Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends together to share good food and company. But for many of us, the pressure to create a perfect Thanksgiving feast can be daunting.
This year, why not try one of these tried and true Thanksgiving recipes that will guarantee a delicious holiday meal? From flavorful fall appetizers, to savory sides, and sweet fall desserts, we’ve got you covered. So relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration – dinner is taken care of!
There are always a few Thanksgiving staples that must be made each year, and if you don’t make them, you know there will be complaints. But what if you’re itching to try something new and interesting?
Or maybe you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, and don’t know where to start. What size turkey do you need? How will you know that it will turn out okay?
And don’t get me started on the advice to test out a recipe before making it for a holiday. With the price of everything these days, who can afford to test out a turkey recipe weeks in advance?!
That’s why I asked thousands of food bloggers for their very best Thanksgiving recipes. More specifically…I asked them to share the recipes they make every year. These are the recipes that are tried and true – the ones that their families request year after year.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your Thanksgiving feast, look no further. These recipes have been tested, tasted, and loved by families across the country. And they’ll definitely be a hit with your family and friends too!
70+ Tried and True Thanksgiving Recipes
Fabulous Fall Cocktails
It's always important to make your guests feel welcome - even if they're family.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to offer a drink right when they arrive. And with these fall cocktails, you can't go wrong.
White Wine Holiday Sangria Recipe with Rosemary and Cranberries
White wine holiday sangria with rosemary & cranberries is crisp and refreshing. It's the perfect holiday cocktail for Christmas Parties with family and friends!
Apple Cider Mimosas
Apple cider mimosas are the perfect easy fall cocktail. Crisp and sweet, they're a delicious choice for Thanksgiving, bridal showers, or just a relaxing afternoon.
Apple Cider Sangria
You'll fall in love with this spiced apple cider sangria recipe. Crisp, cool, and not too sweet, it's the perfect fall sangria.
Pumpkin Pie Martini (with Rumchata)
This Pumpkin Pie Martini is made with Rumchata and is creamy, not too sweet perfectly strong. It's perfect to serve to guests at Thanksgiving or any autumn or winter holiday party this year!
Mulled Wine Spritzer
This mulled wine spritzer combines the best flavors of mulled wine with the lightness of a spritzer for the perfect large-batch holiday party drink recipe.
Baileys Hot Chocolate (the BEST winter hot chocolate)
This baileys hot chocolate is the perfect winter hot chocolate to make for Thanksgiving. Milk chocolate hot chocolate with baileys mixed in, topped with a homemade baileys whipped cream. Cozy up with a mug of this and a book by the fireplace.
Thanksgiving Appetizers
Nothing gets an appetite started better than some delicious appetizers. Whether you're looking for bite sized fall appetizers or a make ahead cheese ball, these recipes will have your guests coming back for more.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Easy, fast and delicious, cranberry brie bites are the perfect choice when you need an impressive last minute holiday appetizer.
Veggie Platter Turkey
Get the party gobbling with our delightful Veggie Platter Turkey! A nutritious, colorful, and fun twist on Thanksgiving appetizers, it's perfect for potlucks or any festive gathering. It's not only pleasing to the eyes but also yummy to the taste buds!
Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
This easy stuffed mushrooms recipe is perfect for last-minute parties. Filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs and pecans, this is going to become one of your go-to party appetizers.
Pine Cone Cheese Ball
Both festive and flavorful, this pine cone cheese ball is the perfect make ahead recipe for easy entertaining at holiday parties.
Warm Crab Dip
Loaded with fresh crab, creamy cheese, and plenty of spices, this warm crab dip recipe is the perfect easy appetizer that is guaranteed to wow your guests.
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
A Thanksgiving charcuterie board is a beautiful and tasty snack to serve before the big meal. With pumpkin dip, harvest fruits, and themed sugar cookies, it's filled with all your favorite fall flavors.
The Main Course...
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts, but there are so many other options too.
Whether you want a big turkey centerpiece, or if you need options for a smaller guest list, we've got you covered with these delicious main course recipes.
How to Grill a Whole Turkey on a Charcoal Grill
Learn how to grill a turkey on a charcoal grill even if you have a big turkey! The smokey flavor is fantastic for your holiday dinner & amazing in leftovers.
Pineapple Glazed Ham
Transform your holiday ham into a showstopper with our easy pineapple ham glaze recipe! Perfectly balanced, this sweet and tangy glaze will make every bite a delightful burst of flavor.
7 Hour Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
3 ingredient juicy turkey breast recipe, that takes 7 hours in the crockpot and only needs 3 ingredients.
