Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (2024)

5 Comments »

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

A delicious collection of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (1)

Looking for some five-star-reviewed, tried-and-true, all-time favorite Thanksgiving recipes that won’t let you down?

We’ve gotcha covered. ♡

From nostalgic old-fashioned classics to lightened-up modern twists, make-ahead options to last-minute quick fixes, sweet treats to savory faves, plus options for all kinds of dietary preferences around your table, there’s something delicious on this list for everyone. So whether you are just now starting to plan out your Thanksgiving menu, or maybe you’re simply needing a final recipe or two to fill in the gaps, scroll down through the list below or click on any of the following categories to find some tasty inspiration:

  • Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Bread Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Potato Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Veggie Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Soup Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
  • Thanksgiving Drink Recipes

Wishing you all a cozy, safe, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving this year!

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (2)

Holiday Cheese Board:Easy to scale for different sizes of gatherings (from 2 to 20+ people) and always a crowd fave. See the full post for my best tips on how to create a balanced, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious board.

Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip:My go-to recipe for this classic dip. Just dump all of the ingredients in a Crock-Pot, stir, heat, and you’re ready to go. (Or if you don’t own a slow cooker, you can just as easily bake this dip in the oven too!)

Buffalo Cauliflower Dip:I promise — you won’t even miss the chicken in this irresistible vegetarian version.

Extra-Bold Chex Mix: Homemade Chex mix is always a tradition around the holidays in our family. I love to make it with an extra portion of that irresistibly salty, savory sauce. Feel free to add in some candies (such as M&Ms or chocolate chips) for a hint of sweetness too.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (7)

1-Hour Soft and Buttery Dinner Rolls:Our readers all love this simple recipe for warm homemade dinner rolls! Easy to make by hand or with the help of a stand mixer in about an hour.

Perfect Pumpkin Bread:Perfectly moist, easy to make by hand (no mixer required), and full of thebest pumpkin flavor.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (10)

No Knead Bread: I’ve experimented with many no-knead bread recipes over the years and this is my tried-and-true favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfectly crusty and golden on the outside, and soft and flavorful on the inside. Two versions are included in this post — one that’s made with a traditional (overnight) rise, and one with a faster (1.5-hour) rise.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (11)

Sausage and Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Stuffing:My all-time favorite stuffing recipe — packed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory ingredients, seasoned with lots of fresh herbs, and always so hearty and comforting.

Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom and Wild Rice Stuffing:A different take on stuffing that’s a bit healthier, easy to make, and it’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (14)

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (15)

The BEST Mashed Potatoes:My go-to recipe! They’re perfectly rich and creamy, full of great flavor, easy to make, and always a crowd fave. (Or if you happen to own a pressure cooker, check out my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes method too.) I love serving these mashed potatoes with my favorite Mushroom Gravy.

Perfect Baked Potatoes:Everything you need to know about how to make perfectly baked potatoes in the oven.

Scalloped Potatoes:My favorite recipe for cheesy, creamy, garlicky, crazy-delicious scalloped potatoes au gratin.

Baked Sweet Potatoes:My favorite method for how to bake sweet potatoes in the oven that are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus lots of ideas for fun baked sweet potato toppings too!

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole: A savory take on sweet potato casserole, made with a creamy garlicky mashed filling and sprinkled with the most irresistible maple rosemary walnut topping.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (20)

The BEST Green Bean Casserole:Easy to make 100% from scratch with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and the most irresistible homemade crispy onion topping. Our readers agree that this casserole really is the best!

“Everything” Roasted Asparagus:Quick and easy to make, and sprinkled with irresistible everything bagel seasoning.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (23)

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn:Easiest creamed corn recipe ever! Just dump everything in the Crock-Pot and you’re good to go.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts:My best tips for how to make perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. Plus lots of different ideas for seasonings!

The Most Amazing Roasted Artichokes:Barclay’s famous artichokes! To put is simply…we’re obsessed with them.

