The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (2024)

Table of Contents
Table of Contents Appetizers Favorite Southern Pimento Cheese Ball Honey Spiced Pecans Best Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs Easy Italian Marinated Olives Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle BEST Creole Sausage Balls Homestyle Deviled Eggs Southern Cheese Straws Drinks Spiced Caramel Apple Cider in Your Crock Pot Sparkling Rosemary Apple Cider Ruby Grapefruit Punch Apple Spice Mint Tea with Blackberries Pumpkin Mocha Coffee Creamer Salads Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing Cranberry Jello Salad Apple, Cheese, Celery Salad Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Century Sauce Strawberry Jello Salad: A Southern Tradition Southern Macaroni Salad Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Strawberries Side Dishes Southern Chicken and Dressing Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (no canned soup) Louisiana Dirty Rice Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Fried Cinnamon Apples Southern Cornbread Pudding Southern Oyster Dressing Sausage Apple Cranberry Dressing Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Soup Garlic Honey Glazed Carrots Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese Homemade Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese Parmesan Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes Easy, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (no canned soup) Main Dishes Cranberry Bacon Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Collard Greens Creole Roasted Turkey Breast Southern Pecan Crusted Ham Holiday Prime Rib Pineapple Mustard Glazed Ham Breads & Butters Cranberry Holiday Butter Whipped Pumpkin Honey Butter Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread Savory Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits Shortcut Pull Apart Rolls Desserts Southern Salted Caramel Cake No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bites Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie with Molasses Bourbon Whipped Cream Cozy Apple Pear Crisp Classic Louisiana Pralines Pumpkin Butterscotch Dip Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie Best Ever Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Gooey Black Bottom Pecan Pie Brownies Pumpkin Chocolate Delight with Pretzel Crust FAQs References

by Stacey Updated: Nov 20, 2023

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This is your ultimate Thanksgiving Menu Guide- all the Thanksgiving recipes you need in one, convenient place! Categorized with an easy table of contents that lets you browse side dishes, appetizers, main dishes, breads and butters, drinks, salads and desserts, everything you need to whip up and serve your Thanksgiving dinner has been organized and put right at your finger tips!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (2)

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, the hundredth time or bringing a special side dish or dessert, this list of Thanksgiving recipes is your new best friend!

Be Thanksgiving Ready: How to Set An Inviting Buffet Table, Cozy Thanksgiving Table with Copper

Find all the Thanksgiving classics– like Chicken and Dressing, Sweet Potato Casseroles with Pecan or Marshmallow Toppings, Green Bean Casserole, even Ambrosia and Jello Salads, plus a few new dishes your friends and family are sure to enjoy- organized and ready to make your Thanksgiving preparations simple and convenient!

Table of Contents

  • Appetizers
  • Drinks
  • Salads
  • Side Dishes
  • Main Dishes
  • Desserts

Appetizers

TIP: No matter at what time you are serving your Thanksgiving meal, your family and friends will love a little bite or two to nibble as they wait. Nothing invites gathering ’round, settling in and catching up like a seasonal appetizer or two.

Consider that guests will eat 2-3 finger food servings before a m. This will help you decide how many appetizers and how much of each you will need to make.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (3)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (4)

Favorite Southern Pimento Cheese Ball

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (5)

Honey Spiced Pecans

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (6)

Best Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (7)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (8)

Easy Italian Marinated Olives

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (9)

Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Drizzle

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (10)

BEST Creole Sausage Balls

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (11)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (12)

Homestyle Deviled Eggs

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (13)

Southern Cheese Straws

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (14)

Drinks

TIP: Having a signature drink for the day is one way to make this Thanksgiving stand out from all the rest. Serve these sippers with your apps or save the hot drinks for dessert! Either way, your guests will feel special.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (15)

Spiced Caramel Apple Cider in Your Crock Pot

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (16)

Sparkling Rosemary Apple Cider

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (17)

Ruby Grapefruit Punch

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (19)

Pumpkin Mocha Coffee Creamer

Salads

TIP: No southern table is complete without a fruit salad. This year, mix it up and throw a green salad in there too. With all of the rich, starchier holiday sides, your guests will love the balance!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (20)

Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (21)

Cranberry Jello Salad

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (22)

Apple, Cheese, Celery Salad

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (23)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (24)

Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Century Sauce

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (25)

Strawberry Jello Salad: A Southern Tradition

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (26)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (27)

Southern Macaroni Salad

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (28)

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Strawberries

Side Dishes

TIP: We all have our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes (Isn’t Thanksgiving really all about the sides anyway?). Whether you’re wanting to recreate a family favorite or looking for something special that will fit in with what your family expects, there’s always room on the Thanksgiving table for another side dish. To create a delicious meal, consider including different colors and textures when choosing side dishes.

