Ultimate Guide for Thanksgiving Appetizers, Sides, Dessert

Most people have a go-to dish for Thanksgiving... It's called "Turkey Day" for a reason. However, finding unique appetizers, sides, and desserts are a tad more challenging. Well, we're solving the problem with this Ultimate Guide for Thanksgiving Appetizers, Sides, and Desserts. Look no further for easy-to-make dish ideas that your family will love. 

In this Food for Thought blog post:

  • Smoked Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie
  • Buffalo Cauliflower
  • Croissant S'mores
  • Cucumber Peach Salad
  • Sweet Potatoes

If you're looking for the main course, check out Thanksgiving Reverse-Seared Pork Loin Recipe with Orange Cranberry Sauce by clicking here, or scroll to the bottom to see our original Thanksgiving recipes from previous years.

For more unique recipes, limited deals, and expert BBQ advice, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here

 

Smoked Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie Recipe

Ingredients for Smoked Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie:

Prosciutto wrapped brie ingredients

Directions for Smoked Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie:

STEP 1: Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C). As always, we're using the Yoder Smoker YS640S Competition Cart.

STEP 2: Slather the House of Q Slow Smoke Gold all over the brie wheel so that it's fully covered.

Smoked Cheese RecipeBBQ smoked cheese recipe

 

STEP 3: Next, do the same with the Prairie Smoke and Spice Tumbleweed: All Purpose Rub . Again, make sure it's fully covered.

How to Make BBQ Smoked Brie CheeseHow to Make BBQ Smoked Brie Cheese

 

STEP 4: Layout the prosciutto in a "X" or "bike spokes" formation (depending on how large your slices are) and place the brie in the middle. Then, fold the prosciutto up the brie so that the wheel is fully covered.

 Smoked prosciutto-wrapped-brieSmoked prosciutto wrapped brieSmoked prosciutto-wrapped brie

 

STEP 5: If needed, use Butcher Twine around the brie wheel to hold prosciutto in place.

STEP 6: Smoke between 45 minutes to 60 minutes.

Smoked Prosciutto-wrapped cheeseSmoked Prosciutto-wrapped cheese

 

 

STEP 7: Next, pull it off the grill and let it rest for 3 minutes to 5 minutes.

STEP 8: Serve with your choice of fancy crackers.

 Smoked prosciutto-wrapped cheese recipeSmoked prosciutto-wrapped cheese recipe

 

Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients for Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower:

BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients

 

Directions for Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower:

STEP 1: Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (300°F to 325°F)

STEP 2: Wash/rinse your fresh cauliflower heads thoroughly.  

STEP 3: Chop one head of cauliflower into bite-sized pieces about 2 inches in diameter.

STEP 4: Rinse your cauliflower again to make sure it's extra clean.

STEP 5: Next, lightly toss the cauliflower in just enough oil to cover the vegetables.

BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients

 

STEP 6: Add in KB Barbecue High Tide Seasoning and then Kosmo's Q Wing Dust Garlic Parmesan

BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower RecipeBBQ Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

 

STEP 7: Put cauliflower in a BBQ-safe grill topper tray/pan. Cook it over charcoal for the best taste, but a gas grill or oven works too. 

STEP 8: Stir regularly and watch for cauliflower to start to brown or char. 

BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower RecipeBBQ Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

 

STEP 9: Cook to desired doneness. Do you like it crunchy, al dente, or soft? Be sure to keep a close eye on the cauliflower once it starts to brown because it can quickly go from a beautiful char to burnt. You've been warned.

BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower charred

 

STEP 10: Once it's done, remove the grill topper from heat and place the roasted cauliflower in a large bowl.

STEP 11: Last but not least, toss the cauliflower in your preferred amount of Blues Hog Wild Wing Sauce and serve it up to your favourite friends and family.

Blues Hog Wild Wing Sauce on CauliflowerBlues Hog Wild Wing Sauce on CauliflowerBlues Hog Wild Wing Sauce on BBQ Cauliflower

 

Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Cucumber Salad:

  • 2 Tbsps. Seasoned Rice Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 Medium Shallot (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Medium-Sized Avocado (cubed)
  • 2 Tbsps. Basil Leaves (thinly sliced)
  • 1 Tbsp. Mint Leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp. Lemon Pepper
  • 3 Tbsps. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt to Taste

 Ingredients for Cucumber Salad

 

Directions for Cucumber Salad:

STEP 1: In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, lime juice, and chopped shallots. Lightly toss the mix, then let the shallots sit/soak for at least 10 minutes.

