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In this 80+ Best Thanksgiving Dishes to Impress collection, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable feast—from classic mains and creative side dishes to festive appetizers and indulgent desserts. These are the best Thanksgiving recipes!
These Best Thanksgiving dishes are crafted to add a mix of tradition, flair, and delicious variety to your table, making this year’s Thanksgiving celebration one to remember. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or hosting for the first time, these dishes will help you serve up a truly impressive meal.
Table of Contents
Main Dishes
These standout main dishes will bring warmth and flavor to your Thanksgiving table. These recipes combine traditional flavors with a few creative twists, ensuring your main course is as memorable as the occasion.
This foolproof, easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe guarantees a flavorful and juicy turkey every time. With a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey, you’ll create a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress. This will become your go-to turkey recipe for years to come!
The easiest way to bake ham perfectly every time! This delightful recipe yields a succulent ham beautifully infused with a luscious brown sugar and citrus glaze that enhances every bite.
Expertly seasoned with herbs, spices, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish results in the juiciest ham roast, complemented by a beautifully crispy outer layer.
Perfectly juicy every time. This recipe consistently provides outstanding results! Enjoy tender meat with irresistibly crispy skin, all requiring minimal effort. It’s an easy, dependable recipe for juicy chicken that will wow your family and guests!
Making tender and juicy oven-baked chicken breast infused with the flavors of Thanksgiving is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dinner spread, or it can be enjoyed as a main course any night of the week!
6. Oven Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
Bursting with flavor and juiciness. This fool-proof and simple recipe features a garlic and herb marinade that ensures your turkey is perfectly cooked in the oven.
This recipe details the ideal method for preparing a perfect prime rib for an intimate gathering (which can easily be scaled for a larger crowd). You’ll savor the flavorful crust infused with Italian herbs and enjoy tender meat and delicious pan juices!
8. Oven Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Discover how to prepare the perfect beef tenderloin with a garlic herb butter rub using the sear-then-roast method at 425°F. This exceptionally tender cut of beef is full of flavor! It’s a foolproof beef tenderloin recipe that any home cook can easily master.
9. Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Enjoy perfect flavors, a quick cooking time, and a foolproof method for consistently delivering moist and tender meat! This is the juiciest pork tenderloin you’ll ever prepare.
This easy, foolproof recipe requires minimal prep and guarantees excellent results. Ideal for beginners, it features straightforward and precise cooking instructions, ensuring you achieve the best outcome every single time. Pair with Thanksgiving side dishes like sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, green beans, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your meal.
11. Beef Braciole
A cozy and comforting meal featuring thinly sliced steak filled with herbs, two types of cheese, prosciutto, and breadcrumbs. The beef roll is slow-cooked in red wine and a rich tomato sauce, showcasing a beloved specialty from Southern Italy. This Braciole recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home! Pair it with Thanksgiving side dishes for a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
12. Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken
This recipe is a classic Italian dish. Elevate your chicken dinner with this quick 30-minute meal, all made in one skillet! A drizzle of brown butter would make an ideal finish.
13. Pasta Al Forno
The blend of savory meat sauce, melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta results in a baked dish filled with rich comforting flavors that the whole family will adore. Perfect alongside the best Thanksgiving side dishes for an extra special meal.
Packed with perfectly cooked lasagna pasta, homemade Bolognese and béchamel sauces, mozzarella, and Parmigiano cheeses, creating an incredible classic Italian lasagna. This béchamel lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your home!
15. Stuffed Fish with Crab and Shrimp
A delightful seafood dish that showcases tender flounder fillets stuffed with a savory mixture of lump crab meat, shrimp, breadcrumbs, and fresh seasonings. This blend of delicate fish and succulent seafood results in a simple yet elegant meal that will impress. A touch of maple syrup glaze can add a delightful flavor twist.
16. Salmon steaks
This nutritious and delicious dinner can be prepared in under 30 minutes! Pair with green bean recipes for a balanced meal.
17. Salmon Piccata
A delightful, light, and refreshing dish that comes together in just 20 minutes! Experience the ultimate lemon salmon dinner recipe that will enhance your meal!
