10+ Good Recipes for Thanksgiving to Delight Your Guests

10+ Good Recipes for Thanksgiving to Delight Your Guests

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Thanksgiving is a special time for gathering with family and friends. Good recipes for a delightful Thanksgiving feast can make your celebration even more memorable. From traditional dishes to unique twists, the right recipes can bring everyone together around the table.

A festive table with a roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie

As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, consider the flavors and dishes that your loved ones enjoy most. With a mix of classics and new ideas, you can create a meal that everyone will remember.

1) Crisp-Skinned Roast Turkey

A golden brown roast turkey on a platter surrounded by herbs and garnishes

A crisp-skinned roast turkey is a delicious centerpiece for your Thanksgiving celebration. This recipe combines flavors and techniques to help you achieve a perfectly roasted bird.

Start by brining your turkey to enhance its juiciness. A simple seasoning of salt and herbs can also lift the flavor.

When it’s time to roast, brush the turkey with melted butter to create that crunchy skin. Roast it at 450°F (232°C) for the first 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C).

Baste occasionally to keep the meat moist and tasty. This method creates a golden skin that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt
  • Fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brine the turkey overnight with salt and water.
  2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  3. Brush the turkey with melted butter.
  4. Roast for 30 minutes.
  5. Lower the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  6. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes until cooked through.

2) Pecan Pie

A rustic kitchen table set with a freshly baked pecan pie, surrounded by ingredients like pecans, sugar, and eggs

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that many people enjoy for Thanksgiving. Its rich, sweet filling pairs perfectly with the buttery crust. This pie is not only delicious but also easy to make.

To prepare your pecan pie, you will need some shelled pecans, eggs, dark corn syrup, and sugar. This combination creates a wonderful texture and flavor that makes this pie a favorite.

Make sure to bake it until it’s golden brown. Serve it warm or at room temperature. It can also be topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups shelled pecans
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions

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

3) Sweet Potato Casserole

A table set with a steaming sweet potato casserole surrounded by fall-themed decor and serving dishes

Sweet potato casserole is a delicious dish that many families love for Thanksgiving. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a wonderful texture. The topping often includes crunchy pecans or marshmallows, adding a nice contrast to the softness of the sweet potatoes.

To make this dish, you will need some basic ingredients. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This makes it a great choice if you want to save time on the big day.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup pecans or marshmallows for topping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
  4. Top with pecans or marshmallows.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

4) Crispy Baked Boursin with Cranberry Sauce

A golden-brown wheel of Boursin cheese sits on a platter, topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce, surrounded by festive garnishes

Looking for a tasty appetizer for Thanksgiving? Crispy Baked Boursin with Cranberry Sauce is a fantastic choice. This dish combines creamy cheese with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.

To make this dish, you need Boursin cheese, which you can find in most grocery stores. Bake it until golden brown for a wonderful warm texture.

Serve it with toasted bread or crackers for dipping. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends at the gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 round of Boursin cheese
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • Crackers or toasted bread

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the Boursin cheese on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Serve warm with cranberry sauce and your choice of crackers or bread.

5) Carbonara Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes being stirred with crispy bacon and parmesan, topped with fresh parsley

Carbonara Mashed Potatoes bring a twist to your Thanksgiving feast. This dish combines creamy Yukon gold potatoes with crispy pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that mimics the classic flavors of carbonara pasta.

The addition of black pepper gives it a little kick. These mashed potatoes are rich, cheesy, and perfect as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with turkey or any savory main course.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz pancetta, cooked until crispy
  • 2 egg yolks
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  3. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
  4. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolks.
  5. Mix in the crispy pancetta and season with black pepper.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

6) Green Bean Casserole

A steaming green bean casserole sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by autumn leaves and pumpkins, ready for a Thanksgiving feast

Green Bean Casserole is a holiday favorite. It’s rich and creamy with a nice crunch on top. This dish is simple to make and a perfect side for Thanksgiving.

You can use fresh or canned green beans. Many people love to add crispy fried onions for extra flavor. Mixing in some mushrooms or cheese can make it even better.

You can also try a healthier version without canned soup. This version uses fresh ingredients and tastes great. No matter how you make it, your family will love it.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound green beans (fresh or canned)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup fried onions
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the green beans, mushroom soup, and milk.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
  5. Top with fried onions and cheese if using.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

7) Pumpkin Pie

A rustic kitchen with a warm, golden-hued pumpkin pie cooling on a wooden table, surrounded by autumnal spices and ingredients

Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert for Thanksgiving. Its creamy filling and warm spices make it a favorite. You can enjoy it with whipped cream or even a caramel pecan topping.

To make a smooth filling, start with canned pumpkin. This saves time and still tastes great. Mixing it with sweetened condensed milk gives it a nice sweetness.

You can use a store-bought crust or make your own for an extra touch. Bake it until it’s set and the edges are golden brown.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices.
  3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes.
  5. Let it cool before serving. Enjoy!

8) Sausage and Sage Stuffing

A rustic table set with a steaming dish of sausage and sage stuffing, surrounded by autumn leaves and flickering candles

Sausage and sage stuffing is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of savory sausage and fragrant sage makes it full of flavor. This stuffing pairs beautifully with turkey and enhances your holiday feast.

You can use store-bought bread cubes or make your own from sliced bread. Adding onions and celery gives the stuffing a nice texture and taste.

To make it even richer, consider adding some chicken broth. This will keep the stuffing moist while it bakes.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 cups bread cubes
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
  3. Add onions and celery, cooking until they soften.
  4. In a bowl, combine sausage mixture with bread cubes and sage.
  5. Stir in chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
  6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

9) Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A platter of golden roasted Brussels sprouts surrounded by colorful fall leaves and gourds, with a warm, inviting ambiance

Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table. Their crispy texture and rich flavor can impress your guests. You can add fun ingredients like balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for a sweeter touch.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

For extra flavor, you can mix in cranberries or pecans before serving. This simple side dish complements any turkey or festive dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: balsamic vinegar or maple syrup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
  3. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm, adding optional ingredients if desired.

10) Cornbread Dressing

A rustic kitchen table set with a steaming pan of golden brown cornbread dressing, surrounded by festive Thanksgiving decor

Cornbread dressing is a classic dish for Thanksgiving. It adds a delicious, savory flavor to your meal. Made with crumbled cornbread, it’s a comforting side that everyone loves.

To start, use about three cups of crumbled cornbread. Mix in some chopped onion and celery for added flavor. You can also add herbs like sage for a traditional touch.

For moisture, combine the crumbled bread with turkey or chicken broth. Add a couple of beaten eggs to bind everything together. This will help create a soft and flavorful dressing.

Bake the mixture in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cornbread, crumbled
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2-3 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the crumbled cornbread, onion, celery, and herbs.
  3. Add the broth and beaten eggs to the mixture.
  4. Stir well and pour into a greased baking dish.
  5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

Similar Posts