These Thanksgiving recipes include the dishes I reach for most often for my holiday meal. There’s a little bit of everything here (appetizers, mains, sides, warm drinks, and desserts) so it’s easy to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
I’ve made a lot of different dishes for Thanksgiving over the years, but there are a handful that always stand out.
They’re simple, reliable, and the kind of recipes people are happy to see on the table, so I thought I’d pull them together in one place in case you’re planning your menu.
A lot of them can be made ahead or cooked in the crock pot, which definitely helps every inch of oven space is full.
This list includes some of my go-to appetizers, the mains I reach for most often, a few easy sides, a few cozy fall drinks and desserts that always disappear faster than I expect.
If you’re looking for ideas that don’t require anything complicated, these are the Thanksgiving recipes you’ll want to try.
Appetizers
Try making blackberry crostini for a simple yet elegant appetizer. Topped with whipped goat cheese, fresh blackberries, honey, and mint, it’s a colorful and tasty way to start your Thanksgiving meal. It comes together quickly and adds a touch of sophistication to your table.- This cranberry meatballs dish is a flavorful, no-fuss appetizer that’s great for holiday parties. Combining sweet cranberry sauce with chili sauce, it’s easy to make in the crockpot and can be served warm straight from there. Making a batch of these means one less thing to worry about during a busy holiday gathering.
- Create a creamy cranberry pecan cheese ball that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, and pecans, then chilled until firm. This no-cook appetizer is a festive addition to holiday gatherings, and it can be prepared ahead to save time on the day.
- If you want a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare ahead, avocado deviled eggs are a great choice. Made with ripe avocados, eggs, and a touch of sour cream, they’re garnished with parsley and paprika for a pop of color. They’re perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or brunch gatherings.
- With a charcuterie board, you get a savory, nutty, and slightly sweet appetizer that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Loaded with cheeses, meats, and olives, it’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving celebration or cocktail party. Setting it out about 30 minutes before serving lets everything come to room temperature and look inviting.
- When you’re planning a holiday gathering, cranberry salsa bites add a festive touch to the appetizer table. Made with fresh cranberries, jalapeno, and lime, they’re easy to prepare ahead and sit nicely in the fridge for a few days. Their bright red and green colors make them a cheerful addition to any Christmas tray.
Starters
- Create a comforting cauliflower soup that’s perfect for fall. It’s made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and cauliflower, then blended to a smooth, savory finish. Plus, it’s vegetarian and freezer-friendly, making it easy to enjoy leftovers later.
- This mandarin orange romaine salad is a bright, tangy twist on your usual starter. It combines sweet mandarin oranges with crunchy roasted almonds and fresh greens, all tossed in a simple dressing. It’s an easy way to add a refreshing, colorful dish to your Thanksgiving table.
- When you’re looking for a fresh, tangy starter, berry salad with balsamic vinaigrette is a great choice. It’s loaded with berries, greens, and nuts, then drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette that can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. It’s a light way to kick off your Thanksgiving meal.
Mains
- Try roasting a turkey that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor for your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a crowd-friendly main dish that’s all about the traditional fall look with golden-brown skin. Basting and brining help keep it juicy, so you’ll get a beautiful, tasty main dish everyone will enjoy.
- Create a simple turkey gravy that’s a real game-changer for your Thanksgiving meal. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients, like turkey drippings, butter, flour, and a splash of dry sherry, all simmered on the stove top. Making gravy from scratch adds a rich, savory flavor that really pulls your turkey dinner together.
- This classic bread stuffing brings back all the warm, cozy feelings of a traditional Thanksgiving. It’s loaded with sage, celery, and buttery onions, and can either be used to stuff your bird or baked in the oven as dressing.
- If you’re looking for an easy way to serve ham without much fuss, this crock-pot spiral ham is a great choice. It’s made with a sweet and spicy glaze of brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and ginger, then cooked on low for several hours. It’s a make-ahead dish that’s ideal for a holiday menu, freeing up oven space and making your meal prep simpler.
