Thanksgiving Dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings family and friends together to celebrate gratitude, love, and togetherness.
As the autumn leaves turn and the air fills with the aroma of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie, we gather around the table to share stories, laughter, and the joy of a bountiful feast.
In this spirit of celebration, we present 20 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas, a carefully curated collection of recipes designed to inspire your holiday menu.
From classic favorites to inventive new dishes, these ideas will add flair and flavor to your Thanksgiving table.
20 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
1. Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Imagine a golden-brown turkey that’s the star of your Thanksgiving table. To achieve this, create an herb butter by blending soft butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Gently rub this aromatic mixture under the skin and all over the turkey’s exterior. Roast it at 325°F, remembering to baste occasionally for a perfectly juicy bird.
The magic happens when the internal temperature hits 165°F. After roasting, let it rest for 20 minutes to lock in those tasty juices.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a honey-glazed ham. Start by scoring a diamond pattern into a bone-in ham, which helps the glaze stick.
Mix honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a touch of apple cider vinegar to craft a delightful glaze.
Brush this over the ham and bake at 325°F, basting every 20 minutes to build layers of flavor. Cook until it’s beautifully caramelized and thoroughly heated.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into a rich, flavorful side with garlic mashed potatoes. Boil Yukon Gold potatoes until soft.
While they cook, roast garlic cloves wrapped in foil at 375°F for an infusion of deliciousness. Mash the tender potatoes with the roasted garlic, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt.
The result is a bowl of mashed potatoes that are creamy and packed with a subtle garlic flavor, making them a perfect match for any Thanksgiving gravy.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole combines savory and sweet in one comforting dish. Boil sweet potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla extract.
Spread this mixture into a baking dish, topping it with marshmallows. Bake at 350°F until the marshmallows are golden and puffy.
The creamy potatoes and the crispy, caramelized marshmallow topping make this a holiday favorite that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Transform this classic Green Bean Casserole into a sensory delight with a few simple tweaks. Start by sautéeing mushrooms, onions, and garlic until they become soft and aromatic.
Mix them with a can of creamy mushroom soup and blanched green beans. Spread this mixture into a casserole dish and top it with crispy fried onions.
Bake at 350°F until the surface bubbles and the onions turn a golden brown.
6. Cornbread Stuffing
Add a Southern flair to your table with Cornbread Stuffing. Begin by cutting either homemade or store-bought cornbread into cubes.
Sauté onions and celery in rich butter, then combine them with the cornbread cubes. Stir in chicken broth and fresh herbs like thyme and sage.
Bake this mixture at 350°F until the top is delightfully crispy. This stuffing offers a hearty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham, making it a standout dish.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Create a vibrant, tangy Cranberry Sauce that outshines the canned variety. Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest in a saucepan.
Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency. Allow it to cool before serving to enhance its fresh, sweet-tart flavor.
This simple homemade sauce adds a bright, colorful contrast to the rich flavors of your holiday meal, making it a memorable addition.
8. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Elevate your Brussels sprouts with the irresistible combination of bacon and crispiness. Halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast them at 400°F until they’re perfectly crispy. Toss the roasted sprouts with crumbled bacon to infuse a smoky, salty taste that enhances their natural sweetness.
This dish not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving spread, making it a crowd favorite.
9. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm, inviting aroma.
Start by combining canned pumpkin puree with sugar, eggs, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Pour this creamy mixture into a flaky pie crust and bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool to enhance its flavors before serving.
10. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is the ultimate indulgence with its rich sweetness and nutty crunch. Create a luscious filling by mixing corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and butter with a splash of vanilla.
Pour this gooey concoction into a prepared pie crust, and carefully arrange pecans on top for that signature look.
Bake at 350°F for an hour until the filling is perfectly set, appearing slightly caramelized and shiny.
11. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and creamy experience. Start by cooking elbow macaroni until just tender.
Create a luscious cheese sauce by blending butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix the macaroni with the sauce and pour it into a baking dish.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy topping. Bake at 350°F until the top is golden and bubbly, signaling its readiness.
12. Roast Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a deliciously simple side dish that celebrates the flavors of fall. Begin by peeling and cubing the squash, then toss with olive oil, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and salt.
Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Roast at 400°F until they are tender and beautifully caramelized, with a golden hue and a sweet aroma.
The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by the maple syrup, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and full of flavor.
13. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Imagine a stuffing that’s both sweet and savory, bringing together the best of both worlds. Start by browning sausage in a skillet until it’s perfectly crispy.
In the same pan, sauté onions, celery, and juicy apples until they’re soft and fragrant. Combine these with bread cubes, rich chicken broth, and fragrant herbs.
Bake everything at 350°F until the top is delightfully crispy. This stuffing isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving turkey, offering a delightful contrast with the savory sausage and sweet apples.
14. Gravy
Transform your Thanksgiving meal with homemade gravy that ties everything together. After your turkey is roasted to perfection, use the delicious drippings to create this essential sauce.
In a saucepan, whisk together flour and drippings over medium heat. Slowly add chicken or turkey broth, stirring until it thickens to just the right consistency.
This rich, flavorful gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing, making every bite a burst of flavor. It’s the finishing touch your meal deserves!
15. Dinner Rolls
What’s Thanksgiving without soft, buttery dinner rolls? These golden delights are perfect for soaking up every bit of delicious gravy.
Start by making your dough from scratch with yeast, flour, butter, and milk. After kneading, let the dough rise until it’s soft and fluffy.
Shape the rolls and bake them at 375°F until they are beautifully golden brown.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
Add a touch of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving feast with roasted root vegetables.
Toss vibrant carrots, parsnips, beets, and sweet potatoes in olive oil with a sprinkle of rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until they are caramelized and tender.
These vegetables not only add a pop of color but also bring an earthy sweetness to your table.
17. Maple-Glazed Carrots
Bring a touch of sweetness to your holiday table with Maple-Glazed Carrots. Begin by peeling and slicing your carrots.
Simmer them gently in a luscious mixture of butter, pure maple syrup, and a touch of salt. Watch as the carrots turn tender, absorbing the rich glaze that caramelizes to a perfect, glossy sheen.
This dish offers a delicate balance of sweetness and savory, making it an excellent companion to main courses like turkey or ham.
18. Creamed Spinach
Transform spinach into a decadent side with Creamed Spinach. Start by sautéing fresh spinach in a generous amount of butter, ensuring every leaf is coated.
Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting the mixture simmer until it thickens to a luxurious consistency.
Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
19. Apple Pie
Indulge in the timeless favorite of Apple Pie. Prepare the filling by blending sliced apples with sugar, a dash of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Lay the apple mixture into a pie crust, seal with another flaky crust on top, and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly.
The sweet, spiced aroma of this pie will fill your kitchen, promising a satisfying end to your festive meal.
20. Corn Pudding
Relish the comfort of Corn Pudding, a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Mix canned corn, creamed corn, eggs, milk, and butter in a baking dish, adding just enough sugar to highlight the natural sweetness.
Bake until the pudding sets and achieves a golden top, resulting in a light yet custard-like texture that is both savory and sweet.
Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.
