45 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Herb-Roasted Turkey

This classic herb-roasted turkey is the centerpiece of any traditional Thanksgiving dinner, offering a juicy and flavorful main course that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups chicken broth

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
3. In a small bowl, combine butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and rub the herb butter mixture under it and all over the turkey.
5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters.
6. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Cranberry-Orange Sauce

Brighten up your Thanksgiving menu with this tangy cranberry-orange sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Cooking method:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in orange zest and let cool before serving.

Pumpkin Sage Risotto

This creamy pumpkin sage risotto provides a savory twist on classic Thanksgiving sides.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree and sage, continuing to cook until rice is creamy and tender.
5. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory maple-glazed carrots are a vibrant and delicious addition to any Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Spread carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until caramelized and tender.

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffing-stuffed mushrooms are a creative appetizer that combines the essence of Thanksgiving stuffing in bite-sized form.

Ingredients:

• 24 large mushroom caps
• 2 cups prepared stuffing
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean mushroom caps and remove stems.
3. Fill each mushroom cap with a spoonful of prepared stuffing.
4. Arrange mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger

Warm up your guests with this creamy and aromatic butternut squash soup, enhanced with a touch of ginger.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add onion and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add cubed butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars offer a convenient, handheld version of the traditional dessert, perfect for a sweet ending to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl and press into the bottom of a baking pan.
3. Bake crust for 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
5. Pour pecan mixture over baked crust and return to oven.
6. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chives

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes, topped with fresh chives, are a comforting side dish that complements any Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Cooking method:

1. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and return to pot.
3. Add garlic, heavy cream, and butter, and mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in chives before serving.

Honey-Glazed Ham

A sweet and savory honey-glazed ham makes a magnificent and flavorful centerpiece for any Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• Cloves for studding (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves, if desired.
3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
4. Brush glaze over ham.
5. Place ham in a roasting pan and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until warmed through.
6. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

This bourbon-infused sweet potato casserole is topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes, drain and mash.
3. Mix in brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla, half of the butter, and salt.
4. Spread into a baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, white sugar, and remaining butter to form a crumbly mixture.
6. Sprinkle pecan mixture over sweet potatoes.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.