30 Thanksgiving Recipes to Make Your Holiday Memorable

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. To make your holiday truly special, here are 30 recipes that will make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable. Each recipe is detailed with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Appetizers

1. Classic Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Steps:

• Boil the eggs until hard-boiled, then cool and peel them.
• Slice the eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks.
• Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.
• Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the yolk mixture for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.

2. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked spinach
• 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
• Serve warm with crackers or bread.

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for a richer, more melty texture.

Main Dishes

3. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Pat the turkey dry and season the cavity with salt and pepper.
• Mix butter with herbs and spread it under the turkey skin.
• Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan and pour chicken broth into the pan.
• Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
• Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Tip: Let the turkey brine overnight in a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs for juicier, more flavorful meat.

4. Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F.
• Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
• Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves in a bowl.
• Brush the glaze over the ham and cover with foil.
• Bake for 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Side Dishes

Tip: Score the ham deeply and insert whole cloves into the diamond cuts for an aromatic, festive touch.

5. Classic Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 10 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Sauté celery and onion in butter until soft.
• In a large bowl, mix bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, and poultry seasoning.
• Add chicken broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
• Transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Tip: Use a mix of sourdough and cornbread for the bread cubes to add depth and texture.

6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
• Mash the potatoes with butter, cream, and garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot.

Desserts

Tip: Roast the garlic cloves before mashing them into the potatoes for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.

7. Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• In a bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, spices, eggs, and milk.
• Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool before serving.

Tip: Blind-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.

8. Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Arrange apples in a baking dish.
• Mix brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, and cinnamon to make a crumbly topping.
• Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Tip: Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Top with mini marshmallows.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden.

Tip: Toast the marshmallows under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking for a gooey, golden finish.

10. Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 cups cooked green beans
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Mix cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl.
• Stir in green beans and half of the fried onions.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
• Top with the remaining fried onions.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Tip: Sauté fresh mushrooms and mix them into the casserole for an extra layer of umami flavor.

11. Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Steps:

• Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens.
• Stir in orange zest if desired.
• Let it cool before serving.

Tip: Add a splash of orange juice or a splash of bourbon for a citrusy or boozy twist.

12. Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• Stir in milk, melted butter, and egg until combined.
• Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Tip: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapeños for a savory, spicy variation.

13. Maple Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Boil the carrots until tender, then drain.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Toss the carrots in the glaze and cook for 5 minutes.

Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy flavor combination.

14. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with bacon.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Tip: Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for added tanginess.

15. Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
• Roll out the dough and cut into rounds.
• Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Tip: Freeze the butter and grate it into the flour mixture for flakier, more tender biscuits.

16. Turkey Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups turkey drippings
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually add turkey drippings while whisking.
• Cook until thickened.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Deglaze the roasting pan with white wine or apple cider before making the gravy for extra depth.

17. Roasted Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Toss squash with olive oil, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Tip: Toss the squash with a tablespoon of maple syrup before roasting for a caramelized finish.

18. Herb Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons rosemary
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tip: Parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting to ensure a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

19. Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 10 cups bread cubes
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Steps:

• Cook sausage in a skillet until browned.
• Add apple, celery, and onion, cooking until soft.
• In a bowl, mix bread cubes, sausage mixture, and poultry seasoning.
• Gradually add chicken broth until moist.
• Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Tip: Use a mix of sweet and savory sausage for a more complex flavor profile.

20. Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a bowl, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
• Stir in pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set.
• Let cool before serving.

Tip: Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

21. Roasted Acorn Squash

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Place cut side up on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 50-60 minutes or until tender.

Tip: Drizzle the roasted squash with a bit of honey and sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.

22. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Steam the broccoli until tender and drain.
• In a bowl, mix soup, cheese, and mayonnaise.
• Combine the mixture with the broccoli and transfer to a baking dish.
• Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Tip: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick that complements the cheese.

23. Honey Butter Rolls

Ingredients:

• 12 dinner rolls
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Arrange dinner rolls on a baking sheet.
• Mix melted butter and honey, then brush over the rolls.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Tip: Brush the rolls with extra honey butter as soon as they come out of the oven for a glossy, sweet finish.

24. Garlic Herb Buttered Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1 pound button mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in mushrooms and thyme, cooking until tender.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

25. Spiced Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced

Steps:

• Combine cider, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and orange slices in a pot.
• Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
• Strain and serve warm.

Tip: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly version.

26. Classic Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Cook macaroni until al dente and drain.
• Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour.
• Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened.
• Stir in cheeses, salt, and pepper until melted.
• Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and serve.

Tip: Stir in a teaspoon of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce for a more complex cheese flavor.

27. Herb-Crusted Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Place salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet.
• Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Brush the salmon with olive oil and press the breadcrumb mixture onto each fillet.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust.

28. Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 cup of cream until warm and pour over chocolate chips.
• Stir until melted and smooth, then let cool.
• Whip the remaining cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
• Fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture.
• Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Tip: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor.

29. Cranberry Walnut Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Arrange greens in a large bowl.
• Top with cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese.
• Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Toss and season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Toss the walnuts with a bit of honey and cinnamon before toasting for a sweet, spiced crunch.

30. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
• Pour the mixture over the crust.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until set.
• Let cool and chill before serving.

Tip: Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks and ensure a silky-smooth texture.

Conclusion

These 30 recipes cover all the essential elements of a memorable Thanksgiving feast. From starters and sides to show-stopping mains and decadent desserts, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to enhance your celebration. Enjoy creating a table filled with warmth, gratitude, and delicious food. Happy Thanksgiving!