12 Thanksgiving Recipes to Add to Your Holiday Menu

If you’re searching for Thanksgiving recipes and planning your Thanksgiving menu, you’re in the right spot. I’ve scoured the internet and put together a list of 12 iconic Thanksgiving recipes that are delicious, comforting, and easy to recreate.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for your family, having a Friendsgiving with your friends, or simply looking for a few new dishes to add to the table, these recipes are a great place to start.

Thanksgiving Recipes

1. Ham

When it comes to Thanksgiving meats, ham and turkey always seem to go head to head. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy baked ham recipe, a brown sugar glazed ham is a great one to consider.

The brown sugar glaze gives the ham that sweet, caramelized flavor while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Plus, ham is a great option if you want to serve something alongside your traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

2. Spatchcock Chicken

I know turkey is the bird for Thanksgiving, but if you’re looking for another protein choice, I highly recommend making a roasted chicken.

A spatchcock chicken is especially great if you’re feeding a smaller crowd or simply don’t want to spend hours waiting for a turkey to cook. And honestly, who doesn’t love a juicy, tender roasted chicken with crispy skin?

3. Mashed Potatoes

Now onto the carbs!

An iconic Thanksgiving side dish is, of course, mashed potatoes. Whether you prefer your mashed potatoes with the skin on or completely smooth, loaded with garlic or kept simple, I think we can all agree that mashed potatoes are one of the leading stars when it comes to Thanksgiving sides.

4. Mac and Cheese

Another great Thanksgiving side dish is mac and cheese, and there are so many different ways that you can make it.

You can use different types of noodles, cheeses, and seasonings to create your perfect mac and cheese. Whether you like yours super creamy, extra cheesy, baked with a crispy top, or somewhere in between, mac and cheese is always a crowd pleaser.

5. Cornbread

Another one of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes is cornbread.

There’s just something about fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread with a little butter, that makes it the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving dinner. It’s also great for soaking up all those delicious flavors and sauces on your plate.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

If you love sweet potatoes, you definitely need a sweet potato casserole on your Thanksgiving menu. It’s the perfect mix between a dessert and side dish.

7. Candied Yams

Another Thanksgiving favorite for the sweet potato lovers, is candied yams. They’re especially good when served alongside savory dishes like collard greens and mac and cheese.

8. Green Beans

In the mix of all the delicious sides, let’s not forget our veggies!

Green beans are a great side dish for Thanksgiving because there are so many different ways you can prepare them. You can keep things simple by sautéing them with butter and seasonings. Or you can turn them into green bean casserole.

9. Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving dinner just wouldn’t feel complete without cranberry sauce.

You can always grab a can from the grocery store, but if you’re looking for a cranberry sauce recipe, this is your sign to make one from scratch.

This cranberry sauce recipe by Ina Garten, is surprisingly easy to recreate and can be made in less than 30 minutes.

10. Dinner Rolls

You can purchase premade dinner rolls from the grocery store or your local bakery, but if you’re looking to make homemade rolls for Thanksgiving, go for it!

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year. So this is definitely one of those times when you can be a little extra with your menu, and add some homemade dishes that require a little more time and love.

11. Sweet Potato Pie

Now we have to talk about dessert.

Sweet potato pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert that deserves a spot on your holiday table. And if you’re not into sweet potato pie, you can go for another pie flavor like apple pie or pumpkin.

12. Turkey

Of course, we can’t talk about Thanksgiving recipes without mentioning the main character: turkey!