150+ Thanksgiving Recipes

Meggan Hill

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Discover 150+ Thanksgiving Recipes on Culinary Hill. Turkey, turkey techniques, all the side dishes, bread and rolls, desserts, drinks, and appetizers. It’s all here, organized by category. I also have sections for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian recipes.

A roasted turkey on a platter with fruit.

If you’re cooking this Thanksgiving, you’re in the right place. This is my exhaustive collection of Thanksgiving recipes, techniques, and inspiration. You’ll find turkey, of course, but you’ll also find all kinds of ideas that aren’t turkey, if that’s your thing.

I have mashed potatoes six ways in, three styles of cranberry sauce, and more vegetable sides than you’ll ever need. But it’s all about discovery, so I’ve got sections to my specialty Thanksgiving menus peppered in here, too. (See what I did there? I love a bad food pun.)

My best advice is: don’t wait until Thanksgiving to try a new recipe. These recipes have been rigorously tested by experts, of course, but practice breeds confidence. So if you have the chance, take a pass before the big day. You’ll be glad you did.

Table of Contents

  1. Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
  2. More Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes (Not Turkey)
  3. Thanksgiving Potato Recipes
  4. Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
  5. Casserole Recipes for Thanksgiving
  6. Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes
  7. Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving
  8. Thanksgiving Bread and Roll Recipes
  9. Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
  10. Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes (Not Pie)
  11. Thanksgiving Baking Basics
  12. Recipes for a Small Thanksgiving
  13. Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes
  14. Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes
  15. Breakfast Recipes for Thanksgiving
  16. Drinks and Cocktails for Thanksgiving
  17. Recipes for Leftover Turkey
  18. Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
  19. Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
  20. Gluten Free Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Perfect Roast Turkey
The most Perfect Roast Turkey recipe relies on dry-brining and butter-basting for the juiciest, most delicious turkey you've ever had. Save your pan drippings too for an easy classic gravy recipe.
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A platter of roast turkey garnished with grapes.
Roasted Turkey Breast
For a small Thanksgiving menu or a Sunday dinner, try my best Roasted Turkey Breast recipe. A dry brine and basting yields craveably crisp skin, and the meat itself is juicy and flavorful. Learn how to brine, roast, and carve a turkey breast.
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Sliced roasted turkey breast on a platter.

Turkey Techniques

Make Ahead Roasted Turkey
If you're pressed for time (or oven space), Make Ahead Roasted Turkey is just what you need. With this technique, cooking turkey the day before, the week before, or even the month before, still tastes delicious and freshly carved.
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Make ahead roasted turkey on a blue platter.

More Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes (Not Turkey)

Cornish Hens with Stuffing
Roasted Cornish Hens with Stuffing make Thanksgivings extra special. An easy apple mustard glaze takes the place of gravy, and a classic bread stuffing soaks up all the flavors.
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A whole Cornish hen on a gray plate with stuffing.
Prime Rib with Mustard Cream Sauce
Learn how to cook the perfect Prime Rib with step-by-step instructions and photos. This prime rib recipe will be the star of your holiday table, and it's even better with a drizzle of mustard cream sauce.
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A platter of sliced prime rib.
Roast Beef Tenderloin
This Roast Beef Tenderloin starts low and slow in the oven and ends with a flourish on the stove. It's a great recipe to pull out for holidays, parties, and Sunday Supper.
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A sliced roast beef tenderloin.

Thanksgiving Potato Recipes

The Best Mashed Potatoes
The Best Mashed Potatoes in the world are just 3 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and so simple, they barely even need a recipe.
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The Best Mashed Potatoes in a blue Dutch oven.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are flavored with fresh thyme, butter, and just a touch of brown sugar. They make a delicious side dish for your weekly menu or holiday table.
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Mashed sweet potatoes in a gray bowl.
How to Bake Potatoes
Simple and satisfying, the best baked potato needs little more than a pat of good butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Here’s how to bake potatoes perfectly, with only the fluffiest results.
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A plate with a baked potato topped with sour cream, a steak topped with butter, and a bowl of balsamic mushrooms on a plate.

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes

Classic Bread Stuffing
An easy Bread Stuffing made with all the classic flavors like onion, celery, and sage. Baked outside the bird but still buttery and moist, this recipe tastes just like Mom used to make!
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A baking dish full of classic bread stuffing.

