Our Best Thanksgiving Recipes
Updated: Jan. 12, 2023Home cooks from across the country share their best Thanksgiving recipes. Celebrate with Taste of Home Thanksgiving recipes like slow-roasted turkey, mouth-puckering cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes and more.
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Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
My family loves gravy, so I can never have enough of this make-ahead turkey gravy recipe on hand for a holiday dinner. The base is prepared with turkey wings and can be prepped in advance. —Linda Fitzsimmons, Fort Edward, New York
Don’t stop with the gravy—check out our ultimate Thanksgiving dinner menu.
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Honey-Glazed Turkey
Even during the holidays, my husband wouldn’t eat turkey…until I tried this Thanksgiving recipe. Now, he loves it! The sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. —Mary Smolka, Spring Grove, IllinoisLoving these holiday mains? Discover our best Thanksgiving sides.
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Duo Tater Bake
I made this creamy and comforting Thanksgiving recipe and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. It’s a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British ColumbiaFor more ideas, check out these nearly-forgotten Thanksgiving recipes. And if you like them, you might like these vintage Thanksgiving recipes, too!
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Chocolate-Caramel Pumpkin Torte
I'm pretty proud to say this is one of my first experiments in the kitchen that turned out "to-die-for" delicious. The key is to let the cake cool completely before cutting and assembling with the frostings. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
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Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce
To make this light and airy Thanksgiving recipe, work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. You’ll be pleased with the resulting pillowy dumplings. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Special Roast Turkey
Before putting my turkey in the oven, I pour on a savory sauce that adds a pleasant citrus-soy flavor and helps hold the other seasonings I like to sprinkle on the roast. Turkey can be easily roasted with the giblets in the same pan. The giblets can be added later to the savory gravy sauce. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Chocolate Pecan Piecaken
Why fight over whether cake or pie is better when you can combine the two to make this Chocolate Pecan Piecaken Thanksgiving recipe? —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
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Cranberry Ambrosia Salad
My paternal grandmother used to make this for Christmas dinner. I'm not sure how many batches she made since there were nearly 50 aunts, uncles and cousins in our family. I still make the recipe in memory of her, and it's still as good as I remember. —Janet Hurley, Shell Rock, Iowa
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Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes
This versatile Thanksgiving recipe jazzes up sliced potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. Its comforting flavor makes it a nice accompaniment to most meats. —Linda Bernard, Golden Meadow, Louisiana
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Pecan Pie Cookies
My family loves pecans. In fact, we have pecan pie at Thanksgiving and this pecan pie cookies recipe at Christmas! —Julie McQuiston, Bradenton, Florida
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Classic Stuffed Turkey
For years, my mother has made this moist stuffed turkey recipe. Now, I do the same thing. This Thanksgiving recipe nicely compliments the tender, juicy slices of oven-roasted turkey. —Kathi Graham, Naperville, Illinois
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Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup
This cranberry sauce with maple syrup recipe is simple, quick and a family favorite Thanksgiving recipe. It’s delicious as a garnish for turkey or other meat entrees. I’ll often make a double batch so we have extra to spread on toast or even use as a topping on desserts. —Rebecca Israel, Mansfield, Pennsylvania
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Roasted Fall Vegetables
I love serving this Thanksgiving recipe. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that’s not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
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The Best Sweet Potato Pie
I love this Thanksgiving recipe’s rich sweet potato flavor and irresistibly buttery crust. Sour cream makes the filling super smooth, and the brown sugar and spices make it extra cozy. There’s no doubt that this is the best sweet potato pie! —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
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Quick Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy Thanksgiving recipe. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They’re best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
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Herbed Rubbed Turkey
Rubs really have a way of locking in the flavor of meats. Here a wonderful blend of seasonings makes turkey extraordinary. —Twila Burkholder, Middleburg, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Cheese Ball
No one will guess that this make-ahead pumpkin cheese ball has pumpkin in it, but that subtle ingredient lends harvest color and added nutrition. —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
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Easy Batter Rolls
The first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I'm serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York
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Cranberry Apple Stuffing
One Thanksgiving, I lost the recipe I planned to use, so I threw this cranberry stuffing together. My cousin Sandy, a die-hard traditional stuffing fan, said this was the best stuffing she’d ever tasted! Talk about a compliment! —Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
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Mom-Mom Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie
I’m the keeper of my husband’s grandmother’s handwritten recipe book. Mom-Mom Bessie was one of the best cooks I knew, and we think of her every time we make this Thanksgiving recipe. The flavor combination of coconut and molasses is a family favorite. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
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Oh-So-Good Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Yukon Golds are ideal when making mashed potatoes because of their buttery flavor and low moisture content. This Thanksgiving recipe for mashed taters easily absorb the warm milk or melted butter you add to your smooth spuds. —Brittany Linzmeier, De Pere, WisconsinBefore you start scooping the mashed potatoes, learn how to give a Thanksgiving toast that celebrates the season.
