Our Absolute Best Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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Our Absolute Best Thanksgiving Recipes (1)Lauren Jarvis-GibsonUpdated: Feb. 13, 2024

    Enjoy these gorgeous Thanksgiving recipes, like slow-roasted turkey, mouth-puckering cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes and more. Time to dig in!

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    With Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s time to start planning what you’re going to make your loved ones. What better way to show them your love than through your food?

    While turkey is usually the star of the show, we have everything from stuffing dishesto macaroni and cheese recipes to classicpotato recipes. Oh, and if you’re worried about cooking a turkey this year, we have fabulous roasted turkey recipes too. For the sweet tooths in your family, they will be pleased to find dessert superstars like pumpkin cheesecake and gorgeous pies.

    Time to start planning and get ready for the best fall holiday.

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    Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

    Gravy is essential for any Thanksgiving meal. You can never have enough of this make-ahead turkey gravy on hand for a holiday dinner. It’s easy to whip up in no time. Just make sure you don’t eat it all before serving.

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    Honey-Glazed Turkey

    The sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal.

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    Duo Tater Bake

    This is a creamy and comforting Thanksgiving recipe that is sure to become a classic. It’s great for kids, too!

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    Taste of Home

    Chocolate-Caramel Pumpkin Torte

    If you’re tired of the same old Thanksgiving desserts, try this one out. It’s not only stunning to look at, but each bite is full of chocolate, caramel and pumpkin pie goodness.

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    5/59

    Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce

    These pillowy dumplings are a fun and exciting way to make Thanksgiving taste brand new. It’s a touch sweet thanks to the cranberry ricotta and brown butter sauce.

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    6/59

    Chocolate Pecan Piecaken

    Why fight over whether cake or pie is better when you can combine the two? This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a real stunner!

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    7/59

    Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

    This creamy and refreshing salad is a delightful dessert to have if you’re tired of all things pie. It’s also a great palette cleanser after eating a heavy meal. Having a small Thanksgiving this year? Find scaled-down versions of your holiday favorites in these Thanksgiving recipes for two.

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    8/59

    Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes

    This savory Thanksgiving recipe jazzes up potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. This dish tastes amazing with turkey and ham.

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    9/59

    Pecan Pie Cookies

    These sweet cookies are the perfect bite-sized treats everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to send home with family and friends (if there are any left!).

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    10/59

    Classic Stuffed Turkey

    This Thanksgiving recipe might be our most moist and tender turkey ever!

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    11/59

    Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup

    It’s not a proper Thanksgiving without a great cranberry sauce! This version with maple syrup is simple, quick to make and sure to become a family favorite in your household. It’s also delicious as a garnish for turkey.

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    12/59

    Roasted Fall Vegetables

    Roasted fall vegetables are a wonderful and delicious way to get some more veggies on your plate. Even kids will enjoy this Thanksgiving recipe!

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    13/59

    Sweet Potato Pie

    This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. — North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

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    14/59

    Cranberry Apple Stuffing

    This stuffing isn’t your ordinary Thanksgiving stuffing. The cranberries and apples add texture and fall flavors.

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    15/59

    Oh-So-Good Creamy Mashed Potatoes

    When it comes to mashed potato recipes, you can’t ever go wrong with a simple recipe like this. We promise you, it tastes anything but boring.

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    16/59

    Tastes Like Thanksgiving Casserole

    This hearty and filling casserole is Thanksgiving in a bowl! This dish is full of turkey, potatoes and plenty of herbs. Dig in!

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    17/59

    Spiced Cranberry Sauce

    This spiced cranberry sauce will fill your home with sweet and spicy fragrances. It’s just the thing your turkey and stuffing need.

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    18/59

    Taste of Home

    Holiday Creamed Spinach

    This rich, delicious creamed spinach is going to be inhaled by kids, too. It pairs well with classic Thanksgiving recipes.