Casserole Recipes for Thanksgiving

Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable Casserole, just like mom used to make! Made with frozen veggies, Velveeta, and buttery cracker crumbs, it's always the first side dish to disappear.
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A pan of vegetable casserole with Velveeta and cracker crumbs.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Take a break from the blue box mac. Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food! The irresistible garlic butter breadcrumb-topped casserole is a surprisingly easy dinner recipe, calling for just 10 minutes of prep time.
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A scoop of mac and cheese with garlic butter crumbs.

Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes

Harvest Roasted Vegetables
An easy recipe for Harvest Roasted Vegetables with butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, bacon, and walnuts. Your new favorite fall side dish!
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A serving of harvest roasted vegetables on a white plate.
Green Beans with Bacon
An easy recipe for Green Beans with Bacon (and a touch of brown sugar, too). Cook the bacon and blanch the beans ahead of time, and this dish comes together in minutes.
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Green beans with bacon on a white platter.
Cauliflower Gratin
If you like scalloped potatoes or potatoes au gratin, then prepare to meet your new favorite side dish recipe: Cauliflower Gratin. This easy vegetable casserole features a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce that will convince even picky eaters to enjoy eating vegetables.
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Cauliflower gratin in a casserole dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
For a flavorful yet easy side dish, try Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Smoky bacon and caramelized onions help this sheet pan vegetable recipe shine.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon in a gray dish.

Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving

Cranberry Sauce with Apples
Update your Homemade Cranberry Sauce with apples for a simple and sweet twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. Tasty without getting too crazy!
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A bowl of cranberry sauce with apples.
Cranberry Sauce
This classic Cranberry Sauce has just 5 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to make (plus chilling time).
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Cranberry sauce in a clear glass decorative bowl.
Cranberry Relish
This 3-ingredient, 5-minute Cranberry Relish is the easiest side dish you'll make this Thanksgiving. Make it ahead, too; the flavor improves as it sits.
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Cranberry relish in a white bowl.

How to Set a Table

Whether it’s a quiet supper for one or a dinner party for 12, setting a pretty table makes the occasion even more special. Break out your best china and polish the glassware; here’s a breakdown…

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Thanksgiving Bread and Roll Recipes

Homemade Crescent Rolls
Pillowy soft with a sweet, buttery taste, these Homemade Crescent Rolls are perfect for all the holidays or a weekend baking project.
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A basket of homemade crescent rolls.
Soft Yeast Dinner Rolls
When nothing but homemade bread will do, try these easy Soft Yeast Dinner Rolls. They are perfect at your holiday table, on the side of Sunday Supper, piled with any kind of meat, or served simply with a bowl of soup.
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Soft yeast dinner rolls on a baking sheet.

Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

The Best Pumpkin Pie
The Best Pumpkin Pie just so happens to be an ultra-easy dessert recipe. Start with a store-bought crust, whisk together a tasty filling, and bake. No one will guess this is a semi-homemade pumpkin pie!
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A slice of pumpkin pie on a gray plate.
The Best Pecan Pie
The Best Pecan Pie has a flavorful, balanced filling that's just sweet enough, tucked inside a flaky, buttery crust that never gets soggy.
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Slices of pecan pie on a board.

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes (Not Pie)

Pumpkin Cheesecake
My best Pumpkin Cheesecake features a graham cracker crust topped with a rich, creamy, and warmly-spiced cheesecake filling. Master how to make cheesecake from scratch for Thanksgiving (or any day).
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A slice of pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream on a plate.
Cranberry Cheesecake Galette
This Cranberry Cheesecake Galette is an easy free-form tart with a rich cheesecake filling and cranberry sauce. Keep things easy with store-bought pie crust and your leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays!
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Cranberry cheesecake galette on a piece of parchment paper over a cooling rack.
Pumpkin Muffins
Just-like-Mom-made homemade Pumpkin Muffins are a delightful fall baking recipe that's destined to become a tradition in your family, too. Learn how to make Pumpkin Muffins from scratch, then discover how to turn this easy breakfast recipe into dessert!
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Pumpkin muffins on a cooling rack.

Thanksgiving Baking Basics

How to Make Whipped Cream
By mixer or by hand, I'll teach you how to make whipped cream (so much better than canned!) with 3 ingredients and in 5 minutes! Use this homemade whipped cream in shortcakes, pies, sundaes, and so much more.
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A bowl filled with piped whipped cream.
How to Make a Pie Crust
Whether it’s the best pie at the state fair or the best pie on the block, it all starts with making your own pie crust from scratch. This recipe is for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry that’s much easier than you might think. I’ll walk you through how to make a pie crust that turns cake lovers into pie lovers with just one bite. 
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Pie crust.
Fresh Pumpkin Purée
Fresh pumpkin purée makes an incredible pie, and it's something you can do well ahead of time, when you have the oven space. It's so easy, you may never go back to canned pumpkin.
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Fresh pumpkin puree in a bowl.