Chopped onions for cucumber salad

 

STEP 2In a separate large bowl, combine cucumber, avocado, basil, and mint. Then, add your shallot mixture you just made. Next, add lemon pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, and a few pinches of salt. Toss the whole mixture until it's well combined.

Cucumber Salad Recipe

 

STEP 3: Taste and season with a pinch more salt, if needed.

 

 

 

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

  • 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • ¾ Cup Warm 2% Milk
  • ½ Cup Butter (softened and cubed)
  • ¾ Cup Maple Syrup (or to taste)

 

Directions for Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

 

STEP 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your sweet potatoes. and lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender. This should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

STEP 2Drain and transfer to a bowl.

STEP 3: Mash your sweet potatoes with a potato masher. Slowly mix in 1/2 cup of warm milk at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

STEP 4: Stir in butter and maple syrup until well blended and butter is melted.

Mashed Sweet PotatoesMashed Sweet PotatoesMashed Sweet PotatoesMashed Sweet Potatoes

 

STEP 5: Serve warm.

Bonus Step: Our recipe creator decided to add the mashed sweet potatoes to a casserole dish, and topped it with marshmallows and then baked it in a smoker at 375°F until marshmallows were bubbly. Feel free to try this yourself if you're feeling adventurous.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes With MarshmallowsMashed Sweet Potatoes with marshmallows

 

Grilled Croissant S'mores Recipe

Ingredients for Grilled Croissant S'mores:

  • 6 Croissants
  • 1 Bag of Marshmallows
  • 2 Chocolate Bars

Croissant Smores Ingredients

 

Directions for Grilled Croissant S'mores:

 

STEP 1: Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature (350°F to 375°F).

STEP 2Slice croissants length-wise but do not cut it all the way through.

STEP 3: Place the croissant on a parchment paper- or aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

STEP 4: Assemble the smores by layering in marshmallows and chocolate squares.

 

STEP 5: Place the croissant sandwiches on the grill and grill until marshmallows have grown and started to get golden brown, and chocolate begins to melt.

 

STEP 6: Remove the s'mores from the grill and serve warm while they're still gooey.

 

Want more Thanksgiving ideas? Here are some recommendations to see:

Recipe written by barbecue enthusiast Andrew Plaza. Follow him on Instagram for more barbecue goodness by clicking here.

Do you like getting deals on BBQ and fireplace necessities that'll make your house a home? Subscribe to our Hotline Newsletter to be the first to receive updates on limited time deals and exclusive monthly recipes.

Barbecues Galore has the best selection of barbecues, patio furniture, and outdoor heating supplies. We sell barbecues, accessories, and everything else you need for exceptional grilling and backyard experiences. With locations in Calgary and the GTA, you can visit us in store or shop online. North Calgary Store: (403) 250-1558 | South Calgary Store: (403) 258-4440 | Burlington Store: (905) 639-5952 | Oakville Store: (905) 844-3224 | Etobicoke Store: (416) 546-3266

Back to blog
  • BURGER CHEESE PULL OF JUICY LUCY CHEESE-STUFFED BURGERS RECIPE | JULY RECIPE OF THE MONTH

    JUICY LUCY CHEESE-STUFFED BURGERS RECIPE

    This particular burger isn't for the diet-restricted fellows out there because this burger will fill you up with all the meaty and cheesy goodness you've been craving lately. Grilled double-cheese-stuffed burgers have never been so delicious.

    Make It Yourself 
  • BARBECUED GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI SKEWERS WITH HOMEMADE TZATZIKI RECIPE

    Let's bring a little culture to your outdoor kitchen with this delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers with Homemade Tzatziki Recipe, perfect for when you're tired of the usual potatoes or spaghetti. 

    Check it Out 
  • BARBECUED SCALLOPED POTATOES RECIPE | MAY RECIPE OF THE MONTH

    BARBECUED SCALLOPED POTATOES RECIPE

    Looking for that perfect Sunday night dinner to stuff your belly until you get into a food coma? You'll definitely become a couch potato after you add this delicious Barbecued Scalloped Potatoesrecipe as your side dish (or make it your main dish).

    Try It Now 

Subscribe to our Hotline Newsletter and be the first to get exclusive discounts!