Roasted Cauliflower:One of my favorite roasted veggies that’s also easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (27)

Feel-Good Fall Salad: One of our readers’ favorite autumn salads,made with a yummy mix of roasted sweet potatoes, fresh avocados, goat cheese, nuts, dried cranberries, and a simple lemony dressing.

Pear Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Nuts:The most delicious seasonal salad made with juicy pears, crisp greens, tangy gorgonzola (or feta or goat cheese), creamy avocado, candied walnuts (or pecans), and a quick vinaigrette. One of my faves.

Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad:This beautiful shredded Brussels sprouts salad is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, and holds up beautifully in the fridge if you would like to prep it up to 3 days ahead of time.

Our Family’s Favorite Salad:So named because our family has served this salad for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember! It’s made with a zesty blend of artichokes, roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, and a Parmesan dressing.

Everyday Salad:The super-simple easy side salad recipe that we make at least once a week in our house! The dressing is very flexible and can work with just about any other ingredients you might like to add in.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (33)

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: My favorite soup of the season! It’s easy to make in the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or on the stovetop, and it’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free. And we absolutely love it.

Butternut Squash Soup:My tried-and-true butternut squash soup recipe! It’s also easy to make in the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot or on the stovetop, and is both vegan and gluten-free.

Thai Curried Pumpkin Soup: A quick 20-minute recipe made with the most delicious curry seasonings! It’s also gluten-free and vegan.

Lemony Artichoke Soup:The credit for this soup goes to my lovely mother-in-law. It has been a family favorite for years and is easy to make in just 30 minutes or so with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (38)

Best Pumpkin Pie: Naturally-sweetened with maple syrup (instead of white sugar), made with your choice of milk (regular cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, etc), and SO GOOD. Taste just like the classic pumpkin pie — just modernized a bit.

Pumpkin Roll:My all-time favorite pumpkin dessert, filled with the most delicious cream cheese filling and made a bit easier with my parchment rolling method. (No towels needed!)

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (41)

Maple Cranberry Sauce: Classic cranberry sauce that’s easy to make in 10 minutes, sweetened with maple syrup instead of traditional white sugar.

Cranberry Crisp:Easy to make in a single larger baking dish, or in cute little ramekins as pictured above. And so delicious!

Maple Pecan Pie:My naturally-sweetened take on classic pecan pie that is arguably even more delicious than the original! It’s sweetened with maple syrup (instead of corn syrup) and so, so delicious.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (44)

Homemade Apple Cider:One of my favorite recipe for holiday entertaining. Easy to make from scratch in the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot or on the stovetop, and so delicious. (It’s also great mixed with bourbon!)

Mulled Wine:Super-simple to make and guaranteed to make your home smell amazing. Feel free to make yours with red, white or rosé wine.

Hot Toddy:Easy to make in just 5 minutes with hot water, whiskey (or rum), lemon and honey. I love simmering some fresh ginger in my drink too.

Cranberry Bourbon Fizz: A quick, festive, 3-ingredient co*cktail that’s always a hit around the holidays.

Maple Old Fashioned:My favorite way to make this simple classic co*cktail — sweetened with just a hint of real maple syrup.

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (50)

posted on November 22, 2021 by Ali

Thanksgiving

5 Comments »

Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Totally Count On (2024)

FAQs

What dishes can be made ahead of time for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed Potatoes
  • Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese. ...
  • Easy Cauliflower Casserole. ...
  • Double-Crust Pie Pastry. ...
  • Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Lacey's Cornbread Dressing. ...
  • 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes To Make The Holiday Just A Bit Easier.
  • Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Make Now And Freeze For Later.
Mar 10, 2023

How many dishes should you have at Thanksgiving? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

How do you cook a large group for Thanksgiving? ›

The best dishes to make for big groups are things that you can make ahead, which is why casseroles are such a Thanksgiving icon. Mac and cheese, green bean casserole, stuffing or dressing (whichever name you call it), and baked yams can all be finished in advance and put into the oven while your turkey is resting.

