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Home » Recipe Collections

26 Thanksgiving Classics to Perfect Before the Big Day

Published: Nov 7, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving classics are the heart and soul of the holiday feast, bringing friends and family together around the table for a memorable meal. These recipes are not just about tradition; they're about creating great flavors that everyone will love. With a little preparation and some love, you can make your Thanksgiving gathering perfect, showcasing the comfort and joy of the season in every bite. Let’s get ready to impress your guests with dishes that will have them coming back for seconds!

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington (Vegan). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This roasted turkey recipe, seasoned with fresh herbs and green apples, brings traditional holiday flavors with minimal work. A foolproof option for Thanksgiving, it delivers a moist, flavorful bird that serves as a perfect centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey

Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cherry cranberry glazed turkey features a sticky-sweet glaze that brings a festive flair to the Thanksgiving table. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the cherries create a memorable flavor that complements traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Buttermilk brined turkey uses rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with tangy buttermilk, to ensure a moist, tender main course for Thanksgiving. The herbs and buttermilk add depth of flavor to this classic holiday centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate.
Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Easy Mushroom Wellington, made with mushrooms and herbs wrapped in flaky pastry, brings a sophisticated touch to Thanksgiving. It’s a visually stunning dish that doesn’t sacrifice on taste, making it a memorable part of any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Smoking turkey breast with wood chips or pellets adds rich, layered flavors to this Thanksgiving staple. This method produces a juicy, flavorful result, perfect for anyone wanting to enhance the classic turkey experience with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this cheesy green bean casserole offers a savory, satisfying dish with crispy beans and a golden, baked topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it’s a flavorful companion to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker apple cider brined turkey breast combines moist and tender turkey with autumn flavors. An easy yet impressive Thanksgiving recipe that balances tradition with simplicity, perfect for a holiday spread or any seasonal celebration.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cider Brined Turkey Breast

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This budget-friendly turkey roast is made from chickpeas and seitan, with quick prep and simple pantry ingredients. A delicious and satisfying option for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, providing a homemade touch that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Stuffing

An overhead view of skillet with stuffing and a fork and spoon in it.
Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This stuffing, made with wholesome ingredients, brings plenty of flavor to any holiday meal. Suitable for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s a thoughtful dish that ensures everyone at the table has a hearty and satisfying side to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This garlicky and creamy mashed potato recipe, made in the Instant Pot, is straightforward and doesn’t require draining. A fantastic addition to Thanksgiving, it strikes a balance between ease and taste, making it a favorite for holiday meals or weekday dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chestnut stuffing made with cornbread cubes, sausage, mushrooms, fennel, and winter herbs delivers a hearty, flavorful side for Thanksgiving. The mix of savory and sweet elements, along with the texture of chestnuts and cornbread, makes it a standout holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

Microwave Mashed Potatoes

An image of microwave mashed potatoes in a bowl with fresh herbs on top and a fork resting on the right side of the bowl.
Microwave Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Make mashed potatoes effortlessly using a microwave with just a few basic ingredients. This foolproof method yields a creamy texture and is perfect for when you want a quick and reliable side to complement your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Close up of cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries.
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dried cranberries shine in this straightforward cranberry sauce recipe, perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s a great make-ahead option that complements roasted turkey and other holiday staples.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes are a tangy, effortless side dish that bring brightness to the Thanksgiving table. They complement heavier mains beautifully and require minimal hands-on time, making them a practical addition to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A close up photo of fresh cranberry sauce placed in a white bowl with spoon, oranges and fresh cranberries in the background.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Using fresh or frozen cranberries, this easy sauce captures the essence of Thanksgiving. It’s versatile and works well for holiday gatherings, adding a burst of tartness to balance out the richness of the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

A close up view of cranberry sauce in white bowl, with a spoon and oranges in the background.
Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Canned cranberry sauce can be easily transformed into a flavorful dish with this simple recipe requiring just five ingredients. A practical and classic Thanksgiving side that saves time while keeping traditional flavors intact.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing

Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing with a slice cut out of it showing the stuffing with sausage meat throughout.
Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Transform leftover stuffing into a savory appetizer or side dish with this creative recipe. Juicy sausage wrapped in crispy bacon and nestled in stuffing makes for a guaranteed hit, perfect for post-Thanksgiving gatherings or any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

A  Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese topped with a golden-brown crust and garnished with sliced green onions.
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic green bean casserole with cream cheese is simple and quick to assemble, using either fresh or canned green beans. An enduring holiday favorite, it’s a crowd-pleasing side that rounds out a Thanksgiving feast beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These mashed potatoes with cheese come together in 45 minutes and can be prepared on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. A fitting choice for Thanksgiving, their creamy texture and rich flavor pair well with traditional holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This savory sweet potato casserole features a honey walnut topping and comes together with garlic-seasoned sweet potatoes. An excellent side for Thanksgiving, it provides a wholesome but memorable flavor that stands out on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic butter fondant potatoes, or pommes de terre fondantes, deliver crispy exteriors with soft, buttery insides, flavored with thyme and garlic. This elegant French-inspired side dish pairs well with roasts and elevates any Thanksgiving dinner table, adding a touch of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

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.

This five-ingredient no-bake pecan pie cheesecake requires only 30 minutes of active prep. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving when you need an effortless but impressive dessert to finish off the meal.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Easy Apple Pie

A close-up photo of a sliced apple pie with graham cracker crust on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
Easy Apple Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic apple pie flavors meet a graham cracker crust in this simple-to-make dessert. It pairs nicely with a hot beverage and adds a touch of nostalgia to any Thanksgiving or holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Pie

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pecan Pie . Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pumpkin pecan pie features a creamy pumpkin layer topped with caramelized pecans in a flaky crust. This hybrid dessert is easy to make ahead and can be frozen, making it a dream dessert for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This spiced pumpkin pie brings the familiar, comforting flavors of fall without dairy or eggs. Creamy and perfectly spiced, it’s an easy dessert to share at Thanksgiving or to enjoy any autumn day, bringing warmth to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Pie

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make-ahead no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is light yet rich, blending a spiced pumpkin layer with creamy cheesecake on a graham cracker crust. A fitting dessert for Thanksgiving, it delivers fall flavors in a smooth, airy form that complements a holiday meal without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

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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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