13 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Thanksgiving is a special time of year when families and friends come together to share a feast and celebrate gratitude. Every November, many people look forward to enjoying delicious food, creating lasting memories, and giving thanks for what they have. The main event of this celebration is, of course, the Thanksgiving dinner.

There are many dishes to choose from, but the classic turkey steals the show. If you want to impress your guests this year, I have compiled a list of the best recipes to make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable. I will share 13 delicious recipes that will help you create the perfect holiday meal.

1. Classic Roast Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups stuffing (optional)

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
4. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, making sure to cover the inside cavity too.
5. Place the onion and stuffing (if using) inside the turkey cavity.
6. Pour the turkey broth into the roasting pan.
7. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting it every hour with the juices from the pan.
8. Check if the turkey is done by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Serving suggestion

Serve the turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, alongside your favorite side dishes.

2. Savory Stuffing

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread (white or whole wheat), cubed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, and cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the sage and thyme, stirring to combine, and cook for another minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked vegetables, chicken broth, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serving suggestion

Serve the stuffing as a side dish alongside turkey and gravy.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes, and mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving suggestion

Serve the mashed potatoes warm, topped with extra butter or gravy.

4. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the baby carrots and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Drizzle the honey over the carrots, and stir to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender.

Serving suggestion

Serve the glazed carrots as a colorful side dish on your Thanksgiving table.

5. Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the green beans and half of the French-fried onions.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, then top with the remaining French fried onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving suggestion

Serve the casserole hot, as a comforting side dish.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Process

1. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst.
3. Remove from heat and add the orange zest if using. Let cool before serving.

Serving suggestion

Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature, as a tangy contrast to the savory dishes.

7. Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, spices, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, and beat until well combined. Stir in the evaporated milk.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.

Serving suggestion

Serve the pie with whipped cream on top for a classic dessert.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Process

1. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
3. Add the brown sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with mini marshmallows if desired.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Serving suggestion

Serve the casserole warm as a sweet and comforting side dish.

9. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, and stir in the cheddar cheese and mustard powder until melted.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, then pour into a greased baking dish.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Serving suggestion

Serve the mac and cheese hot, as a cheesy delight that kids and adults love.

10. Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the butternut squash and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the squash is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cream, and season with salt and pepper.

Serving suggestion

Serve the soup warm, garnished with a drizzle of cream.

11. Glazed Ham

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple juice

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, and apple juice.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes, until heated through.

Serving suggestion

Slice the ham and serve it with a side of your choice.

12. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the Brussels sprouts and sauté until tender and browned (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Add the bacon back to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.

Serving suggestion

Serve the Brussels sprouts warm, topped with the crispy bacon.

13. Pecan Pie

Ingredients

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until set.

Serving suggestion

Serve the pecan pie warm or at room temperature, possibly with whipped cream or ice cream.

These recipes will make your Thanksgiving dinner a memorable one. Each dish brings its unique flavor to the table, creating a meal that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!