This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.

Planning Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be stressful! Whether you’re hosting the whole family or bringing a dish to share, these Thanksgiving recipes will help you build a holiday menu everyone can enjoy. From turkey and ham to comforting sides, homemade rolls, festive drinks, and desserts, there’s something here for every part of the celebration.

Thanksgiving recipe collage featuring sliced turkey breast, classic green bean casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Want to see more Love Bakes Good Cakes recipes on Google?

You’ll find familiar favorites alongside a few fun alternatives, plus make-ahead ideas and delicious ways to use leftovers. Browse the sections below, pick your favorites, and put together a Thanksgiving meal that works for your family.

Jump to: Main Dishes · Sides · Breads & Spreads · Appetizers & Salads · Desserts · Drinks · Baking Extras · Leftovers

Turkey & Main Dishes

Whether you’re serving a smaller turkey breast or a glazed holiday ham, these main dishes make a wonderful centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.

Square image of sliced Instant Pot turkey breast on a white platter with gravy on top, styled for social media or featured use.
4.50 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, and full of flavor without taking up valuable oven space! It's a great option for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or anyone looking for an easy, fuss-free alternative to roasting a whole turkey.
View Recipe
Square image of sliced smoked garlic herb turkey breast with lemon and herbs
No ratings yet

Smoked Garlic Herb Turkey Breast

Bring something extra flavorful to the Thanksgiving table with this smoky, herb-seasoned turkey breast. It's a delicious alternative to traditional oven-roasted turkey.
View Recipe
Square image of sliced smoked turkey breast with black pepper crust and fresh garnishes
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Texas Style Turkey Breast

Give Thanksgiving a Texas-style twist! This smoked turkey breast is a great choice for anyone who loves bold barbecue flavor and wants to serve something a little different.
View Recipe
glazed ham in baking liquid in pan
4.55 from 20 votes

Honey Baked Glazed Ham

A holiday favorite with a sweet, flavorful glaze! This ham is a great alternative to turkey or a second main dish when you're feeding a crowd.
View Recipe
closeup of finished ham recipe with ham glaze
4 from 5 votes

Apricot Dijon Spiral Ham

Sweet apricot and tangy Dijon mustard make this spiral ham a standout holiday main dish. It's an easy way to add something special to your Thanksgiving menu.
View Recipe

Side Dishes

For many of us, the sides are the best part of Thanksgiving! Fill your table with comforting casseroles, potatoes, dressing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and gravy.

mashed potatoes topped with butter pat in bowl
5 from 2 votes

Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have! They're the perfect side for turkey, ham, stuffing, and plenty of homemade gravy.
View Recipe
green bean casserole in pan
5 from 2 votes

Classic Green Bean Casserole

No Thanksgiving table feels complete without this classic! Creamy green beans and a crispy onion topping make this comforting casserole a holiday favorite.
View Recipe
Close up square photo of Southern cornbread dressing with a wooden spoon scooping up a portion, showing crispy browned bits and soft cornbread pieces.
No ratings yet

Cornbread Dressing

This traditional Cornbread Dressing is a Southern Thanksgiving favorite. It's savory, comforting, and perfect for serving alongside turkey and gravy.
View Recipe
Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing on plate with fork
4.63 from 8 votes

Cranberry Apple Sausage Stuffing

Savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries come together in this flavorful holiday stuffing. It's a delicious twist on a Thanksgiving classic.
View Recipe
sweet potato casserole with a spoon in the dish
4.41 from 120 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet, creamy, and full of cozy holiday flavor, this Sweet Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite that belongs on the table year after year.
View Recipe
cranberry pecan sweet potato casserole
4.48 from 63 votes

Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Give your sweet potatoes a festive upgrade with cranberries and pecans! This colorful casserole brings a delicious mix of sweet and tart flavors to Thanksgiving dinner.
View Recipe
Overhead view of baked candied yams covered in a glossy butter and brown sugar sauce
4.43 from 727 votes

Candied Yams

Tender, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these Candied Yams are an old-fashioned holiday side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham.
View Recipe
Easy Corn Casserole in white ramekin on fall colored plaid napkin
5 from 2 votes

Easy Corn Casserole

Creamy, comforting, and so easy to make, this Corn Casserole is the kind of Thanksgiving side dish everyone goes back for seconds of!
View Recipe
closeup of air fryer brussels sprouts
No ratings yet

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy way to add a delicious vegetable side to your Thanksgiving table without taking up precious oven space! They're crispy, flavorful, and perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday favorites.
View Recipe
cranberry sauce garnished with mint
4.80 from 5 votes

Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce adds the perfect sweet-tart flavor to Thanksgiving dinner. It's a simple classic that tastes wonderful with turkey and holiday leftovers.
View Recipe
closeup of gravy in a gravy boat
4.41 from 5 votes

How To Make Gravy

Every Thanksgiving dinner needs great gravy! This easy homemade gravy brings all those comforting holiday flavors together, especially over turkey, potatoes, and dressing.
View Recipe
cooked collard greens in a bowl
5 from 1 vote

Collard Greens

These flavorful Collard Greens bring a Southern classic to your Thanksgiving table! They're a comforting addition to the holiday meal and pair beautifully with turkey, ham, and cornbread.
View Recipe

Breads, Rolls & Spreads

Don’t forget the bread basket! Homemade rolls, cornbread, and sweet spreads are just right for passing around the Thanksgiving table.

hand holding Herbed Dinner Rolls to show fluffy inside
No ratings yet

Herbed Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls with a delicious blend of herbs make a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving dinner. They're perfect for soaking up every last bit of gravy!
View Recipe
Southern Cornbread stacked up on a plate with butter and honey drizzle.
4.43 from 89 votes

Southern Cornbread

You can't go wrong with a skillet of homemade Southern Cornbread! Serve it warm with butter for a simple, comforting addition to your Thanksgiving meal.
View Recipe
Golden homemade buttery dinner rolls ready to serve.
4.45 from 79 votes

Buttery Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and wonderfully buttery, these homemade rolls deserve a spot in the Thanksgiving bread basket. They're especially delicious served warm!
View Recipe
closeup of crescent roll
5 from 1 vote

Crescent Rolls

These homemade Crescent Rolls are a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket! With their soft, buttery interior and golden crust, they're a classic favorite that pairs perfectly with any holiday meal.
View Recipe
whipped cranberry butter in glass jar
5 from 1 vote

Whipped Cranberry Butter

Add a festive touch to your holiday bread basket with this creamy Whipped Cranberry Butter! Its sweet-tart cranberry flavor is wonderful spread over warm rolls.
View Recipe
closeup of cinnamon butter in glass jar
4.47 from 296 votes

Cinnamon Butter Spread

Sweet, creamy cinnamon butter makes warm dinner rolls even more irresistible! It's a simple, delicious spread that adds a little extra holiday sweetness to the table.
View Recipe

Appetizers & Salads

Give everyone something to nibble on while dinner comes together. These nostalgic appetizers and refreshing salads help round out the holiday menu.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Square crop of Holiday Cheese Ball coated in pecans, cherries, and parsley, surrounded by crackers on a serving plate.
No ratings yet

Holiday Cheese Ball

Get Thanksgiving started with this festive Holiday Cheese Ball! Serve it with crackers for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer guests can enjoy while dinner finishes cooking.
View Recipe
hand holding a deviled egg
4.75 from 8 votes

Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs are always welcome at a holiday gathering! They're creamy, delicious, and easy to prepare ahead of time for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
View Recipe
close up of stuffed celery sticks on a plate topped with cream cheese filling, sliced olives, and black pepper
No ratings yet

Old Fashioned Stuffed Celery with Cream Cheese

Bring back a nostalgic holiday favorite with these cream cheese-stuffed celery sticks! They're crisp, creamy, and perfect for snacking before Thanksgiving dinner.
View Recipe
thanksgiving salad on plate with cranberry vinaigrette dressing
No ratings yet

Thanksgiving Salad

Freshen up your Thanksgiving table with this festive salad! It's a colorful, flavorful addition that offers a lighter option alongside all those comforting holiday dishes.
View Recipe
cranberry fluff salad in pink bowl
5 from 2 votes

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Sweet, fluffy, and full of cranberry flavor, this nostalgic holiday salad is a fun addition to Thanksgiving dinner. It's a delicious change from traditional cranberry sauce!
View Recipe
Waldorf Salad in white bowl
4.54 from 39 votes

Waldorf Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing make Waldorf Salad a timeless favorite. It's a refreshing addition to a Thanksgiving menu filled with rich comfort foods.
View Recipe
Cranberry Vinaigrette on a spoon
4.38 from 50 votes

Cranberry Vinaigrette

Add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving salads with this Cranberry Vinaigrette! Its bright, sweet-tart flavor is a delicious way to balance all those rich holiday dishes.
View Recipe

Desserts

Save room for dessert! You’ll find classic holiday pies, pumpkin favorites, cheesecake, and a few treats for anyone who wants something different.

pumpkin pie with slice cut
4.34 from 3 votes

Pumpkin Pie

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie! This classic holiday dessert has a smooth, creamy pumpkin filling and all those warm spices everyone looks forward to each fall.
View Recipe
Close-up square photo of apple pie slice showing flaky crust and apple filling.
3 from 1 vote

Apple Pie

Nothing beats a homemade Apple Pie for Thanksgiving! Sweet, tender apples and warm cinnamon flavor make this classic dessert perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
View Recipe
Overhead view of a slice of sweet potato pie on a tan plate with a swirl of whipped cream in the center and a flaky crust edge.
5 from 1 vote

Sweet Potato Pie

Creamy, sweet, and filled with warm spices, Sweet Potato Pie is a beloved Southern holiday dessert. It's a delicious alternative to traditional pumpkin pie!
View Recipe
Slices of pumpkin roll cake with a spiral of cream cheese filling.
5 from 1 vote

Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

This beautiful Pumpkin Roll combines soft, spiced pumpkin cake with a creamy filling. It's an impressive Thanksgiving dessert that's perfect for making ahead.
View Recipe
Mini pumpkin cheesecake with Biscoff crust, creamy pumpkin filling, whipped cream, cinnamon, and a Biscoff cookie garnish.
No ratings yet

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

These adorable Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes deliver all the cozy flavors of fall in individual servings! They're perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables and holiday gatherings.
View Recipe
Square image of Pumpkin Dump Cake with a creamy pumpkin layer and pecan topping
4.57 from 71 votes

Pumpkin Dump Cake

All the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie with the ease of a dump cake! This simple Thanksgiving dessert is perfect when you want something delicious without spending hours baking.
View Recipe
slice of No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake on a white plate with a pumpkin in the corner
4.69 from 35 votes

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

Save precious oven space with this creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake! It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert packed with warm fall flavors.
View Recipe
slice of chocolate pie on plate
4.48 from 279 votes

Chocolate Chess Pie

Not everyone wants pumpkin pie! This rich, fudgy Chocolate Chess Pie is a delicious Southern classic that's perfect for chocolate lovers at Thanksgiving.
View Recipe
Pecan Pie Bars
4.55 from 55 votes

Pecan Pie Bars

Everything you love about pecan pie in an easy-to-serve bar! These sweet, nutty treats are perfect for Thanksgiving dessert trays, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
View Recipe
Homemade Sweetened Whipped Cream in blue bowl
5 from 3 votes

Homemade Sweetened Whipped Cream

Skip the store-bought topping and make your own Homemade Sweetened Whipped Cream! It's light, fluffy, and perfect for adding a finishing touch to Thanksgiving pies and desserts.
View Recipe
Bowl of fluffy spiced whipped cream with visible specks of cinnamon and nutmeg, sitting on a light marble surface.
No ratings yet

Spiced Whipped Cream

Give your Thanksgiving desserts a cozy finishing touch with this Spiced Whipped Cream! Its warm spices pair beautifully with pumpkin pie, apple pie, and other fall favorites.
View Recipe
Square image of crimped butter pie crust in a glass pie dish, ready to bake
5 from 1 vote

Butter Pie Crust

Every great Thanksgiving pie starts with a great crust! This homemade Butter Pie Crust is tender, flaky, and full of rich, buttery flavor. It's the perfect foundation for all your holiday favorites, from pumpkin and pecan to apple pie!
View Recipe

Drinks

Raise a glass to the holiday with festive drinks for everyone, including both cocktails and alcohol-free choices.

