Transform your Thanksgiving with this ultimate guide to unique main dishes, mouthwatering sides, and showstopping desserts. Discover creative recipes for every part of your holiday feast, from a keto-friendly Turkey Roulade to creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese and decadent Pumpkin Bread Pudding. This collection has everything you need to make your celebration unforgettable.
A Twist on Traditional Turkey
Who said you MUST roast up a giant turkey for your Thanksgiving centerpiece?! These four unique Thanksgiving main dish recipes are great if…
- You’re feeding smaller numbers this year and want to make something that won’t overwhelm you with leftovers.
- You’re a cooking novice who needs a fool-proof substitute for a whole bird (or just desperate to find something else that will thaw in time!)
- Turkey meat just isn’t your thing, and you’re looking to try something new!
Whatever the reason, feel free to buck tradition with one of these tasty twists on traditional Thanksgiving turkey!
Turkey Roulade
Recipe by Like Hot Keto
For a LITERAL twist on classic Thanksgiving turkey, you’ve got to try this keto-friendly Turkey Roulade recipe! This recipe creates a flavorful, tender centerpiece that’s easier to carve and serve. Stuffed with delicious herbs and fillings, it ensures every slice is packed with festive flavors. This elegant dish is perfect for impressing guests while saving oven space for sides and desserts.
Honey Baked Ham (Honeybaked Ham Copy Cat Recipe)
Recipe by CopyKat Recipes
This copycat recipe for Honey Baked Ham is the perfect way to recreate the beloved classic at home, with a sweet and savory glaze that rivals the store-bought version. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a deliciously sticky crust that locks in the ham’s natural juiciness. It’s an ideal dish for Thanksgiving, offering a flavorful and impressive main course that’s sure to please a crowd.
One Pan Turkey Dinner
Recipe by Encharted Cook
An elegant One-Pan Turkey Dinner is the perfect solution for a simplified yet impressive Thanksgiving feast. This recipe combines juicy turkey and flavorful sides in one dish, making it ideal for small gatherings or stress-free hosting with minimal cleanup. Perfect for smaller gatherings, this easy, all-in-one Thanksgiving recipe offers the charm of a traditional feast without the hassle.
Prime Rib with Au Jus
Recipe by Chew Out Loud
Prime Rib with Au Jus is guaranteed to be the star of your unforgettable Thanksgiving meal, with its tender, juicy meat and rich, flavorful drippings. The au jus adds a savory depth of flavor that perfectly complements the beef, enhancing each bite.
Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Sides
Thanksgiving is all about the sides. Here are nine go-to Thanksgiving side recipes:
Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
Recipe by Cinnamon Snail
Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots make for a vibrant and flavorful side dish, adding a healthy touch to your Thanksgiving spread. The caramelized edges of the Brussels sprouts mixed with the sweet tenderness of the roasted carrots create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Simple to prepare, this dish is a delicious and colorful addition that complements any holiday meal.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Recipe by Chenee Today
If baked mac-and-cheese isn’t part of your Thanksgiving meal…it should be! Once you bring this creamy, comforting side dish to the table, it will become a new staple everyone requests! With a golden, crispy top and rich, cheesy goodness just below the surface, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Recipe by Modern Honey
Put down the cans! When it comes to Homemade Green Bean Casserole, nothing beats this homemade version. Making each component yourself elevates the classic dish with fresh ingredients and a creamier, more flavorful sauce. Topped with crispy onions, it offers the perfect combination of textures: rich, smooth, and crunchy. Trust me: Once you’ve made a green bean casserole from scratch, you will never go back.
Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole
Recipe by Haute & Healthy Living
Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole is a deliciously festive and healthy-ish side dish that combines the sweetness of squash and apples with the tartness of cranberries, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. The recipe will be a comforting and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Cranberry Ezme (Turkish Cranberry Relish Recipe)
Recipe by Cinnamon Snail
I know I hated on canned ingredients a few recipes ago…but when it comes to cranberry sauce, I don’t think you can do better than the perfectly smooth, gelatinous stuff you get from a specific brand at the store. So, if you spend precious prep time on another cranberry condiment, why not try something new and unique? For example, this recipe for Turkish Cranberry Relish! This refreshing side offers a delightful contrast to rich, savory dishes while adding a touch of international flair to your holiday spread. It’s an easy-to-make yet sophisticated addition that will wow your guests.
The Great Debate: Dressing or Stuffing?
Whatever your preference, here are two great recipes to test out this holiday season.
Cornbread Dressing
Recipe by The Forked Spoon
Cornbread Dressing is a Southern classic that brings a hearty flavor and comfort to your Thanksgiving table. The crumbly cornbread is perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, so this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Classic Brioche Stuffing Recipe
Recipe by Sugan & Snap Peas
Classic Brioche Stuffing takes Thanksgiving to the next level with its buttery, soft bread and decadent custard. The brioche absorbs the savory seasonings beautifully, creating a perfectly moist and flavorful dish.
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe by Modern Honey
Sweet Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite, combining creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a sweet, buttery, and crunchy pecan topping. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a delicious complement to any holiday feast. Its comforting flavors and rich textures make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Don’t have space in the oven for another casserole? Check out this tutorial: How to Bake Sweet Potatoes in a Crockpot!
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Recipe by Little Chef Within
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, tangy twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. The sour cream adds richness and a velvety texture, making each bite irresistibly smooth. They pair perfectly with gravy and turkey, completing your holiday feast with comforting, flavorful goodness.
Showstopper Sweet Treats
Looking for some easy Thanksgiving desserts that aren’t a traditional pie? Check out these five perfect Thanksgiving desserts:
Apple Hand Pies
Recipe by Stretch and Folds
Apple Hand Pies are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. They offer a personal-sized dessert packed with warm, spiced apple flavors and a buttery, flaky crust. They’re easy to share, mess-free, and perfect for guests of all ages. Making these pies fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of apples and cinnamon, setting the perfect holiday mood.
Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pancake
Recipe by FarmHER Kitchen
FarmHER Kitchen’s Sheet-Pan Pumpkin Pancake is a hassle-free way to bring the comforting flavors of fall to your Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch. With warm pumpkin spice and a fluffy texture, it’s perfect for serving a crowd without flipping pancakes for hours. Its simplicity and festive flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch that everyone, from the cook to the kids, will love.
Winter Fruit Salad
Recipe by Get Inspired Everyday!
This Winter Fruit Salad is a refreshing addition to your holiday spread, balancing the richness of traditional dishes with vibrant flavors. Packed with seasonal fruits, it brings color and natural sweetness to your table. Simple to prepare, it’s a healthy and elegant option that everyone can enjoy.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Recipe by Chew Out Loud
Pumpkin Bread Pudding with caramel sauce is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the cozy flavors of spiced pumpkin with a rich, custardy texture. The decadent caramel sauce elevates this dish, making it a show-stopping finale for your holiday meal. Best of all, it’s a make-ahead recipe, saving you time and stress on the big day.
Apple Cider Cookies
Recipe by Brunch & Batter
Apple Cider Cookies are a must-bake for Thanksgiving, blending the tangy sweetness of apple cider with warm fall spices in every bite. Their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make them a perfect treat to enjoy with coffee or cider after dinner. These cookies capture the essence of autumn and add a unique twist to your holiday dessert lineup.
Do you have a farm family recipe you’d like to share? Submit a Recipe for a chance to be featured by the FarmHER Kitchen!
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