30 Best Thanksgiving Recipes for a Memorable Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and indulging in delicious food.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, having a repertoire of tried-and-true recipes can make your holiday meal extraordinary.

Here are 30 of the best Thanksgiving recipes, complete with make-ahead tips to ensure your feast is a hit and stress-free.

Appetizers

1. Stuffed Mushrooms

These bite-sized delights are perfect for kicking off your Thanksgiving meal.

Button mushrooms are filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, cherry tomato then baked until golden brown.

You can also add crumbled sausage or bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Serve these warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the stuffing mixture and fill the mushrooms the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. This way, you only need to pop them in the oven, saving valuable time on the big day.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, comforting soup highlights the flavors of fall. Start by roasting butternut squash until tender and caramelized. B

lend it with sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of cream until smooth. Season with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup for sweetness.

Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Make Ahead Tip: Make the soup up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove and add a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick. Having the soup ready to go allows you to focus on other dishes. and is an amazing add to your thanksgiving recipes.

3. Deviled Eggs

A classic appetizer that never goes out of style. Hard-boil eggs, then cut them in half and mix the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Pipe the creamy filling back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika for a bit of a kick. You can also experiment with additions like bacon bits, chopped chives, or relish for variety.

Main Dishes

4. Roast Turkey

The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal, this roast turkey is a showstopper. Brine the turkey overnight with salt to ensure moist and flavorful meat.

Then, roast it with a blend of butter, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and garlic. Baste the turkey regularly with its juices for a golden, crispy skin. Let it rest before carving to keep the juices locked in.

Make Ahead Tip: Brine the turkey up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Roast it on Thanksgiving Day for the best results. This preparation ensures the turkey stays juicy and flavorful without the last-minute rush.

5. Honey-Glazed Ham

A sweet and savory option that pleases a crowd. This ham is scored and glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of cloves.

Bake it until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through. The result is a succulent, flavorful ham with a beautiful glossy finish. Make this a key in your thanksgiving recipes.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Glaze and bake the ham on the day of your feast. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the final preparation quick and easy.

Side Dishes

6. Traditional Stuffing

A must-have on any Thanksgiving table, this stuffing is a classic blend of cubed bread, sautéed celery, onions, and a mix of herbs like sage and thyme.

Moistened with chicken or turkey broth and baked until golden brown, it’s the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey. For added richness, mix in cooked sausage or diced apples.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving. This gives the flavors time to develop and reduces your to-do list on Thanksgiving Day.

7. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These creamy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.

Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with roasted garlic, butter, and cream for a rich, velvety texture.

Season with salt and pepper, and finish with a drizzle of melted butter or a sprinkle of chives for a bit of color.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit more cream or butter if needed. This ensures you have one less dish to worry about on the day itself.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish brings a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread.

Mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Top with a crunchy pecan streusel and bake until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a delightful contrast to the savory dishes on the table.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it on Thanksgiving Day. You can simply pop it in the oven without any last-minute prep.

9. Green Bean Casserole

A holiday staple, this casserole combines crisp-tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce. Top with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch.

To elevate the dish, make the mushroom sauce from scratch using fresh mushrooms, garlic, and cream. It’s a comforting classic that everyone loves and an amazing add to your thanksgiving recipes.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the fried onions just before baking to keep them crispy. This prevents the dish from becoming soggy and ensures it’s ready to bake.

10. Cranberry Sauce

A tangy-sweet condiment that brightens up the meal. Simmer fresh cranberries with orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.

You can also add a splash of port wine or a handful of chopped nuts for extra flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

Make Ahead Tip: Make the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld and frees up time on the big day.

11. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized with bacon and balsamic glaze make a delicious side dish. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy.

Add crumbled bacon and drizzle with balsamic reduction for a smoky-sweet flavor that complements the sprouts beautifully.

Make Ahead Tip: Roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine with balsamic glaze before serving. This keeps the sprouts from getting soggy and ensures they stay crisp.

12. Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this baked mac and cheese is a hit with both kids and adults.

Cook macaroni until al dente, then mix with a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar, Gruyère, and a touch of Parmesan. Bake with a breadcrumb topping until golden and bubbly.

It’s the ultimate comfort food and makes a fantastic ad to your thanksgiving recipes.

Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the mac and cheese a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it on Thanksgiving Day. This way, you can focus on other tasks while it bakes.

13. Cornbread

Slightly sweet and buttery, this cornbread pairs perfectly with savory dishes. Made with cornmeal and buttermilk, it’s moist with a tender crumb.

Bake in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy edge and serve warm with honey butter. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that complements any Thanksgiving meal.

Make Ahead Tip: Make the cornbread a day in advance. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil to keep it moist. This ensures the cornbread stays fresh and warm without drying out.

14. Glazed Carrots

Tender carrots glazed with honey and orange juice add a touch of sweetness to your plate.

Simmer the carrots in a mixture of honey, orange juice, and butter until they are tender and the glaze is thickened. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Add this to your thanksgiving recipes.

Make Ahead Tip: Cook the carrots and glaze a day before. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. This allows you to focus on more time-sensitive dishes on Thanksgiving Day.

Salads

15. Autumn Harvest Salad

Mixed greens with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette make a vibrant and flavorful salad.

Toss the greens with the roasted squash, apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with a homemade maple vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.

It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to the table and a lovely Thanksgiving recipes.

Make Ahead Tip: Roast the squash and make the vinaigrette a day before. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad just before serving. This ensures the greens stay crisp and the salad is fresh.

16. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

Shredded kale and Brussels sprouts tossed with a lemony dressing, Parmesan, and toasted almonds make a healthy and delicious salad.

Massage the kale to soften it, then mix with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts.

Toss with a dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard, and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and toasted almonds.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the salad components a day in advance. Store the kale, Brussels sprouts, and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Toss together just before serving. This keeps the salad from wilting and ensures it’s fresh and crunchy.

17. Apple Walnut Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and blue cheese crumbles, dressed with a light vinaigrette, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Toss mixed greens with sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made from apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey. thanksgiving recipes

It’s a delightful and refreshing salad.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the vinaigrette and toast the walnuts a day in advance. Store the sliced apples in lemon water to prevent browning. Assemble the salad just before serving. This ensures the apples stay crisp and the salad is perfectly fresh.

Breads and Rolls

18. Parker House Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls that are perfect for mopping up gravy and sauces. These classic rolls are slightly sweet and incredibly tender.

Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for a golden, shiny finish. Serve warm from the oven for the best experience.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and let them rise at room temperature before baking. This way, you can have fresh, warm rolls without the last-minute hassle.

19. Pumpkin Bread

Moist and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread brings a taste of fall to the table.

Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a side with your Thanksgiving meal. thanksgiving recipes

Bake in a loaf pan and enjoy slices spread with butter or cream cheese.

Make Ahead Tip: Bake the pumpkin bread up to three days in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. This keeps the bread fresh and moist, ready to be sliced and served.

20. Garlic Knots

Fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan make a delicious and aromatic addition to the bread basket.

Made from pizza dough, these knots are tied into shape, baked until golden, and then brushed with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parsley.

Serve warm for a fragrant, savory treat.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and shape the knots a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day. Brush with garlic butter just before serving to keep them soft and flavorful.

Desserts

21. Pumpkin Pie

A Thanksgiving classic, this pie has a creamy pumpkin filling spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, nestled in a flaky crust.

The filling is made from pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and a blend of spices, baked until set. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect ending to your meal.

Make Ahead Tip: Bake the pie a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. This allows you to enjoy the pie without worrying about baking on the day itself.

22. Apple Pie

Sweet and tart apples with a hint of cinnamon, baked in a buttery, flaky crust, make this pie a favorite. Use a mix of apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor. Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice, then bake in a double crust until golden and bubbly. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare and bake the pie a day in advance. Store at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warm.

23. Pecan Pie

A rich, gooey filling made with pecans, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon creates a decadent dessert. The filling is poured into a buttery pie crust and baked until set.

The result is a sweet, nutty pie with a hint of caramel flavor. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious finish. thanksgiving recipes

Make Ahead Tip: Bake the pie up to two days in advance. Store it at room temperature and reheat gently if desired. This way, you can focus on other preparations knowing dessert is taken care of.

24. Cheesecake

Creamy, tangy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is perfect plain or topped with fruit.

The rich filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, baked until smooth and set. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead Tip: Make the cheesecake up to three days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and add toppings just before serving. This allows the cheesecake to set properly and saves you time.

25. Cranberry Orange Cake

A moist cake bursting with cranberries and orange zest, topped with an orange glaze, adds a festive touch to your dessert table.

The cake is made with fresh cranberries and flavored with orange zest and juice. Drizzle with a sweet orange glaze for a bright and zesty finish.

Make Ahead Tip: Bake the cake a day in advance. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature and glaze it just before serving. This ensures the cake remains moist and fresh.

26. Chocolate Cream Pie

A decadent dessert with a chocolate cookie crust, rich chocolate filling, and a layer of whipped cream.

The filling is made with dark chocolate, cream, and a touch of vanilla, poured into a chocolate cookie crust and chilled until set. thanksgiving recipes

Top with fluffy whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the pie up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the whipped cream topping just before serving. This keeps the whipped cream fresh and the pie perfectly chilled.

Drinks

27. Mulled Wine

Warm, spiced wine with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus is perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.

Simmer red wine with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, along with slices of orange and a touch of honey.

Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an orange slice or a cinnamon stick for a cozy holiday drink.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the mulled wine up to a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easy.

28. Apple Cider Sangria

A refreshing blend of apple cider, white wine, brandy, and autumn fruits makes this sangria a festive beverage.

Combine apple cider, white wine, brandy, and sliced apples, pears, and oranges. Chill for several hours to let the flavors meld, then serve over ice with a cinnamon stick garnish for a delightful fall drink.

Make Ahead Tip: Mix the sangria the day before and store it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. This means all you have to do is serve it chilled.

29. Pumpkin Spice Latte

A homemade version of the fall favorite, combining espresso, pumpkin puree, and warming spices, brings the coffee shop to your kitchen.

Mix pumpkin puree with milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Heat until steaming, then blend with espresso for a creamy, spiced latte. thanksgiving recipes

Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect autumn treat.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the pumpkin spice mixture up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Heat and blend with espresso when ready to serve. This ensures you can enjoy a comforting drink without the hassle of preparation on a busy day.

30. Spiced Pear Cocktail

A sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that combines the flavors of pear, ginger, and spices. Shake together pear vodka, ginger liqueur, and a splash of lemon juice.

Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of fresh pear and a cinnamon stick for an elegant and festive drink.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the cocktail mix a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Shake with ice just before serving. This ensures the flavors are well-blended and the drink is perfectly chilled.

With these 30 Thanksgiving recipes, along with make-ahead tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a memorable and delicious holiday feast.

From appetizers to desserts, and everything in between, these dishes will ensure your Thanksgiving is a culinary success. Happy cooking and Happy Thanksgiving!