21 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes That’ll Wow Your Guests

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a golden, juicy roast turkey. This herb butter roast turkey recipe is all about flavor and tenderness — seasoned with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon for that perfect holiday aroma. The buttery skin crisps beautifully, locking in all the juices. Whether it’s your first time or your yearly tradition, this classic Thanksgiving turkey recipe will be the centerpiece everyone talks about. Pair it with gravy, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes for the ultimate holiday feast.

A honey glazed ham brings a sweet and savory balance to your Thanksgiving spread. Coated in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey, then baked to caramelized perfection, it’s the kind of dish guests can’t resist seconds of. The crispy edges, tender slices, and irresistible glaze make it a perfect alternative to turkey. Serve it with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. This holiday ham recipe is not only delicious but also makes fantastic leftovers for sandwiches or breakfast casseroles.

If you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or prefer a chicken over turkey, this garlic butter roast chicken is your go-to. It’s simple, juicy, and full of flavor — seasoned with butter, herbs, garlic, and lemon. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with cozy, festive vibes. Perfect for those wanting an easy Thanksgiving main course without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with roasted potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.

This maple balsamic pork tenderloin adds a sweet, tangy twist to traditional Thanksgiving dinners. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and ready in under an hour — perfect for last-minute holiday planners. The combination of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar gives the meat a rich depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed sweet potatoes.

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. Made with butter, cream, and roasted garlic, they’re silky, flavorful, and pair perfectly with turkey gravy or ham glaze. This recipe is easy to scale for a crowd, and you can even make it ahead of time to save stress on Thanksgiving Day. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug — the perfect addition to your holiday table.

A green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple that never goes out of style. This version keeps things simple and irresistible — tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions on top. It’s rich, crunchy, and comforting.

Turn your sweet potatoes into a star with this brown butter sweet potato casserole. The nutty aroma of brown butter mixed with cinnamon, vanilla, and a pecan crumble topping makes it simply unforgettable. It’s that perfect mix of dessert and side dish in one bite. Not too sweet, but absolutely cozy.

You can’t talk about Thanksgiving without classic stuffing! This buttery herb stuffing is made with fresh bread cubes, sautéed onions, celery, sage, and thyme — baked until golden and crispy on top but soft inside. It’s the definition of comfort food. You can prep it a day early and bake it fresh before serving.

These roasted Brussels sprouts with a zesty lemon thyme vinaigrette bring a light, crisp contrast to heavier Thanksgiving meals. They’re caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside — perfectly balanced with tangy citrus flavor. Ideal for anyone who wants a healthy Thanksgiving side dish without missing flavor.

Skip the potatoes without sacrificing comfort! This creamy cauliflower mash is keto-friendly, low in carbs, and tastes surprisingly indulgent. Blended with garlic, butter, and a hint of cheese, it’s smooth, rich, and satisfying. A must-try for low carb Thanksgiving dinners or anyone watching their calories.

This quinoa cranberry salad is fresh, colorful, and loaded with holiday flavor. Tossed with roasted pecans, cranberries, and a light honey-lemon dressing, it’s perfect as a side or light main dish. Packed with protein and fiber, it keeps your meal nutritious yet festive.

These bacon-wrapped stuffed dates are sweet, salty, and creamy in one addictive treat. Filled with goat cheese or almonds, wrapped in smoky bacon, and baked until crispy - they're elegant yet simple. Perfect for keeping guests happy before the main course!

Mini, melty, and oh-so-delicious, these cranberry brie bites are the definition of effortless elegance. Puff pastry, gooey brie, and tart cranberry sauce come together in a flaky bite-sized treat. Perfect for Thanksgiving cocktail hours or holiday parties.

Turn a classic soup into a stylish appetizer! These butternut squash soup shots are creamy, warm, and served in mini glasses or cups for a fun presentation. With notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic, it’s cozy and comforting.

Soft, buttery, and perfectly golden — these garlic butter dinner rolls will steal the spotlight on your table. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they pair beautifully with turkey or soups.

Sweet, moist, and fluffy — this honey cornbread brings Southern charm to your Thanksgiving dinner. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey and butter for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

These savory herb biscuits are low-carb yet full of flavor. Made with almond flour, cheese, and herbs, they’re perfect for keto dieters or anyone wanting a lighter bread option.

Creamy, spiced, and full of fall flavor — nothing beats a classic pumpkin pie. With a buttery crust and smooth pumpkin filling, this timeless dessert makes every Thanksgiving complete.

This apple crumble is pure autumn comfort — tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a golden crunchy topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday dessert experience.

These pecan pie bars are gooey, nutty, and made for sharing. All the flavor of traditional pie in a bite-sized form that’s easy to serve.

A beautiful twist on tradition, this cranberry-pear lattice pie combines tart cranberries with sweet pears for a balanced, festive flavor. The lattice crust makes it a showstopper centerpiece.