85 Recipes for a Traditional Thanksgiving Menu

Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington

After you’ve got dinner sorted, snag these Thanksgiving dinner gadgets and dress up your space with Thanksgiving table decor ideas.

Classic Cheesecloth Turkey

This cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you’ve ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pumpkin Pie

Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn’t seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie’s custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes make a wonderful accompaniment to most any meal, so keep this recipe handy. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Sausage Stuffing

Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

While this spicy cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it for the holidays. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan

Sweet Potato Pone

Sweet potatoes are among my favorite vegetables, and this sweet potato pone is my absolute favorite way to prepare them. Not only is it an eagerly anticipated side dish for Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends each year, but also I make it to dress up ordinary meals. You can almost serve it as a dessert! —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York

Hot Cider

I dress up apple cider using lemonade, orange juice, honey and spices for a new version of a classic
fall beverage. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho

Quick Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They’re best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin

Roast Turkey

Rubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned turkey moist and tender. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Keep an eye on them so they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona

Buttermilk Biscuits

“These biscuits are made from a recipe that’s been in our family for years. They’re simple to make and smell so good when baking! The wonderful aroma takes me back to those days when Mom made this meal—it’s like I’m there in our family’s kitchen again, with her busy at the stove.”

Hot Spiced Cranberry Drink

I serve this rosy spiced beverage at parties and family gatherings during the winter. Friends like the tangy twist it gets from Red Hots. It's a nice change from the usual hot chocolate. —Laura Burgess, Ballwin, Missouri

Easy Apple Crisp

Here’s an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It’s super simple to make since there’s no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it’s a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

Seasoned Brown Rice Pilaf

For those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any Thanksgiving leftovers are delicious the next day. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine

Slow-Cooker Baked Apples

Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky

Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad

Just like Grandma’s, this pretty gelatin salad has full berry flavor without being too tart. It’s perfect for any holiday dinner. —Rosemary Burch, Phoenix, Arizona

Corn Pudding

Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

Creamed Pearl Onions

When our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year.—Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Special Squash Casserole

Squash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan

Creamed Spinach

My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years.—Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Gravy

Make your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can’t-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Maple-Glazed Green Beans

After I picked my first green beans of the season one year, I wanted to make a savory side dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Spiced Acorn Squash

Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York

Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin

Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Caramel Apple Strudel

My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland

Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry fluff is sweet, tart and creamy all at once. This Midwestern picnic salad (or dessert!) is also easy to riff on, so try the recipe once as is, then play around and come up with your own variations.

Creamed Corn

This creamed corn recipe features a rich, from-scratch cream sauce, sweet corn kernels and a nutty Parmesan topping. Enjoy it with your favorite southern dishes.

Baked Pears

This baked pears recipe is very versatile. You can serve it warm or cold and for any size group. Chilled pears can be dressed up with a dollop of whipped topping, fruit-filled yogurt or ice cream. —Betty Schledorn, Ocala, Florida

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It’s a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

Slow-Cooked Wild Rice

This recipe has become such a family heirloom that I asked my mother's permission before passing it along. It has traveled to weddings, landmark birthdays and wedding anniversaries—and it always makes people happy. —Janet Mahowald, Rice Lake, Wisconsin

Maple-Sage Brined Turkey

When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire

Warm Spiced Nuts

I like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota

Mashed Red Potatoes

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is the only way I make my mashed potatoes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas

Country Turnip Greens

If you’ve never tried making turnip greens, my recipe is an easy, tasty way to start. Pork and onions give the fresh greens wonderful flavor .—Sandra Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee

Whipped Squash

This is an excellent way to serve one of the season's most delicious vegetables—butternut squash. Its rich flavor and golden harvest color really come through in this smooth vegetable side dish. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas

Butternut Squash Soup

When the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this butternut squash soup. The cream adds richness, but if you’re looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Beef Tenderloin Roast

This beef tenderloin roast is a simple way to dress up dinner. Prepare the rest of your meal while it bakes in the oven. —Judith LaBrozzi, Canton, Ohio

Glazed Julienned Carrots

There’s just enough butter and sugar in this glazed julienned carrots recipe to bring out its natural sweetness. With just five ingredients, this recipe is ready to serve in minutes. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware

Thanksgiving Green Beans

Momma made these green beans only at Thanksgiving because, at the time, the ingredients were out of her everyday budget. Her original recipe inside her recipe box had five stars drawn on it. I would have to agree! —Marcia Shires, San Antonio, Texas

Beets in Orange Sauce

To ensure your family eats their veggies, why not top your beets with an irresistible orange glaze! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Pretty Duchess Potatoes

Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Cranberry Salad

One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan

Herbed Accordion Dinner Rolls

To dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Candied Pecans

These candied pecans combine toasty nuts with butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla for a salty-sweet snack that you can eat by the handful or as an accompaniment to salad, cheese, desserts and so much more.

Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts

For special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Slow-Cooker Applesauce

Slow-cooker applesauce comes together easily, given the appliance's even heat, which transforms sliced fruit into soft homemade applesauce with little more prep than it takes to peel and slice the fruit.

