45 Best Thanksgiving Recipes That Make Hosting a Breeze

Thanksgiving is a celebration of togetherness and tradition. The meal is more than just food; it is the heart of the holiday, where every dish tells a story. From the turkey to the sides that share the spotlight, each bite helps create lasting memories.

This guide takes you through every part of the day.

Begin with appetizers to set the tone, enjoy the main dinner with all its classic touches, and finish with timeless desserts. When the morning comes, turn leftovers into something special. This is Thanksgiving at its most thoughtful and delicious.

Main Dish

Of course, for most of us Americans Turkey is going to be a staple for Thanksgiving. But we've also got a few more recipes you can use if you are short on time or simply don't wish serve a turkey.

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey

Let's talk about the star of the show first. There's nothing that says Thanksgiving more thank a perfectly cooked, juicy, oven-roasted turkey. While there are a million and one recipes, we strongly feel that you'll be well served our fool-proof recipe and step-by-step-instructions.

Get The Recipe: Thanksgiving Turkey

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

Indulge in comfort with this Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot Casserole recipe. Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing await! Easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

This Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a showstopper of a dish that’s both visually beautiful and bursting with flavor. With its crispy edges, creamy lemon sauce, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and pine nuts, it’s a satisfying addition to any table, offering a unique, delicious vegetarian option.

Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and crunchy stuffing topping, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Plus, it's quick enough for weeknights and versatile enough to swap in your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Side Dishes

Thanksgiving side dishes are more than supporting players; they are what make the meal unforgettable. Rich casseroles, savory stuffing, and perfectly prepared vegetables bring harmony to the table, complementing the main dish while offering flavors that stand out on their own. These dishes embody the warmth and tradition of the holiday, creating a feast that feels complete with every bite.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to become your new go-to Thanksgiving recipe! It’s simple, easy, and so delicious. A flavorful sweet potato base is layered with crunchy, candied pecans and topped with toasted marshmallows.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes are an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you're serving them at a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy layers that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Bacon Stuffing Rolls

Bacon Stuffing Rolls are made from just two ingredients: strips of bacon wrapped around bread stuffing. The best flavor-packed Thanksgiving side dish.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Stuffing Rolls

Air Fryer Stuffing

Try our delicious air fryer stuffing recipe for a tasty twist on a classic favorite. Get the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

This is going to be your new favorite Green Bean Casserole! Tender green beans are paired with a creamy, garlic cheese sauce and then topped with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. This is the ultimate cheesy side dish that you can serve at holiday or weeknight dinners.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Roasted Potatoes

These crispy Roasted Potatoes are easy to make and perfect for nearly any meal. Their crispy exterior and tender inside, combined with flavorful seasonings, make them a versatile side that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Buttery Cornbread

This cornbread recipe is easy to make and full of rich, comforting flavor. With its tender crumb and golden crust, it’s a side you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Cornbread

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our gourmet twist on Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy evening.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. Simply the perfect side dish.

Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Pineapple Casserole

This Pineapple Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy pineapple chunks and honey are mixed with cheese and topped with a salty, crunchy cracker topping

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Candied Carrots

Candied Carrots are tender, sweet, and versatile. Perfect for a holiday dinner or enjoy them on a weeknight when time is tight.

Get the Recipe: Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a crowd-pleaser, delivering crispy, caramelized goodness with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these sprouts add a flavorful, nutritious side to any meal.

Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Pumpkin Soup

A deliciously creamy, gently spiced Pumpkin Soup that is ready in about 30 minutes. A last-minute recipe you'll want to make again and again.

Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Soup

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is easy to make, perfectly textured, and brimming with sweet and nutty flavors!

Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Make these irresistible Oatmeal Dinner Rolls at home! Fluffy and slightly sweet, these yeast bread rolls are great for any occasion. Discover how simple homemade rolls can be!

Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts.

Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Desserts

Thanksgiving desserts are the sweet conclusion to the holiday feast, offering classic flavors that feel like a celebration all on their own. From pies with buttery crusts to decadent cakes and seasonal treats, these desserts capture the essence of fall in every bite. They bring the meal to a satisfying close, leaving everyone with a little extra room for something special.

Chess Pie

Enjoy the sweet, custardy comfort of a classic Southern Chess Pie made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cornmeal. Perfect for holidays or anytime you want a homemade dessert that’s rich, creamy, and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Chess Pie

Easy Pumpkin Pie Made With Canned Pumpkin

This Pumpkin Pie brings together the best flavors of fall with its creamy filling and warm spices. Whether for Thanksgiving or just because, it’s an easy-to-make dessert that’ll leave everyone satisfied.

Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Pie Made With Canned Pumpkin

Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad is a go-to recipe when you need something easy, tasty, and crowd-pleasing. Its no-cook assembly and fun mix of flavors make it a favorite for all ages. Just a little mixing, a chill in the fridge, and you’re ready to enjoy a retro classic.

Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Pumpkin Delight

Pumpkin Delight is a great no-bake dessert when you want something simple and delicious for the fall season. It’s full of warm spices, creamy layers, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy everyone at the table.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Delight

Pecan Bread

Pecan Bread is a go-to recipe when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans makes it a perfect fall treat.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Bread

Chocolate Pecan Pie

This Chocolate Pecan Pie is the perfect blend of tradition and a fun twist, making it a go-to for any occasion. Its combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and gooey filling makes it a dessert you'll want to make over and over.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Enjoy these easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies fresh from the oven! Soft and chewy cookies are made healthier with rolled oats and sweet raisins.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies With Raisins

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake

This Crockpot Apple Dump Cake is a dessert that gives you all the comforting flavors of apple pie with almost no effort. Whether you're making it for your family or bringing it to a gathering, it's sure to be a hit with its warm apples and buttery, golden topping.

Get the Recipe: The Best Crockpot Apple Dump Cake

Pineapple Dump Cake

Pineapple Dump Cake is an effortless dessert made with canned pineapple, cake mix, and butter, resulting in a sweet and fruity treat.

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Dump Cake

Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Cookies

These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies are a reliable go-to when you want a sweet treat that brings comfort and nostalgia. With their crisp edges and chewy centers, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a solo snack. Simple to make and delicious every time.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie combines delicious fall flavors. Gently spiced creamy sweet potatoes topped with pecans are baked in a flaky crust.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie

This homemade Pecan Pie is the perfect dessert for any special occasion or holiday gathering. Its buttery, flaky crust and rich, gooey filling will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie

Banana Cake

This delicious Banana Cake is made with sweet, ripe bananas and topped with a tangy sour cream frosting. Easy and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Banana Cake With Sour Cream Frosting

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. With its creamy peanut butter filling and unique chocolatey crunch crust, this pie is sure to become a family favorite for all kinds of gatherings.

Get the Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Fall in love with this easy Pumpkin Tiramisu recipe. It's a fun twist on the classic dessert using everyone's favorite fall flavor!

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Perfectly spiced, moist, and creamy Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect easy dessert to make this holiday season!

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Appetizer

Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to start the celebration. They give guests something to enjoy while the turkey roasts and the final touches come together. Simple and seasonal, these bites set the tone for a meal filled with warmth and tradition.

Italian Hoagie Dip

Discover the perfect party dip with our authentic Italian hoagie dip recipe. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make and delicious dip.

Get the Recipe: Italian Hoagie Dip

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Discover the ultimate Crockpot Barbecued Meatballs recipe, featuring tender homemade meatballs smothered in savory barbecue sauce. Perfect for easy, flavorful meals!

Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot BBQ Meatballs

Spanakopita

Spanakopita is one of those dishes that looks impressive, but it’s so easy to make at home. The flaky layers, the savory spinach and feta filling—it’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner or a big gathering. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side.

Get the Recipe: Flaky Spanakopita

Hot Crab Dip

Crab Dip is an easy recipe you can make at home using a few basic ingredients. Make your own hot Crab Dip for your next party. Here's how.

Get the Recipe: Hot Crab Dip

Thanksgiving Breakfast

Thanksgiving breakfast is the quiet hero of the holiday, offering a chance to ease into the day or extend the celebration into the morning after. From comforting dishes to creative takes on leftovers, it’s a time to gather over something warm and satisfying before or after the day’s excitement. With the right recipes, breakfast becomes a seamless part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy our easy homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, gooey, and topped with a delightful frosting. Perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Thanksgiving Quiche

Our Thanksgiving Quiche (also known as Leftover Stuffing and Turkey Quiche) is an easy, comforting way to transform holiday leftovers into a delicious breakfast or brunch. With minimal prep and ingredients you likely already have, this quiche is the perfect solution for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Quiche

Blueberry Muffins

These moist, old-fashioned Blueberry Muffins are made from scratch, look like they come from a bakery, and are incredibly easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Blueberry Muffins.

Cornmeal Waffles With Bacon

These sweet and savory cornmeal waffles are a must for any breakfast lover. Made with cornmeal, bacon, and maple syrup.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Cornmeal Waffles With Bacon