25 Drool-Worthy Recipes for Thanksgiving (2024)

25 Drool-Worthy Recipes for Thanksgiving (1)

Thanksgivingis soooo close! And I can’t stop thinking about all the sweet treats I want to make before November 23rd (and the rest of fall).

So, I thought I would roundup a handful of favorites before things get too busy. I separated recipes out into different categories to make it easy to browse (Thanksgiving breakfast, appetizers, dinner, desserts, and co*cktails).

Here are 27 drool-worthy fall foods for Thanksgiving and beyond…

Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes

Admittedly, breakfast isn’t the first thing I think about when it comes to Thanksgiving. BUT we all need a little something in the morning to hold us over until the big feast.

SO! Here are a handful of breakfast recipes I love that – perfect for Thanksgiving morning (or any morning really).

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1. cinnamon roll wreath from The Kitchn

Does a cinnamon roll wreath count as breakfast? I think so! Especially during the holidays.

This one would be great for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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2. matcha waffles

There’s something about the earthiness of matcha that feels like a solid pairing with Thanksgiving.

Definitely off the beaten path of what you would think of for Thanksgiving morning, but idk, I kinda love the idea.

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3. how to make french toast in toaster oven

Something that feels a bit more ‘traditional’ for this time of year… french toast, but with a twist.

This one has grilled apples, which really takes french toast to the next level.

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4. pumpkin muffins

Pumpkin muffins are a superior muffin, imo. So these felt like appropriate for the day.

I like muffins for breakfast on busy days too. They’re easy and on-the-go-able.

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5. peanut butter and jelly waffles

The peanut butter part comes from the glaze / syrup and the waffles have the ‘jelly’ component. So it’s not as weird as it seems. They’re actually yummy. BUT I could see how this waffle recipe would be the most exciting for kids.

You could even use one of those holiday waffle presses (they have Thanksgiving ones and Christmas themes too) to make it extra special.

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6. insanely easy smoothie bowl

Sometimes you just want to have something light and easy for breakfast…to balance out the rest of the day.

This smoothies recipe is EASY, limited ingredient, and delicious.

Thanksgiving Appetizers

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7. long charcuterie board runner (and other Thanksgiving entertaining ideas)

Instead of spending a ton of time decorating the dinner table for turkey day, skip the centerpieces and do a super long charcuterie board runner instead.

It will give everyone something to munch on before dinner and looks cool too. Like an edible centerpiece!

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8. fig and honey goat cheese crostinis

I feel pretty strongly that the combo of figs, honey, and goat cheese is one of the BEST flavor combos out there for special occasions.

It screams holiday to me for some reason. And tastes so good.

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9. organic pumpkin spice cream cheese recipe

This pumpkin spice spread would work for breakfast, appetizers, lunch, or a quick snack. Lots of options.

It’s great for bagels, apples, graham crackers, bananas, even muffins.

Thanksgiving Dinner

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10. healthy(ish) coconut oil cornbread from Brewing Happiness

I love cornbread on Thanksgiving, what about you?

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11. autumn harvest honey crisp apple and feta salad from Half Baked Harvest

I made a version of this for a potluck recently and it was delicious! Will definitely be making it again.

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12. hasselback butternut squash recipe from My Kitchen Love

What a beautiful looking side dish! The color alone is enough to make me want to make this one.

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13. easy stuffing recipe from Sugar and Charm

Stuffing is one of my must-have sides on Thanksgiving. I never go without it.

And this recipe from Eden and Sugar and Charm looks amazing!

Thanksgiving Dessert

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14. pumpkin panna cotta tart fromSweet Treats Baking

Doesn’t this panna cotta look amazing?And I bet it tastes delicious too.

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15. pumpkin candy recipe

These festive candies are delicious! They’re a perfect dessert / snack to leave out in bowls on the coffee table, kitchen counter, etc.

They’d also make a great hostess gift, if you’re headed to someone else’s home for T-Day dinner this year.

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16. apple layer cake

Look how cute (and moist) this cake looks. Yum!

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17. gingersnap pumpkin pie recipe fromFork Knife Swoon

I’m a big pumpkin pie fan and typically just want to stick to the classic version. But this gingersnap pumpkin pie has me very curious to try.

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18. vanilla cream filled donuts fromBrown Eyed Baker

I can almost taste these cream filled donuts through the screen. They look amazing.

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19. cider poached pears with apple cider caramel fromThe Pig and Quill

Have you ever had poached pears before? They’re delicious. Especially when you mix them with something crunch, like candies pecans.

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20. pear and apple crumb tart from Waiting on Martha

Look at the crumble on this tart. Definitely worth trying, imo.

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21. baked cinnamon sugar mini donuts from Baker Bettie

Ummm….more donuts?! YEP! More donuts.

