50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (2024)

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (1)

Building your ultimate Thanksgiving menu can be a daunting task. But these Thanksgiving dinner ideas — from classic Thanksgiving turkey recipes to beloved Thanksgiving side dishes — will satisfy all your guests. We picked classic and simple dishes as well as unique options and vegetarian mains to make sure every single family member is well fed.

Don’t worry: We didn’t leave out any of the Turkey Day staples. After all, what is Thanksgiving food without a side of creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce or plenty of stuffing recipes? But, if you’re looking to switch it up this year, we’ve got you covered. With creative variations on classic veggie sides to new ways to present your favorite dishes, this spread will be your most impressive yet.

From rich, decadent dishes to healthy Thanksgiving sides and Thanksgiving salads, there are ideas here to please each and every appetite. If Thanksgiving prep seems a bit overwhelming — no stress! Quick and easy recipes (including make-ahead dishes and under 30-minute sides) will keep your holiday as stress-free as possible. Or, go the no-cook route completely and order Thanksgiving dinner to-go.

Whether you stick to the basics or love to get creative with your holiday fare, these recipes will ensure this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to make use of extras with our favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes!

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

Quinoa-Stuffed Honeynut Squash

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (3)

Vegetarians at the table? Serve up this stunning main that will seriously satisfy.

Get the Quinoa-Stuffed Honeynut Squash recipe.

RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

Whipped Ricotta Three Ways

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (4)

The only thing better than one easy, cheesy appetizer at Thanksgiving is three different variations. Pick one or whip up all the options for a stunning spread.

Get the Whipped Ricotta Three Ways recipe.

RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Best Ever Turkey

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (5)

This turkey is all about fresh herbs and aromatics! Stuff the main cavity with onions, garlic, bay leaves and more for a super flavorful bird.

Get the Best Ever Turkey recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Sweet Potato Baked Pasta with Hazelnut Brown Butter

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (6)

This comforting, vegetarian dish has all the fall flavors! With pasta tossed in a creamy sweet potato sauce and topped with hazelnut browned butter, everyone will be reaching for seconds!

Get the Sweet Potato Baked Pasta with Hazelnut Brown Butter recipe.

RELATED: 56 Best Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Perfect for Any Fall Occasion

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

Spinach-Herb Polenta

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (7)

If you still can't think about peeling another potato after last year's Thanksgiving, may we suggest polenta? It's creamy, rich and makes a great base for roasted turkey and all the fixins'.

Get the Spinach-Herb Polenta recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

Classic Roast Turkey

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (8)

Calling all turkey purists: This bird, simply seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, is a serious showstopper, thanks to its golden-brown buttery exterior and juicy interior. Seconds please!

Get the Classic Roast Turkey recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Red Onion and Cheddar Bread Pudding

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (10)

If you're on the hunt to upgrade your stuffing game this year, we suggest this cheesy bread pudding. It's the perfect way to use up leftover focaccia.

Get the Red Onion and Cheddar Bread Pudding recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

Apple and Thyme Galettes

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (11)

Thyme, lemon zest and a touch of nutmeg are a welcome change of pace in this autumnal dessert.

Get the Apple and Thyme Galettes recipe.

RELATED: 79 Best Fall Desserts That Are Perfect to Make for Autumn

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Roasted Root Vegetables

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (12)

Make the most of fall’s harvest with a sheet pan full of purple potatoes, onions and squash. Plus, it's all seasoned beautifully with aromatic coriander and cumin.

Get the Roasted Root Vegetables recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue

Think of these cupcakes as individual marshmallow-topped sweet potato casseroles… in dessert form.

Get the Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Ginger Meringue recipe.

RELATED: 25 Best Fall Cupcakes and Decorating Ideas Filled With Autumn Flavor

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Apple Sausage Rolls

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (14)

This crowd-pleasing app is like pigs in blankets but filled with a quick homemade sausage instead of franks. Dunk them in apple butter mustard for a *chef’s kiss* moment worth savoring.

Get the Apple Sausage Rolls recipe.

RELATED: 40 Best Finger Food Ideas to Serve at Your Next Party

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

12

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (15)

Break out the air fryer to make these delicious and crispy Brussels sprouts that are tossed in maple-sriracha glaze.

Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

RELATED: 38 Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Have You Asking for Seconds

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Cranberry Curd Tart

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (16)

This tart doubles as decor and dessert! From the sugar-dusted pie leaves and cranberries to the piped whipped cream on top, there is no doubt that this will be a showstopper.

Get the Cranberry Curd Tart recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

14

Cranberry Baked Brie

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (17)

Who said that your cranberry dish can’t have Brie? This bright cranberry syrup spooned over cheese and baked until melted equals perfection.

Get the Cranberry Baked Brie recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Jammy Pie Twists

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (18)

Only five ingredients and you've got a fun festive Thanksgiving dessert with all the flavors of your favorite pie, without all the effort.

Get the Jammy Pie Twists recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (19)

Brighten up your mashed potatoes with this lemony, scallion relish.

Get the Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions recipe.

RELATED: 58 Easy Potato Recipes For Weeknight Dinners, Thanksgiving and More

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

Apple-Cranberry Pie

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (20)

This tart is just what you need after Thanksgiving dinner. With apples, cranberries and warm seasonings like nutmeg and cinnamon, you can’t go wrong. Pro tip: Instead of weaving a lattice pie crust top, cut the dough into squares and arrange on top.

Get the Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

18

Thyme-Roasted Turkey

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (21)

This timeless turkey recipe even includes a matching gravy to perfectly complement the bird.

Get the Thyme-Roasted Turkey recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Roasted Cranberry Sauce

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (23)

This hands-off recipe is a huge help during Turkey Day chaos: Just toss everything together on a baking sheet, transfer to the oven and walk away.

Get the Roasted Cranberry Sauce recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

20

Northwest Fruit Stuffing

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (24)

This classic recipe comes from the 1956 Good Housekeeping Cookbook, but we updated it with dried cranberries and pecans for even more flavor.

Get the Northwest Fruit Stuffing recipe.

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (2024)

FAQs

What are some typical dishes served at the Thanksgiving feast? ›

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer. The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie.

What are the top 20 Thanksgiving foods in America? ›

Top 20 Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Apple Stuffing.
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread.
  • Asparagus Bake.
  • Creamy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Cranberry Sauce.
  • Creamy Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
  • Turkey Gravy.
  • Apple Pie.

What is the most loved Thanksgiving food? ›

Popular Thanksgiving foods ranked
  1. Stuffing.
  2. Potatoes. ...
  3. Pies and other sweets. ...
  4. Other random foods. ...
  5. Rolls. Though rolls are certainly not a main dish, they are a key element of any Thanksgiving meal. ...
  6. Turkey. The classic entree for Thanksgiving is definitely a large turkey dish. ...
Nov 10, 2023

What is the most popular Thanksgiving dish? ›

One popular dish is turkey. Turkey is usually the main dish of Thanksgiving. It is roasted and served with stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What not to forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Don't forget these key items at the store for Thanksgiving
  • 1 of 32. Parchment paper. Education Images/UIG via Getty Images. ...
  • 2 of 32. Evaporated milk. Tom Kelley/Getty Images. ...
  • 3 of 32. Molasses. Scott Olson/Getty Images. ...
  • 4 of 32. Bay leaves. ...
  • 5 of 32. Kosher salt. ...
  • 6 of 32. Shallots. ...
  • 7 of 32. Sage. ...
  • 8 of 32. Stock.
Nov 22, 2023

What is a classic simple Thanksgiving menu? ›

IF you mean a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner: roast turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans, rolls, cranberry sauce; mushroom dish, maybe a salad or 2, maybe wild rice; pumpkin pie and/or apple pie.

What is the unhealthiest Thanksgiving food? ›

Worst: Sausage Stuffing

It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

What is America's least favorite Thanksgiving food? ›

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

What do Californians eat for Thanksgiving? ›

While turkey is a staple on most Thanksgiving tables across America, Californians often opt for fresh, locally sourced turkeys or even try alternative proteins like roasted duck or quail. In addition to the main protein, Californians love to incorporate seasonal vegetables into their Thanksgiving feasts.

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

Many Americans would regard Thanksgiving dinner as "incomplete" without stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce. A recipe for cranberry sauce to be served with turkey appeared in the first American cookbook, American Cookery (1796) by Amelia Simmons.

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6344

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.