Sides
- With green beans almondine, you get a simple, vegetarian side that’s full of bright lemony flavor and crunch from toasted almonds. It’s easy to make on the stovetop with just a few ingredients, making it a quick addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. A fresh, light option that pairs well with all your holiday favorites.
- If you’re looking for a simple veggie side that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table, this roasted Brussels sprouts dish fits right in. The cherries bring a touch of sweetness to balance the slightly bitter sprouts, making it a fresh, festive choice. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and baked in the oven, so you can focus on other dishes.
- In this sweet potato casserole, you get a cozy, make-ahead side that’s ideal for holiday dinners. It’s made with cinnamon, whipping cream, and topped with pecans, all cooked in the slow cooker for easy prep. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a simple, delicious addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.
- When you’re feeding a crowd, this crock-pot macaroni and cheese is a real lifesaver. Made with real cheddar, it’s creamy, cheesy, and super easy to make ahead. It frees up oven space and stays warm on the table, making it a go-to side for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
- If you’re looking to add a twist to your holiday menu, this apple cheese skillet cornbread is a fun choice. It combines tart Granny Smith apples with creamy cheddar, all baked into a cornbread that’s full of flavor.
- For Thanksgiving, garlic bread is a simple, crowd-pleasing side that adds a warm, savory note to your meal. It’s made with just a few ingredients like French bread, butter, garlic, and parsley, then baked until golden and fragrant. Preparing it ahead of time makes serving easier.
- For a quick and cheesy side, these cheddar cheese biscuits are a real time-saver. Made with just four ingredients, they bake up in less than 20 minutes and are great alongside your holiday dinner.
Desserts
- Create a classic pumpkin pie that’s a staple at many Thanksgiving dinners. It’s made with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, plus a touch of molasses for richness.
- Try baking this pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese icing for a fall dessert that’s easy to prepare ahead. It’s loaded with warm spices and pumpkin flavor, making it a cozy finish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
- This apple crisp is a cozy, fall dessert that’s made with tart apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free finish to your Thanksgiving meal.
- With their buttery, sweet filling and flaky tart shells, these Canadian butter tarts are a classic treat for any holiday dinner or party. They’re easy to make and come in individual portions, so serving them is a breeze. Just bake until bubbly and golden, then enjoy at room temperature for the best flavor.
- For a rich, creamy dessert that’s easy to make ahead, these no-bake turtle mini cheesecakes are a treat. Topped with caramel, chocolate, and pecans, they add a sweet touch to any holiday gathering. Just whip, fold, and chill for at least four hours, and you’re set to serve something special without turning on the oven.
Drinks
- Create a warm, spiced apple cider that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and whole spices, it’s a cozy drink that fits right into fall celebrations. Best served warm or hot, it’s a simple way to add a festive touch to your holiday table.
- With this spiked caramel apple cider, you get a warm, spiced drink that’s great for fall and winter festivities. Made with caramel vodka, spiced rum, and apple cider, it can be served warm or cold, and will add a little extra sweetness to your celebration.
- For a cozy fall get-together, this Fireball Hard Cider Cocktail brings a fun twist to your drinks lineup. It’s super easy to make with just a few ingredients like apple pucker, whiskey, and cider, and adding a touch of gold glitter makes it feel special. It’s a lively way to toast the season and keep everyone warm and happy.
- When the weather turns cold, a warm cup of hot chocolate is just what you need to cozy up. Made with rich cocoa, chocolate, and vanilla, it’s simple to whip up on the stovetop.
- For a cozy holiday treat, spiked peppermint hot cocoa is a fun way to warm up winter nights. Made with peppermint vodka, chocolate, and whipped cream, it’s a rich, boozy drink that’s easy to make on the stove top. Serving it hot in mugs makes for a festive addition to your Thanksgiving gathering.
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