18. Roast Chicken with Citrus and Fennel
This roast chicken, accompanied by citrus, carrots, and fennel, surpasses any store-bought rotisserie chicken! Not only does it offer incredible flavor, but it also delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and a stunning centerpiece for your dinner. A timeless classic that will delight your guests again and again!
Appetizers
Start your Thanksgiving celebration with these inviting appetizers. With an array of flavors and textures, these starters set the perfect tone for a memorable meal.
19. Harvest Salad
Experience a vibrant fall harvest salad that captures the essence of the season! This delightful mix features greens, Honeycrisp apples, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a burst of pomegranate seeds, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. A stunning addition to your holiday table with a hint of nutty flavor!
A flavorful shrimp salad infused with Old Bay seasoning, ready in 15 minutes! Serve it on croissant rolls, fresh lettuce, or crackers for a refreshing and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch or appetizer!
21. Crab Cakes
If you adore Maryland-style crab cakes, this recipe is just for you! With minimal filler, jumbo lump crab meat shines as the star ingredient. Infused with lemon, parsley, and Old Bay seasoning, this is the ultimate crab cake recipe!
22. Fried Shrimp
The shrimp are lightly coated in panko breadcrumbs and a blend of seasonings then pan-fried to a perfectly crunchy golden brown. A squeeze of lemon or your favorite cocktail sauce takes it to the next level. This is the most delicious fried shrimp recipe you’ll ever enjoy! For a side, try serving it with collard greens for a Southern twist.
Dive into creamy perfection with our Jimmy Dean Sausage Dip! Featuring two varieties of sausage, rich cream cheese, and colorful veggies, this dip delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Use a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the event.
24. Italian Focaccia with Apples and Cheese
What could be better than the delightful combination of apples and cheese? How about apples, Brie, and herbs baked atop soft, homemade focaccia bread? This is a recipe you’re sure to love, made even better with a touch of olive oil for flavor.
Experience the rich flavors of a savory breadcrumb and Pecorino Romano cheese stuffing, expertly combined with garlic, fresh parsley, and extra-virgin olive oil, all nestled inside a perfectly steamed artichoke! This classic Italian recipe is one you will adore. Add a side of wild rice to make it a heartier appetizer.
26. No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread
You won’t believe how easy this recipe is! If you’ve never made focaccia before, this is the perfect starting point. The steam generated during baking creates a soft interior and a slightly chewy crust that’s simply divine. Serve it as part of your Thanksgiving meal or alongside traditional side dishes like cornbread dressing. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again!
27. Stuffed Tomatoes
Stuffed tomatoes filled with a creamy risotto that makes use of the tomatoes’ fresh pulp. This dish beautifully captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking, featuring simple ingredients and robust flavors. It’s an excellent choice for your big day as it takes a Thanksgiving meal to the next level.
These delightful bites make a perfect easy appetizer or side dish for your dinner party. This recipe highlights the delicious earthy flavors of balsamic vinegar, thyme, and garlic. It’s a healthy dish that you’re sure to love! Add a dollop of sour cream on top to make these mushrooms the star of the show at your big day dinner, alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or roast turkey.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a spread of Thanksgiving side dishes. Each recipe is crafted to bring warmth and balance to your holiday meal, making it truly unforgettable. For more inspiration, these are some of our favorite Thanksgiving sides and are sure to add a delicious way to complete your Thanksgiving feast.
The blend of savory herbs, garlic, butter, and maple syrup beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish. Enjoy these easy Thanksgiving side dishes that are mostly inspired by Ina Garten herself!
30. Cranberry Relish
This homemade, easy fresh cranberry relish offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, complemented by a hint of citrus from the orange peel. It’s incredibly fresh! You can adjust the sugar to your preference and customize it with extras like cinnamon or grated ginger for added flavor complexity. Made with just three ingredients in only 10 minutes! It’s a great side dish for any Thanksgiving feast.
31. Vegetarian Stuffing Casserole
This delightful vegetarian stuffing casserole is a symphony of flavors, featuring a golden brown crust and tender bread, complemented by a medley of sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs. It truly embodies the essence of the ultimate vegetarian stuffing and makes an ideal great side dish.
Bursting with roasted garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes offer a creamy yet slightly chunky texture. Serve them with a creamy homemade mushroom sauce to take this New York Times-inspired recipe to the next level!
33. Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
What’s the secret to these deliciously creamy (yet cream-free) mashed potatoes? NO BUTTER. NO CREAM. NO GLUTEN. JUST POTATOES! The result is an extraordinarily flavorful, simple, and satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds. Perfect with cornbread stuffing for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
34. Smashed Garlicky Herb Potatoes
Get ready for a weeknight or weekend side dish you’ll want to make time and time again! These smashed garlicky herb potatoes are simply delicious with any meal, pairing perfectly with a juicy steak, smoked or fresh salmon, and roasted vegetables. No matter what you’re serving, these potatoes will happily join the party. Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a delicious way to elevate this great side dish.
⭐️Also, try our Classic Mashed Potatoes and Twice Baked Potatoes, both treasured family recipes from my husband’s family of over 60 years!
These are the Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe– a smooth, creamy filling with sour cream and cheddar cheese creates the ultimate creamy bite that melts in your mouth. The extra layer of melted cheddar cheese on top gives you that satisfying, crispy, golden finish that contrasts perfectly with the soft potato inside. They make the perfect side dish for any meal!
35. Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
These oven-roasted potatoes are remarkably simple and utterly delicious—a beloved staple in our home! They’re easy to whip up, and the entire family loves them. Plus, they’re the ideal side dish for a wide range of main courses. Serve them with butternut squash casserole and a classic dinner roll to complete the Thanksgiving meal.
This homemade green bean casserole recipe features tender fresh green beans coated in a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with a delightful crunch of French-fried onions. You can also try replacing the fried onions with crispy bacon bits. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any holiday meal and a true crowd-pleaser, making it one of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes!
The perfect easy and flavorful side dish, ready in just 20 minutes! These vibrant green beans, paired with juicy tomatoes and fragrant garlic, rank among the healthiest, tastiest, and simplest side dishes you can prepare. Serve alongside your Thanksgiving stuffing for a complete meal.
38. Sautéed Frozen Green Beans
The green beans are quickly blanched and then sautéed in a blend of olive oil and butter, accompanied by onions, minced garlic, and toasted pine nuts. This combination creates the perfect texture while infusing classic Italian flavors! Ready in just 20 minutes and delicious as a side with pumpkin pie for dessert.
These easy-to-prepare roasted green beans are infused with shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest and then roasted to perfection in olive oil. No boiling is required, and they’re ready in just 20 minutes! A baking sheet is all you need to make this simple and delicious side dish.
40. Butternut Squash Casserole
A delightful blend of flavors and textures featuring roasted sweet butternut squash paired with chewy wild rice, aromatic leeks, and a medley of savory herbs. Topped with a layer of melted Gruyere cheese, this vegetarian dish offers a plateful of warmth and elegance in every bite! Pair it with traditional sweet potato casserole to complete the ultimate spread of favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
These Brussels sprouts are delightfully tender with perfectly crispy edges, offering a beautiful harmony of sweet and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more. Best of all, they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
42. Roasted Smashed Potatoes and Tomatoes with Pesto
These golden brown, best mashed potatoes combined with tomatoes and pesto will transform your perspective on small potatoes. They’re soft on the inside with delightful crispy edges—a perfect combination all around! Serve them with savory stuffing for a standout dish at your Thanksgiving feast.
43. Pumpkin Ravioli
Level up your pumpkin ravioli with this easy and delicious sage brown butter sauce. Serve it at room temperature to bring out all the flavors. This delightful meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect cozy dish!
44. Corn Bread
A delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with chili, ribs, or chicken. Baked to a golden brown, it boasts just the right touch of sweetness, complemented by a drizzle of honey. Pair this with your favorite Thanksgiving dressing!
45. Best Bread for stuffing
Made with your choice of bread, broth, fresh herbs, and optional additions like sausage or vegetables, this dish makes the ideal complement to any Thanksgiving feast, taking center stage on your Thanksgiving table!
