10+ Thanksgiving Meal Recipes to Delight Your Family and Friends

Thanksgiving is a special time when family and friends gather to share a delicious meal and create lasting memories. You can turn your holiday dinner into a memorable feast with a variety of tasty Thanksgiving meal recipes. From traditional dishes to creative twists, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone’s taste.

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal can be a rewarding experience. With the right recipes in hand, you can easily whip up comforting favorites that will impress your guests.

Whether it’s the classic roast turkey, flavorful sides, or delightful desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

1) Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

A roast turkey with herb butter is a classic dish that can make your Thanksgiving extra special. This recipe features a blend of butter and fresh herbs, giving the turkey a wonderful flavor.

First, you’ll want to soften some unsalted butter. Mix in herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme to create a tasty herb butter.

Gently spread this mixture under the turkey skin. This adds moisture and flavor while the turkey cooks.

Roast the turkey at 325°F (165°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure it stays juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter with herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the herb butter underneath.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
5. Roast for about 3-4 hours, removing the foil during the last hour.
6. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

2) Classic Stuffing with Sage and Onion

Classic stuffing with sage and onion is a beloved part of Thanksgiving meals. The warm flavor of sage combined with soft, sautéed onions makes this dish comforting and delicious. You’ll find it pairs well with turkey and other holiday favorites.

To make this stuffing, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Fresh bread is usually used, along with onions, sage, celery, and broth. The combination creates a delightful texture and taste that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed bread
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion and celery; cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in sage, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine bread cubes with the mixture and add broth gradually.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.

3) Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic are a fantastic side dish for your Thanksgiving meal. They are rich, buttery, and full of flavor.

To make them, start with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture. Adding roasted garlic gives a wonderful depth to the dish.

Mix in butter and cream cheese for extra creaminess. You can also use sour cream for a tangy twist.

These mashed potatoes pair well with turkey and gravy, making them a must-have on your table.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 3/4 cup butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, roasted
• 1 cup half-and-half or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into quarters.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
4. Add butter, cream cheese, roasted garlic, and half-and-half.
5. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4) Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

Green bean casserole with crispy onions is a classic dish for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe combines tender green beans with creamy mushroom soup and crunchy French-fried onions on top.

You can use fresh or canned green beans. If you choose fresh beans, they should be steamed until tender. For a shortcut, canned beans work perfectly too.

The crispy onions add a delightful crunch to every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also a favorite among guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14.5 oz) green beans, drained or 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1.5 cups crispy French-fried onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soup, milk, and soy sauce.
3. Add the green beans to the mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Stir in 1 cup of crispy onions.
7. Top with the remaining onions.
8. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden.

5) Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Making homemade cranberry sauce is simple and rewarding. The addition of orange zest brings a bright flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

You will need fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice. Cooking these together creates a sweet and tangy sauce perfect for your Thanksgiving meal.

Start by combining the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan. Heat over medium until the sugar is dissolved.

Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will burst and create a thick sauce.

Add a bit of orange zest at the end for that extra citrus kick. Let it cool before serving.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
• Zest from 1 orange

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved.
3. Boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in orange zest.
5. Let cool before serving.

6) Butternut Squash Soup with Nutmeg

Butternut squash soup is a perfect dish for Thanksgiving. It’s creamy and comforting, making it a great start to your meal. Adding nutmeg brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and adds warmth.

You will only need a few ingredients to make this tasty soup. The rich flavor will impress your guests, and it’s simple to prepare. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you need it.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
4. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
5. Scoop the squash flesh into the pot with the broth and nutmeg.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes. Blend until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs

Baked macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has a crispy topping that adds the perfect crunch. This dish is simple to make and a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

You will need elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and some butter. For that delicious breadcrumb topping, panko crumbs work best. You can combine them with some melted butter, salt, and pepper for flavor.

To bake this dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After mixing everything together, pour it into a baking dish, sprinkle the topping, and bake until it’s golden brown and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups milk
• 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
5. Mix in cheese until melted.
6. Combine cheese sauce with drained macaroni.
7. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

8) Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping is a classic dish perfect for Thanksgiving. This recipe brings together the creamy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a delightful layer of melted marshmallows on top.

Start by baking your sweet potatoes until they are tender. Then, mash them and mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of butter. Spread this mixture in a baking dish and top it with fluffy marshmallows.

Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until the marshmallows are golden brown. This will add a delicious crunch and sweetness to every bite. It’s a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups marshmallows

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 45 minutes.
3. Mash sweet potatoes and mix with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
4. Spread mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown.

9) Pecan Pie with Maple Syrup Filling

Pecan pie with maple syrup is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The rich flavor of maple syrup adds a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with pecans.

To start, gather your ingredients. Mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined.

Once you’ve made the filling, stir in your chopped pecans. Then, pour this mixture into an unbaked pie crust and bake until the filling is set.

This pie bakes at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes, so keep an eye on it! Let it cool before slicing.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup (240 ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 g) butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (100 g) pecans, chopped or whole

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, and eggs.
3. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Add pecans to the mixture and combine well.
5. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until set.
7. Allow to cool before serving.

10) Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, loved for its smooth filling and warm spices. Topping it with cinnamon whipped cream adds a sweet twist that everyone will enjoy.

To make this pie, start with a simple pumpkin filling made from pumpkin puree, eggs, and spices. Then, bake it in a pie crust until set.

For the cinnamon whipped cream, just mix heavy cream with sugar and cinnamon. Then, whip it until it forms soft peaks and spread it over your cooled pie.

Serve this delicious dessert at your Thanksgiving table, and watch it disappear!

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes.
5. Let the pie cool completely.
6. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
7. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled pie before serving.