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Maple-Ginger Glazed Carrots
I first made this Thanksgiving recipe for my family and friends one year. Not only are the carrots lovely on the table, they taste terrific, too! —Jeannette Sabo, Lexington Park, Maryland
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White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with Almond Topping
This luscious Thanksgiving recipe from Phyllis Schmalz-Eismann of Kansas City, Kansas belongs on a pedestal. Just pour the spiced pumpkin filling over the delectable gingersnap crust, bake and refrigerate overnight. The final touch is a crunchy almond topping.
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Tastes Like Thanksgiving Casserole
This hearty, rich-tasting Thanksgiving recipe is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving turkey, and you can substitute 5-1/2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes for the six potatoes. —Mary Lou Timpson, Centennial Park, Arizona
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Spiced Cranberry Sauce
While this spicy cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it as a Thanksgiving recipe. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan
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Holiday Creamed Spinach
My mother made a variety of Thanksgiving recipes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Golden Butternut Squash Tart
This savory and flavorful butternut squash tart is perfect for the holiday season. It'll warm you right up. —Theresa Gutsch, Wausau, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Spice Cake
We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake “Thanksgiving Cake” because it’s a tasty alternative to pie, but we don’t relegate it to just a Thanksgiving recipe. I think you’ll agree it’s delicious any time of the year. —Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio
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Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey
Add wonderful flavor to your spread of Thanksgiving recipes with this juicy herb-roasted turkey. Make sure you use the drippings for a delicious gravy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Easy Pumpkin Muffins
This easy Thanksgiving recipe with cake mix is so good, even picky eaters cannot seem to get enough. They’re also delicious without frosting or nuts. —Samantha Callahan, Muncie, Indiana
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Pimiento Green Beans
Here's an easy way to turn everyday green beans into a special side dish. Pimientos, Parmesan cheese and chicken broth add savory flavor and a dash of color.
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Gobbler Goodies
The kids and I had a ball making these tasty turkeys for Thanksgiving one year. The treats would make a fun favor at each place setting on your Thanksgiving table—if your family doesn't gobble them up first! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Fudge
I look forward to the taste of pumpkin every Thanksgiving. This easy pumpkin fudge recipe lets me do that. Plus, everyone loves this Thanksgiving recipe. —Marlene Fudge, Rushville, Indiana
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Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Pineapple, sugar and marshmallows lend a super sweetness to sweet potatoes. I’ve been making the casserole for years, both as a Thanksgiving recipe and for casual dinners. —Ruth Leach, Shreveport, Louisiana
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Herbed Pecan Stuffing
I updated a basic Thanksgiving recipe by using wholesome multigrain bread in place of customary white bread. It adds a hearty, crunchy taste. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Herb-Rubbed Turkey
Seasoned for the holidays, this tender bird with its tasty herb rub is perfect for topping the table at your next festive gathering. This Thanksgiving recipe is from our Test Kitchen staff.
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Easy Yeast Rolls
These simple, tender yeast rolls bake to a golden brown and will disappear in no time. If you've never baked with yeast before, these rolls are the perfect starting point. —Wilma Harter, Witten, South Dakota
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Candied Sweet Potatoes
My town is known as “the yam capital of the United States.” These candied sweet potatoes go well with baked ham or roasted turkey as a Thanksgiving recipe. —Essie Nealey, Tabor City, North Carolina
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Butter Pecan Cheesecake
Fall always makes me yearn for this pecan cheesecake, but it’s delicious in any season. You’ll want to put it on your list of favorite Thanksgiving recipes. —Laura Sylvester, Mechanicsville, Virginia
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Juicy Roast Turkey
I can't wait to serve this juicy turkey at Thanksgiving—so I make it several times throughout the year. The aroma that wafts through the house as it bakes is almost as mouthwatering as the bird itself. —Terrie Herman, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Crumb-Topped Apple Pie
This apple pie with crumb topping is absolutely delicious! If you’re a beginner, use a store-bought pie crust to get a head start. You’ll still get a bushel of compliments. —Virginia Olson, West Des Moines, Iowa
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Praline-Topped Apple Bread
Apples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread perfect for a Thanksgiving recipe—or anytime. We like it better than our go-to coffee cake. —Sonja Blow, Nixa, Missouri
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Autumn Pork Roast
Although this Thanksgiving recipe captures the fabulous flavor of fall, don’t hesitate to serve it throughout the year. Your family will flock to the table when they smell this delicious roast. It’s a hearty dish that makes everyday dinners more special. —Kathy Barbarek, Joliet, Illinois
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Pumpkin Apple Pie
The first time I made this for my family, they gobbled up this wonderful change-of-pace holiday dessert. It has a scrumptious layer of apples under the pumpkin. —Elizabeth Montogomery, Taylorville, Illinois
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Honey-Maple Glazed Ham
My graham cracker-crusted ham gets a double coating of a simple honey-maple glaze. The first half melts into the ham while the second half forms a sweet caramelized topping. —Alan Sproles, Knoxville, Tennessee
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Pumpkin Snack Cake
The crunchy, sweet topping makes this simple pumpkin snack cake taste extra special. If you prefer a sweeter cake, omit the topping and spread with your favorite frosting instead. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It’s so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. —Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
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Pots de Creme
Looking for an easy recipe to make for your sweetheart? Served in pretty, stemmed glasses, this chocolaty custard is sure to set the mood for a special evening. —Connie Dreyfoos, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Old-Fashioned Dressing
Remember Grandma's delicious turkey dressing? Taste it again combined with flavorful herbs and crisp veggies in this family-favorite dressing. You'll love the fact you can make it in your slow cooker. —Sherry Vink, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
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Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
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Creamy Celery Root and Pearl Onions
I have made creamed onions for several recent Thanksgivings and wanted to change the recipe, so I decided to add celery root. Celery root is perfect with the onions, and the creamy sauce is addicting! —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Seed Toffee
My kids are allergic to nuts, but they can eat pumpkin seeds! Every fall we save the seeds from our pumpkins to add to various recipes, including this one. —Suzanne Earl, Spring, Texas
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Chive Smashed Potatoes
No need to peel the potatoes—in fact, this is the only way we make mashed potatoes anymore. They’re chunky, tasty and attractive. And the flavored cream cheese is a delightful twist! —Beverly Norris, Evanston, WyomingWondering how to cook potatoes? Check our our handy guide to learn the best types of potatoes for each cooking method.
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Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream
Folks who favor the flavor of pumpkin really need to try this spiced pumpkin ice cream recipe. But be prepared to make more! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Turkey with Sausage-Cornbread Stuffing
Complement your bird with this savory stuffing from June Kathrein of Delta, Colorado. “I’ve made this recipe for many potlucks and church suppers, and everyone raves about it...even those who usually don’t like stuffing,” says June.
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Winning Cranberry Cheesecake
The holidays wouldn't be complete without cranberries and eggnog. I use them both in this flavorful cheesecake that's the perfect finale for a special dinner. Set it out at the start of the meal, not just to solicit "oohs" and "aahs," but to remind folks to save room for dessert! —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
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Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip
This warm, rich and creamy Swiss cheese dip is guaranteed to please family and friends alike. Served with thin, crunchy slices of French bread, it makes the perfect appetizer—especially since it can be prepared ahead, put in the fridge, and then baked just before you want to serve it. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
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Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast
Try this wonderfully flavored, easy-to-fix slow-cooker turkey breast when you're craving something delicious. It makes a great holiday dish for smaller families, too. —Maria Juco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Garlic, Bacon & Stilton Mashed Potatoes
Creamy and savory, these mashed potatoes are a perfect partner for nearly any entree. They're a snap to put together in advance. —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
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Seasoned Roast Turkey
Rubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned roast turkey moist and tender. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
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Grandma's Cranberry Stuff
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Sweet Potato Casserole
I make this classic sweet potato casserole without marshmallows for Thanksgiving, but I also have been known to serve it with meat loaf and even grilled meat. —Eleanor Sherry, Highland Park, Illinois
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Maple Sugar Pumpkin Pie
We make our own maple syrup, and that's what gives this pie its special taste. You might want to bake this for your Thanksgiving meal. —Martha Boudah, Essex Center, Vermont
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Party Potatoes
These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
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Creamy Turkey Gravy
With my easy recipe, even someone who has never made homemade gravy before can be assured of success. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas.
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Elegant Green Beans
Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
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Triple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
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Angel Biscuits
I first received a sample of these light, wonderful angel biscuits, along with the recipe, from an elderly gentleman friend. I now bake them often as a Saturday-morning treat, served with butter and honey. They're perfect with sausage gravy, too! —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
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Chocolate Caramel Turkey Legs
Mention turkey legs made of pretzels and chocolate, and the kids come running. Let them help by unwrapping caramels for this easy, no-bake treat. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon! —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
These yummy pecan bars start with a homemade pastry crust and pile on lots of semisweet chocolate. They’re perfect for a holiday bake sale or casual get-together. —Heather Biedler, Martinsburg, West Virginia
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Barbecue Glazed Meatballs
Stock your freezer with these meatballs and you'll always have a tasty appetizer on hand. We even like to eat them as a main dish with rice or noodles on busy weeknights. —Anna Finley, Columbia, Missouri
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Corn Pudding
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
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Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Cranberry-Orange Roasted Turkey
You'll have an elegant centerpiece to your meal with this tender, juicy turkey. The cranberry makes it so good. It has such a wonderful aroma and flavor. —Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
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Holiday Almond Tassies
I make so many of these fancy tassies, I use up a 7-pound container of almond paste every year! They’re one of my family’s holiday favorites. —Donna Westhouse, Dorr, Michigan
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Porcini Mac & Cheese
This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
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Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
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Blue-Ribbon Apple Pie
This pie is special to me because I won a blue ribbon for it at the local fair and was able to compete at the state farm show. —Collette Gaugler, Fogelsville, Pennsylvania
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Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
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Slow-Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
This quick-prep recipe lets you feast on turkey at any time of year. We save the rich broth for gravy, noodles and soup making. —Joyce Hough, Annapolis, Maryland
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Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfaits
Enjoy these lovely, light parfaits as an unforgettable finale to your holiday feast. The spiced rum adds a fun new flavor to the mix. —Lorri Hazen, Twin Falls, Idaho
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Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Your whole house will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin spice when you bake these wonderful sweet potato cheesecake bars. They look complicated but are so easy, you can whip up a batch anytime. —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York
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Cranberry Orange Mimosas
Mimosas are just so elegant for Sunday brunch. My recipe uses tart cranberries to balance the sweetness of champagne and orange juice. —Shannon Stephens, Lake in the Hills, Illinois
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Pistachio Brownie Toffee Bars
These coveted brownie bars are homey and chocolaty awesome. They've been a sought-after staple on Christmas cookie trays for years. —Troy Shaw, Warrenton, Oregon
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Ginger-Streusel Pumpkin Pie
I love to bake and have spent a lot of time making goodies for my family and friends. The streusel topping gives this pie a special touch your family will love. —Sonia Parvu, Sherrill, New York
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Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
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Spinach Dip-Stuffed Mushrooms
I use a melon baller to hollow out the mushroom caps and make them easier to stuff. The apps fit neatly into muffin tins or a deviled egg tray for traveling. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
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Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Pastries
We always have leftover mashed sweet potatoes after our Thanksgiving feast. I take what’s left to make an indulgent filling for sweet potato empanadas. Convenient crescent roll dough makes this recipe easy as pie. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
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Crab Crescent Triangles
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Minestrone with Turkey
I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
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Coffee Maple Spritz
I like spritz cookies because they're easier to make than rolled cutouts but I can still be creative with different shapes and sizes. Feel free to substitute vanilla or rum extract for the maple flavoring. —Dierdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
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Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake
My New York-style cheesecake has tart cranberries, white chocolate chunks and a smidge of yuletide red. It's an impressive addition to holiday dessert tables. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey
My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. —Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
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Bacon, Cheddar and Swiss Cheese Ball
When it’s time for a party, everyone always requests this ultimate cheese ball—it’s such an impressive appetizer. And if you’re a party guest, it makes a fabulous gift for your hosts.—Sue Franklin, Lake St. Louis, Missouri
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Amber's Sourdough Stuffing
All my kids and grandkids absolutely love this sourdough stuffing, but especially my daughter-in-law Amber. I usually make a big batch at Thanksgiving so I will have leftovers for my husband. But this recipe is perfect for two. —Kathy Katz, Ocala, Florida
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Coconut-Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
What is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over. —Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
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Foolproof Gravy
Make your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can't-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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No-Bake Chocolate-Pecan Tartlets
At the last minute, I frantically came up with this treat for a Thanksgiving recipe. The tartlets were quickly gobbled up. Now, I make them for our annual Teacher Taster’s Choice and special family gatherings. —Joy Johnson, Culbertson, Montana
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Billie's Southern Sweet Potato Cake
I made sweet potato cakes for my kids when they were younger and they told me in their little voices, "Mommy, you're the best baker." Little did they know that was Mommy's first attempt at homemade cake! —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
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Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie
You’ll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody’s faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie Thanksgiving recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia, to my granny’s table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
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Herbed Turkey Breast
Like many of you, I always serve turkey for our family's Thanksgiving meal. But instead of roasting a whole bird, I opt for a turkey breast since most of us prefer white meat. The herb butter basting sauce keeps it so moist, and it's easy to carve. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread
This easy Thanksgiving recipe is based on several different relishes and spreads I’ve tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan. Hungry for more? Check out this cranberry relish recipe.
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Spiced Toffee Cookies
I bake these cookies as a Thanksgiving recipe because my crowd likes cookies thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee bits make a happy surprise.—Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
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Butternut Squash Oven Risotto
Squash and beer make my risotto different and delicious. Plus, cooking it in the oven cuts down on hands-on time making it. Win-win. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, TX
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Cranberry Cornmeal Dressing
This moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. The sweet-tart flavor of the dried cranberries really complements the dish's turkey sausage. —Corinne Portteus, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Roasted Green Beans with Lemon & Walnuts
I first tasted roasted green beans in a Chinese restaurant and fell in love with the texture and flavor. This is my Americanized version and it’s always a big hit at our holiday table as a Thanksgiving recipe. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Maple-Sage Brined Turkey
When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New HampshireWant to make the best gravy? Learn how to make gravy from pan drippings.
