Here’s everything you need to make the best Thanksgiving dinner, EVER. Fire up your grill, turn up that oven, open up your Amazon cart, and get ready to WIN on turkey day.
Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes
Thanksgiving dinner is my FAVORITE of all holiday dinners, and this post is featuring my favorites from all different categories!
Planning a Thanksgiving feast can feel like a huge task, especially when you want to include everything from classic main dishes to unforgettable sides and desserts. This guide provides a complete Thanksgiving menu, covering every element of the meal. It’s designed to help you coordinate a spread with all the favorites, along with a few twists to keep things interesting.
This menu includes recipes for everything from the turkey and stuffing to unique side dishes and desserts. If you’re ready to dive into the details, you’ll find instructions, tips, and strategies for organizing your cooking timeline, so you can pull everything together smoothly. Each dish has been tested to bring flavor and ease to your kitchen, saving you time without compromising taste.
Whether you’re a Thanksgiving pro or it’s your first time hosting, this guide aims to make your day more manageable. With make-ahead tips, kitchen organization hacks, and clear instructions, you’ll have everything you need for a holiday meal that’s memorable and stress-free. Dive in, and get ready to bring your Thanksgiving vision to life.
Thanksgiving Mains
These main dishes are perfect for the big day! From all different preparations of Turkey to several incredible Ham options, you’ve got great choices for mains here!
Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings
This recipe offers a smoky take on turkey wings, making them a great alternative to traditional chicken wings, especially during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings
Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings
Grilled turkey wings make for a tasty and slightly healthier alternative to traditional wings, especially when cooked on a Traeger for that smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings
Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs
A fairground favorite, these smoked turkey legs are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy turkey. They’re perfect for a festive occasion or a unique meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs
Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey is a flavorful and juicy turkey prepared using a Traeger grill. Spatchcocking allows for even cooking and a delicious smoky flavor, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs
This herb-infused turkey breast offers a lighter holiday dish with a rich flavor from garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. It’s perfect for a smaller gathering and makes for easy carving and serving without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs
Baked Ham with Cranberry Glaze
This baked ham features a tangy cranberry glaze with hints of orange zest, providing a festive and flavorful twist. Ideal for holiday meals, it balances sweet and tart flavors, creating a perfect complement to the savory ham.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham with Cranberry Glaze
Asian Roast Turkey Recipe
This Asian-inspired roast turkey recipe features an aromatic marinade of Chinese spices, paired with a sticky rice stuffing enriched with shiitake mushrooms and vegetables. It’s an inventive take on Thanksgiving with bold, layered flavors.
Get the Recipe: Asian Roast Turkey Recipe
Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving
Discover the perfect recipe for tender and flavorful Smoked Turkey Breast! With its juicy texture and subtle smoky aroma, this dish is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving
Double Smoked Pulled Ham
This recipe features a richly flavored double-smoked ham that’s perfect for gatherings, offering a succulent and smoky twist on traditional pulled pork.
Get the Recipe: Double Smoked Pulled Ham
Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze
This recipe offers a twist on traditional honey baked ham glaze by incorporating a spiked element. It’s perfect for adding a special touch to your ham, especially for those who enjoy a sweet and slightly boozy glaze.
Get the Recipe: Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze
The Best Baked Ham (Rum, Pineapple, Brown Sugar Glaze)
Need an easy ham recipe for Easter? I love this baked ham, made with a rum, pineapple and brown sugar glaze.
Get the Recipe: The Best Baked Ham (Rum, Pineapple, Brown Sugar Glaze)
Thanksgiving Sides
I confess – my favorite part of Thanksgiving is the sides. Sure the turkey and ham are delicious, but if I had to choose between turkey and the mashed potatoes and gravy? And the corn? And stuffing? I’m picking the sides all.day.long.
Below I’ve collected my go-to recipes from OWYD as well as some incredible ones from food blogs around the net. You’re going to love it!
Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes
These creamy mashed potatoes are elevated with the addition of Boursin cheese and a touch of smoke, giving them a rich and savory flavor. Ideal as a side dish, they offer a comforting yet gourmet twist on a classic recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes are enhanced with roasted garlic, cooked on a Traeger for added depth.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Smoked Mashed Potatoes
A smoky version of classic mashed potatoes, offering a unique twist on a traditional side dish. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a smoky flavor in their comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes
Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes are crispy potatoes smoked on a Traeger grill and seasoned to perfection. They are a delicious side dish with a smoky flavor that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes
Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing
A smoky twist on traditional Thanksgiving dressing, cooked on a Traeger for added flavor. It’s a great side dish
Get the Recipe: Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing
Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes
A simple yet delicious way to prepare sweet potatoes, utilizing the Traeger grill for a subtle smoky flavor. It’s an excellent side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Traeger Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes grilled to bring out their natural sweetness, making them a great healthy side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
A unique twist on traditional mac and cheese, this recipe incorporates the smoky flavor from a Traeger grill. It’s a creative option for those who love a smoky touch to their comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Traeger Broccoli Au Gratin
A cheesy and creamy broccoli dish cooked on a Traeger, adding a smoky flavor to this classic side dish. It’s a great way to make vegetables appealing and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Traeger Broccoli Au Gratin
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This rich southern baked mac and cheese recipe combines layers of creamy, sharp cheeses with a custard-like texture. A Southern classic, it’s baked to golden perfection, ideal for any comforting meal or holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This homemade cranberry sauce offers a quick and easy way to balance tart cranberries with orange juice and zest, creating a fresh and zesty sauce. It’s a perfect, festive side dish for Thanksgiving and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Southern Style Creamed Corn
This Southern-style creamed corn is a creamy, comforting side dish made with fresh or frozen corn, butter, and cream. It’s lightly sweetened for an authentic, rich flavor and a touch of Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Creamed Corn
Green Beans Almondine
A fresh twist on green beans almondine, this recipe adds pomegranate seeds for color and crunch, making it a vibrant holiday side. Toasted almonds and a dash of lemon keep it flavorful and light.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed Butternut Squash
A quick and simple sautéed butternut squash dish seasoned with garlic and thyme, this recipe brings out the squash’s natural sweetness. Optional maple syrup adds a hint of caramelization for a cozy, fall-inspired side.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Butternut Squash
Oven Roasted Vegetables
These oven-roasted vegetables are customizable with a variety of seasonal veggies, lightly seasoned and baked for a perfect balance of crisp and tender textures. It’s a versatile, healthy side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Vegetables
Crispy Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes Stacks
Muffin tin potatoes create individual servings of crispy, cheesy potatoes in muffin form. Layered with butter and seasonings, they’re a fun, shareable side with a perfect mix of crunchy and tender bites.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes Stacks
Cornbread Dressing
This cornbread dressing combines classic cornbread with celery, onion, and herbs, adding a hearty, Southern flair to Thanksgiving. It’s a moist, savory dish that pairs well with roast meats.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Dressing
Garlic Green Beans
These garlic green beans are a simple, delicious side that’s sautéed with garlic and olive oil, perfect for adding a flavorful, healthy option to your dinner table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans
Red Wine Mushrooms
This sautéed mushrooms recipe uses butter and fresh herbs to create a savory, tender side dish. The mushrooms cook down to a caramelized finish, enhancing their natural earthy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Mushrooms
Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes
Air fryer funeral potatoes offer a lighter take on a classic comfort food, combining shredded potatoes, cheese, and crispy toppings. Perfectly golden and easy to make, they’re an ideal, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Funeral Potatoes
Thanksgiving Appetizers
Blueberry Balsamic Smoked Goat Cheese
This recipe showcases creamy goat cheese that’s been smoked and topped with a blueberry-balsamic glaze. The combination of tart, sweet, and smoky flavors makes it a perfect appetizer for gatherings, offering a gourmet touch to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Balsamic Smoked Goat Cheese
Smoked Goat Cheese
The Smoked Goat Cheese recipe transforms creamy goat cheese with a hint of smoky flavor. This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for entertaining, offering a rich and unique taste experience that’s sure to impress guests. Serve with crackers or fresh bread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Goat Cheese
Smoked Red Pepper Hummus
Spicy up your snack game with Smoked Red Pepper Hummus! Discover the secret to adding a smoky twist to your homemade hummus with our easy recipe! #SmokedHummus #HealthySnacking
Get the Recipe: Smoked Red Pepper Hummus
Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels
Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels offer a unique twist on traditional artichoke dip, combining it with flaky puff pastry for a delightful appetizer. The recipe features a rich and creamy artichoke dip made with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, and a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, wrapped in puff pastry. Cooked in a Traeger grill, these pinwheels have a distinct wood-fired flavor, making them a hit for gatherings and parties.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Artichoke Dip Pinwheels
Warm Marinated Olives
The Warm Marinated Olives recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends a variety of olives with herbs, spices, and a rich olive oil and vinegar marinade. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors, creating a perfect blend of tastes. This appetizer is simple yet elegant, appealing to olive enthusiasts with its mix of Kalamatas and milder green varieties. It’s a versatile dish, suitable for various gatherings and can be adapted to different tastes or dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Warm Marinated Olives