What is the key ingredient to a perfect Thanksgiving Day dinner? ›

Remember that no matter what you choose to make, the key to a successful dinner is having a turkey large enough to feed everybody – and to have some leftovers for yourself. This roast turkey recipe includes directions for defrosting, stuffing, trussing, seasoning, and roasting.

How many days ahead can you make mashed potatoes? ›

You can do nearly everything — boil, peel, and mash; stir in milk and salt — up to two days ahead. Before serving, reheat. Adding butter at the last minute makes them taste freshly mashed.

What is the main meal for most Americans on Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner, to the point that Thanksgiving is sometimes colloquially called "Turkey Day." Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that "no citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day", and Benjamin Franklin had high regard for the wild turkey as an ...

What is the average number of guests at Thanksgiving? ›

60% of Americans are planning on hosting or considering hosting Thanksgiving this year, and they expect 11 guests, on average.

How to feed 25 people for Thanksgiving? ›

A Classic Thanksgiving Menu to Feed a Crowd
  1. Crisp-Skinned Butterflied Roast Turkey With Gravy. ...
  2. Basic Cranberry Sauce. ...
  3. Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing (or Dressing) ...
  4. The Ultimate Homemade Green Bean Casserole. ...
  5. The Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes. ...
  6. Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  7. Ultra-Fluffy Mashed Potatoes. ...
  8. Butternut Pumpkin Pie.

How to make a Thanksgiving buffet? ›

People naturally want to move from left to right at a buffet table, so take advantage of that flow: start with stacks of plates on the left end of the table, then follow them with the turkey (and any other big proteins you might be serving) and then heavy, starchy dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing (and anything ...

How do you make Thanksgiving dinner less stressful? ›

Here a few ways to keep stress at a minimum:
  1. Ask for help. Divide and conquer your to-do list with the help of family member or guests. ...
  2. Take a deep breath. Practice deep breathing. ...
  3. Enjoy the atmosphere. ...
  4. Make time for a turkey trot. ...
  5. Keep the meal manageable. ...
  6. Don't beat yourself up.

How can I make Thanksgiving more special? ›

In keeping with the true meaning of the holiday, you could also try a tradition that incorporates the idea of gratitude: Write thank-you notes to loved ones near and far, start a gratitude jar, or give back to your community by volunteering at a soup kitchen.

What is the perfect Thanksgiving menu? ›

Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
  • Roast Turkey. So, what are the top five traditional Thanksgiving foods? ...
  • Pumpkin Pie. If you only make one dessert for your traditional Thanksgiving food ideas, make sure that it's pumpkin pie. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Smoked Turkey. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Gravy.
6 days ago

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

I urge you: forego this culinary excess and adopt a simple Thanksgiving menu consisting of main course, a few sides, and a dessert. Just pick your favorites and let the rest slide. For me, a menu of Thanksgiving faves would look like: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie. And done.

How far in advance can you make food for Thanksgiving? ›

Fall soups make great starters for Turkey Day dinner, and luckily they can be made a week or so ahead. Whip up a big batch of your favorite and freeze it, then take it out of the freezer the morning of Thanksgiving or the night before so it's ready to be reheated on the stove just before serving.

Why can't you make stuffing ahead of time? ›

You haven't said whether you are going to cook the stuffing inside the bird or out, but it's fine to make almost any stuffing a few hours before you'll need it. The important thing is to keep it properly chilled so that bacteria won't have a chance to grow in it.

How to cook Thanksgiving dinner the day before? ›

I fry my turkey stuffing up a day or two before and just bag it for the fridge once it has cooled to room temp. I make the pies the day before and dice the vegetables for the stuffing and put them into the refrigerator. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, and the actual stuffing cooking are left for Thanksgiving Day.

What Thanksgiving food travels well? ›

** Every recipe in this collection was developed and refined by our team of 50 test cooks until they arrived at the best version.
  • Serves a Crowd. ...
  • Classic Sausage-Herb Cornbread Dressing.
  • Extra-Crunchy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Fluffy Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls.
  • Mashed Potato Casserole.
  • Easy Chocolate Chunk Brownies.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 5544

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.