The Barefoot Contessa reveals a few unexpected favorites that always delight her holiday guests

A Thanksgiving Table Full of Classics — and Twists

25 November 2025: Beloved chef and cookbook author Ina Garten is giving fans a peek at the most unexpected dishes she serves at her Thanksgiving feast. While many associate Garten with timeless comfort foods, the Barefoot Contessa says her holiday table always includes a few surprising recipes that guests don’t see coming — and now they’re becoming staples.

What Ina Considers “Surprising”

According to Garten, Thanksgiving doesn’t need to follow strict rules. Alongside turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, she loves incorporating dishes that bring brightness, freshness and global inspiration to the table. Some of her most surprising holiday favorites include:

Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes — a smoky twist on the classic, adding depth and subtle heat

Cauliflower Hummus — a light, flavorful dip that keeps guests snacking without filling up too fast

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad — raw, crisp and tossed with lemon and pecorino for a refreshing contrast

Herb-Roasted Salmon — Garten says not everyone wants turkey, so she always serves an elegant seafood option

Baked Shrimp Scampi — a crowd-pleasing dish she says disappears “faster than anything else on the table”

Garten joked that while these aren’t traditional, they’ve become “non-negotiables” in her house because her guests request them year after year.

Why She Loves Breaking Tradition

HOLR has the latest news, and Garten says the goal of Thanksgiving isn’t sticking to a rigid menu — it’s creating a warm, joyful experience for the people you love. She encourages home cooks to balance classics with dishes that make them excited to cook.

“My table is always evolving,” she said. “Food should make you happy, so why not add something unexpected?”

She also notes that having lighter or brighter dishes alongside rich Thanksgiving staples helps keep the meal balanced, giving guests the chance to enjoy more variety without feeling overwhelmed.

A Feast Full of Comfort and Creativity

Ina Garten’s surprising Thanksgiving picks prove that the holiday is whatever you make it. By mixing comfort, freshness and a few bold twists, she shows that even the most traditional meal can be elevated with creativity — making the celebration even more memorable for everyone around the table.