Beautiful, flavorful alternatives for your holiday table—without the stress or the cost.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be overwhelming, expensive, or filled with dishes so heavy you need a nap before dessert. This year, I’m sharing a collection of healthy-ish, budget-friendly, and deeply flavorful recipes that bring brightness, comfort, and creativity to your table.

Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or keeping it cozy and intimate, these dishes offer delicious alternatives to classic Thanksgiving favorites—while keeping things simple and affordable.

Below, you’ll find all four recipes featured on my Good Day Atlanta holiday cooking segment, plus tips for serving them as a complete meal or as clever substitutions for your guests.

Let’s cook something beautiful, simple, and full of love.

SAUTÉED GARLIC GREEN BEANS WITH ALMONDS & CRISPY ONIONS

A lighter, elegant alternative to green bean casserole.

Skip the heavy cream and canned soups—these green beans are bright, garlicky, and full of crunch. Sautéed to perfection, then topped with toasted almonds and crispy fried onions, they deliver all the texture and flavor your guests will love. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted

• ½ cup crispy fried onions

Instructions

1. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 2–3 minutes, then drain and shock in ice water.

2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add green beans, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.

4. Transfer to a serving dish and top with toasted almonds and crispy onions.

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HERB ROASTED POTATOES WITH GRATED PARMESAN

A simple, flavorful upgrade to classic roasted potatoes.

If you love roasted potatoes, adding fresh herbs and grated Parmesan transforms them into a side that feels elegant without extra effort. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and nutty from the cheese—your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

4. Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Toss lightly and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH PECAN SAUCE

A healthier twist on sweet potato casserole—still cozy and holiday-ready.

Instead of the sugary marshmallow topping, this version relies on roasted sweet potatoes and a warm pecan sauce. It’s sweet, simple, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 3–4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

For the Pecan Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt, then roast 25 minutes until caramelized.

3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

4. Stir in brown sugar/maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and pecans. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Pour the warm pecan sauce over roasted sweet potatoes before serving.

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BUTTERY HERB ROASTED CHICKEN

DECORATED WITH ORANGE & POMEGRANATE QUARTERS

A beautiful, affordable alternative to turkey.

A whole roasted chicken cooks faster, costs less, and is perfect for smaller gatherings. The orange and pomegranate quarters are not baked—just arranged around the chicken for a gorgeous, holiday-ready presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)

• 4 tbsp softened butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp rosemary

• 1 tbsp thyme

• 1 tbsp parsley

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper

• 2 oranges, quartered

• 1–2 cups fresh pomegranate quarters or clusters

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Mix softened butter, olive oil, herbs, and garlic. Rub over and under the chicken skin.

3. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Roast 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Place on a serving platter and decorate around the chicken with fresh orange quarters and pomegranate clusters.

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SMOKY MAPLE-GLAZED CARROTS WITH SMOKED PAPRIKA

An elevated, inexpensive side dish with deep flavor and gorgeous color.

These carrots are sweet, smoky, and caramelized—beautiful enough for company, simple enough for everyday.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes, until tender and glazed.

4. Brush with extra maple syrup and a pinch more smoked paprika, if desired.

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Why These Recipes Work So Well for Thanksgiving

✔ Budget-Friendly

Affordable veggies, a whole chicken instead of turkey, and pantry staples keep the cost low.

✔ Healthy-ish

You still get richness and holiday comfort—just with lighter ingredients and smarter swaps.

✔ Prep-Friendly & Stress-Free

Everything roasts or sautés in the oven or on the stovetop. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

✔ Beautiful & Seasonal

Oranges, pomegranates, herbs, Parmesan, and caramelized vegetables make the entire table glow.

This collection brings together everything we love about Thanksgiving: warmth, flavor, comfort, and community—without the overwhelm.

This holiday season let’s leave the expectation on the kitchen floor and enjoy creating beautiful experiences with our families.

However, remember to always Set the Table with Love.