Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means millions of us are getting ready for the joy of sharing a meal with our families and loved ones. Classic Thanksgiving dishes are warm, comforting, and are certainly filling. We believe whole grains add to the comforting deliciousness of Thanksgiving, all while adding a boost of fiber and nutrients to your holiday celebrations.

We’ve pulled together a few healthful hacks to work whole grains into your Thanksgiving dishes to enhance the dishes you know and love!

1. Use Whole Grains to Thicken Gravy 

Gravy may not be the first dish you think of when it comes to whole grains, but it’s one of the easiest places to add them. Instead of thickening your gravy with refined flour, try using whole wheat flour or even oat flour. These whole grain alternatives work just as well for achieving a smooth, velvety roux, and they add a subtle depth of flavor while keeping things a bit more nutritious.

2. Swap Whole Grains in Your Stuffing

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic, and one that’s easy to upgrade! If your stuffing recipe calls for white bread, white rice, or breadcrumbs, try swapping them for their whole grain counterparts. Brown rice, farro, or even quinoa work naturally here to add texture and depth. Beyond extra fiber, these grains have a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory herbs and veggies in stuffing. 

Pro tip: Try our Apple-Sage Wild Rice Stuffing or Sausage Corn Bread Dressing recipes for a Thanksgiving twist that’s loaded with whole grains and flavor. They’re crowd-pleasers! 

3. Use Whole Wheat in Your Pie Crusts

For many, Thanksgiving pies are the highlight of the meal. We love to boost our crusts by swapping some or all of the white flour in a crust for whole wheat flour. Our friends at King Arthur Baking have an easy and deliciously flaky whole wheat pie crust recipe. A rich whole wheat crust compliments classic fillings perfectly from pumpkin pies to apple crisps. 

Bonus tip: You can also sprinkle oats on top of your fruit pies for an extra infusion of whole grains! 

4. Don’t Discount the Grain Salad!

If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with whole grains, try a grain-based salad! The nutty, chewy texture of grains is a natural companion to earthy roasted vegetables. You can use barley, quinoa, or farro as the base, then toss in a mix of your favorite autumnal vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. Add a glug of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or even a handful of fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or cubed hard cheese for extra flavor.

This kind of salad is both a satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving spread and is great as a make-ahead dish if you’re arriving as a guest. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side for turkey, stuffing. Grain salads are also an easy way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers! Hearty grains are experts at soaking up dressings and sauces, making them a perfect match for whatever’s left from your celebration.

Whether you’re baking, roasting, or stuffing, there are tons of simple ways to add whole grains into your Thanksgiving spread. They bring flavor, texture, and a nutritional boost that belongs at every holiday meal. Let us know if you try any of these swaps in the comments! (Vik)

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