Here are some easy recipes for Thanksgiving dinner from side dishes and salad, to desserts, cocktails and appetizers, featuring fun and unique ideas with make ahead options.
It's the big day, the big show, the grand poobah of cooking for the entire year! But when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner recipes, let's keep it tasty AND easy!
You'll find twists on traditional ingredients like sweet potatoes and green beans, interesting salad recipes and side dishes that will satisfy everyone at the table, including gluten-free and vegan guests!
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Thanksgiving salad recipes
Don't let the salad recipes be an afterthought for your Thanksgiving dinner, instead try these fun and unique ideas. The salad might just be the most popular thing on the table!
Kale Salad with Cranberries, Apples and Pecans
I mean, could you get more Thanksgiving ingredients into one recipe? I don't think so. Everyone will want to eat their salad when this is on the table.
Butternut Squash Salad
This salad is a great idea to get a butternut squash recipe on the menu for Thanksgiving dinner without taking up oven space. You can roast the squash ahead of time and pop it in the fridge, then just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan
With these ingredients, your Thanksgiving salad recipe will be a shining star on the buffet! The fall flavors, and the bright lemon dressing are the perfect counterpoint to the heavier dishes on the table.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Here's a unique idea for brussels sprouts showcasing their crisp texture. This is an especially easy Thanksgiving salad recipe if you are not hosting, but assigned to bring something, as you can make the components ahead and assemble right before dinner.
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Pears don't get enough love for Thanksgiving dinner, but here's a salad recipe that let's them truly shine! Their subtle sweetness is the perfect complement to the rich blue cheese, and romaine lettuce adds satisfying crunch.
Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing
This massaged kale salad recipe is a simple yet hearty option that captures the flavors of the season. All of the components can be prepped ahead of time!
Tricolore Salad
An easy Thanksgiving salad recipe, but make it Italian! A classic tricolore salad is made with winter greens like chicory and endive that are the perfect counterpoint to the cheesy, rich options on the menu.
Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese in Orange Vinaigrette
Who says Thanksgiving salads have to be made with lettuce? Oven roasted beets are added to orange vinaigrette while still warm so they absorb those yummy citrus flavors.
Thanksgiving dessert recipes
If you always want to start Thanksgiving dinner with the dessert recipes, I'm here for you with these easy ideas full of the best flavors the season has to offer. Whether it's pecans, pumpkin, or apples, these sweet treats will bring the smiles!
Thanksgiving pecan desserts
This is time of year when pecans really have their moment, but it doesn't all have to be pie. (But, of course, there's pie...)
Pecan Cream Cheese Pie
Pecan cream cheese pie is my family's all-time favorite Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and it's so easy you won't believe it! No mixer needed, and store-bought pie crust is fine!
Pecan Sandies
These little beauties are perfect medallions of crisp, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, and you don't have to chill the dough! They'll take you back to childhood, but salted butter and fancy sea salt on top appeals to your adult sensibilities.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This chocolate bourbon pecan pie takes one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes and puts it over the top, with melted chocolate, and bourbon that you can REALLY taste!
Pecan Bars
Like pie, but bite-sized and portable! They have all the gooey sweetness of pecan pie with the bonus of a shortbread crust, and they can be made up to 2 days ahead!
Cranberry Pecan Chocolate Bark
Talk about an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, just melt some chocolate and make the design of your choice on top with pecans, dried cranberries and orange zest. Also makes a great host/ess gift!
Pumpkin recipes
Pumpkin comes to mind for some of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes, but it can be used in more ways than you might think, check out these unique ideas.
Pumpkin brownies
Nothing wrong with a brownie layer on the bottom and some pumpkin cake on the top. Oh, and add another swirl of brownie just to be on the safe side!
Pumpkin scones
Flaky, loaded with pumpkin spice, and topped with a maple glaze, these pumpkin scones can be a Thanksgiving dessert, or have them with your morning coffee while you watch the parade. Or both.
Pumpkin cookies
A soft pumpkin cookie recipe that's not cakey is exactly what you need to keep both the kids and adults happy.
Apple Thanksgiving desserts
When it comes to easy Thanksgiving desserts recipes, apples are your best bet for classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Apple Galette
Like pie, but make it foolproof! An apple galette is like a freeform pie with no top crust. Low stress because it's made to be imperfect and rustic, and tastes amazing!
German apple cake
A cake that's almost too pretty to eat...but you can do it! Made with melted butter so you don't even need a mixer, and it's fun to bring a classic German recipe to Thanksgiving dinner to change things up!
Apple crisp
Apple crisp is one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes, filled with cozy warm spices. You can make the crisp oat topping ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for one less thing on your list on the big day.
Caramel apple upside down cake
Fear not, this apple upside down cake is made in a cast iron skillet and turns out perfectly every time. I promise!
Apple compote
Sometimes you want a lighter Thanksgiving dessert recipe that still gives you the fall feels—that's apple compote! Top it with ice cream or whipped cream, or don't! And it's gluten-free so everyone can enjoy it.
Gluten-free apple cake
This easy apple cake is gluten-free but it will satisfy everyone in the house. Made with cornmeal and ricotta, it's a twist on sernyk, a type of cheesecake found in Poland and Ukraine.
Thanksgiving side dishes recipes
Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes! Whether it's sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans or brussels sprouts, these side dish recipes will make this Thanksgiving dinner one to remember!
Green bean recipes
You gotta have a green beans recipe on the table for Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be that same old casserole. Try a salad or a lighter preparation that's still big on flavor.
Green beans amandine
It doesn't get more classic than this simple preparation of haricots verts (that's fancy French for skinny green beans) with browned butter and almonds.
Ottolenghi green bean salad
This Middle Eastern green bean salad is loaded with capers, garlic and fresh herbs. You can make it ahead, and it happens to be vegan and dairy-free!
Green bean salad with feta and mint
This is the easiest Thanksgiving side dish of all because: no cooking! Raw green beans and fresh tomatoes are tossed in a lemon vinaigrette with creamy feta.
Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potato recipes are great all year, but Thanksgiving dinner is when they're at their best! Try these ideas that use them in new ways!
Sweet Potato Gratin
Easy and cheesy, this sweet potato gratin recipe is well balanced with the sweetness of the potatoes and the creamy, savory sauce and cheese on top.
Savory Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chile Lime Cilantro Sauce and Yogurt
Trade the sweet mash for a spicy roast this year, with these heavenly sweet potatoes. An ultimate easy Thanksgiving recipe. No peeling, no mashing. Just chop 'em, roast 'em, and zip all the sauce ingredients together in a food processor.
Chipotle Sweet Potato Gratin
If you're looking to spice up your Thanksgiving side recipes, this one will do the trick. Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce add smoky spice, and melted Monterey Jack on top makes it a gooey and satisfying casserole.
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Thanksgiving potato recipes
Whether mashed or roasted, it's not Thanksgiving dinner without some potato recipes. All of these can be partially or fully made ahead, too!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These might be the silkiest mashed potatoes you've ever had in your life because they're made with olive oil! Only 4 ingredients, dairy-free, and vegan!
Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, tangy goat cheese puts a twist on everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipe. Parmesan gets golden brown and crispy on top for an added texture bonus!
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
All of this magic takes place on a sheet pan, so it's far less work than your average Thanksgiving potato recipe. The only prep required is cutting the potatoes in half!
Colcannon Mashed Potatoes
Bring a taste of Ireland and some added green veggies to your mashed potato situation! But don't worry—they're also loaded with butter and cream!
Carrot Recipes
Carrots are a great idea for Thanksgiving dinner side dishes because they cook quickly and can take on a variety of flavors. Experiment and try them in new ways!
Maple Glazed Carrots
This carrot recipe might be your new favorite because it doesn't take up any oven space! They cook on the stovetop in about 15 minutes, a little cider vinegar and crushed red pepper balances the sweetness of maple.
Cumin Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce
So simple! Just slice carrots in half and season with cumin, then let a sheet pan in the oven do the work while you whisk up a quick sauce! Cilantro adds freshness.
Brussels Sprouts recipes
Let's make brussels sprouts side dish recipes for Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will look forward to! Crispy and delicious, or roasted until they're melt-in-your-mouth tender, pick your favorite!
Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brussels sprouts whole is a revelation! Then bathe them in a honey-lime sauce and top with buttery dates and pistachios for sweetness and crunch.
Crispy Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts
These pan fried brussels sprouts are perfect for a Thanksgiving feast because they do not require any oven space! They also cook up lickety-split and only have 5 ingredients! I just made Thanksgiving so easy for you, you're welcome.
Thanksgiving squash recipes
What better represents the bounty of Thanksgiving than adding squash recipes to the dinner menu? Here's a cornucopia of fun and unique ideas!
Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
Volunteer to bring the side dish and make this! Simply roast the sliced acorn squash and the pecans in maple syrup and olive oil on a sheet pan until they're both candied and delicious. So easy!
Winter Squash Gratin
This creamy, cheesy squash gratin is a unique idea for Thanksgiving that puts a twist on those same old casserole ideas. You can use any kind of winter squash, and sage adds all that delicious fall flavor.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Yes you can make lasagna for Thanksgiving. Make it as a side dish, make it as a main dish. Just make it.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Red Onion, Tahini and Za'atar
This is a fantastic twist on a classic ingredient. So easy to make, you don't even have to peel the squash. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Add a little Middle-Eastern flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner recipes this year.
Vegetable side dishes
What about all the other vegetables you want for Thanksgiving dinner? These recipes are a little lighter but still bring all the holiday vibes.
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower
How many times do I have to say that a sheet pan is your best friend when it comes to side dish recipes that yield crispy veggies? Garlic and crushed red pepper add a sweet and slightly spicy kick.
Sautéed Beet Greens
Yes, you can eat beet greens. If you're looking for a fun and unique idea for Thanksgiving dinner side dishes, this is it! Cooks on the stovetop in just a few minutes.
Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Asparagus seems a little fancier so it's perfect for a holiday meal. Just 3 ingredients and cooks in 15 minutes, let this be the easy, effortless recipe you make while the turkey is resting.
Soup recipes
It's kind of elegant to start Thanksgiving dinner with a soup recipe, so try these ideas that feature traditional ingredients, and some fun, new twists.
Sweet Potato Soup with Bacon
Coconut milk makes this soup so creamy and complements the sweet potatoes. Bacon and sage keep it savory, perfectly balancing the flavors. You can make this ahead!
Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Brie
One of the easiest soups to make ever, because you use the water from cooking the cauliflower as the stock! Float a slice of brie on top for that indulgent holiday flavor you're craving!
Sweet Potato Corn Chowder
How about adding a dash of curry to the table for a new Thanksgiving dinner idea? Creamy, hearty, and filling, tastes even better if you make ahead!
Appetizer recipes for Thanksgiving
You've gotta have appetizers on Thanksgiving to keep everyone happy while they're waiting around for the main event—dinner! Try some unique ideas that use traditional ingredients in fun ways and all of them are make ahead recipes!
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Dip
Cheesy, creamy, these are Thanksgiving dinner themes, so let's apply them to the appetizers and add fan favorite roasted brussels sprouts to a delicious dip that everyone will be devouring!
Oven Roasted Nuts with Rosemary, Sage, and Crispy Garlic
Careful, these nuts are so good, you might just want to eat them for Thanksgiving dinner and call it a day. You never knew the joys of crispy fried herbs and lots and lots of crispy garlic chips until this mix came into your life. Bonus: you can make them ahead!
Pimento Cheese Dip
This is a classic southern appetizer with a new method that you can make in the food processor so it's easy peasy, and it's another Thanksgiving dinner recipe that you can make ahead!
Cornbread Madeleines
These little bite-sized beauties take cornbread to the next level by adding bacon, sun dried tomatoes and basil. Don't fill up before dinner!
Dill Pickle Dip
Three of my favorite things all combined into one appetizer recipe! Creamy, tangy, and ready in literally 5 minutes!
Radishes with Radish Leaf Butter
Take the crudité platter to the next level and lower food waste at the same time! Add blanched radish leaves to butter for a fresh, yet decadent dip.
Spiced Nuts
Ya gotta keep 'em happy while they're waiting for Thanksgiving dinner, and this sweet and spicy recipe will do the job nicely. Make a double batch. You won't be sorry.
Thanksgiving cocktail recipes
Cocktails may be the most important recipes for Thanksgiving dinner, so I guess I've saved the best for last! These cozy fall flavors will warm everyone up.
Hot Spiked Apple Cider
Hot spiked cider is quick and easy to make, just keep it warm in a slow cooker. I recommend serving the liquor on the side so both the kids and adults can enjoy a warm drink.
Maple Old Fashioned
Everything you love about a classic Old Fashioned cocktail, but believe it or not, less sweet when made with maple syrup instead of sugar. Tastes like Thanksgiving, but in cocktail form!
Mulled Wine
Nothing says the holidays like mulled wine! Make it with your favorite warm spices and let it simmer on the stove for a welcoming aroma when guests arrive.
Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier is a variation on a Negroni, made with bourbon so it's fit for the season. It's an easy batch cocktail to make ahead, too!
Hot Buttered Rum
A hot buttered rum is the stuff of legend with that buttery, smooth flavor. Make the spiced butter mixture ahead so all you have to do on Thanksgiving is boil water!
Negroni Sbagilato
It's a holiday so why not celebrate with a little bubbly? Add some Prosecco to a Negroni and there you have it! Fizzy fun!
Paper Plane Cocktail
It's an aperol cocktail that's not a spritz! Made with bourbon and one fancy liquor that's worth investing in for Thanksgiving cocktails and any holiday drink—amaro!
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