73 Thanksgiving Recipes For Special Holiday Meals
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and gratitude. It’s the one day of the year when the table overflows with comforting fall cooking classics, seasonal flavors, and recipes passed down (and reinvented) through generations.
🦃 A Feast to Remember: The Best Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Holiday Table
From the golden turkey at the center of the feast to the savory sides and sweet finishes, every dish plays a part in making the holiday feel special.
Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or planning a cozy, intimate dinner, this roundup of Thanksgiving recipes will help you craft a menu that’s both memorable and delicious.
From timeless favorites to fresh new twists, these dishes are sure to bring warmth, comfort, and plenty of compliments to your holiday table.
Appetizers
When it comes to hosting the perfect party, the right appetizers can make all the difference.
Here’s a list of 64 finger food appetizers for any party or holiday.
Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
There’s something satisfying and decadent about the combination of creamy Brie cheese, tart cranberries, flaky puff pastry, and a touch of sweet citrus.
If you’re searching for an appetizer that feels festive, elegant, and irresistibly delicious—without requiring hours in the kitchen—these Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites are your answer. Go to recipe.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Crostini
These festive vegan mushroom crostini recipe is an easy and impressive appetizer perfect for holidays. Crunchy baguette with grilled vegan mozzarella topped with sweet caramelized onions and mushrooms with a hint of balsamic and Dijon mustard will surely be a show stopper. Go to recipe.
Truffled Mushroom Pâté
This easy Truffled Mushroom Pâté recipe is the perfect make-ahead vegetarian starter for your next festive gathering! You can also use the pâté to make easy canapés for your next holiday party. Go to recipe.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious party appetizer or side dish with tons of amazing flavors. One of our favorite mushroom recipes, these crab-stuffed mushrooms are a delicious blend of lump crab meat stuffed in savory mushroom caps. Go to recipe.
Honey Goat Cheese Balls
Honey Goat Cheese Balls are a simple, festive appetizer. Soft goat cheese is formed into balls and rolled in a mixture of honey, apricot preserves and pecans. You can easily switch up the nuts and preserves to create different flavor combinations! Go to recipe.
🦃 Main Dishes
Pumpkin Shrimp Bisque
This Pumpkin Shrimp Bisque is delightfully savory, velvety, and highlights seasonal flavors. Bonus: this recipe is light yet full of flavor, thanks to a secret ingredient. Go to recipe.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This warming roasted butternut squash soup recipe is made with carrots and roasted garlic. Creamy, satisfying and easy vegan soup, full of nutrients and exquisite fall flavors! Go to recipe.
Turkey Burgers
Our Turkey Burger recipe is so flavorful and juicy it rivals any beef burger, (and it’s healthier and protein packed). Cook them on the grill, stove, or in the oven and is ready in just 20 minutes! Go to recipe.
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is tender, flavorful and the perfect turkey to serve your guests over the holidays. This turkey makes Thanksgiving simple and is always a favorite at the table!
The leftovers are great too on sandwiches, in casseroles and pastas. This will become your go-to turkey recipe! Go to recipe.
Roasted Dry Brined Spatchcock Turkey With Herb Butter
Looking for a delicious roast turkey recipe? Then you will love this spatchcock turkey with herb butter! Crispy skin, juicy flavorful meat and it only takes 90 minutes to cook! Learn how easy it is to spatchcock and dry brine your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey. Go to recipe.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy
You can have tender, succulent turkey breast with gravy in less than an hour with this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe. Go to recipe.
Spatchcock Turkey and Gravy
This spatchcock turkey recipe will make you wonder why you haven’t been cooking turkey this way all along. Not only does it cook in a fraction of the time, but the spatchcock method provides a more even cooking surface.
And, your Thanksgiving turkey comes out juicy and tender thanks to a flavor-packed injection marinade. Go to recipe.
Dry Brine Cheesecloth Turkey
A dry-brined turkey roasted with apple, onion, lemon, and fresh herbs under a butter-soaked cheesecloth stays tender and juicy. Perfect for a flavorful and stress-free holiday centerpiece. Go to recipe.
Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
This sheet pan turkey dinner is a great meal when you want all the trimmings. With minimal cleanup and all done in one pan, you can have a roast for Sunday lunch and all small holiday gatherings. Go to recipe.
Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast With Garlic and Herbs
Our roasted boneless turkey breast with garlic and herbs is a stress-free and delicious alternative to a whole turkey. This recipe promises tender, juicy meat with crispy edges, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving dinner, holiday dinner ideas, or simple weeknight meals. Go to recipe.
Smoked Turkey Breast
If you’re looking for a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your next meal, smoked turkey breast is a fantastic choice. This recipe uses a citrusy butter rub and a savory herb seasoning to keep the turkey moist, tender and bursting with flavor.
Slow smoking over hickory pellets gives the meat a rich, smoky taste that’s irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just craving a special dinner, smoked turkey breast is a simple but impressive dish anyone can master. Go to recipe.
Roasted Turkey Breast
Roasted Turkey Breast is so simple to make with this easy recipe. This turkey breast recipe will be your go-to for small-scale holiday dinners and special meals with your family. Go to recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Get ready to elevate your holiday dinner game with this mouthwatering rolled and stuffed turkey breast! Not only does it create a stunning centerpiece that’ll have your guests oohing and aahing, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare.
This dish offers tender pounded turkey breast filled with a sweet and savory stuffing of dried apricots, tart cranberries, breadcrumbs, and aromatic herbs, paired with turkey gravy. Go to recipe.
Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes
This Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with potatoes recipe is a game-changer and will give you an incredibly tender, succulent, and healthy meal. Go to recipe.
Marmalade Glazed Ham
This Marmalade Glazed Ham has a slightly sweet, citrusy, buttery glaze that when combined with the salty, smoky ham, makes an incredibly flavorful ham, perfect for your holiday table. Go to recipe.
Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham
Your guests will love this unique Slow Cooker Apple and Clove Ham recipe, which adds canned apples and cloves to a store-bought ham. It’s great for any holiday get-together. Go to recipe.
Turkey Roulade
This impressive and easy Thanksgiving turkey breast recipe is simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready in under 1 hour in the oven! This turkey breast roll is juicy and stuffed with colorful veggies, the perfect Thanksgiving dish for a small family!
Quick and easy, you can prepare it ahead and it’s delicious served hot or cold for maximum convenience! Go to recipe.
Best Smoked Whole Turkey Recipe + How to Video
Smoking a turkey is wonderfully simple yet deliciously golden and juicy for Thanksgiving. You’ll impress with crispy, tender perfection every time. Go to recipe.
Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes
This creamy Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes brings just the right amount of warmth and comfort to your Thanksgiving table. Infused with mellow turmeric and coconut milk, it’s a fragrant, savory dish that balances classic holiday flavors without weighing things down. Go to recipe.
Vegetarian Roast Dinner
Ultimate vegan loaf, harmoniously blending the earthy richness of lentils, the hearty crunch of nuts, and the umami depth of mushrooms, is a perfect crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece. This wholesome and easy gluten-free juicy vegetarian roast is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, and is full of flavor!
Serve it with mashed potatoes, vegan gravy and a side of balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts for a complete vegan roast dinner! Go to recipe.
Thanksgiving Sides
Roasted Squash with Pickled Walnut Salsa Verde
This easy, make-ahead friendly recipe for Roasted Squash with Pickled Walnut Salsa Verde & White Bean Puree makes the perfect vegan centerpiece for a festive feast – it is also as delicious served at room temperature as it is hot or warm. Go to recipe.
Sauteed Kale and Potatoes Recipe
Easy sauteed kale and potatoes recipe using curly kale and seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. This is an easy side dish for Thanksgiving or any meal. Go to recipe.
Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
Our most popular pumpkin recipe for a reason: these mini stuffed pumpkins are so easy to prep and deliciously versatile for an appetizer or side and easily made for vegetarians. Go to recipe.
Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, coated in a rich buttery glaze with hints of cinnamon. Roasted to tender perfection, these caramelized carrots make an easy yet elegant side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or special occasions. Go to recipe.
Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
These Sautéed Green Beans with shallots are tender-crisp, buttery and bursting with savory flavor. The combination of French green beans, shallots and garlic is simple yet elegant, perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. This easy side dish comes together in under 20 minutes using one large skillet. Go to recipe.
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil
These creamy mashed potatoes are lightened up with olive oil and Greek yogurt but still rich, fluffy, and oh-so-good. It’s Mediterranean-inspired take on Thanksgiving that everyone will love! Go to recipes.
Gruyere Cheese Scalloped Potatoes
Gruyere Cheese Scalloped Potatoes are an ultimate side dish, rich and creamy with a slight nutty Swiss Cheese flavor. Comforting yet sophisticated, easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner or to serve for a holiday feast. Go to recipe.
Fondant Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Thyme Glaze
Golden and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside — these sweet potatoes are finished with a buttery maple-thyme glaze that feels a little fancy but is totally doable for any fall meal. Go to recipe.
Potato Nibbles In Air Fryer
You won’t believe HOW EASY it is to cook potato nibbles in air fryer. These tiny potatoes with garlic butter are the best Thanksgiving side dish for any dinner. Go to recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes
Looking for a tasty side dish for your next family dinner? Look no further than this simple and delicious Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. Perfectly creamy and flavorful, your loved ones will be begging for seconds. Go to recipe.
