Hello, it’s time for Thanksgiving! This year, we’re embracing a groovier vibe for our holiday table, with glistening, golden brown dishes and that nostalgic, almost jiggly texture. Think retro charm, family warmth, and shared stories passed from generation to generation.
We invited 22 of our go-to chefs to contribute their most nostalgic Thanksgiving dishes. These are not just dinners. They’re memories in a dish, passed down through generations, full of tradition and flavor.
1. A Toast to Begin the Feast
Let’s start with a celebratory sip. Laura Vitale’s Cranberry Moscow Mule is a fizzy, festive drink served best in a classic copper goblet. It’s quaint, functional, and gets the holiday spirit just right.
2. Main Attractions with a Story
The star of any Thanksgiving is the main course, and these chefs infused heart and heritage into theirs:
JJ Johnson’s Beer-Can Turkey: Vertical roasting on a beer can and a mayo-butter spice rub keeps this turkey crispy and juicy. It’s a variation of his father’s classic.
Bullock Family Gravy: Gesine Bullock-Prado reveals this whisper-secret recipe full of sour cream. Her uncle had no idea and still adored it. A gravy that contains generations of love and laughter.
Jordan Andino’s Rib-Eye Roast: An entire roasted rack based on his dad’s food. As a child, he’d sneak bites off the charred exterior. It’s still his favorite.
Stefano Secchi’s Turkey Leg Osso Buco: Inspired by veal osso buco, this rich, rustic dish is served simply over polenta.
3. Sides That Steal the Show
Sides may be supporting players, but they often shine the brightest:
Martha Stewart’s Brioche-Stuffed Pumpkin: A stunning dish filled with fruit, herbs, and rich brioche stuffing. It’s festive, fragrant, and centerpiece-worthy.
Daniel Boulud’s Green Bean Bundles: Bacon-wrapped French green beans, sprinkled with almonds and a dash of cayenne. Tidy, attractive, and flavorful.
Ayesha Nurdjaja’s Garlicky Mashed Potatoes: Flavored with garlic in two forms, rosemary, and creme fraiche. Creamy and spicy.
Jocelyn Delk Adams’ Southern Skillet Cornbread: Big Mama’s classic cast-iron cornbread with crunchy crust and a soft center.
Marcus Samuelsson’s Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese with Jerk Turkey: A leftover-friendly classic his son adores, creamy with a Caribbean flair.
Eric Kim’s Broccoli Apple Salad: Raw broccoli and crisp apples combine in a bright, palate-refreshing pairing.
4. New Traditions, Old Roots
Numerous chefs reinvented Thanksgiving with personal spins, merging cultures and memories:
Elizabeth Heiskell’s Cranberry Gelatin Mold: Retro and refreshing, inspired by her “other mother” who used green gelatin to coordinate with the china.
Hetty McKinnon’s Mac and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole: A rich combination of pasta and potatoes symbolizing her family’s American odyssey.
Ana Castro’s Cheesy Poblano and Potato Bake: A warm Mexican favorite evolved from “papas con rajas,” now an annual Thanksgiving tradition in her household.
Shaw-naé Dixon’s Stuffed Acorn Squash: A wholesome dish packed with greens and root vegetables. A soothing interlude in an indulgent meal.
Laura Vitale’s Corn Soufflé: A mistake turned into a cornbread that became a family favorite in this light, creamy dish.
Bricia Lopez’s Spaghetti Verde: Green spaghetti her mom used to make that instantly became a staple at their family’s mixed-culture dinner table.
Edy Massih’s Pistachio Stuffins: Middle Eastern-style muffins with fig jam and pistachios. Beautifully portioned with crunchy edges.
5. Sweet Finales with Meaning
Dessert is not only sweet. It’s emotional:
Melissa Clark’s Brown Butter-Bourbon Pumpkin Bread: A nod to her mother-in-law, with cardamom and browned butter taking the classic to the next level.
Alejandra Ramos’ Tembleque: Coconut pudding with a soft jiggle, reminiscent of Puerto Rican holidays.
Lazarus Lynch’s Pecan Pie: His dad’s go-to dessert, gooey sweet. Now with fleur de sel and browned butter on top.
Maya-Camille Broussard’s Pound Cake: Aunt Ruby’s go-to dessert, fluffed up by a secret ingredient, Dream Whip.
Rick Martínez’s Spicy Sweet Potato Pie: Honey for floral notes, chile flakes for heat. A powerful conclusion to the meal.
