How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner
Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, the secret to a stress-free feast is all in the planning. With a few make-ahead recipes, the right prep schedule, and a solid menu plan, you can host Thanksgiving and still enjoy it.
This collection brings together some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes — from drinks and appetizers to mains, sides, and desserts — along with my tried-and-tested tips for pulling off the day without losing your mind (or your gravy).
A list of my fall favorites is below — because if you’re like me, you’ll want to make them all.
Thanksgiving, for me, is about sharing good food with people I love. It’s about gratitude, messy kitchens, and that warm moment when everyone sits down together.
If you’ve ever had your mashed potatoes turn to glue or realized too late you forgot the cranberry sauce — I promise, you’re not alone.
📝 Tips for Planning the Best Thanksgiving Dinner
I’ve learned to love hosting because I’ve learned to plan. Here’s how I make it all work — solo, small family, or big crowd.
1. Start with a Smart Plan
- Plan your menu first, shop later. This keeps you from overbuying or forgetting key ingredients.
- Count your guests. Always plan for two extra servings — running out of food is worse than leftovers.
- Stick to one style or theme. Don’t mix wildly different cuisines (like French appetizers with Middle Eastern mains). Cohesive flavors make everything taste intentional.
2. Choose Recipes That Work for You
- Pick dishes you’ve already mastered — Thanksgiving isn’t the day for new experiments.
- Go for make-ahead recipes: side dishes, desserts, and appetizers that hold up beautifully.
- If you’re a beginner, stick to easy wins. If you’re experienced, challenge yourself with one or two new dishes, not ten.
3. Mix Up Flavors and Textures
A good Thanksgiving spread should be a mix of roasted, mashed, crisp, and creamy.
- Don’t repeat the same main ingredients — one lamb or beef dish is plenty.
- Pair rich dishes with something fresh or light: roasted meats + crisp salads, mashed sides + crunchy veggies.
- Add color! Vibrant salads and garnishes make the whole table pop.
4. Think of Everyone at the Table
- Take into account allergies or dietary preferences (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free).
- Add healthy swaps where possible — roasted squash instead of mashed potatoes, yogurt for sour cream, honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
5. Don’t Forget the “Extras”
- Salads and condiments add texture, freshness, and brightness.
- Bread can be made or bought ahead — rolls, challah, or cornbread.
- Drinks and appetizers are your secret weapon for keeping guests happy while you finish the mains.
6. For Small Families
If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd (like my family of four), skip the giant turkey.
- Try a roast chicken, turkey breast, or small beef/lamb roast instead.
- They cook faster, fit in your oven, and won’t leave you eating leftovers for a month.
7. Timing Is Everything
Do as much prep as possible the day before.
Leave yourself at least an hour before guests arrive to relax, get dressed, and light a candle.
Trust me — being calm and smiling when the doorbell rings is more impressive than any fancy side dish.
🧺 Popular Ingredients to Stock Up On
Here’s my Thanksgiving shopping list — the staples that make or break the holiday table:
🧈 Butter – Adds flavor, color, and keeps meat moist.
🧄 Garlic, onion, ginger – Build flavor in every dish.
🌿 Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, parsley, and sage.
🍠 Potatoes & sweet potatoes – Mashed, roasted, or baked — they’re must-haves.
🥕 Vegetables – Green beans, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, mushrooms, cauliflower.
🍞 Bread & cornmeal – For stuffing or homemade cornbread.
🥧 Pumpkin puree, apples, pecans – For pies, tarts, and desserts.
🍋 Vanilla, orange, lemon zest – Add depth to desserts and drinks.
🦃 Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
Here are three menu combinations that cover everything — from drinks to dessert.
You can mix and match depending on your family size and cooking style.
