Thanksgiving should be full of joy, laughter, and lots of great food! To make the day easier and more delicious, I’ve put together the following list of reader and family favorite Thanksgiving recipes that will cover all the bases.
- Turkey Recipes
- Gravy, Sides, & Stuffing Recipes
- Fresh & Vibrant Salads for your Holiday Table
- Starters & Appetizers
- Desserts & Cocktails
The Full List of Thanksgiving Recipes
How to Roast the Perfect Turkey
Step-by-step instructions guarantee a perfectly seasoned turkey with crisp skin and white meat that’s just as juicy as the dark meat. For easier planning, I’ve included a basic timeline in bold type. Make sure to start with a thawed bird.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Gravy
Enjoy the flavor and aroma of Thanksgiving any time of year with this hands-off recipe that delivers tender, juicy white meat and delicious gravy. You can even fully prep for cooking the day before, if desired. Optional dry brine offers a flavor boost and can be done up to three days in advance.
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The Most Flavorful Roasted Turkey Legs or Thighs
A simple spice rub and one clever trick are the keys to crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s brimming with flavor. Easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven when ready.
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Easy Make-Ahead Gravy Base
A quick, lump-free base to which pan drippings are added for a deliciously stress-free gravy. May be prepared up to 4 days in advance.
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Slow Cooker Stuffing (with oven method)
Tender stuffing with crispy edges is 100% possible in a slow cooker, freeing up precious oven space. Various options and prep-ahead tips will keep everyone happy!
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Stuffing Balls
Enjoy this clever, portion-controlled side dish all season long – or form slightly smaller balls and serve as a festive appetizer with cranberry relish or another condiment of choice for dipping.Servings: 8-10 balls (recipe multiplies easily)
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Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole (or Stuffing/Dressing)
A modern remake of my mom’s classic casserole, this rendition of a childhood favorite is lighter but still delivers the memorable flavor. There’s even a crunchy topping, an option for extra veggies, and excellent alternatives for some dietary restrictions. (And Mom approves!)
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
Parmesan provides a crusty, cheesy finish to these easy roasted Brussels sprouts, and a touch of balsamic vinegar ratchets up the flavor a few more notches. Vegetables never disappeared so fast!
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Olive Oil Smashed Potatoes
Universally adored for their rich, creamy, buttery, fluffy texture, this recipe delivers in an unexpected way!
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Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Coconut milk provides richness and complementary flavor to mashed sweet potatoes without a pronounced coconut flavor. It also makes this recipe dairy-free and vegan!
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Make-Ahead Baked Mashed Potatoes
This flexible, make-ahead mashed potato recipe is a sure-fire hit on a holiday table. You can even freeze it before baking, and the Parmesan crust will not disappoint!
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Corn Spoon Bread
This dish can be prepped ahead and cooked when ready to eat. It can also be baked ahead and reheated. Freezes well, too!
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Favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad
A go-to salad for busy nights, parties, potlucks and 100% worthy of a holiday table. This super-satisfying salad can be made in advance and you'll want to use the dressing over and over again.
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Fall Slaw
A bag of slaw mix offers a convenient shortcut in this crisp, wholesome, seasonal salad. The easy vinaigrette is loaded with flavor and is equally delicious on broccoli and kale salads as well as a variety of other green and grain-based salads.
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Roasted Beet & Green Bean Salad
Clever cooking techniques, make-ahead convenience, and lots of options add to the appeal of this vibrant salad. The versatile vinaigrette is an absolute keeper that comes together quickly with basic pantry items.
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Classic Curried Butternut Squash Soup (with options)
Butternut squash soup is wholesome, cool-weather comfort food at its best. Use this recipe as a framework to achieve your ideal flavor and texture and will also work with a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences, from vegan and vegetarian to gluten- and dairy-free.
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Jeweled Cranberry Orange Relish… and a Thanksgiving bonus recipe
A cup of jewel-like pomegranate seeds and an orange-enhancing splash of triple sec take classic cranberry relish to new heights!
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Cranberry Apple Crisp
The perfect balance of sweet and tart adds something special to this easy crisp, which can be made dairy- and gluten-free if needed.
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Pumpkin Pie Cake
Pumpkin pie meets coffee cake in this crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dessert. Coconut complements the pumpkin beautifully without tasting “coconutty,” although there are options for those who wish to omit it.
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Maple Pumpkin Pie
This Thanksgiving pie is so simple, you may find yourself baking one well after the holiday season. For a pudding-like option, skip the crust and bake the filling in a lightly greased dish or individual ramekins.
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Favorite Flourless Chocolate Cake
Chocolate absolutely has a place on the Thanksgiving table! And since this cake is free of flour it’s also a good option for those who follow a gluten-free diet.
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Holiday Sangria
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving and all of your holiday celebrations, this a make-ahead cocktail is a festive crowd-pleaser!
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Apple Bourbon Smash
The warm notes of Bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that can be made in a minute! Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the Bourbon!
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Jack’s Favorite Bloody Mary
The only Bloody Mary mix you will ever need is easy to make and offers the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and perfectly tomatoey. Options for a Dirty Mary, Bloody Maria, and Virgin Mary are included .
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The Rachel Sandwich (Grilled or Baked)
Don't forget about leftovers! You may use store-bought dressing and slaw in these sandwiches, although the easy recipes allow you to work with what you have on hand–and you may find yourself returning to them again and again!
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Turkey (or Chicken) Tetrazzini with Mushrooms and Kale
This update on the classic casserole is lighter, leaner, and loaded with wholesome vegetables. It’s a complete meal that can be made in advance and freezes well. A great use-case for leftover turkey!
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Stuffing Waffles
A quick and easy way to reinvent leftover stuffing. For a filling meal anytime of day, top with leftover turkey and gravy, a fried egg, cranberry sauce or whatever sounds good to you!
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