guests eagerly help themselves, and sometimes the eye-catching pinwheels never even make it to their plates! —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

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    13/43

    Sweet Candied Carrots

    These tender, vibrant candied carrots have a buttery glaze and a mild sweetness. This is a simple dish, but it sure makes carrots seem special. —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

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    14/43

    Taste of Home

    Grandma’s Rice Pudding

    My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I’m glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan

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    15/43

    Orange Buttermilk Gelatin Salad Mold

    A dear friend shared this recipe with me years ago. Now it’s my favorite dish to take to a church meeting, shower or any potluck event—it’s always a hit. Whenever I serve this salad, people ask for the recipe. They find it hard to believe it’s really made with buttermilk! —Juanita Hutto, Mechanicsville, Virginia

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    16/43

    Taste of Home

    Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Onions

    These onions are cooked in vegetable broth and stuffed with a delicious blend of cheeses. Experiment to find the blend you like. Instead of goat cheese, try cream cheese or mascarpone. You could substitute Gorgonzola cheese for the blue cheese, and in place of Romano, you could use Parmesan. Any blend is delicious! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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    17/43

    TMB studio

    Raisin Date Bread Pudding

    All my leftover bread ends (raisin bread is a favorite in this house) and buns go in the freezer. Then, when I've stashed away enough, I whip up a batch of this pudding. It's an all-occasion dish—I've made it for holidays, potlucks, picnics...for any occasion or no occasion! —Dawn Green, Hopkins, Michigan

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    18/43

    Oyster Fricassee

    I oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from this area's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia

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    19/43

    Beets in Orange Sauce

    To ensure your family eats their veggies, why not top your beets with an irresistible orange glaze! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    20/43

    Taste of Home

    Grandma’s Onion Squares

    My grandma brought this recipe with her when she emigrated from Italy as a young wife and mother. It is still a family favorite. —Janet Eddy, Stockton, California

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    21/43

    Frog Eye Salad

    This frog eye salad recipe gets its name from the tiny acini di pepe pasta that looks like frog eyes when folded in with fruit and a creamy dressing.As much or as little Cool Whip can be added to taste, and if I have some mandarin oranges or maraschino cherries, I add a few to the top. My friends say this side dish is good enough to be a dessert! —Elaine Bailey, Bloomfield, Indiana

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    22/43

    I swapped out my old cheese souffle for one with corn. If you’re souffle-challenged, it helps to use smaller ramekins instead of one big dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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    23/43

    24/43

    taste of home

    Sweet and Savory Deviled Eggs

    My Grandma Phyllis’ sweet and savory deviled eggs are unrivaled by any of the ones I’ve tried. The sweetness of the cherries balances the heat of the jalapeno; celery and pickles give a nice crunch. These snacks are always a party pleaser. —Adrienne Vradenburg, Bakersfield, California

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    25/43

    Taste of Home

    Crown Roast of Pork with Mushroom Dressing

    It looks so elegant that everyone thinks I spent a lot of time on this roast. But it's actually so easy! The biggest challenge is to remember to order the crown roast from the meat department ahead of time. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

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    26/43

    Classic Sweet Potato Pie

    This simple but special deep-dish pie provides a down-home finish to hearty autumn meals. Pecans and pumpkin pie spices make this a comforting seasonal classic. —Paul Azzone, Shoreham, New York

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    27/43

    Taste of Home

    Candy Bar Apple Salad

    This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

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    28/43

    Oysters Rockefeller

    My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts

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    29/43

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad

    Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan. Next, check out our collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

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    30/43

    Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew

    It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska

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    31/43

    Grandma’s Yeast Rolls

    My grandmother use to make these rolls for family get-togethers and holidays. The applesauce adds so much flavor. —Nancy Spoth, Festus, Missouri

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    32/43

    Taste of Home

    Butternut Squash Custard

    My husband first tasted this comforting casserole more than 10 years ago when he was still my fiance. Having enjoyed it so much, he said I needed to offer it at every Thanksgiving dinner. I was happy to oblige! —Maura Calusdian, Londonderry, New Hampshire

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    33/43

    Taste of Home

    Holiday Creamed Spinach

    My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

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    34/43

    Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad

    When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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    35/43

    Taste of Home

    Rack of Lamb with Figs

    I’ve been making rack of lamb for years. My grandma gave me this recipe because she knew how much I love figs. And the toasted walnuts sprinkled on top give it just the right finishing touch. —Sylvia Castanon, Long Beach, California

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    36/43

    Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter

    We often think of sweet potatoes in a supporting role as a side dish, mashed, baked whole, cubed and roasted. Here’s another thought—why not give them a starring role for breakfast when made into biscuits? Served with cinnamon-honey butter, they’re all kinds of awesome. —Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri

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    37/43

    Fluffy Cranberry Delight

    This was originally my daughter's recipe, and she or I will make it for one or more of our holiday get-togethers. It can be served as a fruit salad along with the meal or as a light dessert. It's particularly pretty in a cut-glass bowl on a buffet. —Ruth Bolduc, Conway, New Hampshire

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    38/43

    Taste of Home

    Walnut Caramels

    My grandmother was the queen of care packages. The Christmas season didn’t start until the mail carrier arrived with her anticipated box of goodies. These caramels are my father’s favorite. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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    39/43