Menu 1
Drinks – Cranberry margarita, wine
Appetizer – Roasted red pepper goat cheese crostini
Salad – Make-ahead cherry tomato mozzarella salad
Main-course – Roast turkey & Beef in red wine
Side dish – Mashed potatoes, oven-baked carrot sticks, and corn fritters
Condiments – Cranberry sauce, red pepper tamponade, roasted garlic
Bread – Pumpkin dinner rolls and whole wheat walnut raisin bread
Dessert – Apple pie and chocolate chip pumpkin cake
Aperitif or after-dinner drinks – Baileys, Butterscotch baileys or bailey’s chocolate martini, pumpkin spice latte, chai spice latte, hot chocolate (kids)
Menu 2
Drinks – Strawberry vodka cocktail, wine
Appetizer – Roasted red pepper goat cheese crostini
Salad – Make-ahead cranberry cabbage salad,
Main-course – Roast leg of lamb & chicken in mushroom sauce
Side dish – Butternut squash fries, Crispy garlic roasted potatoes, sauteed sesame green beans
Condiments – cranberry sauce, red pepper tamponade, roasted garlic,
Bread – Braided challah and skillet buttermilk cornbread
Dessert – Pecan pie and Caramel apple cake
Aperitif or after-dinner drinks – Baileys, Butterscotch baileys or bailey’s chocolate martini, pumpkin spice latte, chai spice latte, hot chocolate (kids)
Menu 3
Drinks – Strawberry vodka cocktail, wine
Appetizer – Roasted red pepper goat cheese crostini
Salad – Make-ahead celery salad
Main-course – Roast Chicken & Beef Burgundy
Side dish – Lemon dill roasted potatoes, carrot zucchini fritters, sauteed asparagus
Condiments – Cranberry sauce, red pepper tamponade, roasted garlic,
Bread – Soft dinner rolls and no-knead crusty bread OR Cloverleaf rolls and no-knead beer bread
Dessert
Apple crumble pie and pumpkin cake or pumpkin souffle Or Pumpkin pie and pecan blondies or pecan pie brownies
Aperitif or after-dinner drinks –
Baileys, Butterscotch baileys or bailey’s chocolate martini, pumpkin spice latte, chai spice latte, hot chocolate (kids)
1. Thanksgiving drinks recipes
Cocktails are a great way to start before dinner. Then, move on to wine for dinner. Most importantly, choose wines that will complement the main course you are cooking. Often, the wine seller will be able to guide you on what wine is best to serve with your course. That is why planning becomes very critical.
1
Cranberry Margarita
Did you know that cranberry juice mixed with a little alcohol makes such a wonderful combination together? This cranberry margarita needs only 4 ingredients but a few of these around can help bring your party to life.
View recipe
2
Strawberry Vodka Cocktail
A simple strawberry vodka cocktail can give you a great new way to enjoy a favorite drink. It is a drink that combines strawberry puree, vodka, and citrus juice. This is a more alcoholic version of the strawberry daiquiri, a simple, fruity cocktail.
View recipe
2. Thanksgiving appetizers
When choosing appetizers, pick things that are light as compared to filling. Also, avoid spicy, or very strong flavors that will contradict the meal.
3
Spinach Three Cheese Puff Pastry Turnovers
These flaky, golden turnovers are filled with a rich three-cheese blend — creamy goat cheese, melty Gruyère, and sharp Parmesan — mixed with spinach for a pop of flavor and color.They’re easy to make, freeze beautifully, and make the kind of appetizer that disappears before you even sit down.
View recipe
4
Swiss Chard Kale Parcels
Delight in these elegant, crispy, golden-perfection mini Swiss chard kale filo parcels. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for entertaining and offer a delicious and nutritious treat that will impress any guest.
View recipe
5
Spanakopita Traingles
If you’re looking to treat your taste buds with a dish that harnesses the flavors of the Mediterranean, try these spanakopita triangles. Perfect savory appetizer or light snack, made with a creamy, cheesy spinach-feta filling and buttery layers of phyllo pastry.
View recipe
6
Roasted Red Peppers Goat Cheese Crostini
Roasted red pepper and goat cheese crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer with a flavorful punch. The sweet, smoky roasted red peppers perfectly complement the tangy goat cheese, while the crispy baguette provides a satisfying crunch. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a light and flavorful snack.
View recipe
7
Roasted Red Pepper Dip and Spread
Indulge in the rich flavors of this roasted red pepper dip, elevated with the aromatic essence of roasted garlic. The sweetness of the red peppers melds beautifully with the mellow, caramelized notes of the garlic, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Versatile and full of depth, this dip is perfect for spreading on crusty bread, dipping with crunchy vegetables, or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
View recipe
3. Thanksgiving salads
Personally, I choose salads that I can make ahead of time and ones that will stay well as leftovers. That way, there is less to do and things don’t get wasted.
8
Tomato Mozzarella Salad
This tomato Mozzarella salad is a great twist on the Italian classic Caprese salad with toasted pine nuts. Tomato and mozzarella are always a great combination. The best part is this gets done in no time at all and can be kept in the fridge for days.
View recipe
9
Fresh Carrot Salad
Most carrot salads use only carrots and are served as a side dish. This fresh carrot salad is even more flavorful with the addition of raisins, cranberries, nuts, and a honey-lemon vinaigrette that keeps it refreshing, light, and delicious.