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22. easy Nutella fudge recipe

For all the Nutella lovers out there, this fudge recipe doesn’t disappoint.

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23. easy bake pumpkin cheesecake recipe from She Wears Many Hats

I love that these are served in individual glasses. Keeps things easy and allows guests to sit down somewhere comfy (like the sofa) to have their dessert, if they want to.

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24. glazed donut pumpkin seeds recipe

Reuse those seeds from Halloween to make utterly delicious glazed donut pumpkin seeds. You won’t regret it!

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25. bourbon pecan pie fromFood and Wine

Some people swear by pecan pie as THE best pie for Thanksgiving. And this one has bourbon too? Sounds like a win-win.

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26. pumpkin chia nice cream

If you love pumpkin, but don’t want pie, try this nice cream. It’s light and yummy.

27. spiked apple cider recipe

I can’t leave all the Thanksgiving talk without a co*cktail. And this spiked apple cider is my favorite boozy fall drink!

It’s pretty and delicious.

Which one of these fall foods is your fave?

25 Drool-Worthy Recipes for Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

What Thanksgiving dishes can be made ahead of time? ›

Mashed Potatoes
  • Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese.
  • Easy Cauliflower Casserole.
  • Savory Sweet Potato Casserole.
  • Double-Crust Pie Pastry.
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
  • Lacey's Cornbread Dressing.
  • 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes To Make The Holiday Just A Bit Easier.
  • Can You Leave A Turkey Out To Thaw Overnight?

What Thanksgiving food travels well? ›

** Every recipe in this collection was developed and refined by our team of 50 test cooks until they arrived at the best version.
  • Serves a Crowd. ...
  • Classic Sausage-Herb Cornbread Dressing.
  • Extra-Crunchy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Fluffy Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls.
  • Mashed Potato Casserole.
  • Easy Chocolate Chunk Brownies.

What are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer. The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie.

What is the least favorite dish for Thanksgiving? ›

The Most Interesting Discoveries:

Most people over 60 chose Green Bean Casserole as their most hated side dish. Those under 40 also disliked Green Bean Casserole, but they had equal distaste for Sweet Potato Casserole. These two “retro” or “vintage” recipes were the most disliked on the list.

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Six turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving:
  • Beef. Instead of spending all the time it takes to prep and cook a turkey, use the time to make your favorite special-occasion beef dish instead. ...
  • Mac & Cheese. ...
  • Pot Pie or Shepherd's Pie. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Pork Tenderloin. ...
  • Vegan Turkey Substitute.

What is a traditional Thanksgiving menu? ›

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.

Can you make Thanksgiving sides the night before? ›

That's why we love getting a jump-start with one or several make ahead Thanksgiving sides. From stuffing to potato sides to cranberry sauce, rolls, and more, we've got 54 make ahead Thanksgiving sides that can be prepped, assembled, or even totally cooked anywhere from a day to a month in advance.

What Thanksgiving dishes don't need refrigeration? ›

Cranberry Sauce If your Thanksgiving host is not making cranberry sauce, this is an excellent (and necessary!) dish that can go long periods without refrigeration. The acid from the cranberries help preserve the dish (it's also delightfully easy to make!).

What to bring to Thanksgiving out of town? ›

Portable Thanksgiving Dishes — Thanksgiving Tip of the Day
  • Dinner rolls: Freshly made bread, dinner rolls or a lightened version of cornbread are delicious and easy items to bring.
  • Cookies: Fun to make and easy to carry, bake up some cookies. Keep cookie size small for portion-friendly dessert.

What is the main meal for most Americans on Thanksgiving? ›

Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner, to the point that Thanksgiving is sometimes colloquially called "Turkey Day." Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that "no citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day", and Benjamin Franklin had high regard for the wild turkey as an ...

What do most Americans eat on Thanksgiving? ›

Traditional foods are a large part of Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families include the entire family in the food preparation. Traditional foods include turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Many people serve pie for dessert at the end of the meal.

What are three foods that were probably eaten at Thanksgiving? ›

So, to the question “What did the Pilgrims eat for Thanksgiving,” the answer is both surprising and expected. Turkey (probably), venison, seafood, and all of the vegetables that they had planted and harvested that year—onions, carrots, beans, spinach, lettuce, and other greens.

What is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu? ›

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 popular Thanksgiving dish in the US? ›

The answers varied widely across the different parts of the country. Across the board, eighty-three percent of respondents said the turkey was the best dishes on the table. Some other national favorites include mashed potatoes (78 percent), stuffing or dressing (77 percent), and bread and rolls (74 percent).

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

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, but how did they end up on tables from Maine to California?

What is the most common main dish for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

There's no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesn't mean there isn't room at the table for other main courses, too.

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