Best Thanksgiving Recipes: Classic Turkey, Sides, and Dessert Guide
Thanksgiving is the ultimate cooking holiday, and planning the perfect menu can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned host or tackling your first bird, this guide to the Best Thanksgiving Recipes is your stress-free roadmap. We’ve rounded up 25 essential, top-rated recipes—from the main event (the turkey!) to the most beloved side dishes and classic desserts—to ensure your feast is memorable and delicious.
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The Main Event: Classic Turkey Recipes
The turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. Choosing the right method is key to a moist, flavorful bird.
The Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey:
A simple, time-tested recipe using butter, fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary), and lemon. The focus is on a high-heat start for crispy skin and a lower, slow finish for a juicy interior.
Easy Dry-Brined Turkey (The “Salted” Method):
The absolute best way to guarantee a tender, perfectly seasoned turkey without the mess of a wet brine. Requires salting the bird 2-3 days in advance.
Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey:
For a smoky twist on tradition, this recipe adds deep flavor and frees up oven space.
Essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes
🥔 Potatoes & Gravy
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This recipe will always give you the smoothest, butteriest mash. Some suggestions are to reheat the cream and use a potato ricer.
Make-Ahead Gravy
This rich, savoury gravy may be made days ahead of time with turkey necks or wings, which will save you a lot of time on the holiday.
🍞 Stuffing & Dressings
Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing
traditional, savory dressing made with bread, celery, onions, and lots of fresh sage. Includes a note on safety for cooking stuffing outside the bird.
Cornbread and Pecan Dressing
A Southern favorite with a slightly sweeter, crumblier texture and a satisfying crunch.
🥕 Vegetable Favorites
Best Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch)
Skip the canned soup! A homemade version with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried shallots.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
A decadent side that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert.
Simple Cranberry Sauce & Appetizer Recipes
Don’t forget the tangy balance of cranberry sauce and the easy bites to start the feast.
Quick 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
A simple, 15-minute recipe using fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest.
Easy Fall Cheese Board
An assembly guide for a beautiful and low-effort appetizer platter.
Must-Have Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
End the feast perfectly with these holiday sweets.
Flawless Pumpkin Pie
A guide to a classic, perfectly spiced pie with a flaky crust.
Apple Crumble Pie
A sweet and tart pie topped with a satisfyingly crunchy crumble.