    Taste of Home

    Pistachio Mallow Salad

    This fluffy pistachio salad is a real treat since it’s creamy but not overly sweet. It’s easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas

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    40/43

    Taste of Home

    Minty Peas and Onions

    Mother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D'Addario, Jacksonville, Florida

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    41/43

    Buttery Whiskey-Glazed Pearl Onions

    I always have pearl onions on hand to add to stews and vegetable dishes—they're great pickled too. Every Thanksgiving, I make this glazed onion dish. It can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

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    42/43

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Noodle Casserole

    Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It’s so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I’m cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

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    43/43

    Taste of Home

    Contest-Winning Chocolate Potato Cake

    I won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth. —Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana

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    Originally Published: December 31, 1969

    44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (44)

    Carrie Madormo, RN

    Carrie is a health writer and nurse who specializes in healthy eating and wellness through food. With a master’s degree in public health from the Medical College of Wisconsin, she strives to translate the latest health and nutrition research into interesting, actionable articles. During her six years at Taste of Home, Carrie has answered hundreds of reader questions about health and nutrition, such as if pomegranate seeds are safe to eat, why pregnant women crave pickles and how much caffeine is in a shot of espresso. Carrie is also a former health coach and food blogger.

    44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (45)

    Hannah Pugh

    Hannah Pugh is a former assistant editor for Taste of Home. She focused on writing affiliate content product reviews, newsletters and recipe collections. In her free time, she can be found sipping coffee at cafes, reading or rock climbing with her husband.

    44 Nearly Forgotten Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What am I forgetting for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

    All the Things I Forget to Have on Hand When Hosting Thanksgiving (But Not This Year)
    • Clothespins. ...
    • Ketchup. ...
    • Paper napkins. ...
    • Tea. ...
    • Nondairy creamer.
    Nov 17, 2023

    What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

    Here are our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes that are delicious and easy to make.
    • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
    • Stuffing. ...
    • Green Bean Casserole. ...
    • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
    • Baked Corn. ...
    • Mac and cheese. ...
    • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
    • Fresh Rolls.
    Oct 28, 2021

    What was the original Thanksgiving meal? ›

    Although turkeys were indigenous, there's no record of a big, roasted bird at the feast. The Wampanoag brought deer and there would have been lots of local seafood (mussels, lobster, bass) plus the fruits of the first pilgrim harvest, including pumpkin. No mashed potatoes, though.

    What did the Pilgrims actually eat on Thanksgiving? ›

    So, to the question “What did the Pilgrims eat for Thanksgiving,” the answer is both surprising and expected. Turkey (probably), venison, seafood, and all of the vegetables that they had planted and harvested that year—onions, carrots, beans, spinach, lettuce, and other greens.

    What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

    "For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

    What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

    Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
    • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
    • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
    • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
    • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
    • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
    • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
    • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
    • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
    Oct 26, 2023

    What food did Native Americans have for Thanksgiving? ›

    But there was definitely no shortage of options, as Native Americans marked celebratory meals with plenty of fish, produce, and wild rice. Want a fully Indigenous-inspired Thanksgiving meal? Pair our whole roasted trout with roasted turnips, fried cornbread, and wild rice pudding for dessert.

    Which president refused to celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday? ›

    While Thanksgiving technically isn't a religious holiday, the “giving thanks” part of it struck Jefferson as being far too religious for his tastes. As our nation's third president, he stirred controversy by refusing to recognize Thanksgiving.

    Which two foods had not been invented during the first Thanksgiving? ›

    White potatoes, originating in South America, and sweet potatoes, from the Caribbean, had yet to infiltrate North America. Also, there would have been no cranberry sauce. It would be another 50 years before an Englishman wrote about boiling cranberries and sugar into a “Sauce to eat with. . . .

    Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday? ›

    Among the Puritan colonists, Thursday may have been tradition to distance the event from the Sabbath day. Thursday was also a typical day for lectures in New England, which may have contributed to the reason Thanksgiving is a Thursday.

    What did people on the Mayflower eat? ›

    During the Mayflower's voyage, the Pilgrims' main diet would have consisted primarily of a cracker-like biscuit ("hard tack"), salt pork, dried meats including cow tongue, various pickled foods, oatmeal and other cereal grains, and fish. The primary beverage for everyone, including children, was beer.

    What did the Pilgrims drink? ›

    “The Pilgrims drank water,” she says. “They drank it at the first Thanksgiving, they drank it every day.” The Pilgrims had reasons other than the lack of beer, she notes, for cutting their voyage short.

    Which president started Thanksgiving? ›

    A few days later, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789 as a "Day of Publick Thanksgivin" - the first time Thanksgiving was celebrated under the new Constitution.

    What main dish was missing from the first Thanksgiving feast? ›

    It is also worth noting what was not present at the first Thanksgiving feast. There were no cloudlike heaps of mashed potatoes, since white potatoes had not yet crossed over from South America. There was no gravy either, since the colonists didn't yet have mills to produce flour.

    How do you remember a lost loved one at Thanksgiving? ›

    Share favorite holiday memories of your loved one in your journal or with friends and family members. Create a slideshow of your favorite photos, or make copies and create a collage to have on display during Thanksgiving gatherings. Light a candle at the table to represent their everlasting impact on you and your ...

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