View recipe
10
Easy Celery Salad Recipe
Celery contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with few calories. A crunchy, slightly sweet celery salad is a great addition to any meal! Find out how to make a simple and tasty salad here.
View recipe
11
Avocado Salad
A creamy avocado-based salad is an easy 30-second side dish to make. It's light and refreshing. Throw in some veggies and you’ve got a quick avocado salad for lunch or dinner that you can eat on the run.
View recipe
12
Easy Beet Salad
Beets are a healthy, inexpensive, and versatile root vegetable. They are easy to use and taste good on their own, boiled or roasted. This beet salad recipe combines the beets with a few other simple vegetables in refreshing lemon dressing.
View recipe
4. Thanksgiving main courses
In one of my tips above, I mentioned paying attention to variety and textures but also avoiding repetition. For example:
- Don’t make two lamb dishes. Instead, make one lamb and one chicken or turkey.
- Also, don’t make two roast dishes make one roast and the second a slow-cooked, braised, or stewed.
- And, don’t forget to accommodate the people with allergies and special diets like vegetarians, vegans, etc.
13
Whole Roast Chicken in the Oven
Here's how to make whole roast chicken in the oven perfectly every single time. This chicken is juicy on the inside with a crisp golden skin on the outside that looks perfect on the center of any festive dinner. The best part is it's using simple and easy-to-find ingredients. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches and wraps.
View recipe
14
Boneless Roast Lamb
Roast lamb may seem complicated, but it does not have to be. Here is an easy roast recipe that will win your heart and mouth in one bite. A herb marinade and honey mustard glaze make an impressive presentation to serve with family and friends.
View recipe
15
Roast Leg of Lamb – Garlic Butter Marinade
This is how to roast a leg of lamb perfectly every single time. With a simple garlic butter marinade, this meat is tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. Serve with a side and bread for a complete meal. Leftovers are great for sandwiches and wraps.
View recipe
16
Boneless Leg of Lamb
This roasted boneless leg of lamb needs only 15 minutes for the marinade and less than 2 hours of roasting. Perfect for the whole family to celebrate festive dinners. Serve over mashed potatoes with or without gravy.
View recipe
17
Standing Prime Rib Roast
This prime rib roast or standing rib roast is seasoned with a dry spice rib marinade. Then, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and served with pomegranate gravy. The perfect roast to serve on special occasions
View recipe
18
Leg of Lamb (garlic herb marinade)
This leg of lamb is simple, easy, and uses my fool-proof method of roasting. If you are new to cooking meat, this is the recipe you can make to impress family and friends.
View recipe
19
Beef Chuck Roast
This beef chuck roast is tender, juicy, and delicious. It's cooked in the oven using a marinade made with garlic and cayenne. And, served with a gravy made with pan drippings. A simple and easy recipe perfect main dish for entertaining guests.
View recipe
20
Maple Roast Chicken with Fruits and Veggies
This roast chicken is flavored with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Accompanied by baby potatoes and grapes, which add a wonderful fruity flavor to the final gravy. Also, the leftover chicken, if any, makes the most delicious sandwiches and wraps.
View recipe
21
Moroccan Roast Leg of Lamb
This roast leg of lamb is marinated with Morrocan spice ras el hanout and is slow-roasted in the oven for almost 4 hours until fork tender. We use both dry rub and a wet marinade to pack as much flavor into the meat as possible.
View recipe
22
Braised Lamb in Red Wine
This braised lamb in red wine, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs is slow-cooked for almost two hours until the meat is fork-tender. Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
View recipe
23
Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Mushroom Gravy
Bacon Wrapped Chicken with mushroom gravy combines the rich flavor of bacon, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and more into one tasty entree. Today we bake it in a casserole dish with a side of skillet potatoes.
View recipe
24
The BEST Beef Burgundy aka Beef Bourguignon
This Beef Burgundy or Beef Bourguignon consists of beef pieces bathed in burgundy wine and cooked long and slow with herbs and mushrooms until they are fork-tender. This ultimate comfort food can be made in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
View recipe
25
Beef in Red Wine
Braised beef in red wine gravy is a classic dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and flavorful sauce. The beef is first seared to develop a deep caramelized flavor, then simmered in a mixture of red wine, stock, and aromatics until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The resulting dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
View recipe
26
Delicious Lamb Ragu with Creamy Polenta
Looking for a dish full of juicy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness? Try making this lamb ragu with creamy polenta! The lamb is braised in red wine and slow-cooked with aromatic whole spices until fork-tender. Today, I served it over a bed of creamy Parmesan polenta, but mashed potatoes and steamed rice would also be perfect.