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Gobble-Up Strata
I always look forward to making strata after Thanksgiving. We invite our neighbors, and they think it’s neat that I prepare another whole meal. — Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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Citrus Cranberry Pie
To showcase abundant fall cranberries, make this beautiful lattice-topped cranberry pie. A dollop of orange cream complements the slightly tart flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Put leftover cranberries and pumpkin to great use in this moist Thanksgiving recipe. It’s very good with my “secondhand turkey” casserole for an after-Thanksgiving meal. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
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Mini Apple Pies
When I was in high school, my best friend’s mother baked this Thanksgiving recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
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Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
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Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake
An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy Thanksgiving recipe a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
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Taste-of-Fall Salad
My parents stayed with me at a friend's beautiful ranch for the holidays and I made them this great salad. It turned into every night's first course. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
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Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash
With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this Thanksgiving recipe becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Torte
This beautiful layered cake has a creamy filling with a mild pumpkin flavor and a little spice. It is quick and always turns out so well. The nuts and caramel topping add a nice finishing touch. —Trixie Fisher, Piqua, Ohio
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Holiday Salsa
When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around this Thanksgiving recipe until it’s scraped clean. —Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas
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Corn Stuffing Balls
My mom had many “winning” recipes, and this was one of our family’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes. I can still picture these Corn Stuffing Balls encircling the large meat platter piled high with one of her delicious entrees. —Audrey Groe, Lake Mills, Iowa
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Bacon Spinach Salad
Even our kids—who normally don't care for spinach—can't resist this salad with its rich dressing and crumbled bacon. Of course, you can use other greens instead of spinach. —Gretchen Kuipers, Platte, South Dakota
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Mushroom & Leek Pie
In the Pacific Northwest, we make a savory pie with mushrooms and leeks. We prefer chanterelle, but baby portobello or oyster mushrooms will also delight your diners. —Vickie Woods, Salem, Oregon
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Butternut & Portobello Lasagna
Lasagna gets fresh flavor and color when you make it with roasted butternut squash, portobello mushrooms, basil and spinach. We feast on this Thanksgiving recipe. —Edward and Danielle Walker, Traverse City, Michigan
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Shrimp Lover Squares
At our house, these delicious shrimp squares are a must during family movie and game nights. —Ardyce Piehl, Poynette, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate Thanksgiving recipe. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
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Autumn Pumpkin Cupcakes
These little pumpkin cupcakes are capped with cream cheese frosting and drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce. I like to make the caramel sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge till dessert. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin
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Potluck German Apple Cake
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It’s an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or a Thanksgiving recipe or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Thanksgiving Turkey and Stuffing
This turkey bakes up golden and juicy. I have served different stuffing variations alongside it for Thanksgiving, but nothing hits the spot like my mother’s simple mixture of bread, eggs and caramelized vegetables. This recipe includes a decadent homemade gravy, too. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes
Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best Thanksgiving recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
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Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll
This wonderfully light Thanksgiving recipe is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hint of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most delicious after-dinner treat. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
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Make-Ahead Butterhorns
Mom loved to make these lightly sweet, golden rolls. They’re a beautiful and impressive Thanksgiving recipe and have a homemade taste that makes them memorable. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
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Gingersnap Rum Apple Crisp
My mother makes this incredible apple Thanksgiving recipe, and I’ve added a few twists of my own. We think it’s best warm, with ice cream on the side. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Candy Bar Fudge
My manager at work, who knows I like to try new treat recipes, shared this one with me. I've made this chewy and chocolaty fudge many times since. Packed with nuts and caramel, it's like a candy bar. Everyone who's tried it loves it. —Lois Freeman, Oxford, Michigan
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Honey Cornbread
Serving this moist Thanksgiving recipe to family and guests is a pleasure. Honey gives the bread a slightly sweet taste, and most people find it difficult to eat just one piece. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
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Cranberry Bundt Cake
Cranberry sauce gives this Thanksgiving recipe its pretty swirled look. Serve slices for dessert after dinner or as coffee cake for brunch. —Lucile Cline, Wichita, Kansas
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Deep-Dish Apple Pie
This deep-dish apple pie is a winner! The crust is so flaky and the filling is sure to please everyone. —Salem Cross Inn, West Brookfield, Massachusetts
Originally Published: November 21, 2022
