A Guide to Our Thanksgiving’s Most Beloved Dishes
Every year around Thanksgiving Day, our family gathers to prepare our cherished menu. The excitement of cooking together fills the air as we chop, stir, and season our way through a spread that embodies both tradition and creativity. Of course, the classic and iconic recipes such as a buttery whole roasted turkey, tart cranberry sauce, tender cornbread, rich creamed spinach, savory homemade gravy, perfectly roasted brussels sprouts, soft dinner rolls, herb-infused stuffing or cornbread dressing, and sweet roasted carrots always make it to our family table. These dishes are more than just food—they’re a celebration of our family’s heritage and the flavors that bring us comfort year after year.
But beyond tradition, we love exploring new flavors and incorporating modern twists into our spread. Whether it’s trying a new version of a side dish or experimenting with fresh ingredients, we always keep things exciting. You’ll love this list of 25 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes that will not only satisfy your cravings for the familiar but also give you plenty of fresh ideas to include in your celebration of the autumn harvest. Each recipe has been carefully chosen to add something special to your holiday table, from timeless classics to creative new favorites.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach, classic, decadent, and richly creamy, this side dish is served in some of the most famous restaurants around the country like Ruth Chris’s and Morton’s Steakhouse, besides being traditionally made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the earthy freshness of spinach with a luxuriously rich sauce. The key to its ultra-velvety texture lies in the combination of dairy cream and a soft white cheese like mozzarella, which melts perfectly into the sauce, coating every leaf of spinach in creamy goodness.
What makes this dish even more special is how versatile it can be—you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan to add a slightly nutty flavor. It’s also a great make-ahead option, as you can prepare it the day before and simply reheat it on Thanksgiving, freeing up space in the kitchen for other dishes. Whether you serve it alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib, creamed spinach is always a crowd-pleaser, adding a sophisticated yet comforting touch to any holiday meal.
Our family loves to entertain for Thanksgiving. Typically, we invite family and friends. Everyone is welcome. Plenty of these recipes can be made ahead of time and simply reheated before serving. In addition, I have included other methods to prepare dishes to reserve precious oven time for the turkey. These methods include using an Instant Pot pressure cooker, and stovetop skillet, and the Crock-Pot slow cooker. Several recipes don’t require any cooking method to prepare which makes it perfect to prepare last minute or a day or two in advance.
Best ever Crack Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Please everyone with oven-roasted crack Brussels sprouts that deliver a delightful charred crunch and are incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes. These Brussels sprouts are not just reserved for the holidays—they’re a versatile side dish you’ll find yourself making all year round. This recipe brings out the best of the humble Brussels sprout by seasoning it with ranch powder, garlic, and a splash of fresh lemon citrus for a burst of bright flavor. The unexpected addition of savory Parmesan cheese adds a rich taste that complements the crispy texture, while the sliced almonds provide a satisfying crunch to every bite.
What sets this dish apart is its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare: toss everything together, pop them in the oven, and let the roasting do the work. Whether you’re serving them alongside a Thanksgiving turkey or simply adding them to a weeknight dinner, these crack Brussels sprouts will be a standout hit on any table.
Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without the sweet and tangy taste of this homemade cranberry sauce. If you’ve always relied on the canned version, this super simple recipe will amaze you and make you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. The vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries cooked down with sugar and just a hint of citrus offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a must-have on your holiday table. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time—simply make it a day or two in advance, refrigerate, and it’s ready to serve when the big day arrives.
Not only is it a showstopper for Thanksgiving dinner, but the leftovers are just as versatile. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, adding it to leftover turkey sliders, or using it as a glaze for roasted meats, this cranberry sauce will enhance your post-holiday meals with its refreshing and zesty taste. Trust me, once you go homemade, you’ll never go back to the canned version!