Recipes for a Small Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving for Two

Cooking for just a couple this year? Skip the turkey and prepare a pair of Cornish hens with stuffing. I’ve also scaled down the most important side dishes, and you can complete your meal with…

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Cornish Hens with Stuffing
Roasted Cornish Hens with Stuffing make Thanksgivings extra special. An easy apple mustard glaze takes the place of gravy, and a classic bread stuffing soaks up all the flavors.
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A whole Cornish hen on a gray plate with stuffing.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Tiny and irresistible, Mini Pumpkin Pies come in handy for smaller gatherings or sharing with friends and family. They're easy, creamy, and perfectly spiced, just smaller and cuter.
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A slice of mini pumpkin pie on a white plate with a mini pumpkin pie and whipped cream behind it.

Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes

A Complete Make Ahead Thanksgiving

The most important feast of the year just got easier with my menu for a Complete Make Ahead Thanksgiving. Make the turkey ahead, make it all ahead, make your life easier with these great recipes!…

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Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Midwest Charcuterie Board
A Midwest Charcuterie Board ripe with regional offerings is perfect for all-day grazing and parties with people you love. Make a few things, buy the rest, enjoy it all!
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Midwest Charcuterie board on a gray countertop.
Jarcuterie
This appetizer recipe idea is more than a trend! Jarcuterie, or single-serving charcuterie assembled in a jar, is ideal for parties, potlucks, or even food gifts.
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Jarcuteries on a wooden cutting board.
Baked Brie
Lusciously melty Baked Brie is destined to become the hit of your appetizer recipe spread. This 15-minute snack recipe is customizable, crowd-pleasing, and overflowing with richness.
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Baked brie on a blue plate with cherries and toasted bread pieces.

Breakfast Recipes for Thanksgiving

Bagel Bar
For bridal or baby showers, holiday brunches, and beyond, assemble a Bagel Bar so guests can get creative with their bagel recipe creations. This interactive Bagel Bar is beautiful, customizable, and a cinch to share with a crowd.
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A Bagel Bar stocked with bagels, smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, tomatoes, watermelon radishes, cucumbers, caviar, and fresh herbs and spices.
Mini Quiche 4 Ways
Skip the coffee shop sous vide egg bites and make your own Mini Quiche instead. Tucked inside a pastry crust, try all four flavor variations for this freezable egg breakfast recipe.
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A wooden board filled with 4 varieties of mini quiche.
Blueberry Muffins
My bakery-style Blueberry Muffins come topped with a buttery brown sugar streusel that takes their flavor over the top. Skip the coffee shop version; these homemade Blueberry Muffins can be yours in just 45 minutes.
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Blueberry muffins on a cooling rack.

Drinks and Cocktails for Thanksgiving

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Cider is simple to make, sweet, and delicious. This welcoming, spiced hot beverage makes the whole house smell amazing, too.
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Slow cooker cranberry apple cider in a clear mug.
Mulled Cider
apple cider infused with brandy and spices. It's the perfect hot beverage for a cold day, especially around the holidays.
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Three glasses of mulled cider on a silver serving platter.
Mimosa Bar
Get the brunch party started in just 5 minutes with a round of brunch cocktails! A Mimosa Bar stocked with a variety of fruit juices and plenty of sparkling wine is a low-stress way to entertain.
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Three carafes with various juices and 4 champagne flutes with mimosas.

Recipes for Leftover Turkey

Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Put your leftover turkey to work in this quick and easy Turkey Noodle Soup. It's simple but delicious and perfect year-round. Also great with chicken!
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A gray bowl filled with leftover turkey noodle soup.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Put leftover turkey to work with this easy Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole. Made with creamy sauce and pasta baked under a crunchy crumb topping, this simple casserole is ready in under an hour or can be made ahead or frozen.
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Turkey tetrazzini being scooped out of a white baking dish.

How to Set a Table

Whether it’s a quiet supper for one or a dinner party for 12, setting a pretty table makes the occasion even more special. Break out your best china and polish the glassware; here’s a breakdown…

View Recipe

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes