10+ Thanksgiving Recipes to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing delicious food, and making lasting memories. The perfect recipes can make your holiday celebration even more special.

From classic turkey to delightful desserts, there are countless options to explore that will satisfy everyone’s taste.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast, consider the traditions that matter most to you and your loved ones. Whether you enjoy trying new dishes or sticking to the tried-and-true favorites, this article will guide you through a variety of recipes that can help you create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.

1) Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter

Roasting a turkey with herb butter makes your Thanksgiving special. The butter adds flavor and helps keep the turkey juicy.

To start, mix softened butter with herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. Rub this mixture under the skin of the turkey for the best results.

Next, roast your turkey in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your turkey is safe and delicious.

This method offers a golden brown skin and tasty meat. Everyone will love it at your holiday table!

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the softened butter with herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb butter under the skin of the turkey.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 3 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest before carving.

2) Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast. They are smooth, buttery, and the perfect side dish to complement your turkey.

You can easily prepare them ahead of time.

For a classic recipe, you’ll need Yukon gold or russet potatoes. These varieties give you the best texture. The key is to mash them while they are warm for that creamy consistency.

Add butter and cream to elevate the flavor. You can also season them with salt and pepper for a delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the potatoes and cut them into chunks.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and return them to the pot.
4. Add butter and cream, then mash until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

3) Classic Cornbread Stuffing

Classic cornbread stuffing is a beloved dish for Thanksgiving. It combines the sweetness of cornbread with savory ingredients to create a comforting side. This stuffing is perfect for soaking up gravy.

To make this dish, you start with fresh cornbread. You can use store-bought or homemade. The cornbread is then cubed and mixed with sautéed onions, celery, and seasonings.

You will want to bake the stuffing until it is golden brown. That brings out the flavors and gives it a nice texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pan of cornbread (9×13)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 stalks diced celery
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cube the cornbread and set it aside.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the onion and celery; cook until soft.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cornbread, onion, celery, and seasonings.
6. Pour in the broth and stir until combined.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.

4) Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish. It’s creamy, savory, and topped with crispy onions. This recipe combines canned green beans, mushroom soup, and French-fried onions to create a comforting dish that everyone loves.

You can also make it your own by adding ingredients like bacon or cheese. Many people enjoy the version from Campbell’s that takes only five ingredients and about ten minutes to prepare.

For a fresh twist, check out recipes that feature tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy onions. This dish is essential for any Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) green beans, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups crispy French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix green beans, soup, milk, and half of the onions in a baking dish.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Top with remaining onions and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.

5) Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Making homemade cranberry sauce is simple and delicious. You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. This dish adds a tasty and colorful touch to your Thanksgiving meal.

Start by rinsing the cranberries and removing any bad ones. In a pot, combine one cup of sugar, half a cup of water, and the cranberries. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop, about 10 minutes.

You can add flavor by including orange zest or juice. For a twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon. Once done, let the sauce cool before serving. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-ounce; 340 g) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sugar (7 ounces; 198 g)
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) water
• Optional: orange zest, orange juice, or cinnamon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any bad ones.
2. In a pot, mix sugar, water, and cranberries.
3. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until cranberries pop.
4. Add optional ingredients for extra flavor.
5. Let the sauce cool, then refrigerate.

6) Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is a classic dessert for Thanksgiving. It combines the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with the cool sweetness of whipped cream. This pie is sure to impress your guests.

Start by preparing your pumpkin filling. You’ll mix pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, and spices. Pour this mixture into your pie crust and bake it until set.

Once the pie cools, add a generous layer of whipped cream on top. You can even sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flavor. Enjoy each slice of this delicious dessert!

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (8 ounce) container whipped cream
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
• Pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add pumpkin puree and spices, then blend well.
4. Pour into a pie crust.
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until set.
6. Cool and top with whipped cream before serving.

7) Pecan Pie Delight

Pecan Pie Delight combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with a creamy cheesecake twist. This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving. It brings a delightful mix of textures.

To make this pie, start with a buttery crust. Then, layer a delicious mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Fold in chopped pecans for that classic flavor.

Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) until it is set and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes. After cooling, enjoy a slice with whipped cream on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set.
7. Let it cool, then serve with whipped cream.

8) Buttery Dinner Rolls

Buttery dinner rolls are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and have a rich buttery flavor that everyone loves. They are perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying with a bit of jam.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make them. The process is quick, and you can have fresh rolls ready in no time. Serve them warm for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Place it in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and shape it into rolls.
7. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.

9) Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish for Thanksgiving. It combines creamy sweet potatoes with delicious toppings. You can make it sweet or savory, depending on your taste.

To prepare this dish, you will need fresh sweet potatoes, milk, sugar, and eggs. Many enjoy adding marshmallows or pecans on top for extra flavor and texture. The combination creates a comforting side dish that everyone loves.

The casserole is baked until golden and bubbly. This dish goes perfectly with turkey and other traditional dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
• 2 large beaten eggs
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• ½ cup marshmallows or pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes with milk and butter.
4. Stir in sugar and eggs.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
6. Top with marshmallows or pecans if desired.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

10) Maple-Glazed Carrots

Maple-glazed carrots are a delicious and simple side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. The sweet flavor of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the carrots.

To make this dish, start by roasting your carrots. This helps them become tender and brings out their natural sugars. You can use about 1 pound of carrots, cut into sticks for even cooking.

As they roast, prepare the maple glaze. Mix butter and maple syrup until well combined. Once the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, drizzle the glaze over them and toss to coat.

Bake for a few more minutes to let the flavors blend. Enjoy this tasty dish that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, cut into sticks
• 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup maple syrup
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange carrots on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. In a bowl, mix butter and maple syrup.
5. Drizzle glaze over the carrots and toss.
6. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!