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Home » Recipe Collections

24 Essential Thanksgiving Recipes You Can’t Miss

Published: Nov 24, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When it comes to essential Thanksgiving recipes, these are the ones that truly bring the holiday to life. Whether you're planning a big gathering or a quiet dinner, this lineup is all about making the most of the season’s flavors and traditions. These recipes are simple enough to pull off with confidence but special enough to keep everyone coming back for seconds. If you're looking to hit that sweet spot between effort and payoff, you’ve come to the right place.

Close up of vegan turkey roast slices on a white plate
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Creamy and packed with veggies, this broccoli cheddar soup is ready in just 35 minutes. A comforting choice to kick off your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

These Lemon Greek Potatoes are baked to crisp perfection with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. A flavorful side dish that’s ready in an hour and pairs beautifully with your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of green bean casserole with a serving missing frmo the casserole dish.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This green bean casserole features tender beans with a golden, cheesy topping. It’s a quick and satisfying Thanksgiving favorite, ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

A serving of Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan in a plate.
Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Maple Dijon chicken sheet pan dinner brings roasted veggies, crispy bacon, and a tangy glaze together effortlessly. With one-pan cleanup, it’s a practical and flavorful Thanksgiving main course.
Get the Recipe: Maple Dijon Chicken Sheet Pan

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese makes a creamy addition to your table. It’s a side everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot mashed potatoes with garlic and cream save time without sacrificing flavor. This holiday-ready side dish simplifies Thanksgiving prep with ease.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Stuffing

Close up of vegan stuffing in skillet with a spoon in it.
Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A plant-based stuffing recipe that combines wholesome ingredients to complement any Thanksgiving spread. This simple dish pairs beautifully with traditional or modern mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Close up view of cranberry sauce in white bowl with oranges in the background
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Bright and tangy, this cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries perfectly complements the richness of your Thanksgiving meal. A classic addition that balances the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Vegan Turkey Roast

Close up of vegan turkey roast slices on a white plate
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A vegan turkey roast made with chickpeas and seitan transforms pantry staples into a festive main course. It’s a thoughtful addition for everyone at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Close up shot of cranberry sauce in white ramekin with a spoon in it.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Fresh or Frozen Cranberries!). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Whether fresh or frozen, this cranberry sauce comes together with ease and suits Thanksgiving or Christmas. A versatile staple to highlight seasonal flavors.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

A close up shot of a spoonful of savory sweet potato casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This sweet potato casserole combines savory garlic with a honey walnut topping for a holiday-ready dish. A healthy yet satisfying option for Thanksgiving or casual dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A close up view of pecan pie cheesecake slice on a white plate, with a fork on the side.
No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick to make, this 5-ingredient no-bake pecan pie cheesecake requires just 30 minutes of prep time. Vegan-friendly, it’s a sweet holiday treat everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Broccoli casserole with melted cheese and a crunchy topping is easy to whip up and always a crowd favorite. Perfect for Thanksgiving, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Close-up image of cripsy vegan roasted potatoes.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy roasted potatoes with a lemon-thyme dressing bring bold, fresh flavors to the holiday table. A simple yet balanced addition to complement heavier Thanksgiving fare.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash with wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds brings a festive touch to Thanksgiving. Whether served as a main or side, this dish highlights the season’s best flavors.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Sweet Potato Casserole

Top view of Sweet Potato Casserole on a wooden board.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potato casserole topped with cinnamon, pecans, and marshmallows is a nostalgic favorite. Its sweet and crunchy layers make it a standout addition to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Close-up of green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese in a black plate.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese balance sweet and savory flavors effortlessly. This flavorful dish adds variety and pairs well with other Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

An image of a Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cranberry cream cheese stuffed flank steak offers an impressive entrée with a touch of holiday flair. The rich filling complements the beef for a memorable main dish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Top view of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries combine simplicity with bold textures. This veggie side is a crowd-pleaser that enhances any Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A wild rice casserole with mushrooms and mozzarella brings heartiness and depth to the holiday table. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs with all Thanksgiving favorites.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole on plates.
Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Twice-baked sweet potato casserole with pecan topping makes individual servings perfect for gatherings. Its festive flavors are sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup

A bowl of Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup.
Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy mushroom kale turkey soup turns leftovers into a satisfying next-day meal. Blending garlic, white wine, and turkey, it’s a comforting way to repurpose holiday flavors.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Kale Turkey Soup

The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to rich Thanksgiving dishes. Its bright flavors and crunch balance the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This cheesy cauliflower casserole combines creamy texture with bold flavors, making it a must-have side. It pairs seamlessly with turkey, ham, or any Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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