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    19/59

    Taste of Home

    Golden Butternut Squash Tart

    This savory and flavorful butternut squash tart is perfect for the holiday season. It’ll warm you right up on chilly November nights.

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    20/59

    Taste of Home

    Pumpkin Spice Cake

    You can’t go wrong with a pumpkin spice cake for dessert. Everyone will love every sweet bite they can have before calling it a night!

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    21/59

    Pumpkin Fudge

    Combining the creamy richness of traditional fudge with the warm essence of pumpkin, this treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and seasonal spice.

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    22/59

    Butter Pecan Cheesecake

    This pecan cheesecake is sure to be a hit at this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. It’s creamy, rich and hard to resist.

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    23/59

    Crumb-Topped Apple Pie

    This apple pie with crumb topping is gorgeous and delicious. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added layer of sweetness.

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    24/59

    Praline-Topped Apple Bread

    Apples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread a fall favorite. Pair it with coffee or even ice-cream for a real treat!

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    25/59

    Taste of Home

    Autumn Pork Roast

    This Thanksgiving recipe captures the fabulous flavor of fall perfectly. It’s a soothing roast that will have you warmed up in no time.

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    26/59

    Pumpkin Apple Pie

    Apple and pumpkin flavors come together to make a sweet and delectable pie. It has all the flavors of autumn in one single bite.

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    27/59

    Cauliflower Gratin

    Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with turkey, ham or pork. It’s so creamy and delicious that even the pickiest eaters in your family will ask for seconds (or thirds).

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    28/59

    Pots de Creme

    This chocolatey and rich custard is the perfect way to end a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. It’s not overly sweet and is light enough to have after your meal.

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    29/59

    Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream

    If you’re an avid pumpkin lover, you really need to try this spiced pumpkin ice cream recipe. But be prepared to make more!

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    30/59

    Turkey with Sausage-Cornbread Stuffing

    Your turkey will taste even better alongside this sausage cornbread stuffing. Even skeptics of stuffing will want to devour this Thanksgiving recipe.

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    31/59

    Sweet Potato Casserole

    This dish artfully combines tender sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar pecan topping, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

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    Taste of Home

    Party Potatoes

    These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to pop them in the oven for the big day. The garlic powder and chives add nice flavor to the dish and the shredded cheese adds mouthwatering color.

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    33/59

    Elegant Green Beans

    Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. It’s a perfect mix of creamy and comforting.

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    34/59

    Triple Cranberry Sauce

    With the needed addition of orange and all spice, cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again.

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    35/59

    Angel Biscuits

    These light biscuits are the perfect side dish to have at your Thanksgiving table. They are soft and taste wonderful with a spoonful of gravy on top.

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    TMB Studio

    Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    When it comes to Thanksgiving, prepping is everything. This mashed potato recipe is easy, creamy and comforting. If you want to ease the holiday rush, then check out our collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

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    Taste of Home

    No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets

    This Thanksgiving recipe is so easy to make because it’s no bake! Hooray, finally a recipe where you don’t have to use your oven.

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    38/59

    Billie’s Southern Sweet Potato Cake

    Tired of pie? Try out this Thanksgiving recipe! It’s sweet as pie, but the cake gives you a fluffier and creamier texture from the icing.

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    39/59

    Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie

    If you want to make something a little different this Thanksgiving, why not try this decadent caramel-pecan apple pie? It’s even better with some ice cream or whipped cream on top.

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    40/59

    Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread

    This easy Thanksgiving recipe is equal parts savory and sweet. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a cheesy spread. You can dip bread, cornbread or rolls into this dip.

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    41/59

    Spiced Toffee Cookies

    These cookies are thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee bits make it even more fun to eat. Expect these treats to be gone before you can say, “Happy Thanksgiving!”

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    42/59

    Butternut Squash Oven Risotto

    Squash and beer make this risotto unique. If you’re looking for an ultra-comforting side, this is the one to make.