Smoked Whipped Feta Dip
This smoked whipped feta dip combines the creamy texture of feta with a smoky flavor, creating a unique and tasty appetizer, ideal for pairing with crackers or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Whipped Feta Dip
Traeger Fall Butter Board
A unique and visually appealing way to serve butter, this board features a variety of flavored butters, perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Fall Butter Board
Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie
An innovative appetizer combining smoked brie with apple crisp toppings, ideal for impressing guests at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Apple Crisp Smoked Brie
Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
This rich and creamy crab dip is given a smoky twist, making it a luxurious and flavorful appetizer for seafood enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Hot Crab Dip
Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
A unique appetizer combining the sweetness of grape jelly with smoky meatballs, creating a surprising and delightful flavor combination.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs
Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
A flavorful and creamy appetizer, this smoked garlic goat cheese is a sophisticated addition to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic Goat Cheese
Smoked Deviled Eggs
This recipe adds a smoky twist to classic deviled eggs, offering an intriguing flavor enhancement. It’s an innovative take on a traditional appetizer, sure to intrigue guests.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs
Cheesy Artichoke Dip
This creamy and cheesy artichoke dip is a perfect appetizer for parties or gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Artichoke Dip
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp features succulent shrimp coated in a crispy coconut breading, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. It’s a delicious appetizer or main course with tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp
Smoked Salmon Dip
A rich and savory dip featuring smoked salmon. This recipe is ideal for seafood lovers and works well as a spread for crackers or bread at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Dip
Brie and Fig Jam Crostini
These brie and fig jam crostinis combine creamy brie and sweet fig jam on crisp baguette slices, creating an elegant yet simple appetizer. Perfect for gatherings, they offer a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Brie and Fig Jam Crostini
Bacon and Pineapple Cheese Ball
This bacon and pineapple cheese ball mixes creamy cheese with smoky bacon, tangy pineapple, and barbecue sauce. Ideal for parties, it can be served plain or shaped for festive presentations, adding a fun twist to classic cheeseballs.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Pineapple Cheese Ball
Thanksgiving Desserts
These desserts are a great way to finish off an incredible meal. Whether you are a chocolate lover or like something a little different, like a smoked apple crisp, you’re going to LOVE anything you pick off this list!
Traeger Banana Cake
Traeger Banana Cake brings a unique twist to classic banana cake, incorporating the subtle smokiness of a Traeger grill. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Banana Cake
Butterfinger Fluff Pie
A decadent dessert that combines the crunchy, peanut-buttery taste of Butterfingers with a creamy, fluffy pie base for an irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Butterfinger Fluff Pie
Homemade Hostess Cupcakes
A homemade take on the classic Hostess cupcake, featuring rich chocolate cupcakes with a creamy filling and iconic chocolate icing, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hostess Cupcakes
Traeger Pumpkin Pie
A classic pumpkin pie with a smoky twist, baked on a Traeger for an added layer of flavor, perfect for fall festivities.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pumpkin Pie
Banana Coffee Cake
A delightful fusion of banana bread and coffee cake, this recipe offers a moist and flavorful treat, ideal for breakfast or as a dessert.
Get the Recipe: Banana Coffee Cake
Traeger Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe
This recipe combines the rich flavor of eggnog with the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a unique dessert perfect for the holidays. It’s a delightful twist on classic cheesecake.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Eggnog Cheesecake Recipe
Mocha Mousse
Indulge in this decadent mocha mousse, perfect for a special occasion. Made with chocolate and coffee, this rich and creamy dessert is sure to tantalize your taste buds! The recipe recommends chilling the mousse overnight for the best texture, so plan ahead and wow your guests with this impressive finale to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Mocha Mousse
Traeger Apple Crisp
A classic apple crisp recipe cooked on a Traeger, adding a smoky nuance to the traditional dessert. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or a family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Apple Crisp
Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust
This pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust is a creamy, spiced dessert with a sweet and crunchy base. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional pie, perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust
Apple Pie Crescent Rolls
Apple pie crescent rolls use flaky dough wrapped around apple pie filling, creating a simple, three-ingredient treat. These rolls bake quickly, making them perfect for a warm dessert or snack in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Crescent Rolls
Orange Flan de Queso
This orange flan de queso blends creamy cheese and bright citrus, creating a rich, custardy dessert. With its smooth texture and hint of orange, it’s a refreshing twist on classic flan.
Get the Recipe: Orange Flan de Queso
Spicy Pumpkin Sheet Cake
A spicy pumpkin sheet cake that’s moist and packed with fall spices, topped with a white chocolate cream cheese frosting. This dessert offers a warmly spiced, unique twist on pumpkin cakes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pumpkin Sheet Cake
Pecan Tassies
Pecan tassies are bite-sized pecan pies with a flaky cream cheese crust and a sweet, nutty filling. These mini treats are easy to make, perfect for holidays, and freeze well for later enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Tassies
Apple Ginger Cake
This apple ginger cake combines fresh apples with warm ginger spice for a moist, seasonal dessert. A drizzle of icing adds sweetness, making it ideal for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Ginger Cake
Apple Pie Tacos
Apple pie tacos offer a fun twist on apple pie with cinnamon-sugar shells filled with apple filling and whipped cream. These mini desserts bring a playful, easy-to-eat option to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Tacos
Pecan Pie Cheesecakes
These pecan pie cheesecakes combine creamy cheesecake with a rich pecan topping, creating a decadent holiday dessert. Served in individual portions, they’re perfect for sharing and easy holiday entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecakes