If you are planning your Thanksgiving menu, we have all of our favorite recipes as well as a FREE printable Thanksgiving dinner menu template and cooking schedule!
Need more help planning your Thanksgiving recipes? Browse my Thanksgiving appetizers, Thanksgiving side dishes and finish with the best Thanksgiving desserts!
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Table of Contents
Printable Thanksgiving Hosting Guide and Dinner Menu
To help plan out your meal, download this free printable Thanksgiving dinner menu template, cooking schedule and shopping list to help make your turkey day a success. The document is editable so that you can create your own menu and type in your favorite dishes.
Appetizers
I like to serve a few small appetizers to start off the meal. I usually always set out a big fruit and veggie platter or fall charcuterie board for guests to snack on. Both are lighter options and include a little something for everyone!
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Crowd-pleasing bacon ranch cheese ball is the ultimate party appetizer! It's loaded with cream cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, cheese and then coated in pecans.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese
Cranberry salsa with cream cheese is a quick holiday appetizer made with fresh cranberries, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. Spoon the sweet and spicy salsa over cream cheese and serve with chips or crackers.
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Thanksgiving blessing mix
Thanksgiving blessing mix- a sweet and salty snack mix that is perfect for gift giving or holiday snacking. printable available.
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Cranberry Meatballs
These slow cooker cranberry meatballs with jellied cranberry and chili sauce are so easy to make in the crockpot. The perfect 3-ingredient appetizer for any holiday party!
Total Time: 3 hours
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Turkey Veggie Tray
This cute Thanksgiving turkey veggie tray is a fresh and colorful appetizer centerpiece that is the perfect addition to your holiday spread. Kids love to help!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Cranberry Brie Bites
These cranberry brie bites are easy to make with a homemade cranberry sauce, creamy brie and flaky puff pastry. A unique bite-sized appetizer for the holiday season!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Chocolate covered strawberry turkeys are an easy and adorable no-bake treat that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Thanksgiving Punch
This Thanksgiving punch is an easy fall beverage favorite made with apple cider, caramel syrup and pumpkin pie spice. It's a fun and festive crowd-pleasing drink!
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Now for the main event! Roasted turkey or turkey breast is traditionally served at Thanksgiving dinner, although I have to admit that I actually prefer a baked ham or even a smoked turkey.
Honey Baked Ham
Tender, moist, and smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze, this honey baked ham with a candy-like caramelized outer crust is a must-try for your next special gathering.
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Juicy and tender oven roasted turkey that will be the star of the holiday table! Easy to prepare with fresh herbs and garlic butter for the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
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Spatchcock Turkey
Roast a spatchcock turkey to crispy, juicy perfection in less time than a traditional bird. The perfect way to serve Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without hours in the kitchen.
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
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Homemade Turkey Gravy
Make a delicious, silky smooth, and flavorful homemade turkey gravy in a few simple steps. Avoiding store-bought gravy packages has never been easier!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Thanksgiving Sides
Next come the sides! There are so many delicious options to choose from, some are cheesy, creamy or even bacon wrapped green bundles to name a few!
3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
An easy 3-ingredient cranberry sauce recipe made with fresh cranberries, sugar and an orange. It's simple to make from scratch and tastes better than the canned version.
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Sausage Stuffing
This sausage stuffing recipe will convert anyone who tries it into a stuffing lover! The bread is soft with lightly toasted edges and the flavor is incredible!
Total Time:
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Rich and creamy mashed potatoes are whipped smooth and fluffy with cream cheese, butter and heavy cream! A favorite side dish at any meal or holiday table.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Easy Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Easy cheesy potatoes are a classic recipe made with diced potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with a buttery cornflake topping it's a simple and comforting side dish!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This sweet potato casserole with pecan topping combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar pecan streusel. A classic Thanksgiving side dish!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Paula Deen’s Green Bean Casserole
Inspired by Paula Deen’s green bean casserole, this version is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and topped with crispy French fried onions and cheddar cheese.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Jiffy Corn Pudding Recipe
This Jiffy corn pudding is a cozy side dish made with just 5 ingredients. It bakes into a creamy, sweet casserole with Southern-inspired flavor for holiday dinners.
Total Time: 55 minutes
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Maple Roasted Vegetables Recipe
These maple roasted vegetables are sweetened with maple syrup and bacon for a crowd-pleasing side dish worthy of the holidays but easy enough for a weeknight meal!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Pomegranate Pear Salad
A vibrant pear salad with pomegranate seeds, feta, and candied pecans tossed in balsamic dressing. Fresh, colorful, and easy to make, perfect for fall dinners or holiday gatherings.
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Arugula Beet Salad
This arugula beet salad is beautiful and bold with fresh arugula, feta cheese, candied pecans then tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. It's stunning on any holiday table!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Creamed Corn
Rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness crockpot creamed corn is easy to make hands off in the slow cooker!
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
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Lion House Roll Recipe
These Lion House Rolls may have originated in Utah, but you can now make them at home with the same soft, fluffy and buttery taste. The perfect dinner roll!
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Desserts
Make sure to save room for dessert! Every Thanksgiving I look forward to a big slice of pie with homemade whipped cream. There’s truly no better way to finish off the meal. Mmmmm!
Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This easy homemade pumpkin pie recipe is a holiday classic. Inspired by Libby’s, it bakes up silky smooth with warm spices and a buttery, flaky crust.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Pecan Pie Recipe
This easy pecan pie recipe is a classic with a flaky crust, sweet creamy filling, and plenty of pecans in every bite. A traditional homemade dessert that’s always a family favorite!
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
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Chocolate Pecan Pie
Chocolate pecan pie is a rich twist on the classic. Gooey pecan filling and deep chocolate flavor make it perfect for the holidays!
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
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Raspberry Jello Pretzel Salad
Raspberry jello pretzel salad is made with a cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture on a pretzel crust layered with raspberry Jello. It's a sweet and salty classic dessert salad!
Total Time: 4 hours
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Brown Bag Apple Pie
Brown bag apple pie is the secret to a foolproof flaky crust and tender apple filling, topped with a perfect golden streusel. All baked inside a bag for less mess!
Total Time: 2 hours
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Pumpkin Crisp
This easy pumpkin crisp has a creamy, pumpkin-pie–style filling topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel. A cozy fall dessert that everyone loves!
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe
Learn to make homemade whipped cream with only 3 ingredients in less than 5 minutes! Skip store-bought, this is so easy to make and the perfect topping for desserts.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Apple Cranberry Pie
This homemade apple cranberry pie is filled with juicy apples and fresh, tart cranberries in a flaky buttery pie crust. The perfect holiday dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
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Mixed Berry Crumble Pie
It's part crisp, part crumple, and all pie! This amazing berry crumble pie is a sweet, tart, and crispy crowd-pleaser filled with juicy berries and a buttery crispy streusel topping!
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
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Easy Banana Cream Pie
Quick and easy banana cream pie is an old-fashioned favorite done in minutes! Sliced bananas and instant banana pudding make this no bake dessert amazing.
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Caryn
Amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing. Happy Turkey Day to you and your family!
Sunnie @ I Heart Naptime
Happy Turkey Day to you too, Caryn. I hope you are able to use many of these recipes to enjoy the day with your family
Lorin Tinder
Thank you for sharing! These are awesome! Happy Thanksgiving!