Because sometimes we need to switch things up.

Unless pumpkin pies are a strict tradition in your Thanksgiving spread, there are really no other reasons as to why you shouldn’t venture out to try new pie flavours. Below are 5 pie recipes to prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner– in case you’re feeling adventurous. 

Bourbon-Brown Butter Pecan Pie

Recipe from Once Upon A Chef

As the title suggests, this pie takes an extra step of browning the butter which brings out a deeper nutty flavour to the pie. The shot of bourbon makes it richer without making it excessively sweet. If you like your pecan pie salty, might I suggest garnishing the pie with flaky Maldon salt?

Blood Orange Meringue Pie

Recipe from  A Classic Twist

Sweet citrus desserts are not only for summer gatherings. Why not take advantage of in-season winter citrus by switching your traditional lemon meringue with this blood orange pie? The chewy coconut graham crust gives an interesting texture to a somewhat silky dessert. Just like any meringue pie, this recipe starts by baking the graham crust and making a silky smooth custard made with fresh blood orange juice. The meringue topping in this recipe also uses citrus juice to bring forth the bold tart flavour. 

Berry Crumble Pie

Recipe from Certified Pastry Aficionado

If you’re having a busy week and you need to bring a dessert to a weekend Thanksgiving gathering, this mixed berry crumble pie is a great make-ahead recipe. You can make this pie a day in advance since it needs at least 4 hours for the filling to set. The recipe itself isn’t hard either. The crumble is simple to make and all you need to do for the filling is to cook down the blueberries until it’s soft and syrupy, then fold in the rest of the berries with the syrup. You can even use store-bought crust if time is really tight for you. 

Pro tip: when making cooked mixed berry desserts like this one, look for discounted (aka not-so-pretty) berries from your local fruit market. Not only will it save you money and but it will also prevent potential food waste! I’d say that’s a win-win. 

Blueberry Galette with Rosemary Crust

Recipe from Food52

So you need a quick and impressive dessert that looks good without taking so much of your effort? Then this galette is for you. Sure it’s rustic looking, but that’s part of the charm! Besides, the fall season is all about that homemade, rustic vibes anyway! The added rosemary in the crust will give you extra impressed nods from your guests– enough to draw them away from the rusticity of the pie (only if you need to). 

Vegan Apple Pie

Recipe from Bianca Zapatka

Hosting a Thanksgiving gathering can sometimes mean that you need to cater to everyone’s dietary needs. This vegan apple pie recipe is dairy-free, egg-free and can be made into a gluten-free and refined sugar-free pie by substituting some ingredients. Instead of butter, this recipe uses vegan butter and plant-based milk. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Whichever version you choose though, this pie will be a crowd-pleaser in your next Thanksgiving dinner. 

Published by HOLR Magazine.