25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

Thanksgiving is the biggest food-related holiday of the year, and we're here to tell you that there's no need to hold back in the name of weight loss. In fact, we're giving you permission to forget your flat belly goals for the day, take out your stretchy pants, and indulge in all of your favorite dishes—seriously! It's not as bad for your waistline as you might think. Because most of the fare served on Thanksgiving is homemade and packed with nutrients, it's better for your body than indulging in fewer calories of processed foods like Snickers or Twinkies. Plus, it's really difficult to gain any actual weight on Thanksgiving. (More on that here). And so long as you're eating delicious worth-every-calorie dishes, we can proactively promise you won't regret your Turkey Day feast!

To help you indulge without guilt, we've found the most mouthwatering Thanksgiving recipes on the web. Scroll down to discover the best turkeys for every type of celebration, a host of sensational side dishes, fall-themed desserts, and pies galore. Mix and match the dishes that look the most "worth it" to you, to create the Thanksgiving feast of your dreams.

And for more, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

Healthy Turkey Recipes

90-Minute Roasted Turkey

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

When you find yourself in a pinch, this is the turkey recipe you need. It doesn't take much time, as long as you just crank up your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit! Allow this recipe to serve as a reminder that you don't have to spend all day cooking the bird.

Get our recipe for a 90-Minute Roasted Turkey.

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Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter & Roasted Shallots

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

Per 8 oz serving of meat, skin removed: 710 calories, 25.3 g fat (10. 4 g saturated fat) 512 mg sodium, 6.1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0.5 g sugar), 108 g protein

This mouthwatering turkey is stuffed with savory veggies and covered in herb butter for the ultimate Thanksgiving Day indulgence. For those who want to have a storybook celebration—and don't care how many calories it costs—this is the dish you've been searching for.

Get the recipe from Cooking Canuck.

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Orange Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

478 calories, 24 g fat (0.8 g saturated fat), 1,214 mg sodium, 7.5 g carbs (1.5 g fiber, 4.8 g sugar), 57.9 g protein

If the thought of cooking an entire bird makes your stress hormones skyrocket, this should be your go-to recipe. Bone-in turkey breasts are easy to handle and make a great whole-bird alternative for smaller groups. This herb-induced juicy recipe is sure to be a holiday hit!

Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.

Stuffing, Gravy & Glaze Recipes

Homemade Gravy

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (4)

You simply can't have a Thanksgiving meal without its go-to sidekick: gravy. And while it, of course, is meant to be slathered over turkey, we wouldn't blame you for pouring this stuff, well, over everything you eat!

Get our recipe for Homemade Gravy.

Cranberry Orange Relish

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And what pairs perfectly with your turkey? Well, this cranberry orange relish! While it really is amazing with a Thanksgiving bird, it's so good, there's a chance your guests might just end up eating it with a spoon and nothing else.

Get our recipe for Cranberry Orange Relish.

Bourbon Apricot Turkey Glaze

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

A glaze is a simple way to add flavor to your bird after it comes out of the oven. We love this recipe in particular because it's made with just six easy-to-find ingredients. However, the best part about it is that the leftovers have tons of delicious uses. Throw a bowl of it on the table as a gravy alternative, or set it aside and use it as a Gobbler Sandwich spread.

Get the recipe from Foxes Love Lemons.

Sweet & Savory Cornbread Stuffing

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

349 calories, 12.2 g fat (1.2 g saturated fat), 424 mg sodium, 53.6 g carbs (4.5 g fiber, 10.7 g sugar), 8.3 g protein

Sweet maple syrup and cornbread add a delicious depth of flavor to this Thanksgiving side. The blogger behind this creation says it's "slightly reminiscent of a Mexican sweet corn cake." Talk about a mouthwatering way to mix things up!

Get the recipe from One Ingredient Chef.

