12 Thanksgiving dishes recipes

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and gratitude.

Whether you’re hosting dinner or bringing a dish to share, these easy Thanksgiving recipes will make your table warm, inviting, and full of flavor.

From juicy turkey to sweet desserts, here are 12 simple Thanksgiving dishes everyone will love.

1. Classic Roast Turkey

A golden, juicy turkey that’s tender on the inside and crispy on the outside — the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10–14 lbs)

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp rosemary and thyme (each)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Rub the turkey with butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast 3–4 hours, basting occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

4. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup warm milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil peeled potatoes until soft.

2. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and sour cream.

3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve warm with gravy or herbs.

3. Savory Herb Stuffing

A warm, herby bread stuffing that pairs perfectly with turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed

• ½ cup butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp sage and thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.

2. Add herbs, bread cubes, and broth; toss well.

3. Transfer to a dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Creamy green beans baked with crispy fried onions on top.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 ½ cups fried onions

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix green beans, soup, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour into a dish and top with fried onions.

4. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan crumble.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 cup pecans + ¼ cup brown sugar for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

2. Spread into a baking dish.

3. Mix pecans and sugar, sprinkle on top.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

6. Cranberry Sauce

Sweet and tangy sauce that adds a festive touch to turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) cranberries

• 1 cup sugar

• ½ cup orange juice

• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

2. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.

3. Let cool before serving.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized sprouts that make a perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

3. Drizzle with maple syrup or glaze before serving.

8. Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a crunchy top.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and set aside.

2. In a pot, melt butter, stir in flour, and slowly whisk in milk.

3. Add cheese and stir until melted.

4. Mix with pasta, top with breadcrumbs, and bake 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

9. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Tender carrots coated in butter and honey for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp honey

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil or roast carrots until soft.

2. Melt butter and honey in a pan.

3. Toss carrots in the glaze and serve warm.

10. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for soaking up gravy.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2 tsp yeast

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit 10 minutes.

2. Add flour, butter, egg, and salt to form dough.

3. Let rise 1 hour, shape into rolls.

4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

11. Pumpkin Pie

The ultimate Thanksgiving dessert with warm spices and creamy filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree

• ¾ cup sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup cream

• 1 tsp cinnamon and nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients and pour into crust.

2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–55 minutes until set.

3. Cool and top with whipped cream.

12. Apple Crisp

Warm apples baked with a buttery oat crumble.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups sliced apples

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ cup oats

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter

Instructions:

1. Mix apples, sugar, and cinnamon; place in a dish.

2. Combine oats, brown sugar, and butter; sprinkle on top.

3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.

4. Serve warm with ice cream.

---

These 12 Thanksgiving recipes are simple, comforting, and full of flavor.

Each one brings warmth to the table and makes your holiday meal extra special.

Whether you’re cooking a full feast or contributing one dish, these recipes guarantee smiles all around.