Sweet ‘n’ Tangy Carrots

With an irresistible brown sugar-mustard sauce, these simple simmered carrots bring bright flavor and color to the table. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

Molded Cranberry-Orange Salad

When I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

Sweet Potato Casserole

Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Easy Apple Cake

After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, this old-fashioned cake is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it’s quick to fix and, served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, one of my family’s very favorite recipes for decades. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio

Icebox Rolls

I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there’s no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri

Fluffy Cranberry Mousse

This is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it’s so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California

Elegant Green Beans

Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota

Hot Spinach Apple Salad

With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois

Sage Dressing

This moist, hearty sage stuffing is nicely seasoned with sausage and fresh mushrooms. Sometimes I use it to stuff my Thanksgiving turkey and other times I bake it separately. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Soft Dinner Rolls

The dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

What makes this pumpkin cranberry bread recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation yielding two loaves that are delicious to share or to stock your freezer for future sweet treats.

Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

My recipe takes mashed potatoes to the next level with a savory topping of cheese, onions and bacon. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois

Apple Cider Punch

Apple cider punch, garnished with orange slices and spiced with cinnamon and allspice, is a chilled fall drink you'll love serving when it's still too warm for hot mugs.

Triple Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois

Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether for a dinner party or just a casual weeknight, these sausage and cheese-filled bites are a breeze to whip up and absolutely irresistible.

Southern Collard Greens

Cooking collard greens is easier than you’d think. This southern collard greens recipe is full of smoky, savory flavor, and the broth is good enough to drink. You’ll want to dunk a piece of cornbread in it!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

This make-ahead turkey gravy is a lifesaver when preparing multiple dishes for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Baker’s Dozen Yeast Rolls

A yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Cinnamon Apple Pie

Whether baked in a skillet or a deep-dish pie plate, a hefty cinnamon apple pie is a real stunner.

Sage Sausage Dressing

Port is a sweet red wine that’s often served as a dessert beverage, but it adds a deep flavor to our family’s hearty stuffing. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin

Sweet Potato Pie

This creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. —North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

Grandma’s Cranberry Stuff

What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Party-Ready Macaroni and Cheese

You’ll always have a winner at the party when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Almonds

If Brussels sprouts taste bitter to you, roast them for a gentle sweetness that goes with cranberries and almonds. This side dish won us over. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls

My grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California

Crescent Rolls

I always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you’d like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia

Tender Whole Wheat Rolls

Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

A twist of orange juice and nutmeg makes this sweet potato with marshmallow refreshing and bold, while a stick of butter, some sugar and a scattering of mini marshmallows maintain the status quo on Thanksgiving.

Slow-Cooker Green Beans

Green beans may seem like the simplest of side dishes, but these slow-cooker green beans with brown sugar and soy sauce just might become your star attraction.

Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

Scalloped Corn

This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Garlic Knotted Rolls

Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy and flavorful Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect mix of spuds, butter and sour cream with a bold cheesy finish.

Veggie Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn’t come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

Traditional Thanksgiving Menu FAQ

How do I choose the right size turkey?

The best way to decide how much turkey you need is to count up your guest list. We recommend planning on about 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person. That may seem like a lot, but remember that the turkey will lose moisture as it cooks. The bird’s total weight also includes inedible parts (like the bones).

If you multiply your total guest count by 1.25, you can calculate the total weight needed. For example, four guests should look for a 5-pound turkey, eight guests would need a 10-pound bird and groups of 12 should look for a 15-pounder. If several of your guests are children, you can round down. Most kids will gobble up Thanksgiving side dishes and starches over poultry. Alternatively, if you want to ensure leftovers, add an extra pound or two to your calculation.

How many sides should you have at Thanksgiving?

Side dishes are the highlight of Thanksgiving for most people, so we recommend serving at least three. If you’re hosting more guests than usual, you may want to add extra side dishes or augment your meal plan with Thanksgiving soups or Thanksgiving appetizers.

To keep people happy, we like to serve at least one or two sides from a few crucial categories. Look for make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes to save time on the big day.

• Starches: Filling, cozy and comforting, starches are meant to be a bit indulgent. Consider making dishes that soak up extra gravy, like mashed potato recipes, dinner rolls, stuffing or sweet potato recipes, like the classic marshmallow-topped casserole.
• Produce: Thanksgiving vegetable sides offer exciting flavors and textures that liven up the dinner table. Think crunchy green beans, Brussels sprouts, winter squash or creamed corn. Balance savory veggie sides with something tart and acidic, like homemade cranberry sauce or cranberry relish.

What desserts are most traditional for Thanksgiving?

Classic Thanksgiving desserts include seasonal favorites featuring fall produce and spices, like pumpkin pies, southern sweet potato pie or easy apple cobbler. Decadent desserts like pecan pie or pumpkin-butterscotch gingerbread trifle also make festive centerpieces. And the more modern pumpkin cheesecake is quickly becoming a Thanksgiving classic.