Gather Around for the Best Thanksgiving Recipes in 2025!
Thanksgiving is all about comfort, warmth, and food that brings everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or keeping things small and cozy, this curated collection of the best Thanksgiving recipes from the blog has everything you need — from the juiciest roasted chicken to indulgent mashed potatoes and festive desserts that are easy to make and will have your guests coming back for more!
Explore all the mains, sides, breads, appetizers, and desserts to build your perfect Thanksgiving menu!
🧡 Why This this roundup of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes is what you need!
Thanksgiving is one of the coziest food holidays of the year, and planning the menu is half the fun — but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many dishes to choose from and limited oven space, it helps to have dependable recipes that never fail and always deliver big flavour.
I curated this collection of recipes that to bring together the best Thanksgiving recipes to give you everything you need in one place. These recipes are approachable, comforting, and perfect for both first-time hosts and seasoned holiday cooks. Whether you’re preparing a traditional spread or trying something new, this list ensures your Thanksgiving table is balanced, festive, and full of delicious aromas.
From creamy mashed potatoes to warm starter soups, flaky pies, and the perfect roast chicken, this round-up of the best Thanksgiving recipes is designed to help you mix and match dishes to build a menu that fits your celebration.
🦃 How to Build the Perfect Menu
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple guide to putting together a well-rounded dinner using the best Thanksgiving recipes below:
Start with a warming soup to welcome guests and set the scene of the party.
Choose one main dish like a roast chicken—ideal for smaller gatherings. Otherwise, the classic Turkey will feed a crowd!
Add 2–3 sides, with at least one potato dish (or two!), plus vegetables and bread.
Pick a pastry appetizer for nibbling before the meal.
Finish with a pie or creamy dessert to wrap the night in sweetness.
All the recipes below pair beautifully together, so you can build a full menu without worrying about flavours clashing.
🍲 Warm & Cozy Thanksgiving Soups
1. Simple Roasted Tomato Soup
Sweater weather is here and if you need an extra delicious and healthy way to warm up, then you must try this Super Simple Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup recipe! Tomatoes truly shine in this minimalist but incredibly flavourful recipe, making it a go-to choice for a Thanksgiving soup!
2. Cream of Asparagus Soup
Looking for an extremely nutritious and delicious soup to start off a special meal and warm you up as fall approaches? This Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup is rich and satisfying, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy asparagus! No heavy cream is added here!
🍞 Thanksgiving Breads & Rolls
Soft Holiday Dinner Rolls
Make any meal extra special by enjoying this Soft and Fluffy Dinner Rolls recipe! They’re amazing to accompany your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but also pair perfectly with saucy pasta, a wholesome soup, or any dish with sauce that needs to be scooped up!
🥔 The Ultimate Thanksgiving Potato Collection
Whether you’re team mashed, scalloped, crispy, creamy, or cheesy — there’s a potato here for every craving.
1. Buttery Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
The holidays are going to be absolutely memorable with an exciting twist to mashed potatoes! These Buttery Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes deliver with three fresh herbs and garlic and butter goodness!
2. The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Easy creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect side to go with comforting main dishes at any time of the year! Christmas, Thanksgiving, these simple mashed potatoes are going to blow you away!
3. Savory Sweet Mashed Potatoes
Enhance your Thanksgiving meal with these quick and comforting Savory Sweet Mashed Potatoes! While they're a fall staple, you can certainly make them any time of the year!
4. Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin
Looking for a super special side dish that does all the work while you focus on other aspects of your holiday dinner? These Irresistible Potatoes au Gratin are for you! Featuring a creamy Béchamel sauce and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a crisp crust of cheese and breadcrumbs, this casserole will be the ultimate pairing for any occasion!
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Looking for a super special side dish that does all the work while you focus on other aspects of your holiday dinner? These Irresistible Potatoes au Gratin are for you! Featuring a creamy Béchamel sauce and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with a crisp crust of cheese and breadcrumbs, this casserole will be the ultimate pairing for any occasion!
6. Butter & Garlic-Herb Sauteed Baby Potatoes
These Butter & Herb Sauteed Baby Potatoes are an easy side dish to prepare and they’re super versatile for any meal! You’ll love the creaminess of Yukon gold baby potatoes paired with buttery goodness, aromatic garlic and shallots, along with flavourful fresh herbs.
🥐 Festive Appetizers
1. Ham & Cheese Pinwheels
Need a super speedy appetizer that’s unbelievably delicious? These Baked Ham and Cheese Pinwheels only need a handful of ingredients and they’re really quick to make and easy to reheat! They’ll disappear off your table in a flash, guaranteed!
2. Mini Sausage Rolls
You’re about to discover the best appetizer ever! These Sausage Rolls in the Air Fryer are made with flaky buttery puff pastry and a flavourful homemade pork & bacon sausage! Serve these with a quick tomato sauce and get your party started!
3. Crescent Roll Pigs in a Blanket
The perfect stress-free appetizers for the holidays that will keep your guests talking! Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket only require 2 main ingredients and they air fry in a flash! They look and taste like you’ve put in loads of time and effort, but they’re amazing whether you’re hosting your first dinner party or fiftieth!
4. Puff Pastry Potato Ricotta Tarts
An incredibly simple holiday appetizer that will be a treat for the eyes and for the stomach! These Puff Pastry Tarts with Potatoes and Ricotta feature potato spirals and delicate ricotta cheese over flaky puff pastry, baked to perfection!
🦃 Thanksgiving Mains
Celebrate the holidays with this Ultimate Roasted Whole Chicken recipe! Perfect for beginners, this simple roasted chicken recipe in the oven gives you the most juicy, tender and delicious chicken that will be adored by your friends and family for all the special occasions!
2. Hearty Gravy from Scratch
An essential for a cozy holiday meal! This is the Best Gravy Recipe from Drippings! Save the juicy goodness from your chicken or turkey roast and use it in this hearty gravy to top your protein, potatoes and more!
3. Oven Pot Roast
You will have a huge smile on your face and a full belly after making The Most Delicious Oven Pot Roast! Tender, slow-cooked beef paired with lots of veggies and fresh herbs all come together with some patience and love. Everyone will be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
4. Incredible Lasagna alla Bolognese
Need some satisfying comfort food tonight? Whether you’re treating yourself or serving a crowd, this Incredible Lasagna alla Bolognese has everything you could ask for! A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce, a creamy and velvety bechamel sauce, and a medley of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses!
5. Creamy White Sauce Chicken Lasagna Recipe
This Creamy White Sauce Chicken Lasagna is going to transform your dinner tonight! This white chicken lasagna recipe features creamy white sauce paired with spinach, mushrooms, and rotisserie chicken, with a delicious 5-cheese filling, you’re definitely going to impress your family and friends with this loaded lasagna!
🥧 Thanksgiving Pies, Tarts & Desserts
1. Homemade Pie Crust
If you need the perfect easy homemade pie crust recipe, then you’ve come to the right place! This homemade pie crust is so simple to make with only 3 ingredients, and it’s multipurpose making this pie crust excellent for both sweet and savory pies!
2. Puff Pastry Apple Pie
A Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without dessert! Apple Pie is as classic as you can get, and making your own filling from scratch is so rewarding! This puff pastry apple pie recipe will show how to make an irresistible treat that is incredible with ice cream!
3. Banana Cream Pie
This No-Bake Banana Cream Pie from Scratch is the perfect dessert for entertaining! Featuring a fresh homemade pie crust, smooth and creamy custard from scratch, plenty of bananas, and an airy whipped topping, this pie is going to have all your guests asking for the recipe!
4. Easy Pumpkin Rice Pudding
This Easy Pumpkin Pie Rice Pudding recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate fall! With all of the elements of a classic rice pudding plus some pumpkin pie goodness, this rice pudding is ready with minimal equipment, making it perfect to make for a large party or just for an every day dessert!
5. Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie
A must-have for fall! This Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie is the perfect Thanksgiving treat or a treat for any fall occasion! Featuring fresh pumpkin puree and a ready-made pie crust, it’s flaky, warm and is fabulous with some whipped cream!
Comforting Drinks For a Crowd!
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Presenting the fall drink that you just can’t live without! Enjoy the popular Starbucks PSL recipe right from home with this easy recipe that features homemade pumpkin spice and a fresh pumpkin syrup!
2. S’mores Hot Chocolate
Bundle up on a snowy day with a warm and decadent S’mores Hot Chocolate! This homemade hot chocolate recipe is extra chocolatey and creamy and will warm you up on a cold night!
3. Dirty Chai Latte
A cup filled with fragrant spices, some espresso, and steamed milk foam, there’s a reason why the Starbucks Dirty Chai is so popular! Make it yourself at home to get both the coffee and tea goodness in one!
4. Iced Gingerbread Chai Latte
Enjoy winter flavours the cool way with your very own Starbucks Iced Gingerbread Chai Latte! Featuring REAL chai, a homemade gingerbread syrup, and a gingerbread cold foam, this chai has the warm notes all packed in an icy latte!
5. Turmeric Chai Latte
Indian Golden Chai Latte is loaded with antioxidants and will taste just as wonderful as it looks! Enjoy a warm cup of this golden tea latte to warm up and boost your immunity!
Using Your leftovers From the Best Thanksgiving Recipes!
1. Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pinwheels
Mashed potatoes are a staple for the holidays, but what if you made too much? These Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pinwheels with Crescent Rolls are ready in a flash if you’ve got extra mash from your holiday gathering, and the crescent rolls make these pinwheels that much easier! Enjoy these for a stress-free snack or for a last-minute appetizer!
