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Thanksgiving Recipes – Easy To Make, Holiday Favorites

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to round up my favorite Thanksgiving recipes and share them with you. From delicious breakfast recipes to start off your day, to classic side dishes and desserts, this collection has everything you need for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration.

There is nothing more stressful than trying to decide what to make for your family, especially around the holidays. Whether you are making a turkey for the first time, or simply bringing a side dish to Grandma’s house, this is your one time to impress everyone at the table.

Therefore, I have included a variety of recipes that are typically found at our table throughout the day on Thanksgiving. Starting off with easy breakfast recipes, appetizers, main courses, side dishes and of course my personal favorite, dessert.

Thanksgiving dinner

I have also included how to save space in your oven and on your stove with some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes that can be cooked in an Instant Pot or a Programmable Slow Cooker.

So take a look below and I hope you find a recipe or two that you can share at your holiday table not only this year, but for years to come!

Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast Recipes

Thanksgiving mornings can be busy with meal prep, so it’s a good idea to have an easy and satisfying breakfast ready to keep everyone energized until the big meal. Here are a few delicious options.

  1. Sausage Hash Brown Casserole – A hearty breakfast casserole that combines sausage, potatoes, and cheese, providing a filling start to the day.
  2. Instant Pot Frittata – This recipe is versatile and easy. It is packed with vegetables and cheese, and can be customized with ingredients like ham or spinach.
  3. Monkey Bread – This pull-apart bread is gooey and sweet, perfect for satisfying early-morning sweet cravings.
  4. Apple Cider Donuts – For a fall-inspired treat, these donuts are soft and spiced with cinnamon. They are great to enjoy with coffee or hot cider.
  5. Air Fryer Donuts – These are quick to prepare because you use store bought biscuit dough. They are slightly crisp on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
breakfast casserole with sausage as Thanksgiving recipe

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Appetizers are essential to keep everyone happy while the main meal is still cooking. These options are easy to prepare and are always crowd-pleasers:

  1. Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie – This warm, gooey appetizer has a balance of sweet cranberries and savory brie cheese. Not to mention it’s ready in minutes.
  2. Deviled Eggs – A classic crowd-favorite that’s both creamy and tangy. Customize the eggs however you prefer. My family favorite is to make it with Hot Pepper Mustard.
  3. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip – A creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for dipping crackers or sliced vegetables.
  4. Jalapeño Popper Dip – This dip combines cream cheese, jalapeños, and cheddar for a spicy twist. It is perfect for snacking while you watch the parade or your favorite football team.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Dip – With all the flavors of Buffalo wings, this creamy dip pairs well with tortilla chips or celery sticks.
dip and bread
Spinach Artichoke Dip is a classic appetizer to serve on Thanksgiving.

Main Course

For the main dish, you can’t go wrong with an Oven Roasted Turkey. But there are some great alternatives if you’re looking to switch things up or save oven space.

  1. Smoked Turkey – If you have a smoker, this turkey recipe results in a moist and flavorful bird with minimal effort. It is a crowd favorite in my house!
  2. Instant Pot Turkey Breast Roast – A quick, tender turkey breast option that frees up your oven space.
  3. Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast – Ideal for smaller gatherings, this method lets you cook turkey straight from the freezer.
  4. Honey Glazed Ham – A sweet and savory ham recipe that’s a fantastic alternative to turkey and equally festive.
  5. The Best Spiral Ham – Juicy and tender, this ham recipe is a time-saver and turns out beautifully.
turkey in big green egg

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Side dishes are often the stars of the Thanksgiving table. These recipes offer a mix of classic flavors and modern twists, many of which can be prepared in the Instant Pot or slow cooker to save oven space.

  1. Slow Cooker Dressing – A flavorful stuffing made with herbs and bread, cooked to a tender consistency in the slow cooker. This is my favorite Thanksgiving dish and I would be happy with an entire plate of it!
  2. Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes – These potatoes turn out creamy and smooth every time, perfect for pairing with gravy.
  3. Twice Baked Potato Casserole – A rich, cheesy casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd and brings extra flavor with bacon and chives.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole – A Thanksgiving classic that pairs perfectly with turkey, topped with either marshmallows or a pecan crumble.
  5. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole – This dish is a must-make in my house. Creamy, cheesy hash brown potatoes topped with a crispy cracker topping.
  6. Green Bean Casserole – This dish combines fresh green beans with a creamy sauce and crispy onions, a favorite among Thanksgiving sides.
  7. Easy Corn Casserole – A quick, inexpensive dish that requires only 7 ingredients and everyone loves it!
  8. Honey Glazed Carrots – With a touch of honey, these carrots are sweet and slightly caramelized, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

And don’t forget gravy and cranberry sauce! These finishing touches complete the meal and add rich flavor to both the turkey and the side dishes.

Thanksgiving side dish recipes

Dessert

End your Thanksgiving holiday meal on a sweet note with these delicious desserts, perfect for rounding off a Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie – A Thanksgiving classic, pumpkin pie is creamy, spiced, and always a crowd-pleaser.
  2. Apple Pie – With a buttery crust and sweet apple filling, apple pie is another must-have that celebrates fall flavors.
  3. Pecan Pie – Use store-bought crust and fill it with this easy homemade pie filling for a classic Thanksgiving dessert recipe.
  4. No Bake Peanut Butter Pie – This easy dessert has a rich, creamy filling that’s perfect for anyone who loves peanut butter.
  5. Mini No Bake Cheesecakes – These little treats are easy to prepare, with a smooth and tangy cheesecake filling that doesn’t require baking.
classic pumpkin pie

Any of these recipes will help you create a Thanksgiving menu that’s memorable and easy to manage, so you can enjoy the holiday without the stress. With options for every course, you can mix and match to find the perfect combination that suits your family’s tastes.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small celebration, these recipes will sure to bring warmth, comfort, and happiness to your table this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy! Mary

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