View recipe
27
Oven Braised Osso Buco Recipe
This Osso Buco is a fork-tender veal shank slow-cooked in the oven with red wine and a few other ingredients. A simple recipe that needs only 20 minutes to prep and about 2 hours to bake. Served over mashed potato and sides for an inviting meal.
View recipe
28
Easy Braised Lamb Shanks Stovetop
Braised lamb shanks are delicious and fairly easy to prepare. Indeed, they are perhaps the perfect cut for those who like their meat cooked long, fork-tender, and flavorful. This is slow-cooked on the stovetop for a few hours.
View recipe
29
Braised Lamb Shanks in the Oven
These braised lamb shanks are slow-cooked in the oven with red wine gravy. A delicious and simple recipe that needs only 20 minutes to prep and 2 hours to cook. Served over mashed potatoes and sides for a complete meal.
View recipe
5. Thanksgiving side dishes
Some side dishes are great to make ahead of time. For example, quiches. And, some can be made a few hours ahead like the patties and fritters. So, if possible, choose a mix of both so you are not overwhelmed at the last hour.
30
Mashed Potatoes
Discover the secrets to creating the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes you've ever tasted by choosing the right variety of potatoes. Say goodbye to gummy or watery mashed potatoes and unlock the key to the perfect mash.
View recipe
31
Skinny Mashed Potatoes
Transform your mashed potatoes into a healthy, satisfying side dish without sacrificing taste. Try this simple technique today and indulge guilt-free! Discover the secret ingredient to making mashed potatoes that are low in calories but rich in flavor.
View recipe
32
Oven-Baked Carrot Sticks
The oven-baked carrot sticks are an easy way to eat heart-healthy veggies more often. Baking veggies makes them sweeter and more delicious. This simple and easy recipe will have you and your family eating carrots often, as it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
View recipe
33
Crispy Corn Fritters
These crispy corn fritters are golden on the outside with a soft, flavorful center bursting with sweet corn and savory cheese. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve them with your favorite dip for a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.
View recipe
34
Swiss Chard Patties
Whether you call these Swiss chard patties, cakes, or fritters these make amazing appetizers or sides. This recipe is a simple and easy recipe but so versatile it can be served with any meal from breakfast to dinner. You can serve them on their own, as a snack or in sandwiches too.
View recipe
35
Butternut Squash Fries
Vegetables when baked, bring out their natural sweetness. This simple and easy recipe for butternut squash fries will have you making this nutritious vegetable more often than you planned. It takes less than 30 minutes and is a kids' favorite
View recipe
36
Spinach Potato Patties
These spinach potato patties or cakes, make amazing appetizers or sides. This recipe is a simple and easy recipe but so versatile it can be served with any meal from breakfast to dinner. You can serve them on their own, as a snack or in sandwiches and wraps too.
View recipe
37
Leek and Asparagus Quiche
Quiche is a perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, or a festive meal. This quiche is made with leek and asparagus and is simple and easy. And yet, it's also a dish that can be made ahead of time. Asparagus quiche is a great way to enjoy asparagus in season. I'm using a homemade quiche crust, but ready-to-roll store-bought works just as well.
View recipe
38
The BEST Mushroom Quiche
This is the BEST mushroom quiche recipe made from scratch using homemade quiche crust. The filling is soft, creamy, flavored with garlic, onions, and cheese. A perfect make-ahead dish for entertaining, whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
View recipe
39
Caramelized Onions Roasted Red Peppers Quiche
A tender, flaky, buttery homemade pie crust filled with caramelized onions and roasted red peppers. Topped with an egg custard mixture and baked until set. Perfect for brunch or entertaining family and friends.
View recipe
40
Garlic Sautéed Asparagus with sesame seeds
Sauteed asparagus in sesame is simple and easy to make in less than 15 minutes. It is the perfect side dish to serve with the main course such as roast chicken, roast ribs, or roast lamb. The sprinkle of garlic, lemon makes these aromatic, and refreshing.
41
Breadcrumb Stuffed Mushrooms
This Breadcrumb Stuffed mushroom is a super easy and simple appetizer or side dish recipe. Takes barely any time to make and the cheesy bread crumbs just melt in the mouth. The perfect way to dress a celebration or the weekend dinner table. I use large mushrooms but any size mushrooms work just as well.
