21 Family-Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes

Need ideas for Thanksgiving dinner? Try these recipes for your big dinner. This roundup covers the must-have classics plus a few fresh picks to round out the menu. Simple to make, special enough for the holiday table with our favorite desserts, salads, sides and a few unique main dishes.

A collage of various Thanksgiving dishes, including green beans, salad, mashed potatoes, roasted fruit, cupcakes, and baked goods, with text reading "21 simple Thanksgiving Recipes.

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Turkey and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish filled with vegetables and cheese.
Turkey and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This casserole is a cozy way to use leftover turkey. Creamy, cheesy, and full of rice and veggies, it’s pure comfort food. This dish is a family favorite for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Rice Casserole

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Bars

A glass baking dish with sliced pumpkin pie bars topped with dollops of whipped cream. One piece is missing, revealing the empty space in the dish.
Pumpkin Pie Dessert Bars. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

All the flavor of pumpkin pie baked into easy-to-serve bars. The buttery crust and creamy filling make them a go-to recipe. A simple treat that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Dessert Bars

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

Apricot pinwheel appetizers on a white plate and on a white cutting board.
Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels are a simple yet elegant appetizer. The combination of sweet apricot jam, nutty parmesan, and rosemary in puff pastry is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

Orange Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce with oranges and cinnamon.
Orange Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This cranberry sauce is sweet, tangy, and only takes a few ingredients. It adds bright color to the holiday spread. A simple recipe that’s the perfect partner for turkey, chicken or ham.
Get the Recipe: Orange Cranberry Sauce

Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

A roasted chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This roasted chicken always comes out browned on top and juicy inside, with a bright lemon-pepper flavor. It’s an easy main dish that works when you don’t need a full turkey. A simple recipe that still feels special for Thanksgiving
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Easy Homemade Biscuits

A close-up of golden-brown, flaky biscuits stacked on a piece of parchment paper, with a blue checkered cloth and a dish of butter in the background.
Homemade Biscuits. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These biscuits bake up golden and fluffy in just half an hour. They’re great served warm with butter or jam. Don’t forget biscuits are a classic that belongs on every Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Biscuits

Apple Cider Sangria

An inviting glass of apple cider sangria placed near rosemary and cinnamon sticks.
Apple Cider Sangria. Photo credit: Feast + West.

This sangria mixes apple cider, wine, and brandy for a festive drink. It’s fruity, crisp, and perfect for gatherings. A fun way to toast the season.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Sangria

Pecan Tassies

A cup of tea next to a plate of cookies with pecans.
Pecan Tassies. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These little pecan tassies taste just like mini pies and always make the dessert table special. They’re buttery, sweet, and full of nutty flavor. A Thanksgiving favorite you’ll want to bake every year. Bake a batch and freeze them so they are ready for the big day.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies

Turkey and Stuffing Rolls

Turkey rolls with stuffing and cooked carrots.
Turkey and Stuffing Rolls. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Turkey, stuffing, and gravy are all rolled into one easy dish. It’s a fun way to serve classic Thanksgiving flavors without a lot of fuss. Perfect for smaller dinners or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Stuffing Rolls

Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A slice of pumpkin cake with white icing.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This pumpkin sheet cake is moist, spiced, and topped with creamy frosting. It’s easy to slice for a crowd and always disappears fast. A classic dessert that feels right at home on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Nutmeg and Pecan Braided Bread

A sliced loaf of pean nutmeg bread.
Nutmeg and Pecan Braided Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This braided bread looks impressive on the table and tastes even better. Nutmeg and pecans give every slice a warm, nutty spice. Perfect to share when the family gathers.
Get the Recipe: Nutmeg and Pecan Braided Bread

Apple Cider Baked Apples

A baked apples on a white plate with a glaze dripping onto a plate.
Apple Cider Baked Apples. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These baked apples are filled with nuts and cranberries and finished with a sweet glaze. They bake up warm and tender with plenty of cinnamon. A simple Thanksgiving dessert that always feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Baked Apples

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Sweet potatoes roast with apples and cranberries for a colorful side dish. The flavors are simple, warm, and perfect for the holiday plate. A healthy and easy recipe that everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Green beans with smoky ham and tangy sauce bring a fun twist to the table. They’re quick to make and always full of flavor. A side that disappears fast once served.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Frosted and unfrosted apple cupcakes in a muffin tin.
Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Say hello to fall with these wonderful easy Apple Cupcakes topped with velvety Maple Buttercream Frosting. Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add the perfect warm spices to flavor these delicious apple cakes
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Winter Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls.
Winter Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This salad mixes apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds for fresh flavor. It’s colorful and brings balance to the heavier dishes. A light side you’ll be glad you made.
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad

Pumpkin Madeleines with Maple Glaze

A madeleine baking tray holding several golden brown madeleine cookies, some drizzled with white icing, next to a cup of coffee and a checkered cloth.
Pumpkin Madeleines with Maple Glaze. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These mini sponge cakes are soft, spiced, and lightly glazed with maple. They’re great with coffee or tea for a simple Thanksgiving treat. The madeleines are so easy to make and feel like a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Madeleines with Maple Glaze

Rainbow Salad

A rainbow salad with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, olives, corn, and mozzarella balls is drizzled with dressing.
Rainbow Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rainbow Veggie Salad is as vibrant as it gets, packed with garden-fresh produce. It’s a colorful feast for your eyes and taste buds, making it a delicious side to serve with your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Creamy Chai Coffee

A ceramic mug filled with a frothy beverage topped with cinnamon, next to cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and coffee beans on a light pink surface.
Creamy Chai Coffee. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This chai coffee is bold, spiced, and full of cozy flavor. It’s quick to make and a nice change from plain coffee. Don’t forget a warm drink is just as welcome as dessert.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chai Coffee

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A slice of cornbread topped with butter and drizzled with syrup sits on a white plate with a fork.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cornbread is moist and tender with sweet potato mixed in. A touch of maple and spice makes it cozy and flavorful. A twist on a classic bread that pairs well with everything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Skip the hassle of cooking the whole turkey. This flavor-packed sheet pan turkey breast dinner is perfect for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner

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