20 Thanksgiving Recipes You Should Try This Holiday Season
Thanksgiving is all about gathering loved ones around the table, sharing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food that brings everyone together. From golden, perfectly roasted turkeys to creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and pies packed with autumn flavors, every dish plays a part in creating the ultimate holiday feast. These Thanksgiving recipes will help you craft a menu that’s comforting and impressive so get ready to be inspired to create a spread that feels like home:
1. Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Goat Cheese Bites
Image: reciperunner
Recipe: reciperunner
What better way to kick off Thanksgiving recipes than with flaky phyllo cups filled with a creamy herb cheese mixture, topped with sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil for a perfect balance of crisp and creamy textures?
These golden, bite-sized appetizers feel elegant yet effortless, proving that simple ingredients can steal the spotlight before the main feast begins.
For a crowd-pleasing starter, pair crisp pastry with creamy fillings and finish with fresh herbs and crunchy toppings to add color, flavor, and irresistible holiday appeal.
2. Sheet Pan Paleo
Image – wholefully
Recipe – wholefully
Nothing captures Thanksgiving recipes better than a plate filled with juicy sliced turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts, vibrant cranberry sauce, a pecan-studded stuffed sweet potato, and a hearty grain salad dotted with dried cranberries and pepitas.
Every element brings its own texture and flavor, creating the perfect balance of savory, sweet, crisp, and comforting in one festive meal.
For a memorable holiday spread, pair lean protein with colorful seasonal vegetables, a hearty stuffing-style side, and bright cranberry accents for a plate that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.
3. French Dip Sandwiches
Image – bakerbynature
Recipe – bakerbynature
Looking for Thanksgiving recipes beyond the traditional feast? This crusty sandwich layers tender sliced beef, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and fresh herbs, then pairs it with rich au jus for an irresistibly savory, comforting bite.
The crisp toasted bread and gooey cheese create the perfect contrast, while every dip into the flavorful broth makes the sandwich even more satisfying.
For a crowd-pleasing holiday meal, use hearty artisan bread, caramelize the onions well, and serve with warm au jus to turn a simple sandwich into a festive favorite.
4. Toaster Turkey Breast With Garlic Herb Butter
Image – babeinmiami
Few Thanksgiving recipes feel as timeless as herb-roasted turkey, and this beautifully sliced breast is paired with caramelized onions, roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, and jewel-like pomegranate for a festive blend of savory flavor and vibrant color.
The golden, crispy skin contrasts perfectly with the juicy interior, while the aromatic herbs make every slice look ready for the holiday table.
For a memorable centerpiece, roast the turkey until deeply golden, surround it with fresh herbs and roasted aromatics, and add seasonal fruit for a fresh, elegant finish.
5. Spiced Maple Glazed Ham
Image – everydaymaven
Recipe – everydaymaven
Warm holiday gatherings always seem to revolve around a beautifully glazed ham, and this Thanksgiving recipe showcases a caramelized, crosshatched crust with a glossy finish that promises sweet, smoky flavor in every slice.
The deeply browned edges and juicy interior create the perfect balance of tenderness and richness, making it a true holiday centerpiece.
For the best results, score the surface before glazing and baste throughout roasting to build a beautifully lacquered finish with irresistible caramelized edges.
6. Maple-Roasted Turkey Breast
Image and recipe – uncomplicatedchef
Looking for Thanksgiving recipes that deliver everything in one pan? This golden roasted turkey is surrounded by caramelized squash, fennel, onions, apples, and fresh sage, creating a beautiful balance of savory flavors and seasonal sweetness.
The crispy, herb-speckled skin and tender roasted vegetables make every serving feel hearty, colorful, and full of comforting holiday flavor.
For an effortless feast, roast the turkey alongside seasonal vegetables and herbs so the pan juices enrich every bite with rich, festive goodness.
7. Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Image – jackiebarrel
Warm, seasonal flavors shine in this Thanksgiving recipe, where roasted acorn squash is generously filled with savory sausage, tender rice, sautéed onions, melted cheese, and fresh herbs for a hearty, comforting meal.
The caramelized squash adds natural sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, savory filling—who wouldn’t come back for seconds?
For an easy holiday favorite, roast the squash until tender, brown the sausage well, and finish with fresh herbs to create a dish that’s packed with cozy flavor and beautiful seasonal color.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
Image – lifeloveandsugar
Recipe – lifeloveandsugar
Few Thanksgiving recipes feel more nostalgic than sweet potato casserole, and this version is crowned with fluffy marshmallows toasted to a perfectly golden finish over a rich, velvety sweet potato filling.
That caramelized topping melts into the creamy base, creating the irresistible mix of crisp, gooey, and smooth textures everyone looks forward to each holiday.
For the best results, broil the marshmallows just until golden and let the sweet potatoes stay silky and lightly spiced for a classic crowd-pleasing side.
9. Broccoli Cauliflower Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Image – therealfooddieticians
Recipe – therealfoodrds
Creamy comfort takes center stage in this Thanksgiving recipe, where tender broccoli and cauliflower are coated in a rich cheese sauce, finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color.
Who says holiday sides can’t steal the show? The bubbly, golden top and velvety texture make this casserole every bit as satisfying as the main course.
For a crowd-pleasing addition to your feast, roast the vegetables until just tender, use a rich cheese sauce, and bake until lightly browned for the perfect creamy finish.
10. Green Bean Casserole
Image – modern_honey
Recipe – modernhoney
Golden, crispy fried onions crown this Thanksgiving recipe, while tender green beans, a rich creamy sauce, and a lightly browned baked finish create the perfect balance of crunch and comforting flavor.