MULLED WINE
4.50 from 4 votes

Mulled Wine

Warm up your Thanksgiving gathering with a cozy mug of Mulled Wine! Infused with fragrant spices, this festive drink is perfect for sipping on a chilly holiday evening.
View Recipe
Close-up square crop of apple cider sangria in a glass with fresh apples, cranberries, and thyme garnish
No ratings yet

Apple Cider Sangria

Bring the flavors of fall to your Thanksgiving celebration with Apple Cider Sangria! It's a festive, fruity drink that's perfect for sharing with friends and family.
View Recipe
Non-alcoholic sangria with colorful fruit served as a festive drink.
4.42 from 598 votes

Non-Alcoholic Sangria

Everyone can enjoy a festive glass of this colorful Non-Alcoholic Sangria! It's fruity, refreshing, and a wonderful choice for Thanksgiving guests who prefer drinks without alcohol.
View Recipe
Square crop showing three glasses of golden mock champagne punch on a light wood table with strawberries scattered nearby.
4.34 from 179 votes

Mock Champagne Punch

Make your Thanksgiving gathering feel extra special with this bubbly Mock Champagne Punch! It's a fun, alcohol-free way for everyone to raise a glass and celebrate.
View Recipe
shirley temple punch in glass
4.69 from 16 votes

Shirley Temple Punch

Bright, bubbly, and full of fruity flavor, Shirley Temple Punch is a fun addition to Thanksgiving! Kids and adults alike will love this festive, family-friendly drink.
View Recipe

Holiday Baking Extras

These homemade spice blends are handy to have ready before the Thanksgiving baking begins.

close up of Pumpkin Pie Spice on parchment paper
5 from 3 votes

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Keep a batch of homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice handy for all your Thanksgiving baking! This cozy spice blend is perfect for pies, cakes, and other fall favorites.
View Recipe
Square-cropped image of homemade apple pie spice in a small glass jar
No ratings yet

Apple Pie Spice

This homemade Apple Pie Spice is a simple blend of warm, cozy spices that's perfect for Thanksgiving baking! Keep it handy for apple pies, cakes, and other fall desserts.
View Recipe

Thanksgiving Leftovers

The holiday feast doesn’t end on Thursday! Turn leftover turkey and ham into easy meals, and make flavorful stock to enjoy later.

Overhead view of baked puff pastry turkey pot pie with golden lattice crust and fresh thyme garnish.
No ratings yet

Puff Pastry Turkey Pot Pie

Turn leftover turkey into a cozy, comforting meal with this Puff Pastry Turkey Pot Pie! A flaky golden crust makes it a delicious way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.
View Recipe
closeup of turkey stock in glass canning jar
5 from 1 vote

Turkey Stock

Don't toss that turkey carcass! Turn it into flavorful homemade Turkey Stock that's perfect for soups, stews, and other comforting recipes after Thanksgiving.
View Recipe
closeup of a ham salad sandwich
4.41 from 366 votes

Iowa Ham Salad

Put leftover holiday ham to good use with this creamy, old-fashioned Iowa Ham Salad! It's delicious served on sandwiches, crackers, or croissants for an easy post-Thanksgiving meal.
View Recipe

Looking for more ideas beyond Thanksgiving? Browse the Love Bakes Good Cakes Recipe Index for easy meals, desserts, and family favorites to enjoy all year long.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Comments

  1. Cathy Trochelman says:

    Can I just eat my dinner right off the screen? Everything looks delicious!!

  2. Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says:

    Great round-up Jamie!!! I'm hungry!