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    43/59

    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Cornmeal Dressing

    This moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. You won’t regret trying this recipe out for Thanksgiving this year.

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    44/59

    Roasted green beans are not only scrumptious, but they will look beautiful on your Thanksgiving table. This version of green beans with lemon and walnuts will be a crowd pleaser.

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    Taste of Home

    Maple-Sage Brined Turkey

    Maple-sage brine helps to brown your turkey while also making the meat incredibly juicy. This is a lovely Thanksgiving dish that screams “fall”.

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    Mini Apple Pies

    If you don’t want to make a whole pie, why not make sweet mini apple pies? They’ll surely be a hit with your guests.

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    Taste of Home

    Orange-Glazed Pork Loin

    This bright and flavorful Thanksgiving recipe is perfect for meat lovers. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness too.

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    48/59

    Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake

    A gorgeous topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade crust make this Thanksgiving recipe a definite showstopper. We love this because it’s not too sweet or overpowering.

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    49/59

    Taste of Home

    Taste-of-Fall Salad

    For Thanksgiving, it’s nice to get some greens in and take a break from rich entrees. This salad is perfect for Thanksgiving, thanks to the nutty pecans and sweet pear slices.

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    50/59

    Taste of Home

    Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

    With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this Thanksgiving recipe becomes pleasantly sweet. This pairs well with savory ham, turkey or chicken.

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    51/59

    Taste of Home

    For a vegetarian main dish, you’ve got to try this butternut and portobello lasagna. It’s unexpected, yet totally delicious.

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    52/59

    Pumpkin Bars

    Indulge in these soft, sweet pumpkin bars with a cup of hot coffee after your stomach has settled from the big feast.

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    53/59

    Taste of Home

    Potluck German Apple Cake

    This dessert unites the richness of a moist, spiced apple cake with the sweetness of a cream cheese frosting, making it a potluck favorite.

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    54/59

    Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

    Never fail is right! This savory Thanksgiving recipe is easy to make on the first try.

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    55/59

    Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll

    This wonderfully light Thanksgiving recipe will surely be a staple for you for many years. The pumpkin and the cold ice cream makes this dessert extra refreshing.

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    56/59

    Taste of Home

    Honey Cornbread

    The addition of honey gives this cornbread a slight sweet taste that pairs well with turkey.

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    57/59

    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Bundt Cake

    Cranberry sauce gives this bundt cake a beautiful holiday feel. It’s great for leftovers, too, when you want something sweet for breakfast or brunch.

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    58/59

    Deep-Dish Apple Pie

    This deep-dish apple pie is a real winner! The filling is oh-so sweet without being too over the top. It tastes even better with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

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    59/59

    Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

    Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without this ooey-gooey classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give this baked macaroni and cheese just the right amount of spice.

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    Originally Published: November 21, 2022

    Our Absolute Best Thanksgiving Recipes (61)

    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

    Lauren has spent more than eight years writing lifestyle, health and wellness content for publishers like Allure, Teen Vogue and Thought Catalog. As Taste of Home's assistant editor, she ran the Holiday, Healthy and Desserts newsletters, and wrote and edited everything from recipe tutorials to healthy eating tips.After work hours, you can find Lauren trying out new pasta recipes, obsessing over her dog, Andre, and working on her third book of poetry.

    Our Absolute Best Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the key ingredient to a perfect Thanksgiving Day dinner? ›

    Whether you're drizzling it over your roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or flaky biscuits, homemade gravy is an absolute must-have during the holidays. Since it's such a staple, it's gotta be perfect—THIS is the recipe you need. Get the Perfect Gravy recipe.

    What is a must for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

    But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I'm with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.

    What are the top 5 Thanksgiving foods purchased in the US? ›

    Top 5 Thanksgiving foods
    • #5: Turkey. Coming in at number five we have the signature Thanksgiving dish: turkey. ...
    • #4: Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a favorite of mine, but they have to be done a specific way in order to maintain their unique flavor. ...
    • #3: Macaroni and cheese. ...
    • #2: Bread Rolls. ...
    • #1: Mashed potatoes.
    Nov 22, 2023

    What is the most loved Thanksgiving food? ›

    Popular Thanksgiving foods ranked
    1. Stuffing.
    2. Potatoes. ...
    3. Pies and other sweets. ...
    4. Other random foods. ...
    5. Rolls. Though rolls are certainly not a main dish, they are a key element of any Thanksgiving meal. ...
    6. Turkey. The classic entree for Thanksgiving is definitely a large turkey dish. ...
    Nov 10, 2023

    What is the number one 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.

    How do you make Thanksgiving unique? ›

    Different Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving
    1. Have a Mini-giving. This one is inspired by my daughter's love of ASMR and mini cooking videos. ...
    2. Go themed. ...
    3. Declare a spending embargo. ...
    4. Throw a co*cktail party. ...
    5. Make it a potluck. ...
    6. Go out to a really fancy meal. ...
    7. Spend the day hunting your food. ...
    8. Be intentional with your photos.
    Nov 20, 2020

    How to make Thanksgiving at home special? ›

    11 Ideas to Make Thanksgiving 2022 Extra Special in Your Home
    1. Invest in a Warming Tray. ...
    2. Watch for Black Friday Deals Before Thanksgiving. ...
    3. Invest in Artificial Plants for Your Porch. ...
    4. Give Centerpieces a New Home. ...
    5. Install a New Backsplash. ...
    6. Purchase an Electric Gravy Boat. ...
    7. Organize a Mini Pumpkin Hunt.

    How can I make Thanksgiving more special? ›

    In keeping with the true meaning of the holiday, you could also try a tradition that incorporates the idea of gratitude: Write thank-you notes to loved ones near and far, start a gratitude jar, or give back to your community by volunteering at a soup kitchen.

    What was the original Thanksgiving meal? ›

    There are only two surviving documents that reference the original Thanksgiving harvest meal. They describe a feast of freshly killed deer, assorted wildfowl, a bounty of cod and bass, and flint, a native variety of corn harvested by the Native Americans, which was eaten as corn bread and porridge.

    What does everyone cook for Thanksgiving? ›

    Turkey: Roast turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals. It is often seasoned with herbs and spices and served with gravy. Stuffing: Also known as dressing, stuffing is made with bread cubes, onions, celery, herbs, and sometimes sausage or other ingredients. It is often baked inside the turke.

    What is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu? ›

    Traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing (or “dressing”), and some kind of pie for dessert, typically pumpkin, apple, or pecan. Common sides are green bean casserole, scalloped corn, and roasted sweet potatoes.

    What are the unhealthiest Thanksgiving foods? ›

    14 Unhealthiest Thanksgiving Sides To Avoid This Year
    • Sweet potato casserole. Foodio/Shutterstock. ...
    • Green bean casserole. from my point of view/Shutterstock. ...
    • Ambrosia salad. Alleko/Getty Images. ...
    • Jell-O salad. Islandleigh/Getty Images. ...
    • Dinner rolls. Say-cheese/Getty Images. ...
    • Mashed potatoes. ...
    • Potatoes au gratin. ...
    • Macaroni and cheese.
    Nov 6, 2023

    What dessert is the most popular at Thanksgiving? ›

    In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

    What is the most popular meat for Thanksgiving? ›

    Turkey is a classic main course for Thanksgiving dinner, but that certainly doesn't mean you have to serve it every year.

    What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

    Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

    What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

    Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
    • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
    • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
    • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
    • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
    • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
    • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
    • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
    • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
    Oct 26, 2023

    What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

    A traditional Thanksgiving in the United States has got the classics. We're talking stuffing, sweet potato casserole, gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving is often referred to as "Turkey Day," but as it turns out, the bird isn't the true star of the dinner table.

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