How to have the most chic Thanksgiving Dinner in 2023!

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition, a day when friends and family come together to give thanks and indulge in a feast that celebrates the bounties of the harvest. While the classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole hold a special place on our Thanksgiving tables, why not add a twist to these traditional dishes this year?

Let’s have a great time this Thanksgiving! (Photo: Kelsey Chance, upsplash.com)

We have created three exceptional side dishes that offer a unique take on the classics, sure to impress your guests. To complete the experience, we also included wine-pairing suggestions for each dish that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to the next level.

1: Truffle and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but this year, let's take them up a notch with the indulgent flavors of truffle and Parmesan. The earthy aroma of truffles and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese add a touch of elegance to this beloved dish.

Beautiful black truffles (Photo: Big Dodzy, upsplash.com)

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of truffle oil
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them.
2. Add the butter, heavy cream, truffle oil, and Parmesan cheese, and continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh chives just before serving.

Wine Pairing

For this pairing, you’ll need a wine with refreshing acidity, and enough presence to match the intensity of the truffle and parmesan flavor. A Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, California, or from Meursault, France would be a perfect fit.

2: Pomegranate and Walnut Stuffing

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential, but our unique twist adds a burst of flavor and texture with pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts. This vibrant stuffing will brighten up your holiday table.

Delicious stuffing (Photo: Chelsea Shapouri, upsplash.com)

Ingredients

• 8 cups of cubed artisanal bread (day-old or toasted)
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and sauté until they soften and become fragrant.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, sautéed vegetables, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then slowly pour the broth over the mixture, stirring until it's evenly moist.
4. Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until it's golden and crisp on top.

Wine Pairing

For this dish, a wine with red fruit flavors, great acidity, and low tannins would be a perfect fit. A Pinot Noir from Willamette, Oregon, or a Gamay from one of the Crus of Beaujolais, France would be delicious.

3: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts have gained popularity on Thanksgiving tables, and we're giving them a delightful twist by adding a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze with crispy bacon bits.

Brussel sprouts that actually taste good! (Photo: Nathan Lemon, upsplash.com)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
2. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and add the halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté them until they're tender and browned.
3. In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey to create the glaze.
4. Pour the balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts and cook for a few more minutes, allowing the glaze to coat the sprouts.
5. Season with salt and pepper and top with the crispy bacon bits before serving.

Wine Pairing

This dish requires a wine that features bold fruit, spice, and enough body to match the power of the flavors in the recipe. An old-vine Zinfandel from Lodi, California, or Grenache from Barossa Valley, Australia would make an excellent pairing.  

This Thanksgiving, delight your family and friends by giving traditional side dishes an unexpected makeover. Give your mashed potatoes a gourmet upgrade with truffle and Parmesan, enrich your stuffing with the distinctive flavors of pomegranate and walnut, and turn Brussels sprouts into a tantalizing treat with a balsamic and bacon glaze. These culinary twists will bring a fresh zest and wonder to your festive spread. Pair these creations with our recommended wines to elevate your holiday meal to an exquisite level of finesse that your guests will reminisce about well into the following year.

Savor the season's bounty, cherish the camaraderie, and indulge in these savory selections as you forge unforgettable moments around the dinner table.

Cheers from the VinoVoss team!

Billy Nordmeier