Best Crack Roasted Carrots
Take your Classic Roasted Baby Carrots with chives and parsley and elevate them to something truly special with a flavorful twist—Hidden Valley ranch seasoning. This easy-to-make carrot dish turns a simple side into a standout, using a blend of familiar herbs and spices that will surprise and delight your guests. Ranch seasoning adds a savory, tangy kick that complements the natural sweetness of roasted baby carrots, making it an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s easy to prep with just a few ingredients, and it’s flexible enough to fit into any busy holiday schedule. You can make it ahead of time and simply reheat in a slow cooker, microwave, skillet, or even wrap it in an aluminum sleeve to warm next to your turkey pan in the oven. This makes it not only delicious but also a time-saver on the big day, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends. Whether served as part of your holiday feast or as a tasty side for weeknight dinners, these ranch-roasted baby carrots are sure to become a new favorite.
Cranberry Fluff Salad
This Cranberry Fluff Salad is the perfect festive side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, loved by both adults and kids alike. It’s an easy and delicious way to incorporate the fresh, bright flavors of cranberries into your holiday meal. The creamy, fluffy texture combined with just the right balance of sweet and tart makes it an irresistible addition to your spread, with everyone likely coming back for seconds.
Unlike the typical jellied cranberry sauce from a can, this dish adds a fun and refreshing twist to your table, blending fresh cranberries with whipped cream, marshmallows, and fruit. It’s not too tart, not too sweet—just the perfect balance of flavors. Best of all, it’s simple to make ahead, giving you one less thing to worry about on your busy holiday cooking day. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a family dinner, Cranberry Fluff Salad will quickly become a crowd favorite and a new holiday tradition.
Sweet Buttermilk Cornbread
Instead of the usual dinner rolls for Thanksgiving or Christmas, why not switch things up with a sweet buttermilk cornbread that tastes like it’s straight from the countryside, made with fresh butter and a drizzle of honey? This cornbread is not just a side dish—it’s a warm, cozy treat that’s perfect for sweater weather, whether you enjoy it with a cup of hot chocolate, a glass of cold milk, or as part of your holiday meal.
The moist, tender, and cake-like texture will satisfy your cravings for something both hearty and sweet. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, but it’s also delightful on its own as a snack. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated with a pat of butter melting on top, this cornbread will be a comforting addition to your holiday table, bringing a little extra sweetness to your feast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Convert anyone into a sweet potato lover with this Ultimate Sweet Potato recipe. The tender, hot mashed sweet potatoes are already irresistible on their own, but what truly sets this dish apart is the unexpected crunchy streusel topping that adds a delightful contrast in texture. The sweet, buttery topping is a perfect complement to the smooth, naturally sweet potatoes, creating a side dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe after just one bite.
Not only is this dish fun and easy to make, but it’s also a showstopper on the holiday table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner, this sweet potato dish will create a buzz as everyone digs into the crispy, nutty streusel and creamy sweet potatoes. Prepare for compliments from even the pickiest eaters—this is one dish that will turn sweet potato skeptics into lifelong fans.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish is synonymous with Thanksgiving, but this year add a little twist with the addition of orange, apple, lemon, and sugar. Let’s face it, not everyone likes this tangy condiment, make this recipe and taste how the apple, two citrus fruits, and sugars meld together and take it down a notch.
Oven-Roasted Broccoli
Cranberry relish is synonymous with Thanksgiving, but this year, why not give it a fresh twist with the addition of orange, apple, lemon, and a touch of sugar? This combination adds brightness and complexity, softening the typical tartness of cranberries and making it more appealing to a wider audience. Let’s face it, not everyone loves the traditional tangy cranberry sauce, but this recipe strikes the perfect balance—blending the sweet and zesty flavors of apple and citrus with just enough sugar to mellow things out.
The result is a vibrant, refreshing relish that enhances your Thanksgiving spread with bold flavors and a beautiful pop of color. It’s easy to make ahead, and it pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even post-holiday leftovers. Once you try this version, you’ll never go back to the basic recipe—it’s sure to become a new favorite tradition at your holiday table!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham
Sometimes recipes have been around forever, like this classic brown sugar pineapple ham. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of holiday gatherings, but with a modern twist that makes it even more convenient. Oh, how Grandma would have loved to have used a slow cooker back in the day for big family celebrations! The best part of preparing this ham in the slow cooker is that it frees up your oven for other holiday favorites, like potato or vegetable casseroles, or even desserts.
