27 delicious recipes that will be Thanksgiving favorites for years

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Thanksgiving is about sharing food and memories with the people you care about most. Finding recipes that everyone loves can make the day even better. These 27 delicious dishes are so good they might become a part of your holiday tradition. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or both, these recipes are sure to hit the mark.

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This quinoa dish combines fresh spinach with a touch of Parmesan for a light and tasty Thanksgiving side. It’s a great way to balance heavier flavors while adding a nutritious option to the table. The pop of green and rich, cheesy flavor make it both eye-catching and satisfying for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Corn Casserole

Overhead image of corn casserole in a white dish.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Corn casserole with a cheesy texture and crispy bacon topping delivers big flavor and is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s simple to prepare, packed with rich, satisfying taste, and sure to be a crowd favorite. Guests will keep coming back for more of this creamy and crunchy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fluffy and buttery, these classic dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast. They’re ideal for soaking up gravy or complementing any dish on the table with their warm, homemade flavor. Everyone will love reaching for these soft and comforting rolls throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Image shows a closeup head on shot of Harvest Quinoa Salad in a glass bowl.
Harvest Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This quinoa salad, with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and feta, is a flavorful and nutritious choice for Thanksgiving. Its mix of sweet and savory flavors provides a refreshing balance to the heartier dishes on the menu. Each bite feels fresh and satisfying, making it a welcome addition to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad

Cinnamon Apples

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm and spiced just right, these cinnamon apples are a simple yet flavorful side for Thanksgiving. They add a fresh, sweet contrast to heavier dishes while bringing a comforting touch to the table. This side dish stands out as a unique and refreshing option in a meal full of classic favorites.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples

Dinner Roll Knots

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, buttery dinner roll knots bring a comforting, homemade feel to any Thanksgiving table. They’re perfect for scooping up gravy or pairing with any dish, adding a satisfying and versatile option to the meal. Their warm and tender texture makes them a reliable favorite guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Lightly grilled and tossed with a tangy marinade, baby bok choy adds a fresh, flavorful twist to Thanksgiving. It offers a lighter side option that pairs well with richer dishes while bringing variety to the table. Guests will appreciate its unique taste and bright, vibrant presentation.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This spinach orzo salad is a light and colorful side dish that fits perfectly with Thanksgiving’s richer foods. Quick to prepare, it adds a refreshing burst of flavor that helps balance out heavier dishes. Its bright, fresh ingredients make it a standout addition to the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This vibrant ratatouille, filled with zucchini, squash, and herbs, is a bold and flavorful veggie option for Thanksgiving. Its rich, herby taste pairs well with the richness of traditional holiday dishes, adding balance and variety. Perfect for guests who love fresh, colorful sides, this dish is sure to leave an impression.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy, smooth, and loaded with flavor, these mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple that no table should go without. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for holding rich gravy, and loved by guests of all ages. This comforting dish adds a classic touch to any holiday spread with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts with caramelized edges in a serving dish.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bring a smoky, savory flavor that shines on Thanksgiving tables. The sweet, caramelized sprouts and salty bacon combine for a side dish bursting with flavor and texture. This dish is as memorable as it is delicious, offering something everyone will want more of.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a warm and satisfying addition to any Thanksgiving feast. They’re rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare, making them a perfect fit for a cozy and hearty meal. This classic dish is sure to have everyone reaching for seconds at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Marguerite Salad

Bowl of marguerite salad topped with cherries on a black counter.
Marguerite Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This nostalgic Marguerite salad, made with marshmallows, pineapple, and cherries, brings a playful sweetness to Thanksgiving. It’s a light side dish or dessert that adds fun and variety to the meal, delighting guests with its unique flavors. This simple, retro recipe is always a conversation starter at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Marguerite Salad

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce. Photo credit: .

Bright and tangy cranberry orange sauce adds a fresh pop of flavor to Thanksgiving’s heavier dishes. It’s quick to make and pairs perfectly with turkey, giving the meal just the right balance of zest and sweetness. This refreshing sauce brings a memorable touch to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Green Bean Casserole

A white plate with green beans on it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This classic green bean casserole combines a creamy sauce with crunchy toppings for a side dish that never disappoints. It’s a simple recipe that pairs well with any Thanksgiving main and is always a crowd favorite. The rich flavors and crisp texture make it a staple that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A perfectly baked sweet potato with crispy skin and tender flesh is a versatile and delicious Thanksgiving side. It’s easy to make, works with almost any meal, and offers a naturally sweet, satisfying flavor. This dish is simple yet crowd-pleasing, earning its place on any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Crock pot with sweet potato casserole with pecans and marshmallows.
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet potatoes cooked with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows and pecans make this casserole a holiday classic. The crock pot makes preparation easy while freeing up oven space for other dishes. Its sweet and crunchy topping ensures it’s a side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

These baked sweet potatoes topped with apples and cranberries combine sweet and tart flavors for a fresh, delicious side dish. The simple preparation makes it an easy addition to the Thanksgiving table, and it pairs well with savory dishes. This dish is both flavorful and healthy, making it a standout option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

Turkey Charcuterie Board

A fruit-filled turkey shaped platter.
Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A turkey charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and snacks is a beautiful way to start Thanksgiving. It’s simple to assemble, creates a festive centerpiece, and offers guests something to snack on before the main meal. This board is as functional as it is fun, setting the tone for the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Charcuterie Board

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tossed in garlic butter, these green beans are a simple yet flavorful addition to Thanksgiving. They’re quick to prepare, making them a great choice for balancing richer dishes on the table. Fresh and savory, these beans are a dependable side that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

A buttermilk brined roasted surrounded by festive holiday side dishes.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Juicy and tender, this buttermilk-brined turkey is a flavorful main dish that stands out at Thanksgiving. The brining process ensures moist, delicious meat that’s simple to prepare and a delight for guests. This centerpiece dish brings a classic and satisfying taste to the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Cornbread Stuffing

A dish of stuffing on a cutting board.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cornbread stuffing with bacon, onions, and celery offers a flavorful twist on the traditional holiday side. It’s easy to prepare, with a perfect balance of savory flavors and a light, crumbly texture. This dish is always a favorite, adding warmth and richness to any Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast on a plate with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes and a roll.
Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker turkey breast is juicy, tender, and full of flavor, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving. The slow cooker does the work, ensuring a main dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for pairing with gravy. It’s a delicious and stress-free way to create a holiday centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Turkey Breast

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These garlicky green beans topped with crispy fried onions are a fresh and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving. They’re easy to prepare and offer a satisfying alternative to heavier casseroles. Their crisp, savory flavors make them a standout option for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

A white casserole dish halfway filled with sweet potato casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and crushed nuts.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

This savory sweet potato casserole with a buttery nut topping brings a rich and hearty option to Thanksgiving. Skipping the marshmallows, it focuses on earthy, satisfying flavors that pair well with any main dish. Guests will enjoy this unique and flavorful take on a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Iron skillet cornbread filled with vegetables and cheese.
Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This cheddar cornbread, baked in an iron skillet and filled with veggies, is a warm and flavorful addition to Thanksgiving. It’s quick to make and pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or the main meal. Its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty texture make it a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Slow cooker with green bean casserole topped with fried onions.
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Green bean casserole made in the crock pot is a classic Thanksgiving dish with a convenient twist. The creamy sauce and crispy toppings make it a comforting and flavorful side that’s simple to prepare. Using the crock pot saves oven space, making this dish both practical and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

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