15 Thanksgiving Recipes to Impress Your Holiday Guests

Get ready to plan your most delicious Thanksgiving yet. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, here are the Top 15 Thanksgiving Recipes that consistently impress. From juicy turkey and creamy mashed potatoes to savory sides and holiday desserts, these reliable favorites will help you build a comforting, crowd-pleasing menu. Each recipe is straightforward, full of flavor, and perfect for creating that warm, festive atmosphere on Thanksgiving Day.

Last week marked the blog’s 15th annual Thanksgiving Week, a celebration of new takes on classic holiday dishes. I’m thrilled to share dishes from that series, and I also wanted to showcase some of the most-loved Thanksgiving recipes collected over the past 15 years.

This curated list of the Top 15 Thanksgiving Recipes covers everything you need, including turkey, stuffing, sides like creamed corn and mac and cheese, and festive drinks and desserts—so you can plan a full Thanksgiving menu from one page.

Great recipes are essential, but the right tools make preparing a big holiday meal much easier. I remember my first Thanksgiving dinner in California and how often I had to run out for forgotten tools like a meat thermometer or a baking pan. To help you avoid that scramble, I created a practical Top 15 Thanksgiving Kitchen Tools list. These are the items I used to test every recipe on this list and that I recommend having on hand as you plan your holiday cooking.

Top 15 Thanksgiving Kitchen Tools

1. Electric carving knife – A standard carving knife works, but an electric carving knife makes slicing turkey, bread, and roasts quick and effortless.
2. Large cutting board – A roomy, sturdy cutting board is essential for prepping turkey, vegetables, and carving meat.
3. Saucepan – Useful for making cranberry sauce, gravy, and other stovetop components.
4. Basting brush – An inexpensive tool that helps you baste turkey and add glazes to roasted vegetables and meats.
5. Glass pitcher – Perfect for serving sangria, infused water, or seasonal cocktails; you may want two if you’re serving a crowd.
6. Meat thermometer – The must-have tool to ensure turkey (and other meats) are cooked safely and to the ideal temperature.
7. Slow cooker – Frees up oven space and can hold sides like creamed corn, stuffing, or dessert recipes while you finish other dishes.
8. Skillets – Sautéing Brussels sprouts, browning butter, or finishing sauces is easier with a good set of skillets.
9. Baking dish (9″ x 13″) – A versatile casserole pan for stuffing, casseroles, and baked sides.
10. Mixing bowls – Have several sizes on hand for mixing, tossing salads, and combining ingredients.
11. Muffin tin – Handy for pull-apart rolls or individual baked sides and appetizers.
12. Cast iron skillet – Excellent for searing vegetables like Brussels sprouts and for oven-to-table presentations.
13. Blender – Ideal for pureeing squash, making smooth soups, and blending sauces.
14. Electric hand mixer – Speeds up mashing potatoes and whipping creams or frostings.
15. Pie plate – For pies like chocolate, pumpkin, or pecan—the classic Thanksgiving finish.

With your tools ready, let’s get cooking.

Top 15 Thanksgiving Recipes

1

Garlic Herb Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast

A garlic-herb balsamic rub is spread over turkey breast and wrapped in a bacon weave for a moist, flavorful centerpiece that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.

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2

Butternut Squash Risotto

Rich, creamy risotto made with roasted butternut squash—an elegant gluten-free vegetarian option that works well as a side or stand-alone fall entrée.

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3

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions—decadent, savory, and always a holiday favorite.

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4

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

A comforting casserole of tender broccoli in a homemade cheese sauce, finished with a buttery cracker topping—simple, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

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5

Crock Pot Creamed Corn

A slow-cooker favorite that takes minutes to prep and yields a rich, creamy side—perfect for keeping warm while you finish the rest of the meal.

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6

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Sweet maple syrup pairs with crispy bacon and pan-seared Brussels sprouts for a perfectly balanced side full of flavor and texture.

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7

Smoked Turkey Breast

A tender, juicy smoked turkey breast made with a simple brine and rub—an easy way to add smoky depth to your holiday table.

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8

Cheesy Pull Apart Rolls

Buttery, cheesy rolls made with only a few ingredients—bready comfort that’s quick to prepare and perfect alongside any holiday main dish.

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9

Cranberry Apple Sangria

A festive pitcher drink featuring tart cranberries and crisp apples—bright, seasonal, and easy to scale for a crowd.

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10

Chocolate Pie

A beloved family recipe with a sweet graham-cracker crust, rich chocolate filling, and homemade whipped cream—a timeless dessert for any holiday table.

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11

Mushroom Stuffing

A generational family recipe featuring savory mushrooms and aromatic herbs—easy to prepare and always a holiday table favorite.

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12

Meme’s Cherry Coke Jello Salad

A nostalgic side that blends cherries, pineapple, cola, and cherry Jell-O for a sweet, retro dish that still delights at holiday gatherings.

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13

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Pressure-cooked russets in broth create deeply flavored mashed potatoes—finish with sour cream for an ultra-creamy texture that’s fast and reliable.

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14

Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Apple Glaze

A juicy smoked ham brushed with a sweet and slightly spicy brown sugar-apple glaze—ideal for holiday feasts or large family gatherings.

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15

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

A quick stovetop mac and cheese with cheddar and Swiss for a smooth, extra-cheesy sauce—comforting, simple, and ready in about 20 minutes.

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16

Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta

Roasted squash and apples seasoned with fall spices make a seasonal vegetarian bruschetta that’s bright, warm, and perfect as an appetizer.

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There are more than 140 Thanksgiving recipes on the blog, so if you enjoy these picks, you’ll likely love many more. Browse the full collection to find additional mains, sides, desserts, and make-ahead ideas that suit your holiday plans.

If you try any of these recipes, please leave a rating and comment. Your feedback helps other readers discover reliable, delicious dishes and makes the holiday cooking experience better for everyone.