View recipe
42
Sautéed Sesame Green Beans
This green bean dish uses fresh green beans, sesame seeds, and garlic. Sesame Green Beans are served warm and can be an entree or a side dish. This recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
View recipe
43
Roast Potatoes(Rosemary and Lemon)
These roast potatoes are a perfect side dish to serve alongside any dinner, be it festive or weekday meal. Flavored with rosemary and lemon these baby potatoes are especially moist and tender in just 45 minutes.
View recipe
44
Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with these Crispy Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes! Perfectly parboiled and seasoned with a mouthwatering blend of parmesan, garlic, and paprika, then roasted to golden perfection. These potatoes are tender on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
View recipe
45
Hasselback Potatoes
Baked Hasselback potatoes have thin, crispy edges and soft, creamy centers. They take some time and finesse to make, but the results are well worth it! The perfect side to impress guests on special occasions.
View recipe
46
Baked Sliced Hasselback Potatoes
Baked Hasselback potatoes have thin, crispy edges and soft, creamy centers. They take some time and finesse to make, but the results are well worth it! The perfect side to impress guests on special occasions.
View recipe
47
Stovetop Melting Potatoes
This is the best recipe for melting potatoes in less than 20 minutes. Made on the stovetop, these are soft as a mashed potato on the inside but crisp and crunchy as baked potatoes on the outside. A great side dish with any main course.
View recipe
48
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes have crisp caramelized edges with soft insides. The recipe is simple and easy to make in less than 30 minutes. Perfect to serve as a side dish with main courses or in burritos and wraps.
View recipe
49
Roasted Potatoes (Lemon and Dill)
The roasted potatoes make a great side dish with any main course from a leg of lamb, roast beef, or roast chicken. Sweet red onions, zesty lemon flavor, and fresh dill perfume the potatoes beautifully.
View recipe
6. Thanksgiving bread
Of course, you can easily buy bread. And yet, if you are a seasoned cook like me, then you want to show your baking skills. In addition, a great thing about bread is that you can make it a few hours ahead of time. Also, I like to add a seasonal touch to my bread, such as pumpkin in fall, which is also perfect for Thanksgiving.
50
Best Cornbread Recipe
This buttery and moist cornbread recipe is light and fluffy with crisp edges and a golden crumb. Made with buttermilk in a cast-iron skillet, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes. The house is filled with the wonderful aroma of cornbread, making this the perfect dish to entertain with.
View recipe
51
Soft Dinner Rolls – Homemade
Buttery, fluffy, and soft dinner rolls are the best to have with any main course. This bread recipe needs only 6 ingredients, 10 minutes to prep, and 20 minutes to bake with some proofing time in between
View recipe
52
Pumpkin Rolls Recipe (Softest Pumpkin Dinner Rolls)
Add a seasonal touch using pumpkin puree to your next batch of dinner rolls with these pumpkin dinner rolls. A simple and easy recipe that creates soft, light, and fluffy bread you can eat on its own or serve with your meal.
View recipe
53
Whole Wheat Rolls
These whole wheat dinner rolls are light and airy and made with 70% whole wheat flour. The recipe is simple, easy to make, and much healthier than most bread rolls.
View recipe
54
Pumpkin Crescent Rolls
I'm giving my classic crescent rolls a taste of fall with these no-knead pumpkin crescent rolls. Soft, light, and airy, made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice.
View recipe
55
Crusty No-Knead Bread
This no-knead bread needs just six ingredients, takes less than 5 minutes to combine, and 4 hours of proofing. Despite being no-knead, it has an amazing crust on the outside, yet a light and airy texture on the inside. The best part is that it looks absolutely gorgeous, and your guests won't believe you baked it.
View recipe
56
Challah Bread Recipe – 3 Braids
Have you been intimidated by the pretty challah? Not anymore. Today, I share with you the easiest three-braid challah bread recipe you will ever make. This recipe uses just six ingredients, which are regular pantry staples, and the process is surprisingly simple and easy.
View recipe
57
Walnut Raisin Bread
This walnut raisin bread is a delightful blend of soft, fluffy dough studded with sweet raisins and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The subtle hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making each bite a comforting treat. Its golden crust and tender crumb make it an irresistible addition to any bread lover's repertoire.
View recipe
58
Yeast Beer Bread – No-Knead
This no-knead beer bread is an absolute classic. Yeast risen, filled with black and green olives this rustic bread takes only 10 minutes hands-on and 45 minutes to bake. A simple and easy basic yeast beer bread that’s versatile and can be used with many different filling variations.