Celeriac Puree
Creamy, garlicky, velvety, and so delicious, celeriac puree (or celery root puree) is an easy root vegetable side dish perfect for Sunday dinner or a special occasion meal.
It’s a low-carb root vegetable and a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes when craving something different! Go to recipe.
Roasted Balsamic Sweet Potatoes
Bring some extra flavor to your holiday meals with these Roasted Balsamic Sweet Potatoes! They’re a great side dish for Thanksgiving or even a regular weeknight dinner.
The sweet and tangy glaze turns golden and sticky in the oven, making the potatoes full of flavor and hard to resist. Best of all, they’re super easy to make! Go to recipe.
Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe
This Sweet Potato Soufflé is baked to perfection and topped with a buttery pecan streusel topping. It’s a rich and delicious side dish that is sure to be the star of any holiday spread! Go to recipe.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
My air fryer butternut squash recipe is an easy side dish that works for a busy weeknight or for fancy holiday fare. After air frying, serve this roasted squash as-is, or drizzle it with browned butter and sprinkle with crispy sage leaves. (YUM!) You’ll love this simple air fryer squash so much, you may never want to oven bake butternut squash again. Go to recipe.
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
This Cornbread Sausage Stuffing is guaranteed to be a hit! This golden, slightly sweet, and incredibly savory recipe is a favorite make-ahead side dish at any holiday meal. It’s so good, you may never go back to bread stuffing again! Go to recipe.
Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing
Zucchini casserole with stuffing is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish! It’s made with zucchini, seasoned vegetables, stock, and herbs. This recipe is 100% VEGAN and easy to make. Go to recipe.
Cornbread Dressing
This Cornbread Dressing is rich, buttery, and perfectly moist with a golden, crispy top. Made with homemade sweet cornbread, savory Italian sausage, onion, celery, and fresh herbs, it’s an easy and flavorful side dish that belongs on every holiday table. Go to recipe.
Homemade Stuffing
Homemade stuffing recipe makes a flavorful Thanksgiving side dish! This easy stuffing casserole recipe can be made ahead of time (and frozen). Go to recipe.
Sausage Apple Cranberry Sourdough Stuffing
Lusciously rich sourdough studded with tangy cranberries, sweet apples, and hearty sausage. It’s a moist, flavorful side that steals center stage. Go to recipe.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta and Spinach
These festive vegan stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for the holiday season. Umami-packed mushrooms filled with cheesy vegan ricotta, spinach and garlic and topped with vegan parmesan make a perfect vegan alternative to traditional stuffed mushrooms, but are gluten- and dairy-free and so delicious! Go to recipe.
Vegan Onion Gravy
Switch things up with this vegan onion gravy! This gluten-free, holiday-friendly recipe uses real onions and just 7 plant-based ingredients. Go to recipe.
Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Bold, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, this maple bourbon cranberry sauce has all the charm of a fancier dish without the fuss. It’s got grown-up flavors, but still family-friendly since the alcohol cooks off. Canned sauce looks so very sad and boring next to this banger! Go to recipe.
Low-sugar cranberry sauce with pears
Cranberry sauce needs sugar to balance the extreme tartness. But this recipe cuts back on some of the sugar, using pears to add sweetness and flavor. It’s delicious! Go to recipe.
Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
This Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip is a must-have for any holiday spread! Creamy feta and Greek yogurt are blended together and topped with leftover cranberry sauce, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of hot honey. It’s the perfect way to use up those leftovers! Go to recipe.
Baked Cranberry Brie
Baked Cranberry Brie is the kind of appetizer that makes a big impact with minimal effort. Every bite is a melty mix of sweet and savory right out of the oven. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it’s warm, inviting, and ideal for entertaining. Go to recipe.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
These are the best dinner rolls! They’re fluffy and soft made with a buttery brioche dough and infused with rosemary. Go to recipe.
Thanksgiving Desserts
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
These chocolate covered strawberry turkeys are the cutest Thanksgiving treat and great way to have the kids help in the kitchen. This snack or dessert is so fun to make! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Macarons – with White Chocolate Ganache
Step by step recipe how to make French macaron shells and fill them with a delicious filling with pumpkin purée and spices. Go to recipe.
Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites
Caramel apple pretzel bites with chocolate are the perfect fall treat! These sweet and salty bites are ideal for parties, thanksgiving gathering, or any occasion. Go to recipe.
Puff pastry apple turnovers with apple pie filling
Warm cinnamon apple filled puff pastry are just dessert on a thanksgiving table! Easy to make ! Go to recipe.