46. Duchess Potatoes
Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into exquisite Duchess potatoes! This delightful twist on a classic features creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy edges, ensuring they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part is that they’re perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner.
47. Creamed Spinach
This creamy spinach dish is a standout complement to your favorite steak or any main course. By skipping all-purpose flour and opting for heavy cream and cheeses, you achieve a rich and indulgent side. This cheesy spinach delight is ready in just 20 minutes and makes for one of those delicious recipes everyone will enjoy.
Indulge in a plate of warm, delicious Italian-baked stuffed clams that will whisk your taste buds away to the charming coastal towns of Italy. These perfectly cooked clams are filled with a delightful mixture of crispy breadcrumbs, oregano, fresh parsley, and aromatic garlic. Serve them with a side of potato salad for a satisfying meal.
49. Glazed Carrots
Ready in just 30 minutes using a single sheet pan, this quick and delicious dish is sure to be a hit with everyone!
The velvety sauce infuses tender potatoes with rich, savory flavors, perfectly complemented by melted cheese. With tender, soft potatoes, and slightly crispy edges, this au gratin with cheese recipe boasts a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it one of the delicious recipes your guests will love.
Indulge in this creamy risotto prepared the traditional Italian way. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect as either a side dish or a main course!
52. Creamy Polenta
On chilly winter days, nothing beats a hearty, comforting dish. In Italy, creamy, smooth polenta topped with Polpette al sugo is the perfect remedy for cold nights, warming both the soul and the belly. The heart of this meal is the rich tomato sauce or sugo, that envelops the polenta like a cozy blanket.
53. Veggie Au Gratin
The stunning golden, bubbly cheese topping paired with vibrant, tender vegetables makes this dish both beautiful and irresistible. It’s impressive enough for a dinner party or Sunday supper, yet simple enough for a cozy family weeknight meal. Try adding a twist by making it with fresh spinach!
This seasonal favorite brings a touch of warmth and color to your table and is sure to be a welcome addition to any holiday season gathering.
55. Mushroom Gravy
This rich and earthy gravy, made with a blend of mushrooms, pairs wonderfully with any main dish and adds a perfect touch to new recipes for your holiday spread.
56. Turkey Gravy
Perfectly seasoned and smooth, this turkey gravy will enhance every part of your holiday season dinner!
57. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts combined with crispy bacon bits make this dish one of the favorite sides that everyone will reach for.
58. Corn Casserole
This creamy and savory corn casserole is an ideal quick addition to any holiday menu, adding warmth and flavor to the table without the fuss.
Tender and sweet, these sweet potatoes are glazed to perfection, making them one of the favorite sides for any holiday meal. Try serving this with sweet potato soufflé as dessert!
Made with toasted ciabatta, fresh herbs, and a savory broth, this stuffing has an unforgettable flavor, sure to become a favorite among your holiday season new recipes.
61. Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a golden, cheesy treat, flavored with savory garlic, a touch of smoked paprika, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest that will leave everyone wanting more!
Dessert
End your Thanksgiving feast on a sweet note with these delightful desserts. Each dessert is crafted to bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday table, leaving a lasting impression on every guest. These are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes lineup for family gatherings!
This pumpkin pie is rich and wonderfully silky smooth, made with freshly roasted pumpkins for a delicate flavor and light texture. This is the only pumpkin pie recipe you’ll ever need!
The brown butter infuses the apple filling with a rich flavor, taking this pie to the next level. Ideal for family gatherings, it’s even better on Thanksgiving!
This beautiful tart embodies the essence of fall baking! It offers a warm, comforting apple flavor and features a perfectly crafted all-butter crust.
65. Chocolate Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Here’s a delightful recipe for a classic Thanksgiving side dish turned dessert: a homemade chocolate pudding pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, generously topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. This treat is simple to prepare in advance and is sure to become a family favorite!
66. Italian Almond Cake (Gluten-Free)
This cake boasts a soft texture with a moist crumb, infused with delightful almond and lemon flavors. It’s a great way to offer something for everyone at your holiday table.
67. Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
The buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples beautifully balance the tartness of the apples, resulting in a decadent, gooey layer that seeps into the cake. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or savor it with tea or coffee as a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch.
Soft, delicious, and incredibly simple—known as torta di mele—is a moist delight perfect for dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon tea treat. Made with creamy yogurt, butter, and fresh apples, it’s perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon and a holiday table favorite.
69. Lemon Tiramisu
This indulgent dessert brings a delightful taste of Italy to your table. Blending the classic flavors of tiramisu with a refreshing lemon twist, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make for your next holiday gathering!
Indulge in this delightful blend of lightness and creaminess, creating the ultimate banana cream pie experience that will leave you dreaming for more! Serve it alongside traditional green bean casserole for a perfect Thanksgiving dessert pairing.
Attention all blueberry enthusiasts! This is the ultimate blueberry pie, overflowing with sweet, ripe berries and nestled in a perfectly flaky crust. For those seeking less sugar, adjust the sweetness to taste!
72. BEST Pecan Pie (made without corn syrup)…
I am not a fan of pecan pie, but this ONE changed my mind. I know you’ll love it too!
73. Ricotta Pie
A creamy ricotta filling infused with lemon zest, a hint of almond, and vanilla, all nestled in a super easy pie shell, it’s a delightful treat you won’t want to miss!
74. Pumpkin Bread
This holiday season classic is beloved for a reason! With its tender crumb and irresistible flavor, this quick bread features real pumpkin puree and warm spices. It’s simple to make and truly the best classic pumpkin bread recipe!
75. Rhubarb Pie
This one-crust galette features the flakiest, buttery crust filled with a sweet and jammy rhubarb filling. It’s truly irresistible and a must-make spring recipe to celebrate all that fresh rhubarb!
Easy one-bowl recipe creates a cake with a soft texture and a sweet flavor that will have you coming back for more after just one slice. Irresistibly tender, it boasts a delightful orange essence that makes it truly special!
77. Panna Cotta
Sweetened with honey, it beautifully balances the tartness of the kefir, making it a treat your whole family will adore. I find every reason to whip up this panna cotta—it requires minimal cooking, can be prepared in advance, and transports me back to sun-soaked Italian summers with each luscious spoonful. Once you try it, you’ll love serving it to family and friends.
78. Homemade Cannoli
With step-by-step photos guiding you through the entire process, you’ll find it easy to create these delicious treats at home. This special recipe holds a beloved place in our family, and I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it too!
79. Biscotti (Cantucci Cookies)
This almond-flavored Italian biscotti recipe serves as a versatile base, allowing you to explore a variety of delightful biscotti flavors. Discover all the tips and tricks to master this simple yet classic recipe!
What to do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the feast with these easy, creative ideas.
This irresistible chicken pot pie casserole features tender chicken chunks, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with golden, flaky biscuits. It’s a timeless comfort food that satisfies every time!
This delightful baked ham and cheese pasta, enveloped in a rich, creamy white sauce, embodies the ultimate in cheesy comfort and warmth! It’s the ideal dish for chilly days, guaranteed to please the entire family.
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal with these easy leftover turkey tacos! This simple and tasty recipe delivers the best-ever tacos, all ready in under 30 minutes. We love to pair them with our fresh cranberry relish for an extra burst of flavor!
This easy Leftover Turkey Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. The rich broth, infused with savory turkey and aromatic herbs, creates a warming, satisfying bowl. Simple, wholesome, and utterly comforting, this soup turns leftovers into a meal that satisfies and nurtures you.
Warm and nourishing, the perfect remedy for those under-the-weather days. Made with wholesome ingredients and rich homemade chicken broth, this comforting soup is just what you need to feel better.
The shredded pot roast infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that takes leftovers to a whole new level.
A delightful medley of flavors. Savory pork pairs beautifully with sweet Honey Crisp apples, creamy Gouda cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty garlic lemon aioli, resulting in a satisfying and delicious taste sensation. Say goodbye to dull pork tenderloin leftovers!
This exceptional leftover prime rib sandwich transforms your prime rib roast into a mouthwatering meal. Nestled in a warm ciabatta roll and topped with sweet caramelized onions, zesty horseradish mayo, and peppery fresh arugula, this is sure to become your go-to recipe for enjoying prime rib leftovers!
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