I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
Thanksgiving dinner is a time for family, friends, and good food. It’s a chance to gather around the table and share a special meal. Planning your Thanksgiving menu can be fun and easy with the right recipes.
You’ll find lots of tasty options for your holiday feast. From classic roast turkey to creative sides and desserts, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to stick with tradition or try new dishes, you can make a dinner your guests will love.
Roast Turkey
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious roast turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-20 pounds)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 orange
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now let’s get cooking!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat it dry inside and out.
Mix the softened butter with orange zest, minced rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the butter mixture underneath.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
Stuff the turkey cavity with orange quarters and any leftover herbs.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Remember to baste your turkey every 30 minutes for extra juiciness. Happy cooking!
Mashed Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need for creamy Thanksgiving mashed potatoes:
- 4 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream
Now let’s make those fluffy spuds:
Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
Place potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil.
Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
Return potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Mash until smooth and creamy. For extra richness, stir in sour cream.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Transfer to a serving bowl and keep warm until ready to serve.
Your guests will love these classic mashed potatoes! Feel free to add garlic, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor.
Stuffing
Here’s a tasty stuffing recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner:
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft.
In a big bowl, mix the dried bread cubes, cooked veggies, and herbs.
Pour in the chicken broth and beaten eggs. Gently stir until everything is combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Your homemade stuffing will be a hit at the dinner table! Feel free to add other ingredients like sausage or apples for extra flavor.
Green Bean Casserole
Here’s a tasty green bean casserole recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup French-fried onions
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the green beans, soup, milk, and pepper in a large bowl.
Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Take the dish out and stir it gently.
Sprinkle cheese and fried onions on top.
Bake for 5 more minutes until the onions are golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Your guests will love this classic side dish! It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Feel free to add some chopped mushrooms or garlic for extra taste.
Cranberry Sauce
Want to make your own cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving? It’s easier than you might think! Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon. Return to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop as they cook.
Remove from heat when the sauce reaches your desired thickness. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
You can make this sauce up to a week in advance. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving feast!
Pumpkin Pie
Ready to make a delicious pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 15 oz canned pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, cream, and sugar.
Add the spices and salt. Mix well.
Pour the filling into your pie crust.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly.
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.
Your pumpkin pie is now ready to serve! Top with whipped cream if you like. Enjoy your homemade Thanksgiving treat!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Now, let’s make this yummy dish!
Peel and cube your sweet potatoes. Boil them until they’re soft, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
Mix in the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar for the topping.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the pecans.
Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Your sweet potato casserole is ready! It’s the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy. Enjoy this tasty side dish with your Thanksgiving turkey!
Gravy
Want to make delicious gravy for your Thanksgiving feast? Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or parsley)
Directions:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the turkey drippings or broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring often.
Cook for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Season with salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs if desired.
Serve hot with your turkey and sides.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or cognac while cooking. If your gravy is too thick, thin it with more broth. Too thin? Let it simmer longer to reduce.
Brussels Sprouts
Here’s a tasty Brussels sprouts recipe for your Thanksgiving table:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While sprouts roast, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, toast pine nuts until golden brown.
Once sprouts are done, transfer them to a serving bowl.
Add bacon and pine nuts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and give it a gentle toss.
Your Brussels sprouts are ready to serve! This dish adds a perfect balance of flavors to your Thanksgiving spread.
Cornbread
Ready to add a Southern touch to your Thanksgiving table? Let’s make some delicious cornbread!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, oil, and egg.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, cut into squares and serve warm.
Enjoy your homemade cornbread with your Thanksgiving meal!
Pecan Pie
You’ll love this classic pecan pie recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Spread pecans evenly in the pie crust.
Pour the mixture over the pecans.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Your guests will be amazed by this sweet and nutty treat! It’s the perfect end to your Thanksgiving feast.
Scalloped Potatoes
Ready to make a creamy, cheesy side dish for your Thanksgiving feast? Try these yummy scalloped potatoes!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s get cooking!
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and broth until smooth.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted.
Layer half the potato slices in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over them. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Your scalloped potatoes will be a hit at the dinner table!
Apple Pie
You’ll need these ingredients for a delicious Thanksgiving apple pie:
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
Here’s how to make your apple pie:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
Pour the apple mixture into the crust and dot with butter.
Cover with the second crust, trim the edges, and crimp to seal.