Apple Galette
Indulge in the perfect combination of flaky crust, juicy apples, and warm spices with this easy and delicious apple galette recipe. Impress your family and friends with this tasty dessert that will become a go-to for any occasion. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Custard Pie
Bring the flavors of fall to your table with this creamy pumpkin custard pie. Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, the filling is rich yet light, and the store-bought crust keeps things simple. Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust
Easy pumpkin pie in graham cracker crust with condensed milk is the best fall dessert recipe! Making a store bought graham cracker crust pumpkin pie is the cheat code for a rich, decadent Thanksgiving pie in no time! You’ll be making your pumpkin pie with Keebler graham cracker crust from now own! Go to recipe.
The World’s Best Ever Pecan Pie Recipe
There is nothing like a pecan pie with its crunchy nuts, gooey sweet filling, and flaky crust. This is the world’s best ever pecan pie recipe because it comes out perfectly every time! Go to recipe.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Recipe
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for the holiday season. Rich, velvety cheesecake sits on top of a homemade pecan graham cracker crust and is topped with an irresistible pecan pie filling. It is out of this world good, and will be the star of the show at your next holiday or special occasion meal! Go to recipe.
Vegan Flan
A silky-smooth, caramel-topped vegan flan that captures all the indulgent flavor and nostalgia of the classic—without any eggs or dairy, and easy enough for the holidays or dessert-any-day bliss. Go to recipe.
Sweet Potato Pie
This classic southern sweet potato pie recipe turns fresh sweet potatoes and few simple ingredients into a delicious pie that’s sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving dinner. Go to recipe.
Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars
A flaky cream cheese crust filled with brown sugar sweet potatoes and topped with gooey marshmallows. Go to recipe.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cobbler
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cobbler is the perfect blend of a classic pumpkin pie and a cozy cobbler. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly delightful treat. Go to recipe.
Tufahije – Bosnian Apple Dessert
Tufahije are a classic, Bosnian poached apple dessert with Persian roots, still being a favorite today – for good reason. It’s one of those simple-looking sweet things that take your breath away with an incredible taste. They’re easy to make, but feel like something much more special that can be served on a holiday or just as a perfect sweet ending of the ordinary day. Go to recipe.
Upside-Down Apple Cake
This upside down apple cake is moist and delicious for any special occasion or holiday. Easy to make, disappears in minutes. You’ll make it on a regular basis. Go to recipe.
More apple cake recipes and desserts here for apple cake lovers.
Orange Cranberry Cake
Try this orange cranberry cake for Thanksgiving dessert this year and be a star! Moist and delicious, studded with fresh cranberries and topped with a glaze and sugared cranberries, it will upstage the turkey! Go to recipe.
Cranberry Tartlets
Put homemade cranberry tartlets on your festive menu for the perfect slightly tart, sweet balance to end your meal with. Go to recipe.
Black Cherry Jello Mold
This delicious cherry salad with 2 ingredients is an affordable and easy light side or dessert that tastes so fresh and delicious and looks amazing! You can prepare it ahead and no need to use the oven- perfect for Thanksgiving! Go to recipe.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
This gluten-free apple cider donut cake brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one moist, cinnamon-sugar-coated bundt cake, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or your next autumn gathering.
Made with a gluten-free flour blend, real apple cider, and warm spices, it’s a delicious way to enjoy seasonal baking without the gluten. Go to recipe.
Easy Turkey Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes, topped with chocolate fudge frosting, and decorated to look like a turkey. A great Thanksgiving day dessert! Go to recipe.
Apple Cider Salad
Have the oven busy on Thanksgiving? Try a no-bake, easy recipe for Thanksgiving dessert that isn’t pie! This Apple & Cranberry Jello Salad is packed with cozy Fall flavors, you can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to serve! Go to recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Martini
The Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Martini is the ultimate holiday cocktail, combining two seasonal favorites into one creamy, spiced delight! Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this indulgent drink features smooth vodka, rich espresso, and creamy pumpkin spice eggnog. Go to recipe.
Browse more fall food and cooking ideas:
55 fall baking ideas for autumn desserts here.
Turkey recipes to get your inspiration flowing.
Apple desserts and apple cake recipes for seasonal sweet moments.
🍂 Gathering, Gratitude & Good Food
At the heart of Thanksgiving is the joy of sharing food and time with the people who matter most. The recipes you choose set the stage for laughter, conversation, and cherished memories that last long after the dishes are cleared.
Which Thanksgiving recipe from this roundup will you be adding to your holiday spread? Share your favorites in the comments. And don’t forget to save this post so you’ll have all the inspiration you need for this holiday—and the many to come.
Here’s to full plates, full hearts, and a Thanksgiving feast worth remembering.
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