"I’m in charge of my family’s Thanksgiving menu each year, which, admittedly, isn’t that difficult of a task, given that our typical menu varies little from year to year (they like traditions!). This year, however, I’m really going to try branching out. Don’t get me wrong—I love the classic recipes I’ve relied on for so long, but why not try adding a little pizazz to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes to mix things up? With recipes this good, they might even become new traditions to keep alive.
Spoiler Alert: It's so, so worth it.
If you’re also looking for a little extra inspiration this year—maybe you’re hosting for the first time, maybe you’re planning on dinner for one, or maybe you’re like me and just looking for change—look no further than these 70 (yes, 70!) recipes that would go beautifully on your table this year, no matter what else is on it.
Appetizers
Make sure your Thanksgiving festivities start out strong with the best appetizers out there: artichoke dip, baked brie, and more. These sweet and savory options will have your guests glued to the appetizer table until it’s time to sit down to eat.
1. Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip
2. Cranberry-Jalapeño Baked Brie Dip
3. Gruyere, Bacon, & Caramelized Onion Dip
4. Goat Cheese Crostini with Cranberry Apple Compote
5. Sweet ‘n’ Savory Roasted Nuts and Pretzels
6. Mini Greek Spinach Pies
7. Stone Baked Tortilla Chips with Avocado Cranberry Salsa
Drinks
What is a holiday with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand to help you celebrate? These drink recipes are classic yet festive so they are sure to be loved by everyone at your Thanksgiving table.
8. Warm Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider
9. Pomegranate Prosecco Punch
10. Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail
11. Rosemary Vodka Gimlet
12. Boulevardier Cocktails
13. Apple Cider Whiskey Rose
14. Orange Cranberry Moscow Mules
Mains
From crowd-pleasing classic turkey recipes to vegan options and plenty of gravy to pour on top of them all, these main dish recipes will have you going in for seconds.
15. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
16. Chipotle Citrus Turkey
17. Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
18. Roast Turkey
19. Vegan Mushroom Gravy
20. Make-Ahead White Wine Gravy
21. Cider Roasted Turkey Breast
22. Turkey Gravy
23. Whole Roasted Cabbage
Vegetable Sides
I think we can all agree on one thing: Thanksgiving is all about the sides, so it’s your job to make sure that everything from the green beans to the carrots gets their moment in the spotlight. These vegetable side recipes will help you do just that.
24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
25. Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds
26. Cheesy Creamed Kale
27. Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad
28. Brussels Sprout Gratin
29. Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
30. Green Bean Casserole
31. Southern Collard Greens
32. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
33. Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts
34. Everything Roasted Asparagus
Other Sides
Mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and stuffing galore—this is where the magic happens. Make sure you make extras because these are sure to be the first to go.
35. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
36. Vegetarian Rye Bread, Onion, and Apple Stuffing
37. Herb Roasted Honeynut Squash with Miso Tahini Sauce
38. Creamy Corn Pudding with Crispy Onions and Herbs
39. Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple and Cinnamon
40. Pecan Cranberry Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions
41. Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
42. Sweet Potato Casserole
43. Braised Cabbage
44. Garam Masala and Honey Roasted Carrots
45. Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
46. Cornbread Dressing
47. Roasted Delicata Squash with Hazelnuts
48. Maple Cranberry Sauce
49. Stove-Top Apple Walnut Stuffing
50. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
51. Fresh Cranberry Relish
52. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Breads
A dinner roll or two? Don’t mind if I do. These bread recipes will act as the perfect companion to your salads and soups—just make sure you have warm, spreadable butter at the ready.
53. Sweet Potato Rolls
54. Honey Buttermilk Cornbread
55. Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
56. 1-Hour Dinner Rolls
57. Cranberry Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
58. Buttermilk Biscuits
Desserts
Even if you didn’t save room for dessert, you’re going to want to make room for these recipes. From cheesecake bars to sweet potato pie and more, your family will be asking you to make these recipes year after year as soon as they taste them.
59. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Pie
60. Cranberry Orange Sorbet
61. Sweet Potato Pound Cake
62. Caramel Cake
63. Vegan Cranberry Almond Tart
64. Caramel Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
65. Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie
66. Brown Sugar Maple Pie
67. Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
68. Sweet Potato Pie
69. Coffee Pecan Pie Bars
70. Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisps
