4 Traditional Holiday Dishes to Serve Untraditionally

Ben loves to mix things up in the kitchen. Any time he’s cooking up a Pinterest-inspired dinner, I find him putting his own touch on the recipe to make it more his own. When we decided to host Friendsgiving this year, the idea of cooking a full turkey didn't strike us as enticing. Isn't that what actual Thanksgiving is for anyway? Ben knew he wanted to try something different for the dishes we were going to serve. I, on the other hand, knew I wanted nothing to do with cooking.

Today on Keeping Up with Kahla I'm sharing our Friendsgiving menu. Ben and I served up four traditional holiday dishes untraditionally. Even though we served these at Friendsgiving, I could totally see these working for any holiday themed event this season. That's the beauty of holiday comfort food, amiright?

Turkey and Stuffing Waffle Sliders

Makes 15-20 sliders

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs cooked turkey meat
• 4 boxes of stuffing (plus box ingredients)
• 4 eggs
• Some chicken broth
• Cranberry sauce/relish
• Pam
• Waffle iron

Steps:

1. Make stuffing per box instructions in large pot
2. Let cool, add eggs and mix together
3. Add a little chicken stock to create thick gooey batter
4. Spray hot waffle iron with Pam
5. Place stuffing batter into middle of waffle iron and cook until golden brown (about 8-10 mins)
6. Cut waffle into portions
7. Serve with turkey and cranberry relish on the side to build sliders

Loaded Mashed Potato Egg Rolls

Makes 20 Egg rolls

Ingredients:

• 5 lb bag of potatoes
• 1 package of egg roll wrappers
• 10 strips of bacon
• 1/2 cup finely chopped chives
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• Milk
• Butter
• Gravy for dipping

Steps:

1. Peel and boil potatoes until fork tender, about 20 mins, then drain and mash
2. Add in milk and butter slowly, potatoes should be more thick than thin
3. Bake the bacon until crispy, about 12-15 mins at 350 degrees, lay on paper towel to drain, then rough chop
4. Add bacon, cheese and chives to mashed potatoes and mix together
5. Beat the egg in small separate bowl
6. Add large scoop of loaded potatoes into middle of egg roll wrapper, add egg wash all around corners and roll up per package instructions.
7. Fry egg rolls in oil until golden brown
8. Serve with warm gravy for dipping

Fried Green Bean Casserole Balls

Makes 20-30 FGBC Balls

Ingredients

• 4 cans green beans drained
• 1 small can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 boxes of crispy fried onions
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder

Steps:

1. Drain green beans and dry on paper towels to draw out as much moisture as possible
2. Add green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, and one package of crispy fried onions to large bowl, mix
3. Season mixture with salt pepper and garlic powder
4. If needed.. Add in a little Italian breadcrumb until thick enough to make into balls
5. Roll into medium size balls place on cookie sheet
6. Place in freezer for 20-30 mins to harden
7. Pulse remaining 2 boxes of crispy fried onions in food processor until it resembles Panko breadcrumbs, pour onto large plate
8. Dunk balls into flour, then egg wash, then fried onions and set back on cookie sheet
9. Place in fridge for 20-30 mins
10. Fry in oil until golden brown, about 1-2 mins per side, place on cooling rack to stay crispy

Sweet Potato Stacks

Makes 15-20 stacks

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Olive oil
• Chopped pecans
• Mini marshmallows

Steps:

1. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 in thick slices, place in large bowl
2. Toss sweet potato slices in olive oil, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract
3. Place on baking sheet in even layers and bake at 350 for 20-30 mins
4. Let cool briefly, stack potatoes 3-4 slices high on cookie sheet then top with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows then bake for another 10 mins

For the commenters: what are some traditional recipes you have served up in an untraditional way? Any you're thinking about trying? Are you going to try out any of the ones I shared here? Let me know in the comments below.

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