2. Hearty and Wholesome Classic Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Enjoy this Irish classic, Shepherd’s Pie with ground lamb, vegetables covered with crispy mashed potatoes. Plus, learn how to make the British variation - Cottage Pie.
3. Leftover Dinner Roll Smash Burger Sliders
Got extra dinner rolls from your holiday gathering? Your leftovers don’t have to be boring! These Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Roll Smash Burger Sliders feature extra homemade dinner rolls as tasty and soft burger buns to hold your juicy and crisp smash burger patty! Add your favourite toppings and enjoy leftovers in a new way!
🛒 Recommended Tools & Products To Make the Best Thanksgiving Recipes
Make your Thanksgiving meal prep smoother and more enjoyable with the tools I personally rely on in the kitchen. These essentials help you roast, bake, mix, and serve with confidence — and they pair perfectly with the recipes in this round-up. Add your product links right into the highlighted text below.🔪
Essential Kitchen Tools
1. Quality Chef’s Knife
A high quality knife that’s sharp is key not only for efficiency but for safety!
2. Cutting Board
Essential to cut your meats and veggies!
3. Digital Meat Thermometer
A must-have for perfect roasts every time — prevents overcooking and guarantees juicy chicken.
🍗 Tools for Perfect Roasts
4. Roasting Pan with Rack
A great tool to roast your chicken in the oven, and have the drippings neatly fall into the pan.
5. Stainless Steel Pan
This is actually my alternative to the roasting pan as you’ll see from my No-Fail Roast Chicken recipe! Stainless steel is oven-safe.
6. Basting Brush
Ideal for applying butter, drippings, or marinade to make your chicken or meat juicy. I also use my basting brush over pastries to get a golden brown crust!
🥔 Tools for Mashed Potatoes & Sides
7. Instant Pot
I like my instant pot to boil my potatoes for mashed potatoes. You can see how to do that here!
8. Pots and Pans
If you choose to boil potatoes over the stove.
9. Potato Masher
I never use this for my mashed potatoes, actually! But I do recommend using a potato masher for veggie patties for appetizers.
10. Mandoline Slicer
Perfect for evenly sliced potatoes for scalloped potatoes or au gratin dishes. Alternatively, use a waffle cutter.
11. Cheese Grater
Essential to grate cheese that may go into your potatoes and appetizers!
12. Cast Iron Skillet
Amazing to cook meats and even to sauté veggies. You can have a large one if you have plenty of components that need to cook at once, or use a smaller one.
13. Non-Stick Pan
A must-have for any occasion! I recommend having a set of pans in multiple sizes depending on what you need. I often have 2 non-stick pans out at once!
🥐 Baking Essentials
14. Kitchen Scale
Baking is a science for sure, so you need to be precise and weigh out all your ingredients!
15. Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer
Helps knead dough and it’s much more efficient than to do it by hand!
16. Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups
To help measure your ingredients.
17. Parchment Paper sheets
Great for appetizers like pinwheels and tarts — keep a box in the freezer for easy entertaining.
18. Pie Dish
Essential for your deep dish pumpkin pie and banana cream pie.
19. Rolling Pin
A staple for pie dough, pastries, and flattening dough evenly.
20. Air Fryer
An alternative to the oven! I love to use the air fryer for appetizers and cooking veggies quickly. This helps save some space on the stove too!
21. Mixing Bowl
To add all your ingredients together.
🍽️ Serving Essentials
22. Ladle
To serve soups and stews.
23. Soup Bowl
Ceramic keeps your soups and stews warm. These are oven-safe and the handles make it easy to grip!
24. Bread Basket
Keeps your dinner rolls soft and warm through the meal.
25. Serving Platters
Perfect for showcasing all of your hard work!
26. Gravy Boat
A classic addition to any holiday table — makes serving homemade gravy easy and elegant.
Desserts
Whipped Cream Dispenser
To add a professional topping to your desserts!
Cake Cutter
To slice pies and cakes.
Icing Spatula
Helps to spread a frosting over your dessert.
Piping Kit
To top cupcakes and other small desserts with precision!
Trifle Dish
To serve rice pudding.
Baking Cups
For muffins and cupcakes.
☕ Bonus: Cozy Serving Touches
✅ Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, reconnect, and fill your home with the aroma of comforting dishes. Whether you’re hosting a full holiday dinner or contributing a single dish to a potluck, this list of the best Thanksgiving recipes will definitely give you a holiday to remember!
From creamy mashed potatoes to cozy soups, flaky pastries, and classic pies, this list of the best Thanksgiving recipes brings together the most-loved recipes that readers return to year after year. Mix and match your favourites, try something new, and make this Thanksgiving table truly yours.
If you cook any of these dishes, tag @Cooking.With.Anadi — I can’t wait to see your festive creations.
Wishing you a warm, delicious, and joyful Thanksgiving!