Stuffing Balls

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (8)

218 calories, 15 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 658 mg sodium, 16 g carbs (2 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 6 g protein

Stuffing is delicious. But stuffing balls are on a whole other level. Not only are they cute to look at, but they also help keep portions in check, which is always a plus. Plus, the less stuffing you shove in your mouth, the more room you'll have in your belly for dessert.

Get the recipe from Inquiring Chef.

Potato & Biscuit Recipes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (9)

When in doubt, deciding to make mashed potatoes is never a bad idea, as it truly is a Turkey Day staple. You can customize the creamy side dish however you like, whether you add garlic, freshly chopped chives, bacon, sautéed spinach, roasted onions, or green peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Get our recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Crumble

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

237 calories, 7 g fat (2.8 g saturated fat), 102 mg sodium, 42.3 g carbs (5.9 g fiber, 6.8 g sugar,) 2.9 g protein

Anything that tastes this good and helps ward off post-Turkey Day bloat is a winner in our eyes. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup in this recipe lend a sweet flavor you're sure to love, while the sweet potatoes, rich in salt-banishing potassium, help banish the bloat that typically kicks in after a sodium-filled meal.

Get the recipe from VeguKate.

Rosemary Dinner Rolls

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

190 calories, 4.3 g fat (2.3 g saturated fat), 328 mg sodium, 32.5 g carbs (1.5 g fiber, 3.8 g sugar), 5.3 g protein

Everyone loves bread—especially the homemade variety. But it can take a while to make. Even this relatively simple recipe takes about two hours to get from the mixer to your mouth. To speed things along on Thanksgiving, make the rolls ahead of time and pop them in the microwave or oven right before the feasting begins.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.

RELATED: The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.

Parmesan-Herb Roasted Potatoes

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

256 calories, 10.9 g fat (2.9 g saturated fat), 403 mg sodium, 35.1 g carbs (3.2 g fiber, 1.3 g sugar), 7.9 g protein

Sick of mashed potatoes? These cheesy roasted spuds are to die for. The addition of fresh rosemary and parsley truly makes them a next-level side dish.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.

Candied Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

480 calories, 18.5 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 455 mg sodium, 75.8 g carbs (7.7 g fiber, 23.4 g sugar), 5.1 g protein

This dish is high in sugar, fat, and calories—and it's worth every bite. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy candied pecans, and toasted marshmallows is pure ecstasy for your taste buds. We dare you not to go back for seconds.

Get the recipe from Creme de la Crumb.

Casserole & Side Dish Recipes

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (14)

240 calories, 15.2 g fat (9.2 g saturated fat), 412 mg sodium, 24.8 g carbs (2.7 g fiber, 5.5 g sugar), 5.5 g protein

Corn, chives, butter, pepper, and cream cheese come together to create this savory dish. Bonus: It's filled to the brim with vitamin B6, a nutrient that has been shown to reduce hangover symptoms by as much as 50%. So go ahead, indulge in that second glass of red!

Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Bacon and Feta Brussels Sprouts

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (15)

Brussels sprouts are anything but boring when bacon and cheese are involved. You'll never complain about eating your veggies again!

Get our recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Feta.

Green Bean Casserole

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (16)

Our green bean casserole honors the classic recipe you most likely know and love already, but we swap in fresh ingredients to create a dish with more texture and flavor than the original soup label recipe.

Get our recipe for Green Bean Casserole.

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (17)

191 calories, 11.8 g fat (7.3 g saturated fat), 94 mg sodium, 23.2 g carbs (2.9 g fiber, 6.5 g sugar), 1.5 g protein

This side dish needs to make an appearance on your holiday table!

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

Tart Cherry Glazed Brussels Sprouts

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (18)

219 calories, 14.9 g fat (1.9 g saturated fat), 196 mg sodium, 20.8 g carbs (4.2 g fiber, 11.5 g sugar), 4.9 g protein

Just one serving of this side dish packs an impressive 121% percent of the day's vitamin C.
The nutrient has been proven to elevate mood (which can ward off emotionally-fueled munching) and counteract stress hormones that trigger abdominal fat storage, making it an important nutrient for those trying to lose weight. Oh, and the dish? It tastes amazing!