View recipe
59
Parmesan Garlic Rolls
You must love garlic to enjoy these Parmesan garlic bread rolls. Soft, light, and fluffy bread drenched with garlic herb butter. These crescent-shaped beauties are also simple and easy to make.
View recipe
7. Thanksgiving desserts
First, you can never have enough desserts. In fact, I usually make at least two. Also, it is important to know your guests and take into account any nut, dairy, or egg allergies.
- Make two different dishes – for example, instead of making two pies, make one pie and one cake or panna cotta.
- And, use different main ingredients. Avoid two fruits. For example, if you use pumpkin in one dessert, make the second with chocolate or vanilla.
60
How to Make Apple Pie
Are you tired of settling for mediocre apple pies from the store? The kind that looks promising but disappoints? Well, it's time to take matters into your own hands. By following these five easy steps, you can make the best apple pie that surpasses any store-bought version. Treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate comfort dessert with this flavorful homemade recipe from scratch.
View recipe
61
Best Dutch Apple Pie (Apple Crumble Pie)
Make the best Dutch apple pie with a flaky homemade crust, juicy spiced apple filling, and a crisp, buttery crumble topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall dessert table.
View recipe
62
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Need the recipe for the best chocolate pecan pie? This pie recipe makes all others pale in comparison. A pie filling made with melted chocolate and loaded with pecans in a rich buttery homemade pie crust.
View recipe
63
Easy Pecan Pie Recipe
Some Thanksgiving pies are finicky and time-consuming to make, but pecan pie is not one of them. Find out how to make the easiest pie with this simple recipe. Made with homemade all-butter pie crust the most delicious pean pie filling ever.
View recipe
64
Pecan Tart Recipe
This recipe for pecan tart features classic pastry notes like butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch, paired with Southern pecans. Often served on Thanksgiving, but it is good all year round. Find out how to make one here.
View recipe
65
Cardamom Cake with Mocha Buttercream
Cardamom and coffee is a wonderful combination in this cardamom cake. A light and airy butter-based coffee cake delicately flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. Then, generously frosted with mocha buttercream. Perfect for a festive celebration or special occasion.
View recipe
66
Caramel Apple Cake Recipe with Caramel Buttercream
Apples and caramel are always a perfect match. So, celebrate this apple season with a caramel apple cake. Made with fresh apples, a hint of spice, layered with caramel buttercream and drizzled with more delicious caramel sauce. Whether you make this for a celebration or festive dinner this apple cake will have everyone talking about it for days.
View recipe
67
BEST Ever Pumpkin Cream Cake
This pumpkin cream cake recipe is rich, moist, and delicious. Made with whipping cream in the batter as well as in the buttercream. A light and airy butter-based cake with pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice mix. Perfect layer cake to adorn a festive dinner table, birthday cake, or to impress family and friends.
View recipe
68
Pumpkin Creme Brûlée Recipe
Capture the essence of autumn with a show-stopping dessert – pumpkin creme brûlée. Follow our step-by-step guide and impress your guests with this perfect blend of pumpkin, caramelized sugar, and creamy custard.
View recipe
69
Upside Down Pecan Cake
This upside-down pecan cake has a layer of pecans caramelized on the bottom of a light and fluffy vanilla batter. When turned upside down, the caramelized juices sink into the baked sponge. The luxury of pie and cake all in one.
View recipe
70
Triple Chocolate Pumpkin Tart
Celebrate the season of fall with something different this Thanksgiving. This triple chocolate pumpkin tart has three layers of chocolate both white and dark infused with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in a homemade buttery shortcrust pastry.
View recipe
71
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
The rich flavor of pumpkin spice latte beverage in a cake makes a delicious pumpkin spice-latte cake. Frosted with maple buttercream this is a light and airy oil-based cake with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and coffee. Perfect layer cake to adorn a festive dinner table, birthday cake, or to impress family and friends.
View recipe
72
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate this holiday season with this pumpkin spice cake frosted with delicious no-butter cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. A rich butter-based cake made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Perfect layer cake to adorn a festive dinner table, birthday cake, or to impress family and friends.
View recipe
73
Coconut Pumpkin Bundt Cake
It's the flavor of fall in this coconut pumpkin bundt cake drizzled with coconut caramel. This oil-based cake enriched with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and coconut cream is moist, light, and airy
View recipe
8. Individual thanksgiving desserts
Mini treats mean you don’t need to cut and serve. Just leave them on the table so people can help themselves. Also, you can buy the tartlet shells readymade or make them yourself.
