TOP 21 DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING DINNER IDEAS TO TRY

Top 21 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe Ideas

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey

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The star of any Thanksgiving feast is undoubtedly the turkey. Roasting it with fresh herbs infuses it with aromatic flavours that will leave your guests raving.

This is one of the thanksgiving dinner ideas i personally love.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (14-16 lb) turkey, thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Mix butter and herbs in a bowl, adding salt and pepper.
  3. Gently loosen skin of the turkey and rub the herb butter underneath.
  4. Stuff the cavity with onion and lemon.
  5. Roast for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Savory Stuffing

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No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without stuffing. This savory blend of bread, herbs, and vegetables brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 loaf of bread, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon sage
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
  3. In a large bowl, combine bread, sautéed veggies, broth, and herbs. Mix well.
  4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.

3. Cranberry Sauce

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This vibrant sauce is a sweet and tangy addition to your turkey. Homemade cranberry sauce is a breeze to make and elevates any holiday meal.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 orange

• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cranberries.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst.
  3. Stir in orange zest, then cool before serving.

5. Green Bean Casserole

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This classic dish adds a vibrant pop of colour to your table. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a favourite among guests.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, and half of the onions.
  4. Combine with green beans, transfer to a baking dish, and top with remaining onions.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple. This dish combines sweetness with a crunchy topping, making it a delightful side.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with brown sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla.
  2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with marshmallows if desired.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch to your meal. The bacon elevates the flavour to another level!

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss Brussels sprouts with bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.

8. Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without dessert! Pumpkin pie is a classic favourite that brings the flavours of fall to your table.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup evaporated milk

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar, spices, eggs, and milk until smooth.
  3. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes.

9. Pecan Pie

Rich, sweet, and nutty, pecan pie is another beloved dessert that will have your guests reaching for seconds.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup pecans

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Stir in pecans, pour into the crust, and bake for 60 minutes until set.

10. Brined and Smoked Turkey

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For a unique twist on the traditional turkey, consider brining and smoking it. This method infuses the meat with incredible flavour and keeps it juicy.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (14-16 lb) turkey
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 gallon water
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• Instructions:
  1. Dissolve salt and sugar in water to create the brine.
  2. Submerge the turkey in the brine for 12-24 hours.
  3. Rinse and pat dry, then rub with spices and smoke according to your smoker’s instructions or according to your taste.

11. Cauliflower Gratin

For a creamy, cheesy side dish that pleases everyone, try cauliflower gratin. It’s a fantastic way to add vegetables to your meal without sacrificing flavour.

This thanksgiving dinner ideas is one you will love.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Steam cauliflower until tender.
  3. In a baking dish, combine cauliflower, cheese, cream, salt, and pepper.
  4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

12. Maple Glazed Carrots

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These sweet, tender carrots are a simple yet elegant side. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory dishes.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb carrots, sliced
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. In a skillet, melt butter and add carrots, cooking until tender.
  2. Stir in maple syrup and cook for another 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

13. Cornbread Muffins

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Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. They are perfect for soaking up gravy.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
  3. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter.
  4. Mix wet and dry ingredients, then pour into muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes.

14. Roasted Root Vegetables

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A colourful medley of roasted root vegetables adds a rustic touch to your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a healthy option that’s bursting with flavour.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 parsnips, chopped
  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 30-35 minutes until caramelized.

15. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

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This warm, creamy dip is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for snacking before the main event. Serve it with chips or bread for dipping.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and half the mozzarella.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

16. Turkey Gravy

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A rich, homemade gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your turkey and mashed potatoes. It is easier to make than you might think.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • Drippings from roasted turkey
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine drippings and flour, whisking until smooth.
  2. Gradually add broth, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

17. Apple Crisp

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This warm dessert features sweet, tender apples topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s a comforting finish to your Thanksgiving meal.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place sliced apples in a baking dish and sprinkle with half the brown sugar.
  3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
  4. Spread over apples and bake for 30-40 minutes.

18. Cheesy Potato Casserole

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This indulgent dish features layers of creamy potatoes and cheese, making it a rich side that everyone will love.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups shredded potatoes
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined.
  3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes until bubbly.

19. Butternut Squash Soup

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A creamy, velvety soup is a wonderful way to start your Thanksgiving meal. This butternut squash soup is rich and comforting.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper

• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, sauté onion until soft, then add squash and broth.
  2. Simmer until squash is tender. Blend until smooth, stir in cream, and season.

20. Mulled Wine

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Warm up your guests with a cozy glass of mulled wine. The spices and citrus create a festive drink that pairs perfectly with the holiday spirit.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle red wine
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cloves

• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, combine all ingredients and heat gently, but do not boil.
  2. Let it steep for about 30 minutes before serving.

21. Pumpkin Cheesecake

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For a dessert that’s a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, try pumpkin cheesecake. It’s rich, creamy, and sure to impress your guests.

Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into a springform pan.
  3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  4. Pour over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes.

With these 21 Thanksgiving dinner ideas, you are sure to create a memorable feast that brings joy to your table.

From savory sides to sweet treats, each dish adds a unique flavour to the celebration.

So gather your loved ones, enjoy the cooking process, and savour every delicious bite this holiday season.