Get the recipe from Love and Olive Oil.

Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (19)

161 calories, 8.5 g fat (5.4 g saturated fat), 191 mg sodium, 20.5 g carbs (3.1 g fiber, 3.3 g sugar), 3.8 g protein

No Thanksgiving meal would be complete without a serving of butternut squash. Whipping up a batch of this crispy, cheese- and panko-topped dish is a no-brainer.

Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.

Rosemary-Ranch Glazed Carrots

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (20)

198 calories, 11.5 g fat (7.3 g saturated fat), 479 mg sodium, 22.7 g carbs (2.8 g fiber, 12.1 g sugar), 1.1 g protein

These carrots are so delicious, even your kids will want a second helping! The fact that they pack nearly 400% of the day's vitamin A into one serving is sheer fcoincidence.

For more fall-inspired recipes, check out these 8 Best-Ever Fat Burning Soups!

Get the recipe from Grateful.

Brussels Sprouts Latkes

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (21)

Per two-latke serving, calculated with 1/4 cup canola oil for frying: 271 calories, 17.7 g fat (5.8 g saturated fat), 216 mg sodium, 23 g carbs (3.1 g fiber, 8.2 g sugar), 7.2 g protein

Thanksgivukkah may not come around again for a loooonggg time, but if Hanukkah and Thanksgiving fell in love and had a baby, this dish would be it.

Get the recipe from My Name is Yeh.

Healthy Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Pumpkin Pie

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (22)

258 calories, 12.7 g fat (2.7 g saturated fat), 152 mg sodium, 34.6 g carbs (2.5 g fiber, 11.2 g sugar), 1.4 g protein

Nothing completes your Turkey Day meal like a delicious slice of pumpkin pie. The fact that this dish is vegan and gluten-free is just a bonus. Your taste buds will never be able to tell it's not the real deal.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

Raw Pecan Pie Tartlets

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (23)

Per 2-tart serving: 281 calories, 18.3 g fat (1.2 g saturated fat), 32 mg sodium, 27.4 g carbs (4.6 g fiber, 21.1 g sugar), 7.6 g protein

Whole foods like walnuts, dates, and pecans join to create this better-for-you dessert. Not only is its small, bite-size stature a standout feature in a sea of giant pies, but it also makes it easier to mind your portions, which is always a win.

Get the recipe from My Darling Vegan.

Pumpkin-Spiced Apple Pie

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (24)

339 calories, 17.7 g fat (11 g saturated fat), 417 mg sodium, 42.6 g carbs (1.9 g fiber, 15.4 g sugar), 3.8 g protein

Why choose between a pumpkin-infused dessert and one filled with apples when you can just eat this and have both at the same time? This sweet dish brings together the best of fall's flavors to create a recipe that's not soon to be forgotten.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

Healthy Pear and Apple Crisp with Quinoa

25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (25)

413 calories, 10.6 g fat (6.6 g saturated fat), 74 g carbs (7.5 g fiber, 26 g sugar), 8.6 g protein

Gluten-free oats, quinoa, nutritious coconut oil, and sweet maple syrup get a dusting of cinnamon and are swirled with bubbly, roasted apples. Feeling extra decadent? Top it with a scoop of one of these ice creams.

Get the recipe from Simply Quinoa.

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25 Best-Ever Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What are the top 10 Thanksgiving food? ›

Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
  1. Turkey.
  2. Stuffing/Dressing.
  3. Pumpkin Pie.
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Mashed Potatoes.
  6. Ham.
  7. Green Bean Casserole.
  8. Cranberry Jelly.
Nov 22, 2023

What are the top 20 Thanksgiving foods in America? ›

Top 20 Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Apple Stuffing.
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread.
  • Asparagus Bake.
  • Creamy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Cranberry Sauce.
  • Creamy Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
  • Turkey Gravy.
  • Apple Pie.

