As the leaves change colours and the air grows crisp, Thanksgiving reminds us to pause, reflect, and gather with loved ones. It’s a season of gratitude, warm meals, and nourishing vegetables that bring comfort to both heart and soul.
At Gwillimdale Farms, we’re proud to grow root vegetables that become staples on Thanksgiving tables year after year. Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, parsnips, and pickled beets are timeless dishes, but why not add a fresh twist to your holiday menu? This Thanksgiving, we invite you to think beyond the basics and bring a little creativity into your kitchen. With our versatile vegetables, you can prepare dishes that are traditional yet surprising, comforting yet bold, and always full of fresh flavour.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, preparing a cozy meal for close friends, or contributing a side dish to a potluck, these recipes made with Gwillimdale produce are sure to impress. They celebrate the best of fall harvest while giving your guests a reason to ask for seconds and the recipe!
Fresh Thanksgiving Recipes with Gwillimdale Produce
Thanksgiving Recipe 1 – Parsnip & Pear Soup
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This cozy soup is the perfect way to begin your meal. The combination of sweet pears and earthy Gwillimdale parsnips creates a creamy-smooth blend that feels luxurious yet simple to prepare. A hint of nutmeg or thyme can take it over the top.
- Why it works for Thanksgiving: Light enough to be a starter, but rich in flavour to set the tone for a hearty feast.
- Pro Tip: Garnish with crispy parsnip chips or a drizzle of cream for an elegant presentation.
- Health Benefit: Parsnips provide fibre to support digestion which is important when a big meal is ahead!
Thanksgiving Recipe 2 – Balsamic Roasted Carrots
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Rustic yet refined, this dish combines the sweetness of Gwillimdale carrots with the tang of balsamic vinegar, richness of goat cheese, and just a touch of honey. Roasting intensifies the carrots’ natural sugars, while the glaze adds depth and shine.
- Why it works for Thanksgiving: It’s colourful, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prepare in advance.
- Pro Tip: Serve on a long platter so the presentation feels abundant and festive.
- Health Benefit: Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy immunity.
Thanksgiving Recipe 3 – Potato Roses
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Think of these as art on a plate. Gwillimdale potatoes are sliced thin and layered in muffin tins to resemble rose petals, then roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re almost too pretty to eat, but they taste even better than they look.
- Why it works for Thanksgiving: Adds a “wow” factor to your spread. Guests will talk about them long after dinner.
- Pro Tip: Use a mandolin for evenly thin slices and brush with olive oil for golden edges.
- Health Benefit: Potatoes are naturally fat-free and nutrient-dense which is proof that indulgence can still be balanced.
Thanksgiving Recipe 4 – Tennessee Onions
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This Southern-inspired dish has gone viral for good reason. Thick slices of Gwillimdale yellow onions are baked with butter, cheese, and seasoning, turning onions into a bubbling casserole-style masterpiece.
- Why it works for Thanksgiving: It’s hearty, affordable, and a side dish no one expects but everyone loves.
- Pro Tip: Pair with roasted meats or turkey for a cheesy complement that cuts through rich flavours.
- Health Benefit: Onions are high in antioxidants like quercetin, which may support heart health.
Thanksgiving Recipe 5 – Beet Burnt Basque Cheesecake
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Yes, beets for dessert! Gwillimdale sweet, earthy beets shine in this unique cake recipe, creating a dessert that’s both unexpected and unforgettable.
- Why it works for Thanksgiving: It’s unique and adds a “wow” moment at the end of the meal.
- Pro Tip: Serve with whipped cream or drizzle of honey for balance.
- Health Benefit: Beets are high in folate and support circulation which is proof that dessert can do more than satisfy a sweet tooth.
When you include Gwillimdale Farms vegetables on your Thanksgiving table, you’re not just choosing flavour, you’re choosing nourishment, tradition, and the pride of Ontario farming.
Find Us In Store
Bring the taste of Ontario to your table this Thanksgiving. Look for Gwillimdale Farms’ fresh carrots, potatoes, onions, parsnips, and beets at your local grocery store and make every dish a little more special.
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If you see our logo, you know you’re bringing home vegetables that are grown with care and harvested at their peak.