74
Caramel Apple Tartlets – Mini Tarts
Sweet delicious apples in caramel sauce spiced with cinnamon then filled into buttery premade shortcrust pastry tarts. These mini-tarts or caramel apple tartlets are a must-make in fall when apples are in season.
View recipe
75
Chocolate Tartlets
These chocolate tartlets are buttery, rich, ready-to-use mini tart shells filled with my easy chocolate ganache recipe. Of course, you can make your own mini tart shells, but these make quick and easy semi-homemade treats.
View recipe
76
Salted Chocolate Caramel Tartlets
These chocolate caramel tartlets are perfect bite-size, make-ahead, semi-homemade treats. Made with homemade caramel sauce, dark chocolate, and ready-to-use tart shells, but you can also make homemade mini tart shells.
View recipe
77
Chocolate Cheesecake Tarts
Adorable mini tarts filled with a rich chocolate cream cheese mixture in a buttery shortcrust pastry. These semi-homemade chocolate cheesecake tarts take only 20 minutes to make. This chocolate cream cheese tart recipe takes advantage of ready-to-use tart shells that cut preparation time by half and make entertaining a breeze
View recipe
78
Maple Pumpkin Trifle Recipe
These creamy, cozy pumpkin trifles are made with layers of pumpkin bread, maple syrup, pecans, and spiced cream cheese frosting — a perfect fall dessert for parties or make-ahead treats.
View recipe
9. After dinner drinks – Aperitif
I like to choose liquors that are delicate and help calm you down rather than strong alcohol. Of course, these are great when accompanied by hot beverages.
79
Baileys Irish Cream Recipe
Baileys Irish Cream needs no introduction. This iconic liqueur, with its luscious blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and other tantalizing ingredients, has become a beloved indulgence worldwide. Its creamy texture, hints of chocolate and vanilla, and smooth finish create a sensory experience like no other.
View recipe
80
Butterscotch Irish Cream Recipe
Take the classic Irish cream recipe to a whole new level with this butterscotch Irish cream. Rich, creamy, and smooth, loaded with butterscotch flavor, and yet not too sweet. This is going to be your next favorite drink.
View recipe
81
Baileys Chocolate Martini
A martini is by far the most popular drink no matter what the variation. This baileys chocolate martini is thick and creamy made with Irish cream, vodka, a splash of espresso and dash of chocolate. It takes just 5 minutes to make, but so delicious you can’t stop drinking.
View recipe
82
Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot)
This pumpkin spice latte takes just 5 minutes and a few pantry staples. No more standing in long coffee shop lines. And, best of all, it's delicious. It's made with coffee, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and honey.
View recipe
83
How to Make Chai Latte
This chai latte is milk tea along with chai spices made with ground ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. It takes just 5 minutes to make it at home so you don't have to drive to the store every time you need a delicious latte.
View recipe
84
Homemade Hot Chocolate (3 Ways)
Indulge in a heavenly concoction that will warm your soul and leave you craving more. No, we're not talking about your average, run-of-the-mill hot chocolate. These chocolate drinks are rich, thick, creamy, and chocolaty, made with real chocolate! Try my French, cinnamon hot chocolate, or hot cocoa.
View recipe
10. Back to basics
Here are a few basic recipes you may need to create some of the dishes above.
85
Pie Crust Recipe
Making a homemade pie crust is easy peasy. This is my no-fail all-butter Pâte brisée recipe that always turns out flaky. Today, I show you how to make this great pie crust perfectly every single time.
View recipe
86
Pie Crust with Shortening
Pie crust shortening is known for its tender, flaky texture, perfect for sweet and savory pies. Shortening's high fat content prevents gluten formation, resulting in a consistently tender dough. Shortening's high melting point makes the dough easy to handle and less prone to shrinkage during baking.
View recipe
87
Flaky Buttery Homemade Pie Crust (Pâte Brisée)
Is there anything better than a flaky, buttery homemade pie crust? This is my no-fail Pâte brisée recipe that turns out flaky every single time. The recipe is surprisingly simple and easy to make, too.
View recipe
88
Homemade Quiche Crust
Homemade quiche crust is simple and easy to make from scratch. With just four ingredients, which are pantry staples, this takes 10 minutes to combine and 20 minutes to chill.
View recipe
89
Homemade Whipped Cream
Light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy—this homemade whipped cream (also known as Chantilly cream) is the perfect 3-ingredient topping for cakes, pies, and more. No preservatives, no stabilizers—just classic flavor made in minutes!
