1. Herb-Roasted Turkey
Start your Thanksgiving feast with a classic herb-roasted turkey. This recipe ensures juicy meat and crispy skin, thanks to a blend of fresh herbs and butter.
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 4 cups chicken broth
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the herbs with the softened butter and season with salt and pepper. Rub the mixture under the skin and all over the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, add chicken broth, and roast for about 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is the perfect accompaniment to your turkey and gravy.
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Add the butter and cream, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chives.
3. Green Bean Casserole
This classic green bean casserole brings a delightful crunch to your holiday table. Topped with crispy onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 cup French fried onions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the green beans in salted water for 5-7 minutes, then drain. In a mixing bowl, combine the soup, milk, and soy sauce. Stir in the green beans, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with French fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is sweet, creamy, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a must-have on your Thanksgiving table!
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, if using. Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are lightly browned.
5. Classic Stuffing
This classic stuffing recipe is a staple in many households. It’s savory, filled with herbs, and perfect for pairing with turkey.
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and stale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and celery until soft. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have to balance the richness of your Thanksgiving feast. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Let cool before serving.
7. Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. This classic dessert is rich, spiced, and perfect for ending your holiday meal.
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, cream, sugar, eggs, and spices until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until set. Allow to cool before serving.
8. Pecan Pie
This rich and gooey pecan pie is a Thanksgiving favorite. The combination of crunchy pecans and sweet filling makes it irresistible!
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well mixed. Stir in pecans. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 60-70 minutes until the filling is set. Cool before slicing.
9. Roast Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Add some greens to your Thanksgiving spread with these roasted Brussels sprouts. The addition of bacon adds a savory depth of flavor!
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy and caramelized. Serve warm.
10. Apple Pie
This classic apple pie is the perfect dessert to complement your Thanksgiving feast. With a buttery crust and spiced apple filling, it’s sure to impress!
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Pour the filling into the pie crust and cover with the top crust. Cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden. Cool before serving.
11. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, try garlic mashed cauliflower. It’s creamy, flavorful, and a great option for health-conscious guests!
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 10 minutes. In a blender, combine steamed cauliflower, garlic, cream, and cheese. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
12. Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy butternut squash soup is a comforting starter for your Thanksgiving meal. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor!
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add butternut squash and ginger, then pour in the vegetable broth. Simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Blend until smooth, then stir in coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Maple Glazed Carrots
Add a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table with these maple-glazed carrots. They’re easy to make and full of flavor!
- 2 pounds baby carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots and maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender and glazed.
14. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy spinach and artichoke dip is a fantastic appetizer to start your Thanksgiving gathering. Serve it warm with crackers or bread!
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve warm with chips or bread.
15. Cornbread
This moist and fluffy cornbread is a delightful side to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s slightly sweet and has a wonderful texture!
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
This colorful medley of roasted root vegetables is not only beautiful but also packed with flavor. It’s a healthy and delicious side dish!
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 parsnips, sliced
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender and caramelized. Serve warm.
17. Chocolate Cream Pie
This decadent chocolate cream pie is a perfect way to end your Thanksgiving feast. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie crust according to package instructions. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into the cooled pie crust and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
18. Baked Brie with Cranberries
This baked brie topped with cranberries is an elegant appetizer that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering. It’s warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor!
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a baking sheet and top with cranberry sauce, pecans, and honey. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is soft and melty. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with crackers or bread.
19. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a delightful treat for Thanksgiving. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert!
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
20. Glazed Ham
This glazed ham is a fantastic centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. The sweet glaze complements the savory meat beautifully!
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and vinegar. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until heated through.
21. Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Finally, create a stunning Thanksgiving charcuterie board. It’s a great way to offer variety and keep your guests satisfied before the main meal!
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, gouda)
- Charcuterie meats (salami, prosciutto, turkey)
- Crackers and breadsticks
- Fresh fruits (grapes, apples, figs)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Condiments (honey, mustard)
Arrange cheeses, meats, crackers, nuts, and fruits on a large platter or wooden board. Add small bowls for condiments, and garnish with fresh herbs. This board is not only visually appealing but also provides a delicious array of flavors for your guests to enjoy.
With these 21 Thanksgiving recipes, your holiday feast is sure to be a hit! From savory dishes to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving!