21 Thanksgiving Recipes for Dinner and the Holiday Weekend

Thanksgiving planning includes more than dinner, there’s breakfast for overnight guests, appetizers to nibble on, and something sweet after the dishes are cleared. I’ve gathered my One Hot Oven recipes for holiday sides, smaller Thanksgiving dinners, pies and treats, plus a few breakfast ideas and a casserole for leftover turkey.

Appetizers to Serve Before Thanksgiving Dinner

Apricot Parmesan Pinwheels

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

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Tart cranberries, jalapeño, and fresh ginger make a sweet-spicy salsa to spoon over cream cheese. Serve it with crackers for an appetizer guests can nibble on while dinner finishes cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Main Dishes for a Smaller Thanksgiving

Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

A whole roasted chicken is a practical choice when you’re cooking for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering. This lemon-pepper version roasts in a cast-iron skillet and pairs with the same cranberry sauce, biscuits, and sides you’d serve with turkey.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Turkey and Stuffing Rolls

We love turkey and stuffing, but we don’t always need to roast a whole bird. These turkey rolls have stuffing tucked inside and gravy spooned over the top, a simple way to serve Thanksgiving favorites for a smaller dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Stuffing Rolls

Thanksgiving Sides, Salads, and Breads

Orange Cranberry Sauce

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

Easy Homemade Biscuits

These biscuits bake up golden and fluffy in just half an hour. They’re great served warm with butter or jam.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Biscuits

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

Sliced sweet potatoes bake with apples and tart cranberries, seasoned with maple syrup, cinnamon, and sage. This colorful side brings sweet and savory flavors to the plate alongside turkey or roasted chicken.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

BBQ Green Beans

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

Nutmeg and Pecan Braided Bread

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

Winter Fruit Salad

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

Thanksgiving Pies, Cakes, and Small Treats

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Bars

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

Pecan Tassies

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

Pumpkin Sheet Cake with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

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 White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Chopped pecans fill this old-fashioned pie, with a splash of bourbon adding depth to the sweet filling. Bake it the day before Thanksgiving so it has time to cool and you have one less dessert to make on the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Madeleines with Maple Glaze

These mini sponge cakes are soft, spiced, and lightly glazed with maple. They’re great with coffee or tea for a simple Thanksgiving treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Madeleines with Maple Glaze

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

These apple cupcakes are flavored with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, then topped with maple buttercream frosting. Individual servings make them easy to set out on the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Apple Cider Baked Apples

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

Breakfast for the Holiday Weekend

Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sausage, eggs, and hashbrowns make this a hearty breakfast for holiday guests. Serve it alongside sliced apple cider oatmeal bread so everyone can help themselves before the Thanksgiving dinner preparations begin.
Get the Recipe: Egg Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Try this hearty Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread with cinnamon and cloves for a tasty, quick bread with just the right spice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Oatmeal Bread

Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

This Baked Oatmeal is a one-bowl quick-to-make twist on your regular bowl of oatmeal. Filled with apples, cranberries, cinnamon, and brown sugar, enjoy a slice for breakfast with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal

A Recipe for Leftover Turkey

Turkey and Rice Casserole

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

Whether you’re bringing a side dish or cooking Thanksgiving dinner at home, I hope you’ve found a few recipes to add to your menu. I’m always drawn to the baking, but I’ll leave room on my plate for turkey and stuffing, too. What’s the one dish your family asks for every Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments.

First published: Nov 12, 2025. Last updated: Oct 30, 2026, for better readability.

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