Thanksgiving staples are the heart of any holiday table, but sometimes those classic recipes could use a refresh. These recipes take all the essentials you’d expect—turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and more—and give them just the right updates to make your Thanksgiving feast even better. From easier prep to brighter flavors, each dish is designed to bring something a little extra to the table while keeping that comforting, traditional feel. If you're looking to put a fresh spin on the must-haves without straying too far from the flavors everyone loves, this list has you covered.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk brined turkey, enhanced with rosemary, thyme, and sage, makes a moist and flavorful main dish for Thanksgiving. The tanginess of the buttermilk, paired with aromatic herbs, creates an unforgettable holiday centerpiece that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
This roasted turkey with fresh herbs and green apples brings out all the comforting flavors you expect in Thanksgiving classics without the hassle. Juicy and flavorful, it’s a foolproof choice that makes a statement as the main event at your holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Tart cherry cranberry glazed turkey, coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, adds a vibrant twist to Thanksgiving staples. The cherries and cranberries balance perfectly with traditional sides, making it a festive choice for any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Turkey Gravy
This thick and rich turkey gravy elevates your Thanksgiving meal, enhancing every dish from the turkey to classic sides. Its savory flavor and simple preparation make it a crowd-pleaser that will keep guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Quick Turkey Gravy
Ready in just 35 minutes, this turkey gravy adds a smooth, rich layer of flavor to Thanksgiving staples like turkey, potatoes, and stuffing. With its velvety texture, it’s a holiday favorite that fits both special occasions and cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick Turkey Gravy
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
My slow cooker mac and cheese brings creamy, cheesy comfort food to the Thanksgiving table without any fuss. Just toss it in, stir, and let it cook—it’s the perfect hands-off side that everyone craves during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Roasted Red Onions
This easy roasted red onion dish, ready in under 30 minutes, brings a punch of flavor that complements Thanksgiving classics like turkey and stuffing. Perfectly seasoned, these onions work as a side for tacos, sandwiches, and more, making them a versatile holiday addition.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Onions
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
This creamy copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is ready in 20 minutes, offering a comforting twist to your Thanksgiving lineup. With rich cheese and broccoli, it’s a simple yet indulgent side dish that everyone will appreciate on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These air fryer Brussels sprouts come out crispy and perfectly roasted, a fresh take on a classic Thanksgiving vegetable. Seasoned with just a touch of oil, salt, and pepper, this side dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, adding an effortless veggie option to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Brie Cranberry Bites
Brie cranberry bites in puff pastry bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering, combining the creaminess of brie with the sweetness of cranberry sauce. This easy appetizer is the perfect way to welcome guests to a Thanksgiving meal with a hint of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This no-drain Instant Pot mashed potato recipe is creamy, garlicky, and Thanksgiving-ready. With its rich texture and ease of preparation, it’s a showstopper that pairs well with turkey, gravy, and all your holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Air fryer glazed carrots bring together the natural sweetness of carrots with a flavorful glaze, creating a perfect Thanksgiving side dish. This recipe offers a quick way to add vibrant root vegetables to your holiday table without extra prep work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
This cranberry sauce recipe, made with dried cranberries, is a Thanksgiving staple that comes together effortlessly. It’s the perfect touch to complement turkey and stuffing, adding a tangy sweetness that brightens up every plate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries
Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
This canned cranberry sauce recipe offers a quick and easy solution for your Thanksgiving table, with just five ingredients. Transform canned cranberries into a holiday favorite, making this an easy win for a time-tested staple.
Get the Recipe: Elevated Canned Cranberry Sauce
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy garlic air fryer smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that’s easy to make with only six ingredients. This vegan and gluten-free dish takes 45 minutes and complements other holiday staples, providing a crunchy, flavorful alternative to classic mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Beans and Cornbread
Perfect for a cold Thanksgiving day, this Southern-inspired dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With a few simple spices, it’s a warming comfort food option that fits beautifully into a holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese
This baked gouda mac and cheese brings rich, creamy texture to your Thanksgiving table and is ready in just 45 minutes. With bold gouda cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will be diving into for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This cheesy green bean casserole combines crispy green beans with a golden topping, a must-have Thanksgiving staple in just 30 minutes. Its savory taste and rich texture make it a holiday favorite that won’t stay on plates for long.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This slow cooker green bean casserole is a holiday side that’s creamy, comforting, and super easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep, let your slow cooker do the work, freeing up time for other Thanksgiving essentials.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
This fluffy skillet cornbread with jalapeños, cheddar, and cotija cheese is a Thanksgiving side that’s both savory and satisfying. Ready in an hour, it complements holiday dishes with a spicy and cheesy touch that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Creamed Spinach
This creamed spinach, inspired by Tennessee’s Spinach Maria, adds a spicy kick to your Thanksgiving spread. Featuring three types of cheese, it’s a simple, flavorful addition that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for spicing up classic holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This savory sweet potato casserole with a honey walnut topping is a refreshing take on Thanksgiving sweet potato dishes. Infused with garlic, this casserole balances sweetness with a touch of savory, making it a versatile dish for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy mashed potatoes are an essential side dish that fits perfectly into any Thanksgiving meal, with stove-top and Instant Pot options available. Creamy and ready in 45 minutes, this recipe is an easy win for bringing comfort to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
This squash casserole with stuffing combines roasted yellow squash, hatch chiles, and mushroom soup for a holiday dish that’s rich and satisfying. Perfect for the Thanksgiving table, it’s a hearty side that’ll keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Crispy potato and Brussels sprout latkes with an avocado-lemon crema make an impressive addition to Thanksgiving brunch or dinner. With a fresh dipping sauce, they bring a modern touch to a holiday classic, fitting right in with your favorite staples.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes
Avocado Deviled Eggs
These avocado deviled eggs are a creamy, modern spin on a Thanksgiving classic, adding a vibrant color and taste to the holiday table. They’re easy to make and an effortless way to elevate any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Deviled Eggs
Vegan Stuffing
This vegan stuffing is a wholesome addition to Thanksgiving that brings out traditional flavors with a fresh twist. It’s made with simple ingredients that enhance the entire meal, whether for Thanksgiving or another holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing
Easy Dinner Rolls
These fluffy dinner rolls melt in your mouth and make the perfect addition to Thanksgiving feasts. Vegan and packed with buttery flavor, they’ll round out any holiday spread and pair well with both savory and sweet dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk
Creamy and spiced to perfection, this pumpkin pie with condensed milk is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert, offering an irresistible balance of sweetness and fall flavors. Easy to prepare and hard to resist, it’s a classic that wraps up any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk
Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
This classic apple pie with a graham cracker crust is a Thanksgiving dessert favorite that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. Simple to make, it’s a holiday treat that captures the season’s flavors and nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
With only five ingredients, this no-bake pecan pie cheesecake is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an easy Thanksgiving dessert option. Its creamy texture and rich pecan flavor make it an instant hit at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake
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