It’s hard not to reach for seconds when that crisp topping gives way to a velvety, savory center—it’s the texture everyone loves at the holiday table.
For a classic green bean casserole, keep the beans tender-crisp, use a creamy base, and add the fried onions at the end so they stay perfectly golden and crunchy.
11. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Image – joyfoodsunshine
Recipe – joyfoodsunshine
Fresh, vibrant flavors make this Thanksgiving recipe stand out, pairing caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon for the perfect mix of smoky richness, tender centers, and irresistibly crisp, golden edges.
Have you noticed how roasting transforms Brussels sprouts? Their natural sweetness shines through, balancing beautifully with the salty, crunchy bacon in every bite.
For the best holiday side, roast the sprouts until deeply browned and toss them with crispy bacon just before serving to keep every bite full of texture and savory flavor.
12. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Rolls
Image – homecookingcollective
Recipe – simplyrecipes
Nothing rounds out Thanksgiving recipes quite like warm, buttery dinner rolls, and these pillowy buns are brushed with garlic herb butter, sprinkled with Parmesan, and baked until beautifully golden.
That glossy, lightly crisp top gives way to a fluffy, tender center, making them impossible to resist fresh from the oven.
For bakery-style rolls, brush them with melted herb butter as soon as they come out of the oven and finish with a dusting of Parmesan for extra flavor and a festive touch.
13. Potato and Vegetable Gratin
Image – anna_s_table
Recipe – servingdumplings
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce make this Thanksgiving recipe impossible to ignore, while golden browned edges and fresh herbs add the perfect balance of crisp texture and comforting flavor.
It’s amazing how a simple potato gratin can become the first empty dish on the table—the bubbling, cheesy top is always the biggest temptation.
For the best results, slice the potatoes evenly, bake until the top is deeply golden, and let the creamy sauce soak into every layer for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
14. Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin with Orange
Image – soulfullymade_
Recipe – soulfullymade
A beautifully roasted turkey is the heart of many Thanksgiving recipes, and this one pairs juicy sliced meat with fragrant rosemary, thyme, sage, bright cranberries, and fresh orange slices for a festive blend of color and flavor.
The golden, herb-speckled crust keeps every slice tender and inviting, while the fresh garnishes add a seasonal touch that makes the platter feel celebration-ready.
For a memorable holiday centerpiece, season generously with fresh herbs, roast until perfectly golden, and garnish with citrus and cranberries for an elegant, flavor-packed presentation.
15. Creamed Spinach Gratin
Image – thegeneticchef
Recipe – thegeneticchef
Creamy, cheesy comfort takes center stage in this Thanksgiving recipe, where tender spinach is baked beneath a bubbling layer of melted cheese with beautifully golden, caramelized edges that promise rich flavor in every spoonful.
Who can resist that crispy, cheesy crust giving way to a velvety, creamy center? It’s the kind of side dish that quietly becomes a holiday favorite.
For the best results, use well-drained spinach, a rich cheese blend, and bake until the top is deeply golden to create the perfect balance of creamy and crisp textures.
16. Spinach Lasagna
Image – cookieandkate
Recipe – cookieandkate
Comfort food always earns a place among Thanksgiving recipes, and this baked pasta layers tender noodles with rich tomato sauce, creamy melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a golden, bubbly finish that’s impossible to resist.
The beautifully browned cheese creates the perfect contrast to the saucy, tender layers beneath, making every serving warm, hearty, and full of classic comfort.
For the best holiday bake, use plenty of cheese, let the top turn deeply golden, and finish with fresh basil to brighten every rich, flavorful bite.
17. Turkey Corn Chowder
Image – oursaltykitchen
Recipe – oursaltykitchen
On chilly holiday evenings, Thanksgiving recipes like this creamy chowder are pure comfort, blending tender potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, celery, and crispy bacon into a rich, velvety broth with fresh chives for a bright finish.
Every spoonful delivers a satisfying mix of creamy, smoky, and hearty flavors, making it the kind of starter guests happily savor before the main feast.
For the best bowl, cook the vegetables until just tender, stir in the cream at the end, and top with crispy bacon and fresh herbs for extra texture and flavor.
18. Cinnamon Pecan Sweet Potato Rounds
Image – thewholecook
Recipe – thewholecook
Sweet endings deserve a place in Thanksgiving recipes, and these roasted sweet potato rounds are topped with crunchy chopped pecans, toasted coconut, and a glossy drizzle that creates the perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and nutty texture.
Who knew a handful of simple toppings could make roasted sweet potatoes feel this festive? Every bite blends tender centers with a satisfying crunchy finish.
For an easy holiday side or dessert, roast the sweet potatoes until lightly caramelized, then layer on crunchy nuts and a drizzle of syrup for irresistible flavor and texture.
19. Scalloped Potatoes
Image – saltandlavendar
Recipe – saltandlavendar
Golden, bubbly layers make this Thanksgiving recipe impossible to resist, with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and finished with beautifully browned, crispy edges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Have you ever noticed how the first scoop is always the hardest to resist? The velvety layers and golden crust are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.
For a flawless holiday side, slice the potatoes evenly, use a creamy cheese sauce, and bake until the top is deeply golden while the layers stay tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
20. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Image – thereciperebel
Recipe – thereciperebel
Comfort food has a special place among Thanksgiving recipes, and this slow-cooked chicken is coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce with wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a savory, holiday-worthy meal.
The tender chicken soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce, while the spinach and tomatoes add fresh color and a burst of flavor to balance the richness.
For an effortless holiday dinner, let the chicken cook until fork-tender and finish with fresh spinach for a creamy dish that’s both comforting and beautifully flavorful.
