50+ Best Thanksgiving Recipes
These are some of our favorite and most popular Thanksgiving recipes, as well as those for Christmas, Easter, and more. From appetizers and desserts to side dishes and, of course, the turkey, we have all the recipes you need!
Before you start cooking, print off a copy of our free Ingredient Substitutions Printable.
Check out our Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes for time-saving dishes!
Easy Appetizers
While you put the final touches on your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, give guests something to snack on!
Create a gorgeous Fruit and Cheese platter with all your favorites, perfect for nibbling while friends and family visit. You might also like our Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board featuring Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce.
More Thanksgiving Appetizers
It’s all about the Turkey
We always brine our Thanksgiving turkey, which gives it the most wonderful flavor! Start with my deliciously Simple Turkey Brine. Then, learn how to roast the Best Juicy Turkey Recipe. This is the perfect roast turkey, in my humble opinion! (You’ll also love this make-ahead Bacon Gravy!)
There are so many ways to cook a turkey, from smoked to Maple-Glazed and more, that it can be challenging to choose the best Thanksgiving recipe.
Remember, turkey should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees F according to the USDA.
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What to do with Turkey leftovers:
Instead of chicken, use leftover turkey to make these Puff Pastry Pockets or Slow Cooker (Turkey) Chili. Another simple way to use up leftovers is by making Turkey Pesto Panini sandwiches.
This Turkey Sheet Pan Dinner with roasted veggies and tart cranberries makes a fabulous Sunday Supper or an easy Thanksgiving alternative.
Stuffing Recipes
Thanksgiving stuffing, rich with savory herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage or dried fruit, is a cherished side dish that perfectly complements the holiday feast.
- Our Cranberry Stuffing can be made in a skillet or adapted to a casserole dish.
- Classic Traditional Stuffing with onions, celery, and fresh herbs is perfect for any Thanksgiving table.
More Dressing & Stuffing Recipes
Potato Dishes
You can’t have a list of the best Thanksgiving recipes without some kind of potatoes, right?
- Potato Gratin is one of my favorite dishes – there’s nothing better than creamy, cheesy potatoes with garlic and herbs!
- Mashed Cauliflower with Bacon is a great alternative to potatoes for those who are watching their carbs.
- White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes – These are a delicious copycat recipe from Red Lobster’s version, and they are so good.
More Amazing Potato Recipes:
Sweet potatoes, often whipped into a smooth casserole or baked into a marshmallow-topped delight, are a versatile and beloved Thanksgiving staple that adds a touch of sweetness to the holiday table.
These Candied Sweet Potatoes, simmered on the stovetop with zesty orange juice, brown sugar, and a hint of warm spices, create a rich, aromatic side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Easily made ahead, they can be reheated just before serving, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without the last-minute rush.
Vegetable Side Dishes
While the turkey might be the show’s star, some of the best Thanksgiving dinner recipes are the sides, right?
- Pan Sauteed Asparagus with pine nuts, fresh cranberries, and Parmesan cheese is an impressive Thanksgiving side dish.
- Dress up a simple green side salad with this tangy Pomegranate Vinaigrette, which can be made beforehand.
More Veggie Side Dishes:
You’ll love these yummy side dishes – some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes! Choose two or three (or four!) to add to your Thanksgiving menu.
- Oven Roasted Acorn Squash
- Green Bean Casserole without mushrooms
- Oven Roasted Beets
- Herb Roasted Carrots
- Low Carb Broccoli Casserole
- Roasted Frozen Cauliflower
- Slow Cooker Cauliflower
- Cowboy Corn Casserole
Salads
Serving salads as part of a holiday meal adds a refreshing balance of flavors and textures, enhancing the festive spread with vibrant colors and nutritious ingredients.
Bread & Rolls
Your Thanksgiving feast wouldn’t be complete without some bread or rolls. Take a shortcut and use frozen dinner rolls to create Buttery Dinner Rolls, or go all out and make Homemade Buttermilk Bread.
I adore these Sweet Potato Rolls. It’s my mom’s recipe and everyone devours them!
Either way, be sure to whip up a little Cranberry Compound Butter. It is so simple but will definitely wow your guests! You’ll also love our Texas Roadhouse Butter, Brown Sugar Butter, and savory Garlic Chive Butter.
Desserts
What would Thanksgiving be without dessert!? This might be my favorite of all! I’m planning on making this delicious Sweet Potato Pound Cake!
While this Cranberry Orange Bread isn’t a dessert recipe, it could be! Serve it with a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream for a delicious alternative dessert.
Chocolate Pretzel Pecan Pie is the perfect balance of unexpected with traditional!
If pumpkin isn’t your jam, try my Mini Apple Pie Tarts instead. They are perfect for entertaining.
Our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are sure to be everyone’s favorite bite-size dessert! They’re great for Thanksgiving dessert tables because you can make them ahead of time.
More Dessert Recipes:
More Thanksgiving Ideas
Here are some more fabulous ideas to make your Thanksgiving more special:
Everything looks so good! I can’t wait to try that asparagus recipe 🙂
Thank you, Carol 🙂
Please let me know what you think of the asparargus dish when you try it!