Thanksgiving's Top Recipes

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and for many, that means it's time to start planning the holiday menu! From the centerpiece turkey to the comforting side dishes and decadent desserts, Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses. The abundance of leftovers also provides an opportunity to create new culinary delights in the days following the holiday.

Narrowing down the choices for the Thanksgiving meal can be a daunting task, given the sheer number of delicious recipes available. A good strategy is to begin with your favorite Thanksgiving dish and then build the rest of the menu around it. After all, the perfect side dish is subjective and can be anything you desire.

Here are some Thanksgiving recipe ideas to inspire your holiday feast:

Main Courses

• Roast Turkey with Lemon and Garlic: This recipe, which takes approximately 4 hours to prepare, promises a turkey that is both crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Remember to purchase your turkey well in advance of the holiday, as they tend to sell out quickly. Don't forget to reserve the pan drippings for making gravy!

• Oven Roasted Turkey: This recipe emphasizes the importance of resting time for the turkey. With a total preparation time of around 5 and a half hours, including resting, this dish is a classic centerpiece for any Thanksgiving celebration.

• Vegetarian Option: Meatless Turkey Roast: Vegetarians can enjoy a delicious meatless turkey roast. Marinating it in your own custom blend will keep it juicy, and the texture is surprisingly satisfying. Add fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. This is a great non-turkey main course option.

• One-Pan Thanksgiving Dinner: Ideal for smaller gatherings or couples, this recipe requires only an hour to prepare and minimizes cleanup.

• Pomegranate Glazed Salmon: For those who aren't fans of turkey, consider fish as an alternative. This recipe features fresh herbs and oranges, offering a balanced and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a staple at many gatherings, especially during the holidays. They are a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make.

• Bacon and Pecan Stuffing Cornbread: Cornbread is a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving feast, and this variation on the classic recipe elevates it to a new level.

• Green Bean Casserole: A traditional Thanksgiving side dish, green bean casserole is easy to prepare and features the satisfying crunch of fried onions atop tender green beans.

• Creamed Spinach: Often overlooked, creamed spinach is a delicious way to include vegetables in your Thanksgiving meal. It pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes.

• White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Mac and cheese is a comforting addition to any Thanksgiving dinner. Opting for white cheddar provides a lighter flavor profile.

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Squash: This vibrant dish combines crispy Brussels sprouts and roasted squash, topped with dried cranberries and a Dijon vinaigrette to prevent dryness.

• Homemade Dinner Rolls: Few things are as satisfying as a soft, pillowy dinner roll. These rolls are a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal and are not difficult to make.

• Stuffing: This recipe emphasizes ease of preparation, with simple ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions. Cornbread stuffing is another great recipe to have on the table. Stuffing can often be the star of the show!

• Corn Pudding: Corn pudding is a decadent and delicious addition to the Thanksgiving table. It's hard to resist having more than one serving.

• Cranberry Chutney: Cranberry sauce is a must-have for Thanksgiving, adding a tangy flavor and helping to keep the food moist. A dollop of cranberry sauce is especially good with turkey and other side dishes. Fresh cranberries are the perfect way to add a tangy bite to your holiday table.

Desserts

• Sweet Potato Pie: A traditional Thanksgiving pie with a delicious, crumbly crust. Sweet potatoes make for a surprisingly delicious and easy dessert.

• Apple Pie Cheesecake with Caramel Topping: This decadent dessert combines the best of apple pie and cheesecake, topped with caramel.

• Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie. This recipe yields a pie that looks as good as it tastes.

• Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Another classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is always a crowd-pleaser.

• Pumpkin Custard: If you're not in the mood for pie or cake, pumpkin custard is a great alternative that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall.