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

50 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes for the Feast of the Year (13)

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

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

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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 was the Thanksgiving meal in the 1950s? ›

Thanksgiving back then wasn't just for turkey - many families incorporated seafood into their feasts. Shrimp co*cktail loaf and clam dip were typical dishes of the decade.

How many dishes to make 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 the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

The Most Interesting Discoveries:

Most people over 60 chose Green Bean Casserole as their most hated side dish. Those under 40 also disliked Green Bean Casserole, but they had equal distaste for Sweet Potato Casserole. These two “retro” or “vintage” recipes were the most disliked on the list.

What is the number one rated 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. Click here for the recipe!

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.

What's the main dish at a Thanksgiving dinner? ›

There's no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesn't mean there isn't room at the table for other main courses, too.

What to bring for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Be a gracious guest and show up with something thoughtful or — in the spirit of the holiday — something edible!
  • #1 An appetizer, side dish, or dessert. ...
  • #2 Wine, whiskey, champagne, cider, or [insert your favorite drink]. ...
  • #3 Flowers or centerpieces. ...
  • #4 An edible treat for the next morning.
Nov 21, 2013

What was on the original Thanksgiving menu? ›

But according to the two only remaining historical records of the first Thanksgiving menu, that meal consisted of freshly killed deer, assorted wildfowl, cod, bass, and flint, and a native variety of corn harvested by the Native Americans, which was eaten as corn bread and porridge.

What was in a typical Thanksgiving menu in the 1960s? ›

Today I will be sharing the main course which had the following items on the menu: roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans almond, classic Waldorf salad, cranberry sauce, and rolls.

What president refused to declare Thanksgiving a holiday? ›

Thomas Jefferson was famously the only Founding Father and early president who refused to declare days of thanksgiving and fasting in the United States.

What is the most traditional Thanksgiving menu? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What do most people eat 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 are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What is everyone's favorite Thanksgiving food? ›

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and though the turkey (or ham) might take top billing, everyone knows the sides are the true stars of the table. What would our national holiday be without stuffing and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, green beans and rolls?

What is the famous meal of Thanksgiving? ›

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.

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