It’s almost that special time of year that stirs the imagination and drives a little nostalgia. You know the ones: Oven-baked turkey, savory stuffing, yummy mashed potatoes and that odd Jell-O® salad your grandmother always makes that no one ever eats. But how about a new spin on these autumn staples? We’re warming up this fall with our picks for the best Thanksgiving-inspired recipe makeovers that you just have to try:
 

Gobble-worthy Grub

What’s Thanksgiving without the turkey? Check out these easy recipes that put a fun and creative twist on awesome autumn classics:

Turkey Sliders

Use any leftover bread rolls, turkey and cranberry sauce all at once! Slice rolls in half and place in a baking dish. Add turkey slices, cheese and a dollop of gravy and/or cranberry sauce to each roll. Bake until cheese is melted.

Thanksgiving-in-a-Bite

Lay out crescent rolls on a baking sheet. Add a small spoonful of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Bake until rolls are brown. Dip in gravy to serve. This makes for a perfect appetizer to any holiday party. Turkeys in a blanket, anyone?

Sweet Potato Turkey Nachos

Slice sweet potatoes into coins and mix with olive oil, salt and pepper. Lay out on a baking sheet and bake until coins are almost cooked. Remove and top with shredded leftover turkey, black beans, cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Return to oven until toppings are warm and cheese is melted.

Savory Sides

Almond and Cranberry Slaw

Serve up something light and crunchy to complement your hearty Thanksgiving nosh. Mix shredded cabbage (green, purple, or both!) with dried cranberries, Fuji or pink lady apples, sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans, chopped parsley and a pinch of pepper. Whip up a cool autumn vinaigrette using olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a splash of maple syrup, four teaspoons of Dijon mustard, finely diced red onion and a pinch of salt. Pour over the salad once ready to eat.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is so easy to make and way better than the canned stuff! Use leftovers from Thanksgiving to sweeten up a wild rice dish. Cook wild rice in vegetable broth. Add in almonds, apple slivers, thyme, oregano and a hearty dollop of cranberry sauce.

For Your Sweet Tooth

5-Ingredient Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

This sweet recipe will satisfy your pumpkin cravings, plus it’s made with whole grains and gluten-free!

Mix a cup of pumpkin puree with two cups of gluten-free quick oats, a quarter cup of maple syrup, a half cup peanut butter or sunflower seed butter and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Form the dough into small balls and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until firm. As an option, top with a few chocolate chips or crushed pecans!

No-Bake Sweet Potato Pie Bites

Got leftover sweet potatoes? Say hello to your next dessert. Mash up a leftover baked sweet potato (or a half cup of mashed sweet potatoes) and blend with light cream cheese and whole milk. Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Make a graham cracker crust by mixing crumbs with butter, or for you chocolate lovers, try melted dark chocolate chips as glue. Smash a layer into the bottom of a muffin tin. Spoon in the sweet potato mixture and chill before serving. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed pecans and a dash of cinnamon.

Bring a few of these dishes to the next family party and be an instant hit. And even more assuring for Mom, they’re super easy to make. Gobble away!