The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple creates a mouthwatering glaze that soaks into the ham as it slow-cooks, ensuring every bite is tender and packed with flavor. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish that lets you focus on enjoying time with family and friends, while still delivering a show-stopping main course. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this slow cooker ham is a timeless recipe that keeps tradition alive with a little extra convenience!
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
If you can’t decide which delicious vegetable to make for the holidays, try maple roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts for a perfect balance of flavor and seasonal warmth. This hearty autumn dish, roasted on a sheet pan, combines the best of fall’s produce and can be served as a side dish or even as a warm salad. The naturally sweet butternut squash and slightly bitter Brussels sprouts are elevated by a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, giving the dish a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.
To make it even more special, the addition of toasted pecans, tangy cranberries, and crumbled Parmesan cheese creates layers of texture and flavor that will surprise and delight your guests. The crunchy nuts, chewy cranberries, and salty cheese bring an unexpected depth to the roasted vegetables, making this dish not only a crowd-pleaser but also a conversation starter at the table. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this dish is sure to become a new holiday favorite.
Cornbread Dressing
Southerners take their stuffing very seriously, and this classic Southern cornbread dressing recipe will show you exactly why. The rich flavors and textures of this dish come from starting with homemade cornbread, giving it a hearty, slightly sweet base that perfectly absorbs all the savory goodness. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of andouille sausage or kielbasa, bringing a smoky, spicy depth that takes the dressing to a whole new level.
With a mix of onions, celery, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth, each bite is packed with layers of taste that perfectly complement the cornbread. This dish is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of Southern culinary tradition, offering a comforting, robust flavor that everyone at the table will appreciate. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this cornbread dressing is sure to become a favorite, and you’ll quickly understand why Southerners hold it in such high regard!
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
This Instant Pot mashed potatoes dish is an absolute game-changer for holiday cooking. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have the perfect, creamy mashed potatoes ready in no time—all thanks to the pressure cooker. What makes this dish even better is how it frees up valuable stove and oven space during busy holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Using the Instant Pot not only saves time but also ensures your potatoes cook evenly, producing a smooth, fluffy texture every time. You can easily adjust the flavor with butter, cream, or even garlic to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a big feast or a more intimate gathering, these mashed potatoes are a no-fuss, reliable side dish that will quickly become a go-to for any occasion. Plus, they stay warm in the Instant Pot, so you can focus on finishing other dishes without worrying about them getting cold!
Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
Caramel apple crisp bars are one of those beloved desserts that will become one of your favorites. Three layers of goodness start with the bottom crust layer, working into a layer of apples followed by a final layer of an apple crisp topping with oats and drizzled with caramel. These bars are a must during autumn when the weather cools and the apples are harvested.
Turkey Brine Recipe
Give everyone what they want for Thanksgiving this year with this foolproof turkey brine recipe that will guarantee your bird is juicy! You can read all about the different methods of “brining” and fully understand how this keeps your meat from drying out, giving you a more tender, juicy turkey. Wet, dry, short, long, it’s all here for you to choose the one you want to go with.
Juicy Herb Roast Turkey
This classic oven roast turkey recipe is a plethora of information. Whether this is your first turkey, or you have cooked dozens, this recipe touches on “brining”, thawing, seasoning, cooking, right down to how much turkey, gravy, and stuffing per person. I’ve listed all the links to other favorite dishes for your perfect Thanksgiving meal in here as well so grab some coffee or a drink and settle in.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Skip the 20 cans of whip cream this year, your guests will enjoy this pumpkin praline cheesecake all by itself. Satisfying lovers of cheesecake and pumpkin pie alike, every bite of this decadent southern dessert with its praline taste throughout will soon turn this into a yearly favorite.
