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!

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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12

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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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

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13

Cranberry Curd Tart

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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.

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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.

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15

Jammy Pie Twists

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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19

Roasted Cranberry Sauce

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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.

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20

Northwest Fruit Stuffing

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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 do most people serve for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

At Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is served with a variety of side dishes which can vary from traditional, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, to ones that reflect regional or cultural heritage.

What is a traditional Black Thanksgiving dinner? ›

You will likely be eating roast turkey, barbecued turkey, deep fried turkey, glazed country ham, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes mashed and covered with marshmallows, corn, cornbread, yeast/potato rolls, black eyed peas, rice, gravy, potato salad, cranberry sauce from ...

What is the most popular side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What is the least popular Thanksgiving food? ›

The Least Popular Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked
  • Sweet Potatoes or Yams — 25.12%
  • Stuffing/Dressing. — 22.33%
  • Pumpkin Pie. — 21.44%
  • Carrots. — 16.95%
  • Mashed Potatoes. — 15.45%
  • Corn. — 14.36%
  • Macaroni and Cheese. — 14.36%
  • Apple Pie. — 12.86%

What is a true Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes but the First Thanksgiving likely included wildfowl, corn, porridge and venison.

How many sides do I need for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

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.

What is usually made for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

While there are plenty of creative ways to cook your Thanksgiving favorites, you can't go wrong with classics that everyone knows and loves. Stuffing, cranberry relish, pumpkin pie: there are so many delicious dishes that deserve a place on the table each year—including the turkey, of course!

What are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

If you're lucky, there might even be leftovers to enjoy the next day!
  • 01 of 51. Roasted Herb Turkey and Gravy. ...
  • 02 of 51. Our Easiest Pumpkin Pie Ever. ...
  • 03 of 51. Buttermilk-Brined Turkey. ...
  • 04 of 51. Classic Candied Yams. ...
  • 05 of 51. Cornbread Dressing. ...
  • 06 of 51. Turkey Gravy. ...
  • 07 of 51. Classic Cranberry Salad. ...
  • 08 of 51. Yeast Rolls.
Jul 6, 2022

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

Show-Stopping Main Dishes

Obviously, the classic choice here is a roasted turkey, but you don't have to feel limited by that. You could do a whole turkey breast for a smaller crowd, or go off the beaten path with long-braised turkey legs and thighs. Southern Thanksgiving often involves a ham, which is always delicious.

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

A Thanksgiving meal is not complete until the turkey is on the table. Turkeys are large, so we get it, but they don't have to be intimidating. The one thing you can do to ensure a bird that stays juicy and doesn't dry out in the oven: Brine it! Get the Dry Brine Turkey recipe.

What were 3 foods that were eaten during Thanksgiving? ›

So, to the question “What did the Pilgrims eat for Thanksgiving,” the answer is both surprising and expected. Turkey (probably), venison, seafood, and all of the vegetables that they had planted and harvested that year—onions, carrots, beans, spinach, lettuce, and other greens.

What does Thanksgiving feast include? ›

Today, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes any number of dishes: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

What food to bring for Thanksgiving? ›

Start with a few Thanksgiving appetizers for all to nibble on. Think: deviled eggs, a cranberry-pecan cheese ball, and creamy caramelized onion dip. Then, divvy up Thanksgiving casseroles like classic stuffing, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole.

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