10+ Good Recipes for Thanksgiving to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and great food. As you gather around the table, everyone looks forward to delicious dishes that warm the heart and satisfy the appetite. Finding good recipes for Thanksgiving can make your holiday celebrations even more special.

Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or trying something new, having a variety of tasty recipes can help you create memorable meals. From savory main courses to delightful desserts, the right dishes can bring joy to your gathering and leave everyone feeling grateful.

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Roasting a turkey with herb butter is a classic and flavorful way to impress your guests. The herb butter adds moisture and rich taste to the turkey, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

To start, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. Common herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme work wonderfully together. Mixing these with softened butter creates a delicious spread.

When preparing the turkey, make sure to pat it dry and season inside and out with salt and pepper. Carefully lift the skin and spread that herb butter underneath. This helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful as it roasts.

Cook the turkey in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Basting periodically with the drippings keeps it moist. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the herb butter by mixing the butter and herbs together.
3. Pat the turkey dry and season it with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the herb butter under the skin of the turkey.
5. Roast the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally.

Honey-Glazed Ham

Honey-glazed ham is a classic dish that adds sweetness to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a delicious coating that caramelizes as it cooks.

To prepare your ham, start by scoring the surface with a sharp knife. This creates small slashes that allow the glaze to seep in. Next, stud the ham with cloves for extra flavor.

For the glaze, mix honey, brown sugar, and some unsalted butter in a pot. Heat until combined, then brush it over the ham. Cook in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes.

Your guests will love the rich flavor of this perfectly baked ham!

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 6-8 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Whole cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham and stud it with cloves.
3. In a pot, combine honey, brown sugar, and butter. Heat until melted.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham.
5. Bake the ham for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.

3) Sausage and Sage Stuffing

Sausage and sage stuffing is a classic dish that brings warmth to your Thanksgiving table. The savory flavors of sausage combined with fresh sage create a delightful filling for turkey or a side dish on its own.

Start by browning sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions and celery until tender. This adds a wonderful aroma to your stuffing.

Next, combine the sausage and vegetables with toasted bread cubes. You can add chicken broth to moisten the mix and toss in some chopped fresh sage for that herbal touch.

Bake the stuffing at 375°F (190°C) in a greased dish for about 25-30 minutes, until it’s golden and crisp on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) sausage
• 1 cup (150g) chopped onion
• 1 cup (150g) chopped celery
• 6 cups (180g) toasted bread cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Remove sausage and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and celery in the same skillet until tender.
4. Mix together sausage, sautéed vegetables, and toasted bread cubes.
5. Add chicken broth and fresh sage; combine well.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

4) Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic dish that’s loved during Thanksgiving. It combines green beans with creamy soup and crunchy toppings. This dish adds a delicious vegetable option to your holiday meal.

You can start with fresh or canned green beans. Many recipes use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a creamy texture. Don’t forget the French-fried onions on top for that satisfying crunch.

You can customize your casserole by adding cheese or extra seasoning. This will enhance the flavor and make it unique to your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cans green beans, drained
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine green beans, soup, and cheese.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle onions on top.
7. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until onions are golden.

5) Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are a classic dish for Thanksgiving. Their sweet and buttery flavors make them a favorite side dish. You can prepare them easily, and they look beautiful on the table.

Start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Place them in a greased baking dish. You might try a 9×13 inch dish for ease.

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until they are tender and caramelized.

These sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also bring a warm, comforting touch to your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Maple syrup
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes.
3. Grease your baking dish.
4. Arrange the sweet potatoes in the dish.
5. Mix brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and spices.
6. Pour mixture over the sweet potatoes.
7. Bake until tender.

6) Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Cranberry sauce with orange zest adds a bright and fresh flavor to your Thanksgiving table. It’s easy to make and can be ready in about 15 minutes. This sauce is not just delicious; it complements turkey perfectly.

You’ll need fresh cranberries, orange zest, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. The orange zest enhances the tartness, giving the sauce a fresh taste.

Start by rinsing the cranberries and combining them with sugar and water in a saucepan. Then, add the orange zest and juice. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

This recipe is sure to impress your guests without taking much time. Enjoy this homemade sauce instead of the canned version. It’s a simple way to enhance your holiday meal!

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water.
3. Add the orange zest and juice.
4. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally and remove from heat to cool.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Classic pumpkin pie is a favorite for Thanksgiving. It has a smooth and creamy filling made with canned pumpkin. The pie is spiced with warm flavors that make it comforting and delicious.

You’ll want to start with a flaky pie crust. You can make one from scratch or use a store-bought option. Both taste great!

Mix canned pumpkin, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Pour the filling into the crust and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-55 minutes. It should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center.

Let the pie cool before slicing. Serve it plain or with whipped cream for extra flavor. Everyone will love a slice!

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3 eggs
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the pie crust in a pie dish.
3. In a bowl, combine pumpkin, sugars, spices, and eggs.
4. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
5. Pour mixture into the crust.
6. Bake for 40-55 minutes.
7. Allow to cool before serving.

8) Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. They are easier to serve and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. You’ll love the buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet pecan filling.

To make these bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

For the crust, mix flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press it into the bottom of the pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

Then, prepare the filling by combining corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and chopped pecans. Pour the filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for another 25-30 minutes.

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These bars offer a rich, nutty flavor that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
3. Mix flour, butter, and sugar for the crust.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
5. Bake crust for 15 minutes.
6. Combine corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and pecans for the filling.
7. Pour filling over the baked crust.
8. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
9. Allow to cool, then cut into squares.

9) Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a warm and cozy dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it a favorite for many. You can easily customize it with spices or toppings.

Start by roasting the squash for a deeper flavor. You can add garlic and onions for extra taste. Then, blend the cooked ingredients until smooth for a velvety finish.

For a special touch, top your soup with pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream. You can even sprinkle some bacon bits for a savory contrast. This soup not only warms you up but looks great on the table too.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cream, pumpkin seeds, or bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Chop the onion and garlic.
4. Roast the squash, onion, and garlic for 25 minutes.
5. In a pot, combine roasted vegetables and vegetable broth.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

10) Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney

Baked Brie with cranberry chutney is a delightful dish perfect for Thanksgiving. The creamy cheese pairs wonderfully with the tangy chutney, making it a hit with your guests.

To start, you will need a wheel of Brie cheese and homemade cranberry chutney. The chutney adds both flavor and color to the dish. You can prepare it ahead of time, saving you some stress on the big day.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place the Brie on a baking sheet. Next, top it with cranberry chutney and bake until it’s warm and gooey. The aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 (2.2-pound) wheel of Brie cheese
• 1 cup cranberry chutney

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the Brie on a baking sheet lined with foil.
3. Spread the cranberry chutney over the top.
4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until warm.
5. Serve with crackers or sliced bread.