Learn 3 Tips for Successfully Adding New Foods to You Holiday Meal here.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (29)

Southern Chicken and Dressing

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (30)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (31)

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole (no canned soup)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (32)

Louisiana Dirty Rice

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (33)

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (34)

Fried Cinnamon Apples

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (36)

Southern Cornbread Pudding

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (37)

Southern Oyster Dressing

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (38)

Sausage Apple Cranberry Dressing

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (39)

Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (40)

Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Soup

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (41)

Garlic Honey Glazed Carrots

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (42)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (43)

Southern Pimento Mac and Cheese

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (44)

Homemade Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (45)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (46)

Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (47)

Parmesan Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (48)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (49)

Ultimate Scalloped Potatoes

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (50)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (51)

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (52)

Easy, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (no canned soup)

Main Dishes

Tip: A bone-in turkey breast or pork tenderloin is a great option for small gatherings or when you need extra but not enough to cook a whole ham or turkey.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (53)

Cranberry Bacon Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Collard Greens

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (54)

Creole Roasted Turkey Breast

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (55)

Southern Pecan Crusted Ham

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (56)

Holiday Prime Rib

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (57)

Pineapple Mustard Glazed Ham

Breads & Butters

TIP: A little extra special touch here is another one of those details that can really set this year apart from others! Want to bring a fun hostess gift? Make one of these easy whipped butters. They make a wonderful, thoughtful surprise!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (58)

Cranberry Holiday Butter

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (59)

Whipped Pumpkin Honey Butter

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (60)

Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (61)

Savory Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (62)

Shortcut Pull Apart Rolls

Desserts

TIP: My go-to dessert rule is to serve something that’s easy to pick up and nibble, like cookies, bars or a candy, along with the main dessert, like a cake or a pie. This is a great option for kids and for that someone who just wants “a little something sweet,” but not a whole serving of dessert. Also, as the evening wears on, everyone loves a grab a little sweet treat to snack on!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (63)

Southern Salted Caramel Cake

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (64)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Bites

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (65)

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (66)

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (67)

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie with Molasses Bourbon Whipped Cream

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (68)

Cozy Apple Pear Crisp

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (69)

Classic Louisiana Pralines

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (70)

Pumpkin Butterscotch Dip

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (71)

Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (72)

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (73)

Best Ever Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (74)

Gooey Black Bottom Pecan Pie Brownies

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (75)

Pumpkin Chocolate Delight with Pretzel Crust

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Recipe Guide (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients for Thanksgiving essential? ›

  • Turkey.
  • Gravy.
  • Potatoes.
  • Cranberry Sauce.
  • Stuffing.
  • Something Orange.
  • Green & Snappy Vegetables.
  • Pies.
Nov 12, 2013

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

These tips, tricks and timesavers can be a Thanksgiving host's saving grace.
  1. Pick the menu early. Don't leave menu planning and shopping to the last minute. ...
  2. Brine your bird. ...
  3. Start prep work a few days before Thanksgiving. ...
  4. Serve batched co*cktails. ...
  5. Create simple centerpieces.
Nov 1, 2023

What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›

Stuffing. Good stuffing is key to a successful Thanksgiving dinner. At its simplest, stuffing is seasoned bread cubes mixed with onions and herbs. The stuffing is traditionally baked inside the bird but can also be baked in a separate baking dish.

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Here are the top 10 most popular Thanksgiving foods you'll likely see at every celebration.
  • Turkey. Turkey is a symbol of Thanksgiving, and it's hard to imagine the holiday without it. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Dinner Rolls. ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Pumpkin Pie. ...
  • Stuffing.
Oct 26, 2022

When should I start the mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving? ›

You can make the mashed potatoes a few hours before dinner, and then keep them warm on the stovetop. When you should start cooking: A couple hours before dinnertime.

Can you cook turkey and stuffing at the same time? ›

Cooking the Thanksgiving meal doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Take, for instance, our recipe for One-Pan Turkey Breast and Stuffing with parsley-pomegranate sauce. With this recipe, the turkey and stuffing cook together in the same roasting pan.

What is the most popular side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What am I forgetting for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

All the Things I Forget to Have on Hand When Hosting Thanksgiving (But Not This Year)
  • Clothespins. ...
  • Ketchup. ...
  • Paper napkins. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Nondairy creamer.
Nov 17, 2023

What is a classic Thanksgiving menu? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie.

Why is turkey eaten on Thanksgiving? ›

Thanksgiving-type celebrations were common at the turn of the 19th century with many opting to put a turkey on the table instead of slaughtering a useful animal like a hen or cow that was producing other needed products, according to Britannica. Turkeys at the time, and still today, were raised to be meat birds.

Are deviled eggs a Thanksgiving food? ›

One popular Thanksgiving starter, deviled eggs, took the form we currently know around the same period, though they've been around in other forms for thousands of years.

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

The meal usually has turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pies, but many feasts differ between families and cultures. What is your family's traditional Thanksgiving dinner?

What spices do you need for Thanksgiving? ›

Flavorful herbs and spices such as sage, nutmeg, bay leaves, thyme and cloves not only enhance your holiday meal, but they also can provide some additional health benefits.

References

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