View recipe
90
Sweet Shortcrust Pastry aka Pate Sucree
A Pate Sucree, aka shortcrust pastry, is the perfect base for many desserts, such as tarts, pies, and desserts. It's a buttery, sweet pastry with a biscuit-like crumb that melts in your mouth. And, it is surprisingly easy to make it yourself.
View recipe
91
Rich Shortcrust Pastry (Pate Sablee)
A rich shortcrust pastry or Pâte Sabée, as they say in French, is a buttery shortbread-like crust, a perfect base for making sweet tarts such as fruit tarts. Today, I will show you three methods to roll this pastry from scratch.
View recipe
92
Braided Apple Puff Pastry
If you love apple pie, you are going to love this apple puff pastry, which I like to call braided apple strudel. With my method, you will have no soggy pastry or apple juices wasted on the baking pan. A simple, easy, and impressive dessert any time of the year.
View recipe
What do you take with you to a thanksgiving dinner?
I thought it was important to give you a few options that would be perfect to take with you if you are invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Many people take wine along with dessert.
- Choose something that travels well.
- Choose a dessert that will stay well the next day in case of leftovers.
93
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is light and airy; it's an oil-based sweet bread made in a loaf pan with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. A simple and easy recipe that takes just 10 minutes to mix and 50 minutes to bake.
View recipe
94
Ultimate Pecan Blondies
These pecan blondies are a fun twist to the classic pecan pie. The vanilla base soaks up all the pie filling beautifully to give you a moist slice of heaven. Easier than a pie this will soon become a family favorite.
View recipe
95
Chocolate Pecan Squares
These chocolate pecan squares have a crisp shortcrust base with a hint of cocoa and topped with butterscotch coated pecans made from scratch. A simple and easy snack any time of the year but a great edible gift during the holidays.
View recipe
96
Ultimate Pecan Pie Brownies
A rich, moist, and decadent chocolate brownie baked with a pecan pie filling on top makes the best recipe for pecan pie brownies. A simple and easy recipe that's quick to mix and easy to bake in just 40 minutes.
View recipe
97
Best Apple Pie Cake Recipe
This delicious apple pie cake is an absolute treat and the perfect combination of my three favorite things. Syrupy apple pie filling, moist vanilla cake batter, and buttery crumble topping.
View recipe
98
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bundt Cake
This pumpkin cake recipe is a moist, light, and airy cake made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and lots of chocolate chips. Serve with or without the glaze this cake is the perfect fall dessert.
View recipe
99
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Puff Pastry
This easy recipe for apple strudel combines puff pastry, cinnamon, sugar, and apples to create a classic Austrian favorite. This simple apple strudel recipe will give you a yummy mix of flaky puff pastry and apples.
View recipe
100
Easy Apple Strudel Recipe with Filo Pastry
This Easy Apple Strudel recipe is simple and delicious. The sweet apples flavored with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, then wrapped in filo pastry that bakes into a flaky, delicious dessert you will love. The warm spices and abundance of apples in fall make this a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations.
View recipe
❤️ Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be yours.
Plan ahead, mix make-ahead recipes with a few special dishes, and remember that nobody notices the one thing you forgot when the table is full of laughter.
Whether it’s your first time hosting or your fifteenth, I hope these recipes and tips help you create a warm, delicious, and memorable Thanksgiving.
🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from my kitchen to yours.
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later on Pinterest.
Follow on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Subscribe to receive new recipes right to your inbox.
You’ve certainly made my Holiday meal planning a lot easier. There are so many great ideas here it will be easy what I want to go along with our turkey. Thank you for taking the time.
Thank you, Marisa
You have included absolutely everything needed for the perfect Thanksgiving meal! So much to choose from!
Wow what an incredible array of recipes! There is something for everyone…it’s tough narrowing down what to make! I love Thanksgiving and I’m so looking forward to cooking…thanks for all the inspo!
Thank you, Tammy
What a beautiful and rich collection of recipes, and not only for Thanksgiving. I enjoyed the ambitious menus and planning tips, too.
There are some great helpful tips in this post! I will definitely be looking this over while I am planning out my Thanksgiving menu.
Thank you, Valerie
WOW! There are some great recipes here. Thanks for the making the holiday so much easier!
Wish I could make everything on this list! What an amazing round up! Thanks so much for sharing
Thank you so much for this helpful roundup of Thanksgiving Recipes! I will be making several of these recipes and I’m already eyeing the Cinnamon Apple Tarts and Martinis!
Amazing collection of recipes dear. Thanks for sharing this
Perfect timing! I was just getting ready to plan my Thanksgiving dinner menu. 🙂