The BEST No-Fail Spatchcock Holiday Chicken (Must Try!)
This is my best holiday roast chicken recipe. Using the spatchcock chicken method means it’s done even faster. Served with a delicious mushroom gravy.
Thanksgiving Herb Butter Turkey
A simple slathering of herb butter is all your Thanksgiving Turkey needs to be beautiful and scrumptious for your dinner guests! Thyme, sage, parsley and orange zest are a perfect complement to the subtle flavor of turkey, and with no brining, this turkey comes together so fast!
Stuffed Cornish Hen (Thanksgiving For Two) - Homemade In The Kitchen
Don’t want to roast a whole turkey this year for Thanksgiving? Keep it small by roasting this Stuffed Cornish Hen recipe with Homemade Classic Stuffing
Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Maple Glaze Recipe
A family favorite, this Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Maple Glaze is the BEST turkey recipe to make for the holiday season.
The Best Juicy Turkey Roast (without brine or stuffing)
This easy turkey roast recipe is perfect for the home cook who doesn't want to fuss with brine or stuffing but still wants a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving dish.
Camarao na Moranga (Shrimp Stuffed Pumpkin)
This shrimp stuffed pumpkin is SO delicious! With an incredible flavor and a rustic yet sophisticated presentation, this recipe is sure to impress everyone on Thanksgiving!
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcock Turkey is butterflied for the most evenly cooked, juicy turkey ever. It's got the crispiest skin ever and cooks up in under an hour and a half!
Air Fryer Turkey
How to air fry a whole turkey. The most tender, moist and juicy turkey recipe with crispy golden skin. Cooking a turkey in an air fryer.
Vegan Wellington
Satisfy your vegetarian family members and your meat eating guests at the same time with this gorgeous vegan Wellington. The filling is meaty, satisfying and ever-so-tasty! It's surprisingly easy to make too!
Soups, Sauces, and Gravy
Warm up from the inside out with spiced cranberry sauce, creamy soups, and flavorful homemade gravy.
Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
Looking for an easy homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice that's perfect every time? Your family will love this simple time-tested recipe.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Leave the stovetop off and learn how to make slow cooker applesauce instead. It’s easy enough even the kids can make it!
Gravy From Scratch
This is the perfect gravy recipe from scratch, and you can make it with or without drippings. A must for your Thanksgiving table!
Creamy Curried Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
We all love a good pumpkin soup! This Creamy Curried Butternut Squash Lentil Soup is hearty and very comforting! Give it a try!
Family-Favorite Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup
This delicious, beautifully balanced Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup is a treasured family heirloom with a long, beloved history. With some creative updates, it’s now THK-worthy – easier to make and full of great nutrition – yet Grandma Jo still proclaims this modern twist to be “PERFECT“!
Delectable Vegetables
From light harvest salads to rich and decadent creamed spinach, these vegetables will have everyone asking for seconds.
Easy Roasted Asparagus
I learned how to make this easy roasted asparagus recipe from a caterer, and it was an instant hit. With only a few ingredients, it's fast to make & delicious.
Four-Step Orange Glazed Carrots Recipe
These orange glazed carrots are the perfect side dish recipe for special occasions or with weeknight dinners. If you’ve been searching for easy ways to serve more vegetables then give this a try!
Sauteed Green Beans with Thick Cut Bacon and Mushrooms
Crisp bacon, caramelized onions and mushrooms, and fresh green beans make a delicious and simple side dish for Thanksgiving or any occasion!
Seasonal Harvest Salad
This Seasonal Harvest Salad is truly the taste of fall! Made with hearty butternut squash, tart Pink Lady apple chunks, juicy grapes, sweet dried cranberries, and more, it's fresh, nutritious, and the perfect representation of all there is to love about this time of year.
French Green Beans with Herb Butter
These French-style green beans in garlicky herb butter make for a delicious fresh side dish! They are quick, easy, healthy and so flavorful - seasoned simply with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Honey Glazed Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts
Super quick and easy pan-fried brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet honey soy sauce glaze! No need for ovens or a roasting pan for this one!
The BEST Creamed Spinach Recipe
This creamed spinach recipe is so rich and delicious that you will forget you are even eating spinach! Everyone who tastes it always asks for the recipe--it is that good!
Roasted Acorn Squash
This Roasted Acorn Squash is a beautiful and delicious side dish. Sliced acorn squash is oven roasted in a sweet and spicy buttery sauce, then topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, and orange zest for a holiday table showstopper!
Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens
Did you ever think tender, Southern-style greens can be made in minutes? These Instant Pot Collard Greens require just five minutes of pressure cook time and produce never-mushy, perfectly-seasoned greens fit for a crowd.
Easy Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic Butter
These sautéed mushrooms are cooked in garlic butter until golden brown! They make the perfect side for any Thanksgiving meal!
Broccoli Cheese Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Lightly steamed broccoli is smothered in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce and topped with buttery Ritz crackers and more cheddar cheese. No mayonnaise and no soup required!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Every year family members ask me to make this classic, green bean casserole! We never skimp on the French fried onions and even make them from scratch sometimes! It's a no-fail recipe that always adds traditional to the Thanksgiving table we all know and love!
Winter Roasted Vegetables
Serve up a healthy serving of winter roasted vegetables to your Thanksgiving this season!
Heavenly Potatoes and Pasta
They're rich, they're creamy, and they're 100% comforting. With these starchy potato and pasta sides, your Thanksgiving feast will be off to a decadent start.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Make perfectly fluffy, unbelievably flavorful garlic mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot – with no need to drain! Our nearly effortless, foolproof pressure cooker mashed potatoes recipe includes chopped garlic, butter, and sour cream.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Whipped Sweet Potatoes are the fluffy, creamy, & sweet side dish every Thanksgiving table needs. This recipe is not just wonderfully spiced with vanilla & nutmeg but it is also the best make-ahead recipe to make your holiday easier.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Learn how easy it is to make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes from scratch! This recipe has decadent caramelized onions in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce with simple seasonings. It’s make-ahead and Crock Pot friendly and the perfect side dish idea for friends and family.
Candied Yams
No Thanksgiving table is complete without candied yams! This sweet potato dish is bursting with delicious flavors and topped with toasty marshmallows.
Gouda Cheddar Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Gouda cheddar parmesan scalloped potatoes from scratch are the perfect side dish and comfort food. Although you can use any cheese you like for such a dish, smoked Gouda, white cheddar and parmesan cheese go especially well together.
Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
These Red Skin Mashed Potatoes require no peeling and are loaded with butter, sour cream, and garlic. This side dish pairs perfectly with just about anything and is perfect for holiday dinners. Plus mashed potatoes freeze great!
Smoked Mac and Cheese
This creamy smoked mac and cheese recipe is the cheesy, melty, and oh so good! It has a mix 5 different cheeses for the most epic cheese pull and is topped with panko bread crumbs for a nice buttery crunch.
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Make-ahead Boursin mashed potatoes are the perfect Thanksgiving recipe! These Boursin cheese mashed potatoes are easy, herby, and delicious!
Roasted Potatoes with Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Balsamic Drizzle
Roasted Potatoes topped off with creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon, and a delicious balsamic reduction.
Stuffing (or is it Dressing?)
Yes, I know there's a technical difference between stuffing and dressing, but everyone seems to land solidly on one side of the fence or the other.
Whichever camp you're in, one of these recipes will certainly be a crowd pleaser for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
My Auntie Rose’s Famous Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe will put boring ole’ stuffing to shame. Moist skillet cornbread is combined with homemade chicken stock, celery, onion, chicken pieces, spices and flavor galore more creating a perfect side dish ready to claim its fame at your holiday table
Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing
This Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at Thanksgiving! This easy recipe is made with sourdough bread, Italian sausage, apple, dried cranberries, and plenty of fresh herbs. It's the ultimate classic side dish for the holidays!
Instant Pot Stuffing Traditional Thanksgiving Recipe
This Instant Pot Stuffing is so yummy and really easy to make, It comes out perfectly moist and full of flavor!
Air Fryer Whiskey, Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing
This air fryer whiskey, sausage and cranberry stuffing is so delicious. And baking stuffing in an air fryer means you can fit other dishes in the oven or on the stove. It is the perfect stuffing for Thanksgiving.
Sausage, Pear and Sage Stuffing
Try my sausage stuffing flavored with sage, pear and many more fragrant herbs. I make it every single year and my family never gets tired of it!
Breads, Rolls, and Rice
Whether you prefer warm, buttery dinner rolls, or hearty cornbread to round out your feast, there's sure to be a recipe here to suit your taste.
Beer Biscuits
Beer biscuits with bisquick are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Make sure your biscuits turn out perfectly every time with this time tested recipe and tips!
Bolivian Corn Cake (Easy Huminta)
Cornbread is elevated to a new level with this Bolivian corn cake recipe. Huminta is dense, sweet, and full of flavor. It's perfect for any get-together!
Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Homemade dinner rolls are easy to make and turn out fluffy and soft. You can make them the night before for easy prep!
Recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto
This risotto is perfect for thanksgiving with roasted butternut squash as its flavor base. It can also easily be made vegetarian or vegan for any non-meat eaters in your life!
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
These dinner rolls brushed with herb and garlic butter fresh out of the oven are what you want to serve with your meals. Soft, enriched dough produces the fluffiest rolls, which happen to be so easy to make!
Cheddar Corn Biscuits (Flaky & Delicious)
These Cheddar Corn Biscuits are the perfect combination of flaky and soft! Packed with flavor and the sweetness of corn. Plus, they can be made ahead of time & frozen too!
Pumpkin Biscuits
These pumpkin biscuits are for anything Fall, especially Thanksgiving!!
The Best Thanksgiving Desserts
After stuffing yourself with plenty of turkey, potatoes, and other delicious sides, you're going to want something sweet to finish off your Thanksgiving feast.
We've got you covered with tried and true Thanksgiving desserts. From pumpkin pie to apple cinnamon cake, these recipes are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Smooth, creamy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor in a graham cracker crust, this ridiculously easy no bake pumpkin cheesecake is the perfect fall dessert.
Pecan Crescent Cookies
With a flakey crust and sweet pecan filling, friends and family ask for these pecan crescent cookies every year.
Mini Pumpkin Pies with Leaf Crusts and Praline Topping
Don't want to serve the same old boring pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving? These mini pumpkin pies with leaf crusts are an easy way to update a classic recipe.
Easy Candied Pecans
Sweet and crunchy, this easy candied pecans recipe is a simple treat that everyone loves, and is perfect as a snack, as a topping for salads, or even as a last minute gift.
Pumpkin Pie Truffles with Cream Cheese
Yum! These easy pumpkin pie truffles with cream cheese are a perfectly sweet fall treat everyone in your family will love.
Cranberry Curd Bars with a Pistachio Shortbread Crust
Cranberry curd bars with a pistachio shortbread crust are the perfect holiday dessert bars to make this year. Tangy, sweet, and beautiful, they’re a treat that’s sure to impress!
Holiday Truffles with a Boozy Twist
Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate holiday truffles start with this boozy recipe and a secret tip shared by a professional chef. Add some holiday sprinkles, and you've got a festive treat everyone will love!
Amazing Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie For Dessert
Looking for a dessert that will knock your socks off? Check out this amazing Brown Butter Sweet Potato pie! You will absolutely love this yummy dessert for the holidays or anytime!
Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites (the perfect Fall dessert)
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel, and finished with warm tender cinnamon apples.
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars layered with a sweet cinnamon and maple flavoured crispy base and then topped with an ooey-gooey soft pecan pie filling. This easy, gluten free, dairy free, and refined sugar free recipe will be your new favourite way to enjoy pecan pie!
Thanksgiving Buckeye Turkeys: Cute, Delicious, Impress Your Guests
Turkey Buckeyes: classic peanut butter and powdered sugar buckeyes turned into turkeys. Perfect for Thanksgiving. Step-by-step pictures and printable recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Cake with Butter Rum Glaze
With all the wonderful fall flavors going on right now, you're guaranteed to love this apple cinnamon cake recipe! Apples and pumpkin mixed with ground cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg topped with a creamy butter and spiced rum glaze, this apple cake is perfect for for fall!
There’s nothing wrong with trying a new recipe for Thanksgiving, but you can make sure – especially if you make sure you’re using one of these delicious tried and true recipes that your guests are sure to love!
If you want to stay on top of your Thanksgiving planning, you’ll definitely want to check out this printable Thanksgiving planner. It’s got everything you need to make sure your holiday is as stress-free as possible!
And if you’re looking for even more Thanksgiving inspiration, be sure to check out these other awesome resources:
- 15 Unique Thanksgiving Recipes with Craft Beer
- 30+ Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers You Just Have to Try
- 35 Ideas for Thanksgiving Table Settings That will Leave You Inspired
- 10 Stress Free Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
This post was originally published on November 5, 2010. It has been updated with new recipes and additional content.
Mrs. Mootz says
That trifle is making my mouth water. My sister is in charge of dessert for our Thanksgiving and I am definitely sending her the recipe for this.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment at Create My Event 🙂
~Nikki
Shawna says
OH WOW THANKS FOR SHARING….i AM GOING TO TRY THESE OUT (;
PEACHES says
Oooooo, I LURVE me some pomegranate seeds! Never know how to incorporate them though…will have to try asap!