A Simpler Thanksgiving

By: The Local Palate

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We know Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. The challenge is keeping it simple, but not skimping on the flavor. We asked five chefs what dish they would bring to make Thanksgiving big on flavor—with minimal effort– after we provided the main dish, a flavor-packed, low-lift roasted turkey breast. The result was a spread that reimagines Thanksgiving tradition with bright, unexpected sides like Caesar salad with celery root and chili breadcrumbs, cheese smothered potatoes, and berbere butter–roasted parsnips. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or keeping it intimate, these six recipes prove that a relaxed Thanksgiving can still feel abundant, generous, and deeply satisfying.

6 Recipes for a Simpler Thanksgiving

Classic Turkey recipe for a simple Thanksgiving

Classic Southern Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy

Tired of your in-law’s turkey? Try out this spice-forward roasted turkey smothered in a delicious pan gravy for a Southern take on an holiday classic.

Caesar Salad recipe for a simple Thanksgiving

Caesar Salad with Celery Root and Chili Breadcrumb

Try out an innovative take on a timeless classic from Michelin-starred chef, Joe Cash. This bold, texture-forward take on a traditional Caesar salad is a refreshing side dish option. The grilled celery root brings a mild sweetness, while the Calabrian Chile breadcrumbs bring some fire to the mix.

potatoes au gratin recipe for a simple Thanksgiving

Potatoes au Gratin with Huancaína Cheese Sauce

Potatoes smothered in cheese never fails as a delicious pairing, and this Peruvian twist on a mouth watering dish is no exception. These potatoes au gratin are drenched in a homemade Huancaína cheese sauce mixed with Peruvian aji amarillo peppers and Spanish onions.

Parsnips Berbere Butter recipe for a simple Thanksgiving

Roasted Parsnips with Berbere Butter

Roasted vegetables have assumed a sort of old reliable status in the hearts of many, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Try out this robust, spice-forward take that is sure to make you see roasted parsnips in a new light.

Braised mustard greens recipe for a simple Thanksgiving — Image courtesy of Canva

Basore’s Braised Mustard Greens

There’s something to be said for a side dish staple, and these braised mustard greens are a must for your dinner plans. Known and beloved across generations for a reason, these greens hold true to their traditional Southern roots with smoked bacon and a tangy hot sauce.

Pumpkin Roll recipe for a simple Thanksgiving

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll

Delicious seasonal baked goods shouldn’t be reserved for the gluten-tolerant. Try your hand at this gluten-free pumpkin roll to see what you’ve been missing all along.