Cut a few slits in the top crust to let steam escape.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Your family will love this classic Thanksgiving dessert! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Roasted Carrots
You’ll love these simple roasted carrots for your Thanksgiving dinner! They’re sweet, tender, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 2 inches long.
Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The carrots should be tender and lightly browned.
If using honey and garlic, mix them in a small bowl. Drizzle over the hot carrots and toss to coat before serving.
Your roasted carrots are ready to enjoy! They’re a perfect side dish that’s both easy and delicious.
Macaroni and Cheese
Here’s a tasty mac and cheese recipe for your Thanksgiving table:
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions:
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
Add the cheeses and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the cooked macaroni.
Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your guests will love this creamy, cheesy side dish!
Baked Ham
You’ll need:
- 1 spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Here’s how to make it:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
Mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, orange juice, and cloves in a bowl.
Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the ham.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours.
Remove the foil and brush on another 1/3 of the glaze.
Bake uncovered for 30 more minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Your ham will be juicy and flavorful, perfect for your Thanksgiving feast!
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Get ready to wow your guests with this creamy spinach artichoke dip! It’s the perfect appetizer for your Thanksgiving feast.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now let’s make it!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the cream cheese, mayo, Parmesan, Romano, and garlic in a bowl.
Gently stir in the artichoke hearts and spinach.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve warm with crackers or bread.
Your family and friends will love digging into this tasty dip while the turkey roasts. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!
Deviled Eggs
You’ll love these tasty deviled eggs for Thanksgiving! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Directions:
Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then place them in ice water.
Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the yolks into a bowl. Mash them with a fork.
Mix in the mayo, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
These deviled eggs are easy to make ahead. You can prepare them the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. They’re perfect for snacking while the turkey cooks!
Honey Glazed Ham
Ready to make a tasty honey glazed ham for your Thanksgiving feast? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Now, let’s get cooking!
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
In a small saucepan, mix honey, brown sugar, butter, mustard, and cloves.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s smooth and the sugar dissolves.
Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the ham.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
Remove the foil and brush on more glaze.
Continue baking for another 45-60 minutes, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes.
Your ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious honey glazed ham with your loved ones!
Cauliflower Gratin
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère work well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Now, let’s make this tasty side dish!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam the cauliflower florets until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it. Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy cauliflower gratin!
Butternut Squash Soup
You’ll love this creamy butternut squash soup for Thanksgiving! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the squash, onion, and carrots with olive oil on a baking sheet.
Roast the veggies for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be soft and lightly browned.
In a large pot, cook the garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant. Add the roasted veggies and broth.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the cream.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a dollop of cream or pumpkin seeds on top.
This soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly fall day. The roasted veggies give it a deep, rich flavor you’ll love!
Roasted Root Vegetables
You’ll love these tasty roasted veggies for your Thanksgiving dinner! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups parsnips, sliced
- 1 cup red onion, wedged
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Heat your oven to 425°F. Grab a large baking sheet and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.
Toss all the veggies in a big bowl with the olive oil, vinegar, syrup, and thyme. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Spread everything out on your baking sheet. Make sure the veggies aren’t too crowded – use two sheets if needed.
Pop them in the oven for about 45 minutes. Give them a stir every 15 minutes or so.
Your veggies are done when they’re tender inside and nicely browned outside.
These roasted root veggies are super easy and so yummy! They’ll add beautiful colors to your Thanksgiving plate. Plus, they’re a healthier option that everyone will enjoy.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt in a bowl. Beat until well combined.
Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
Pour the mixture into your pie crust.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the filling is set.
Let the pie cool completely before you serve it.
Your chocolate pecan pie will be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner! The rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecans make for a perfect dessert. Enjoy!
Creamed Spinach
Ready to add a delicious side dish to your Thanksgiving table? Try this creamy spinach recipe that’s sure to please!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s get cooking!
Steam the spinach until wilted, then drain and chop.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Add the chopped spinach to the cream sauce and mix well.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Your creamed spinach is now ready to serve! This rich and velvety side dish pairs perfectly with turkey and all your other holiday favorites.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ready to wow your guests with a tasty dessert? Try this pumpkin cheesecake recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Directions:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, eggs, vanilla, and spice. Mix well.
Fold in sour cream. Pour into crust.
Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Turn off oven and let sit for 1 hour with door closed.
Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
Your pumpkin cheesecake is now ready to enjoy! The creamy texture and warm spices make it perfect for fall gatherings.