I have to tell you, Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time to get into the kitchen and go a little overboard. There is just something about a table absolutely groaning with cozy, creamy, crispy, and ridiculously good food that makes my heart so happy. So whether you're hosting the whole crew or just bringing one standout side, I've rounded up 30 of my go-to recipes to help you pull off the whole feast without the stress.
1. Cranberry Almond Slaw with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
A good crunchy slaw is a total BBQ staple, we all know that. But it is just as wonderful sitting pretty on your turkey day table. This version keeps things super festive with a tangy maple and mustard dressing tossed with cabbage, red onion, dried cranberries, and almonds. You will love the added texture and the way those zippy flavors cut right through the rich turkey.
2. Smoky Bacon Wrapped Turkey for Thanksgiving
You really cannot go wrong with this bacon wrapped turkey if you want to shake things up a bit this Thanksgiving! It is a whole bird wrapped up in bacon, then roasted in the oven until it is just perfect. Beyond the showstopping look of it, that bacon also infuses the meat with the most incredible smoky, salty flavor.
3. Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese
If you are looking for a gorgeous vegetarian main, give this risotto a try. It is bright and lovely, and that pumpkin flavor comes through in every single bite. Toss some dried cranberries over the top for extra color and add a little goat cheese for that perfect hint of tangy creaminess. It is a total showstopper.
4. Thanksgiving Turkey Burgers
One bite of this Thanksgiving turkey burger and your family will be singing its praises. It is such a fun way to get all those holiday flavors without any of the fuss. Think of it as everything you love about the big feast, but served up in burger form. Pair it with some sweet potato fries for the most casual, fun family dinner.
5. Maple Walnut Sweet Potato Skins
Move over stuffed peppers, because these maple walnut sweet potato skins are where the real party is! They get baked twice, but this is nothing like the usual potato skins loaded with sour cream and cheese. Nope, these beauties are filled with a dreamy mix of Greek yogurt, cozy spices, maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. WOW is right!
6. The Best Classic Turkey Stuffing
Did you really think I would forget about the stuffing? No way! It is one of the most beloved Thanksgiving sides out there, so this one is an absolute must. The only real question is whether you want to add some sausage to the mix or not. I think it pairs beautifully with the turkey, but honestly, that choice is totally up to you.
7. Baked Brie Cranberry in Bread Bowl
I should probably start with a little heads up here: if you put this out before the main meal, everyone might just forget about the rest of the food. It is not just lovely baked Brie with that tangy sweet cranberry sauce. Oh no, my friend. This is gloriously gooey baked Brie with that sauce, all served up right inside a cozy bread bowl!
8. Parmesan Rosemary Potato Stacks
Time for a tiny confession: as much as I love the big centerpiece roast, I am honestly all about a table full of sides. And these Parmesan herb potato stacks are my newest little obsession. You'll want a mandolin to slice the potatoes super thin and even. After that, just shower them with rosemary, a little salt and pepper, and plenty of that salty cheese.
9. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese & Pomegranates
One of my favorite things about holiday cooking is just how colorful everything gets. So many dishes feature bright, fresh produce that make the table look like a beautiful fall rainbow. And it does not get any more vibrant or delicious than this orange squash paired with little ruby red pomegranate seeds!
10. The Pioneer Woman’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
This dish is pretty much the definition of comfort food. It is a creamy, dreamy combination of mashed potatoes, cheddar, sour cream, and bacon all baked together. Everything about it just screams cozy and delicious. And it sits perfectly next to turkey and gravy, not to mention all your other favorite holiday sides.
11. Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
Is there anything better than a beautiful classic turkey sitting right in the center of the table? It just pulls the whole family together. If this is your first time tackling the big bird or you just want a few foolproof pointers, you are in the right place. I'll walk you through it all with simple steps so your meal turns out unforgettable. And I promise, there won't be a single dry bite in sight!
12. Easy Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream
There is nothing quite like ice cream to make a meal feel special, especially when it tastes just like Thanksgiving! This homemade pumpkin version is one dessert you truly do not want to skip. It is flavored with pumpkin, all those cozy spices, and little bits of Biscoff cookies. Honestly, this sweet treat is just simply divine.
13. The Best Healthy Turkey Chili
You can absolutely keep things on the lighter side and still enjoy your favorite holiday flavors with this turkey chili. It is packed with protein from the turkey, veggies like tomatoes and corn, and even some hearty beans. Seriously, one bowl of this is a full meal all on its own. It is living proof that healthy food does not have to be boring!
14. Incredibly Easy French Onion Soup Casserole
This is such a fun twist on the traditional French onion soup, and it is surprisingly easy to make. It brings a whole new layer of flavor to your holiday meal. You get those fall apart onions, crusty bread, and so much melted cheese all working together in perfect harmony. And it is way simpler to whip up than a bunch of individual little bowls.
15. Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Nothing is worse than cutting into a turkey only to find it dry and tasteless. Talk about a total holiday buzz kill! But you do not have to worry about that here. This recipe is designed to give you melt in your mouth, juicy turkey deliciousness every single time. And it is a total set it and forget it kind of meal, so that is a double win!
16. Apple, Brie, and Caramelized Onion Tart
Sweet and savory together is always a winning combo in my book. So this tart piled with apples, Brie, and those jammy caramelized onions hits the nail right on the head. It might look like something from a fancy bakery, but I swear it is a total breeze to throw together. Yes, the onions take a little time, but using frozen puff pastry keeps everything wonderfully simple.
17. Cajun Turkey
Ready to bring a little heat to your holiday table this year? Cajun is the way to go! This recipe creates a beautiful blend of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors that will totally wake up your taste buds. The mix of seasonings brings out everything you love about a traditional turkey while giving it a fun and delicious new personality.
18. Grilled Turkey Tenderloin with Brown Sugar and Whole Grain Mustard
Looking for something healthy and full of flavor that won't cost a fortune? You just found your answer! This recipe stars succulent turkey meat coated in a sweet and tangy marinade that doubles as the sauce. You will be genuinely surprised by how easy the whole thing comes together. Just let the meat soak up all that goodness, toss it on the grill, and voila!
19. Easiest Turkey Brine
Let me share a secret from the pros with you: the magic is all in the brine. This one gets its gorgeous flavor from fresh oranges, bright lemon, and a cozy mix of herbs and spices. It works its way right into the meat for a perfectly balanced bite every time. Plus, it locks in all that juiciness while it cooks, and the pan drippings you get afterward are just magical.
20. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This cozy little dessert will absolutely make your Thanksgiving one to remember. It brings together soft, spiced pumpkin bread pudding with plump raisins and crunchy almonds for the most amazing treat. The whole thing is this perfect dreamy mix of sweet and warmly spiced flavors. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds.
21. Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad
Love them or not, those little green sprouts always seem to show up for the holidays. I am firmly on team Brussels and will eat them pretty much any way I can get them. But if you need to win over a few skeptics, this shaved version is your secret weapon. With protein packed quinoa, chewy dried cranberries, pecans, shallots, and a zippy dressing, those sprouts might just become the best part!
22. Baked Apples
Here's another lovely little treat to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth. Baked apples feel so homey and wonderful, and they are actually a pretty wholesome choice. They get stuffed with a heavenly little pocket of brown sugar and warm, fragrant spices. Throw in some oats for a bit of texture and get ready to dig right in!
23. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries
I had to throw in one more Brussels sprouts recipe because it is my personal mission to make everyone love them. If that shaved salad up above didn't convince you, maybe this one will. It is crispy, salty, meaty, and just to die for. Trust me on this one, you absolutely need to make it.
24. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Getting something yummy and healthy on the table for Thanksgiving is so simple with this recipe! Say a big hello to your Air Fryer turkey breast. It is nutritious, comes together without any fuss, and delivers all those satisfying holiday flavors you crave. This one is a total winner for a smaller gathering.
25. Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecan and Goat Cheese
Honestly, just one glance at this dish and you'll be convinced to make it. The carrots get all tender and caramelized, the goat cheese just melts into creamy little pockets, and the pecans bring that perfect sweet crunch. This is one seriously elegant side. It is so good that everyone will be quietly hoping there's enough for a second helping.
26. Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
Okay, this loaded cauliflower casserole might actually be the most perfect dish on the table. It is jam-packed with crispy bacon, oniony chives, and not one, not two, but three kinds of cheese. I mean, how could that ever be a bad idea? It is definitely on the indulgent side. But since we are using cauliflower instead of potatoes, I say we all just go ahead and call it healthy.
27. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Look, I adore a classic sweet potato casserole, I really do. But sometimes it can lean a little too soft for me. If you are like me and want all those amazing flavors with a bit more texture, this is absolutely the dish you need to try. Just look at those crispy, caramelized edges! They are calling your name, I promise.
28. Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast
Picture this: a juicy baked turkey breast wrapped up in a fragrant sauce made with honey and cranberries. Need I say more? Fine, I will! This one is a fantastic way to serve up your turkey and cranberry sauce all in one gorgeous package. And that bold, gorgeous color? It is sure to make everyone at the table stop and stare.
29. Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch
This mouthwatering casserole combines tender rice, fresh broccoli, and lots of cheese to create the most addictive side dish. It is hearty, rich, and so creamy, and you can almost pretend it is healthy thanks to all that green goodness! You will also love that it comes together quickly, which makes it perfect if you are short on time.
30. Stuffed Turkey Breast
Not feeling up to roasting a whole bird this year? I totally get it, and this stunning stuffed turkey breast is here to save the day. It cooks up way faster than a full turkey and comes with all the flavor tucked right inside. I love the creamy filling of cheese, spinach, herbs, and bacon for the holiday. But hey, if you want to toss in some nuts and cranberries, you absolutely should!