What is the most unpopular Thanksgiving food? ›

The Most Disliked Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
  • Ham — 25.57%
  • Coleslaw — 25.57%
  • Pumpkin Pie — 24.28%
  • Mashed Potatoes — 18.66%
  • Macaroni and Cheese — 17.47%
  • Carrots — 16.98%
  • Apple Pie — 16.29%
  • Corn — 15.50%
Nov 21, 2023

What is the most popular side dish served at Thanksgiving? ›

Three of the New York Times cooking section's most popular Thanksgiving recipes are potato-related: a mashed potato casserole, potato gratin and cheddar mashed potatoes. As with potatoes, there's a Thanksgiving-preferred way for green beans to be consumed: the casserole, of course.

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

Traditional side dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in America often include roasted turkey stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and gravy.

What is a must for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I'm with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.

What is an ideal Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Traditional Thanksgiving dinner includes Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing (or “dressing”), and some kind of pie for dessert, typically pumpkin, apple, or pecan. Common sides are green bean casserole, scalloped corn, and roasted sweet potatoes.

What is the most important meal on Thanksgiving? ›

Four Essentials for Thanksgiving
  • Turkey. Some would say a turkey is the most important food item at the table. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. There's nothing better than smooth and creamy mashed potatoes! ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. Thanksgiving is never Thanksgiving without this iconic treat. ...
  • Pies. We saved the best for last!
Nov 6, 2023

What do Californians eat for Thanksgiving? ›

7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving
  • GRILLED TURKEY IS THE CENTERPIECE. ...
  • SOURDOUGH SNEAKS IN SOMEWHERE. ...
  • VEGETABLE SIDES AREN'T GLOPPED IN MAYO. ...
  • GARLIC BREAD IS THE CARB OF CHOICE. ...
  • BRUSSELS SPROUTS PREVAIL OVER GREEN BEANS. ...
  • MAYBE YOU'LL SEE PECAN PIE, MAYBE YOU WON'T. ...
  • PINOT NOIR NEVER STOPS FLOWIN'.
Nov 18, 2015

What are the 3 most popular food dishes served on Thanksgiving? ›

The 10 Most Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
  • Roast turkey. We've already filled you in on how to carve a turkey like a chef. ...
  • Stuffing. Good stuffing is key to a successful Thanksgiving dinner. ...
  • Mashed potatoes. ...
  • Green bean casserole. ...
  • Corn casserole. ...
  • Sweet potato casserole. ...
  • Honey-glazed Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Cranberry sauce.
Nov 2, 2022

What are the three least liked Thanksgiving foods? ›

According to the data, 27% of Americans absolutely hate candied yams. Green bean casseroles (25%) and cranberry sauce (24%) rounded out the top three ranking of most-hated sides.

Which food got its name by mistake Thanksgiving? ›

Perhaps the name can still be rehabilitated. After all, Thanksgiving reminds us that “turkey” is not just a symbol of failure but of gratitude. Appeared in the November 25, 2023, print edition as 'A Holiday Bird Named for The Wrong Country'.

What weird foods were at the first Thanksgiving? ›

The first Thanksgiving banquet consisted of foods like venison, bean stew and hard biscuits. And while corn and pumpkin had their place on the table, they hardly resembled the cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie we feast on today.

What is everyone's favorite Thanksgiving food? ›

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and though the turkey (or ham) might take top billing, everyone knows the sides are the true stars of the table. What would our national holiday be without stuffing and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, green beans and rolls?

What are the least favorite Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Other top disliked foods include green bean casserole (disliked by 28 percent), turkey (27.7 percent), stuffing or dressing (26.8 percent), ham (25.6 percent), coleslaw (25.6 percent) and pumpkin pie (24.3 percent).

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

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