35+ Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes to Wow Your Guests
Thanksgiving is all about the feast, and we’ve got the Thanksgiving dinner recipes to make your holiday unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting your first turkey day or you’re a seasoned pro, these dishes will wow your guests and keep them coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
From the juiciest turkey to indulgent sides and irresistible desserts, this collection has everything you need to pull off a perfect Thanksgiving spread. We’re talking classic dishes with a twist, like buttery mashed potatoes, sweet and savory stuffing, and, of course, the best pies to end the night.
No matter what your crowd is craving—whether it’s a golden herb-butter turkey or a decadent pumpkin cheesecake—you’ll find something to make everyone’s taste buds sing. These recipes are guaranteed to impress, yet they’re simple enough to keep your holiday stress-free.
So grab your apron and get ready to host the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner. These recipes will make your table the star of the season!
Related: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Plan: Appetizers, Cocktails, Main Courses, and More
1. Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Infuse your Thanksgiving turkey with rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, and thyme by smothering it with herb butter. The butter melts into the bird as it roasts, creating incredibly juicy meat and a crispy, golden-brown skin. This herb butter turkey is a surefire way to impress your guests and keep them coming back for seconds.
Get the Herb Butter Roasted Turkey recipe.
2. Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes are given a sweet and nutty twist with a maple pecan topping that’s crispy, buttery, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect side dish to balance out all the savory flavors on your Thanksgiving table, offering a hint of sweetness in every bite.
Get the Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
3. Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce
This isn’t your typical cranberry sauce—this version is spiced with cinnamon and cloves, adding a warm, fragrant depth to the tangy-sweet cranberries. It’s the perfect, festive complement to the rich flavors of your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce recipe.
4. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy roasted potatoes are tossed in savory garlic and Parmesan, making them an irresistible side dish. Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are bound to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes recipe.
5. Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are made extra creamy with the addition of sour cream, while fresh chives add a pop of flavor that’s both bright and herby. It’s the perfect smooth, tangy side to pair with your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes recipe.
6. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
A traditional Thanksgiving isn’t complete without stuffing, and this classic recipe delivers all the familiar flavors you crave. Made with sautéed onions, celery, herbs, and perfectly toasted bread cubes, it’s a savory, comforting side that will bring a nostalgic touch to your holiday table. Every bite is packed with the taste of the season.
Get the Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe.
7. Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
This gluten-free turkey gravy is thick, rich, and packed with flavor—proof that you don’t need flour to make a delicious, smooth gravy. Drizzle it over your turkey and mashed potatoes for the ultimate finishing touch to your holiday meal.
Get the Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy recipe.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping
This sweet potato casserole strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Creamy, mashed sweet potatoes are topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping that adds texture and flavor. It’s an irresistible combination that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe. A classic with a delightful twist!
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole with Buttery Pecan Topping recipe.
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin lovers, this one’s for you! This creamy pumpkin cheesecake offers the perfect blend of fall spices and rich, decadent flavor. With a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s the ultimate autumn dessert for your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe.
10. Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms
These savory mushrooms are roasted to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, making them an irresistible side dish that’s both earthy and luxurious. They’re simple to prepare but pack a punch of flavor that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms recipe.
11. Green Bean Casserole
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This isn’t your average green bean casserole! Fresh green beans are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a crunchy, creamy, and absolutely delicious side dish that will have your guests digging in for more. A must-have for any Thanksgiving feast!
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
12. Buttermilk Biscuits
Warm, flaky, and buttery, these homemade buttermilk biscuits are the ultimate addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket. They’re perfect for mopping up gravy or serving as a base for mini turkey sandwiches. With their light and tender texture, these biscuits are as easy to make as they are delicious.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Turn Brussels sprouts into a showstopping side with the addition of crispy bacon! These perfectly roasted sprouts are caramelized to golden perfection, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch that takes the dish to new heights. Even the pickiest eaters will fall in love with these.
Get the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe.
14. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender, and glazed to perfection, these roasted carrots are elevated with a drizzle of honey. They make for an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with rich Thanksgiving fare. A hint of thyme adds an earthy touch that balances the sweetness.
Get the Honey-Glazed Carrots recipe.
15. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash gets a sweet and savory makeover with this maple-roasted recipe. The caramelized edges and hint of cinnamon make it a delightful seasonal side dish, while the maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Maple Roasted Butternut Squash recipe.
16. Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Sizzled Sage
Warm and comforting, this roasted pumpkin soup is a creamy, velvety delight, perfect as a Thanksgiving starter. The rich, earthy flavor of the roasted pumpkin pairs perfectly with the aromatic, crispy sage leaves, adding a gourmet touch to your holiday meal.
Get the Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Sizzled Sage recipe.
17. Pecan Pie
Classic pecan pie is a must-have on the Thanksgiving dessert table, and this version delivers the perfect balance of gooey, sweet filling with a satisfying crunch from toasted pecans. Wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a slice of Southern heaven that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Get the Pecan Pie recipe.
18. Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulgent and rich, this baked mac and cheese is made with a creamy sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. It’s the perfect side to satisfy cheese lovers, with each bite bursting with comforting, gooey goodness.
Get the Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.
19. Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
Not into turkey? This brown sugar and mustard glazed ham offers a sweet, savory alternative that’s every bit as impressive. The sticky, caramelized glaze adds layers of flavor to the juicy ham, making it an irresistible main course.
Get the Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham recipe.
20. Roasted Root Vegetables
A colorful medley of roasted root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes—comes to life with the perfect blend of herbs and olive oil. It’s a simple, rustic side that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Get the Roasted Root Vegetables recipe.
21. Garlic Knots
Fluffy, buttery, and infused with savory garlic, these homemade garlic knots are the perfect bread option to accompany your Thanksgiving feast. They’re easy to pull apart, incredibly soft, and addictive—don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!
Get the Garlic Knots recipe.
22. Easy No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
Say goodbye to complicated turkey prep! This easy, no-fuss recipe ensures a perfectly roasted turkey with minimal effort. The bird turns out tender and juicy every time, with golden, crispy skin that will make it the star of your holiday feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-timer, this recipe guarantees success and deliciousness without the stress.
Get the Easy No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey recipe.
23. Lattice Crust Apple Pie
This apple pie is the epitome of holiday tradition, featuring tender, spiced apples nestled under a perfectly crafted lattice crust. The buttery, flaky top adds a beautiful golden-brown finish that makes it both a feast for the eyes and the palate. A true classic!
Get the Lattice Crust Apple Pie recipe.
24. Scalloped Potatoes
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are creamy, dreamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, velvety sauce. Topped with golden, bubbling cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
25. Cornbread Stuffing
For a Southern twist on the classic, this cornbread stuffing is packed with savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s a flavorful, hearty side that will quickly become a new Thanksgiving tradition in your household.
Get the Cornbread Stuffing recipe.
26. Cauliflower Gratin
Who knew cauliflower could be this decadent? This creamy cauliflower gratin is baked with a cheesy, golden crust that will have everyone going for seconds. It’s a veggie side that’s comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Cauliflower Gratin recipe.
27. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
Take your Thanksgiving spread to the next level with this herb-crusted prime rib. Seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs and slow-roasted to perfection, this prime rib is juicy, tender, and makes a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Get the Herb-Crusted Prime Rib recipe.
28. Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash is caramelized with butter and maple syrup, making it a sweet and savory side dish that perfectly complements Thanksgiving staples. With a nutty flavor and velvety texture, it’s a seasonal favorite you won’t want to miss.
Get the Roasted Acorn Squash recipe.
29. Caramelized Onion Tart
This savory tart features sweet caramelized onions layered on a flaky pastry crust, topped with tangy goat cheese. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish for a sophisticated touch to your holiday table.
Get the Caramelized Onion Tart recipe.
30. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but these garlic mashed potatoes take things to the next level. Infused with the bold flavor of roasted garlic and whipped to smooth, fluffy perfection, this side dish is a dream come true for garlic lovers. It’s rich, decadent, and a must-have alongside turkey and gravy.
Get the Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
31. Apple and Sausage Stuffing
This stuffing combines sweet apples and savory sausage for a flavorful twist on the classic dish. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a delightful side that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
Get the Apple and Sausage Stuffing recipe.
32. Brined and Smoked Turkey
For a turkey that’s extra juicy and packed with smoky flavor, this brined and smoked turkey is the way to go. The brining process ensures moist, flavorful meat, while smoking it brings out a deep, savory flavor that will leave your guests speechless.
Get the Brined and Smoked Turkey recipe.
33. Makeover Spinach Gratin
This spinach gratin is a lighter take on the traditional creamy dish, but it still packs in all the flavor. With a golden, cheesy top and rich, creamy spinach underneath, it’s a delicious way to sneak some greens onto your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Makeover Spinach Gratin recipe.
34. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
This wild rice pilaf combines chewy wild rice with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a side dish that’s both hearty and festive. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will stand out among your Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans recipe.
35. Cranberry Sauce
Ditch the canned cranberry sauce for this homemade version, bursting with bright, tangy flavor. Sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and infused with a hint of orange zest, this sauce provides the perfect contrast to rich Thanksgiving dishes. It’s fresh, vibrant, and so much better than store-bought.
Get the Cranberry Sauce recipe.
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