Thanksgiving is the ultimate celebration of comfort food — a time when kitchens fill with the aroma of roasted turkey, creamy casseroles, and sweet cranberry sauce. Whether you’re hosting the entire feast or simply bringing a dish to share, choosing the right recipes can make your day stress-free and unforgettable.
We’ve handpicked 25 of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes to help you build the perfect holiday menu. From traditional roasts to creative twists, these dishes bring warmth, color, and incredible flavor to your table.
Table of Contents
Main Dishes & Showstoppers
1. Roast Turkey
No Thanksgiving is complete without a golden, juicy roast turkey. This recipe walks you through every step — from seasoning the bird to achieving that perfect crispy skin and tender meat. The result is a show-stopping centerpiece that pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides.
2. Slow Cooker Amish Maple Turkey Breast
For smaller gatherings, this maple-glazed turkey breast is a lifesaver. The slow cooker does all the work while keeping the meat moist and tender. A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness and depth, creating a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen all day long.
3. Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
A bright and zesty twist on the classic turkey! The citrusy orange glaze combines with tart cranberries to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s elegant enough for your main course but simple enough to make midweek during the holiday season.
4. Cider-Brined Roast Chicken
Want a smaller, yet equally impressive main dish? This cider-brined roast chicken delivers juicy, tender meat infused with subtle apple flavor. The brine ensures every bite stays moist, while the roasted skin adds a golden, crisp finish — ideal for cozy Thanksgiving dinners.
5. Maple Glazed Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken
This dish combines everything you love about fall — maple syrup, sweet apples, and creamy brie — all wrapped inside tender chicken breasts. The result is a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors that tastes like gourmet comfort food made easy.
6. Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cranberries and oranges are a classic holiday pairing, and this chicken dish celebrates both. The tangy-sweet sauce caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, coating the chicken in a festive glaze that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s a must-try for anyone craving a lighter Thanksgiving entrée.
7. Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffed Shells
Leftovers get a major upgrade in this creative pasta bake. Jumbo shells are stuffed with creamy turkey filling, herbs, and a touch of cranberry for holiday flavor in every bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for post-Thanksgiving comfort meals.
Sides That Steal the Show
8. Thanksgiving Stuffing
Soft on the inside, golden on the outside — this classic stuffing captures everything you love about Thanksgiving. Fresh herbs, sautéed onions, and perfectly toasted bread come together in a fragrant, buttery casserole that’s pure comfort on a plate.
9. Slow Cooker Stuffing
This version frees up your oven and still delivers all the rich, savory flavor you expect from traditional stuffing. The slow cooker keeps it moist, while the seasonings infuse deep flavor. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it side for busy holiday cooks.
10. Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
A Southern classic that’s sweet, creamy, and utterly irresistible. Whipped sweet potatoes are blended with butter, maple syrup, and warm spices, then topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. One bite, and you’ll understand why this dish is a Thanksgiving favorite.
11. Crack Green Beans
These green beans are cooked in a mouthwatering mix of brown sugar, butter, and bacon, earning their “crack” name for a reason. They’re salty, sweet, and impossible to resist — the kind of side dish guests will ask for seconds of.
12. Green Bean Casserole
Creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions — it’s a Thanksgiving staple for a reason. This homemade version elevates the classic with a richer sauce and fresh ingredients that taste like love in every bite.
13. Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
This vibrant side dish balances the natural sweetness of honey with crisp-tender veggies. It adds a burst of color to your table while providing a lighter, healthier complement to your heavier main dishes.
14. Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
If you love set-it-and-forget-it recipes, this one’s for you. Carrots slowly cook in a buttery maple-brown sugar glaze until perfectly tender and caramelized. It’s the easiest way to make a side dish that feels like dessert.
15. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries come together in a festive, colorful dish that screams Thanksgiving. The filling is creamy yet tangy, offering a lovely contrast to savory mains. It’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious.
Salads & Appetizers to Start the Feast
16. Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad
Crisp apples, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts make this salad the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Drizzled with a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing way to balance your Thanksgiving spread and add brightness to the menu.
17. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Forget boring salads — this one’s hearty, flavorful, and full of texture. Roasted Brussels sprouts take on a toasty, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with Caesar dressing and shaved Parmesan. It’s an unexpected hit at any holiday gathering.
18. Pumpkin Patch Deviled Eggs
These festive deviled eggs are as fun as they are flavorful. With creamy filling and a cute pumpkin-inspired design, they make a charming appetizer that gets everyone in the holiday spirit.
19. Pumpkin Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin — what could be more perfect for Thanksgiving? Serve it with crackers or veggies for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that doubles as a table centerpiece.
20. Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread
Flaky, golden bread filled with gooey brie and tart cranberries — this pull-apart bread is a guaranteed crowd favorite. It’s warm, melty, and festive, making it perfect for sharing before the main meal.
21. Baked Arancini
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these baked risotto balls are the ultimate holiday appetizer. They’re elegant, bite-sized, and perfect for making ahead of time so you can relax on Thanksgiving Day.
Sauces, Sides & Extras That Complete the Meal
22. Best Ever Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tart, and bursting with flavor, this homemade cranberry sauce beats anything from a can. It takes just minutes to make and pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and even leftover sandwiches the next day.
23. Classic Thanksgiving Feast
Consider this your all-in-one Thanksgiving guide. This post gathers all your must-have recipes — from turkey and sides to sauces and desserts — so you can plan a balanced, stress-free holiday menu in one place.
24. Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls
These bite-sized delights take all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors — turkey, stuffing, and cranberry — and roll them into the perfect appetizer or snack. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re a fun and festive way to serve leftovers too.
25. Creamy Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A luxurious, cozy pasta dish that blends pumpkin puree with creamy ricotta and melted cheese. These stuffed shells are elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a family dinner — the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication.
Bring Comfort and Flavor to Your Thanksgiving Table
From golden roasts to creamy casseroles, these Best Thanksgiving Recipes capture the heart of the holiday season — family, flavor, and gratitude. Whether you’re a seasoned host or cooking your first Thanksgiving meal, these dishes will help you serve up warmth and happiness with every bite.
Don’t forget to pin your favorites for later and explore even more cozy fall recipes on SlowCookersRecipes.com — your home for easy, comforting, and unforgettable meals.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Recipes
What are the most popular Thanksgiving recipes?
The most popular Thanksgiving recipes include roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, classic stuffing, and homemade cranberry sauce. These timeless dishes form the heart of every traditional Thanksgiving menu and are loved for their comforting, familiar flavors.
How can I make my Thanksgiving dinner easier to prepare?
Planning ahead is key! Try slow cooker recipes and make-ahead dishes to save time and reduce stress on the big day. Recipes like Slow Cooker Stuffing or Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots let you prepare early and focus on the main course while the sides cook themselves.
What side dishes go best with turkey?
Turkey pairs beautifully with a mix of sweet and savory sides. Classic choices include Sweet Potato Casserole, Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad, Green Bean Casserole, and Best Ever Cranberry Sauce. These sides balance the richness of the turkey and bring color and variety to your plate.
Can I prepare Thanksgiving dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many Thanksgiving dishes taste even better when made a day or two in advance. Stuffing, cranberry sauce, casseroles, and desserts like pies or puddings reheat wonderfully and save you precious time on Thanksgiving morning.