Honey Baked Ham
Nothing says “tradition” more than a spiral-cut honey-baked ham. Make the perfect glaze with honey, white and brown sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon, adding the secret ingredients: a touch of mustard, onion, and garlic powder. Shhh, just smile and claim it as your own.
Apple Crisp
The key to a perfect apple crisp is not only the apples but the topping as well. Since we can never get enough of this buttery oat goodness, this recipe has you placing the crumbly streusel on the bottom as well. Yes, I said it…a homemade apple filling sandwiched between the streusel, and not just on top. Adding caramel sauce will really take it up a notch.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This slow cooker turkey breast is perfect and juicy, whether you are cooking for a smaller gathering at Thanksgiving or adding more helpings to your full oven turkey, this couldn’t be easier. Additionally, turkey breasts are one of those things available year-round and perfect to cook while you are at work. Let my serving calculator and tips inspire you.
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
This year for the holidays, leave your green bean casserole behind and try this crack ranch roasted asparagus instead. Nothing is healthier or easier than roasting your asparagus in the oven. Toss some asparagus in with the seasoning ingredients then top with bacon, grated parmesan cheese, and sliced almonds. This recipe goes with any meat or eat it all by itself for a light meal.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
You’ll want to make this delicious bacon cheese ball and serve it as an appetizer at your holiday party. It’s the perfect bite-size cream cheese and cracker snack loaded with tasty ranch seasoning, bacon pieces, pecans, and green onions. Everyone raves and asks for this recipe year after year.
Pumpkin Cornbread
Thanksgiving and fall wouldn’t be the same without some pumpkin…carved and on your front porch, in a delicious pumpkin praline cheesecake or in this incredible pumpkin cornbread. This cornbread is tender yet dense and uses real pumpkin puree in addition to pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy it further with the traditional pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Cranberry Bruschetta
Cranberry cream cheese bruschetta, a much-asked-for, vibrant, and upscale-looking appetizer to serve for the holidays. This crowd-pleaser got its name for the light cinnamon and brown sugared flavored cream cheese spread topped with chopped cranberries infused with more sugars and orange juice.
Creamed Corn
This cream corn recipe gives you all the taste of traditional cream corn while maintaining the kernels as more intact rather than soupy. The dairy products used such as cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, and butter achieve the same taste with the bacon adding that something extra.
Cherry Fluff Salad
This Cherry Fluff Salad is delightfully delicious. A modern twist on cherry pie, this dessert salad uses ingredients that are steeped in decades of holiday tradition. Each bite gets better and better. That’s because the first bite tastes like creamy cherry pie. Make this potluck-style salad and serve it as a dessert or a side to your Thanksgiving Day menu this year.
Traditional Herb Stuffing
A Traditional Herb Stuffing recipe with pieces of dried white bread, savory spices and herbs, freshly chopped celery, onion, and garlic moistened in a buttery chicken broth and baked in a casserole dish. A must make side dish recipe for Thanksgiving Day dinner with classic stuffing flavors. A holiday tradition with exceptional taste and texture.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
A savory Homemade Green Bean Casserole from Scratch with a tasty, creamy mushroom sauce tossed with fresh green beans and baked in the oven with buttery panko crumbs. Topped with homemade French fried onions. A classic Thanksgiving side dish recipe to serve for the holiday along with Christmas and Easter. Skip the classic Campbell’s recipe, and try this one instead. You’ll fall in love!
Crack Green Beans
Perfect sheet pan oven-roasted Crack Green Beans {The BEST Savory Roasted Green Beans}. A must make quick and easy vegetable recipe to serve with your next meal. From oven to table in under 20-minutes and flavored outrageously with a secret ingredient, these savory roasted green beans will become your newest weeknight dinner obsession.
Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes
Oven roasted, crispy parmesan potatoes seasoned with herbs, olive oil and cheese. This dish can be served as an appetizer or side and takes 5 minutes to prepare and roasts for 40 minutes.
This list keeps getting bigger. I try and keep it updated with the latest and greatest recipes. If you have any requests leave them in the comments sections below!
