We have rounded up our favorite Thanksgiving recipe ideas for you to try out at home this year. From ten types of potato, to turkey five ways, and all the pumpkin-filled desserts you could imagine, a Thanksgiving dinner menu is something of an art form, right? And, although our Thanksgiving plans are looking a little different for 2020, it's still a food-filled holiday to look forward to.
So we've brought together our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you put your seasonal menu together, right on time for the Holidays and just before you start prepping your Christmas dinner menu also. We all know too well the stress that can come with getting everything together on the day itself: roasting the turkey, sorting out snacks for the children and what not – so be inspired by these gorgeous and easy entrées, main courses, desserts and more, to ensure that you have the most glorious and memorable Thanksgiving celebration at home this year.
What is a traditional Thanksgiving Day menu?
Traditionally, you'd enjoy a soup to start – to keep it light – followed by roasted turkey – that's even more succulent following a good ol' turkey brine recipe – with sides like mash, sweet potato, green bean casserole, corn, and bread rolls along with cranberry sauce, just like mom used to make.
For dessert, the choices tend to be pumpkin-filled. Pumpkin pie is a favorite while lots of different pies and desserts are creeping onto our tables – the more the merrier, right?
And for drinks, boy, do we have some tasty festive suggestions in store for you. It's not all eggnog – but eggnog is still on the list!
So we've included not only traditional Thanksgiving recipes but also different takes on the classics. Keep scrolling to get your mouth watering, and to create your Thanksgiving menu of dreams.
1. Succulent Thanksgiving turkey
A timeless dish, adorn your Thanksgiving turkey with cranberries for an even more festive display and this will be the main event of your Thanksgiving menu,
2. Maple-glazed bird
It's in the name, glaze your Thanksgiving bird this year and you will be in for serious treat. Our maple-infused glazed turkey recipe is seriously divine.
3. Spiced pumpkin soup
A full bowl of seasonal soup is one of the best Thanksgiving recipes around. It's one of the most heart-lifting entrées we can think of, delicately spiced and wholesome, this pumpkin soup will never let you down.
4. Creamy parsnip soup
Seasonal and flavored with apple, this parsnip soup perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, making it a gorgeous Thanksgiving starter idea that the whole family will enjoy.
5. Savory butternut squash soup
Simple. Check. Seasonal. Check. Delicious. Check. Sub the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives if you're vegan and you won't even tell the difference with how gorgeous this butternut squash soup actually is. Plus that color is sure to complement your Thanksgiving table decor perfectly.
6. Paprika deviled eggs
Smokey, creamy and delicious. Deviled eggs make a brilliant appetizer on any day, but most especially on Thanksgiving. Plus, they are so darn easy to make.
7. Parmesan crusted smashed potatoes
Behold the first type of potato – the smashed potato. Unconventional you say? Taste these tots and you won't argue with us!
8. Royal roasted potatoes
Or rather Real Homes' favorite type of potato, it's not a Thanksgiving menu without roast potatoes and we've got a handful of successful methods for you to try for yourself.
9. Paprika pumpkin fries
Spiced with paprika, add this dish to your Thanksgiving recipes repertoire because once you put these pumpkin fries on your table spread, it'll be hats. off to the chef! So easy to make, but they won't be around for long!
10. A cheeky charcu-turkey board
Oh yeah, it's a trend and every charcuterie lover's dream. Easy and super fun to create, then delicious to devour, this charcuterie board is a must on every family's Thanksgiving table spread for 2020!
11. Chestnut stuffing with bacon
This side dish is good enough already, but the added flavor that bacon brings to the party is perfect with the sweet chestnut stuffing base. Try this out on your Thanksgiving dinner menu and we guarantee you'll bring it out again for Christmas too!
12. Authentic home made gravy
With no store-bought gravy or granules insight, homemade gravy is always best and these are our favorite chef-inspired recipes to ensure that yours be truly successful.
13. Fresh green bean casserole
A must-have Thanksgiving Day recipe, green bean casserole has always been a family favorite dish for the Holidays. This isn't your average recipe, as it's made using more fresh ingredients than you usually might, for an even more delicious result.
14. Grandma's cranberry sauce
No turkey, or Thanksgiving dinner spread for that matter is complete without classic cranberry sauce. We found a recipe which is so simple, and perfectly balanced in flavor, just like grandma used to make!
15. Buttery mashed potatoes
Fluffy, creamy, and loaded with texture, mashed potato is the king of all sides and one of our favorite potato accompaniments to many – not just Thanksgiving – meals.
16. Sweet sweet potato mash
A close competitor, and praised highly on every Thanksgiving dinner menu for not only it's sweet flavor, but also for its gorgeous seasonal color. A little delicious decor for the whole family to enjoy,
17. Whole roasted stuffed butternut squash
This is a great Thanksgiving dinner idea for vegetarians. Why not roast your butternut squash whole, but towards the end of cooking, stuff it with a little mixture from a nut roast for a completely vegetarian delight?
18. Cheesy gratin dauphinoise potatoes
A classic French dish filled with flavor, Dauphinoise potatoes are the ultimate comfort food in winter and deliciously rich addition to your menu. Feel like jazzing it up? Add a little rosemary or a hint of nutmeg to your sauce.
19. Maple roasted parsnips
Try roasting parsnips but add a little maple syrup for extra sweetness and you'll be amazed at the divine outcome.
20. Simply tender glazed carrots
Perfumed with olive oil, roasted carrots are such a simple but gorgeous dish that works so well with everything else going on your Thanksgiving menu.
21. Black garlic roasted sprouts
Unexpected? Yes. Delicious? Yes. Add some real character to your menu this year with this unusual roasted brussel sprouts recipe.
22. Waldorf salad-inspired Brussel sprouts
Super fresh and light – which can't hurt – this is a really interesting way to liven up those Brussel sprouts, all while you enjoy the best of a Walford salad. Our refined palates say, yes!
23. Green beans with a tofu twist
Whether you're vegan or not, having a few vegan or veggie Thanksgiving recipes by. your side will be useful, and you will love this take on classic green beans. This vegan tofu salad is fresh, zesty, and full of different flavors to add a little more punch to your meal.
24. Sweet and fluffy eggnog
One of the most delicious Thanksgiving cocktails around, who can say no to eggnog? Our recipe is rich and boozy, kind of like a dessert, make sure you add it to your cocktail list!
25 Hot spiced wine
Up the cozy vibe of your Thanksgiving recipes with a little mulled wine. To make yours even more on season, add a drop of brandy and a few cranberries as a garnish. Delightful.
26. Spiced toasty pumpkin seeds
We all need a Thanksgiving snack and roasted pumpkin seeds always hit the spot. Super tasty and versatile, plus if you're making pumpkin pie this year like our next Thanksgiving recipe suggestion, without buying any canned pumpkin, you can make these straight after without any waste!
27. Perfect pumpkin pie
The Thanksgiving pie we all know and love take pride of place in our pudding of choice. And, this pumpkin pie is literally easy as pie to make. Pun intended.
28. Vegan pumpkin cake
Beautiful to look at, and even more exceptional to taste, this vegan pumpkin cake will be popular not just with your plant-based family members.
29. Festive cranberry cheesecake
A white chocolate and cranberry cheesecake is festive beyond belief and you will be in everyone's good books if this features on your Thanksgiving table spread for sure. Unique and flavorsome, this is one to try this year.
30. Cute pumpkin muffins
A great snack and a sweet way to start or end Thanksgiving Day, we've fallen in love with pumpkin muffins this year, and we're sure you will include it in your favorite Thanksgiving recipes list also.
