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 the top 10 Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

What are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

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 is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

We know that the turkey is the showstopper on the table, but we're mostly here for the stuffing. Check out all of our favorite stuffing recipes; our classic stuffing is the undisputed champ of the bunch.

What is the most loved Thanksgiving food? ›

America's different regions can favor different local cuisines, and Thanksgiving dinner provides no exception. While turkey is the top selection in every region, side-dish challenger mashed potatoes are tied for first place in the Midwest (both winning 85% of matchups) and West (both winning 79%).

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

The traditional roasted turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are on almost every modern Thanksgiving menu, in some form or variation. This menu has evolved over time and continues to evolve today. President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

What is the most common main dish for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Turkey is a classic main course for Thanksgiving dinner, but that certainly doesn't mean you have to serve it every year.

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

Six turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving:
  • Beef. Instead of spending all the time it takes to prep and cook a turkey, use the time to make your favorite special-occasion beef dish instead. ...
  • Mac & Cheese. ...
  • Pot Pie or Shepherd's Pie. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Pork Tenderloin. ...
  • Vegan Turkey Substitute.

What are traditional things for Thanksgiving? ›

Traditional foods are a large part of Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families include the entire family in the food preparation. Traditional foods include turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

How many sides do you need for 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.

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 the most favorite dessert on Thanksgiving? ›

In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

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: Laurine Ryan

Last Updated:

Views: 6027

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Laurine Ryan

Birthday: 1994-12-23

Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603

Phone: +2366831109631

Job: Sales Producer

Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy

Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.