7 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes That Are Easy to Make

Thanksgiving isn’t just about food—it’s about the moments that warm your heart and bring your loved ones together. From the laughter echoing in the kitchen to the aroma of savory dishes filling the house, Thanksgiving creates a unique blend of joy and gratitude. Every dish you prepare becomes part of a story, weaving memories that linger long after the table is cleared. This year, make your Thanksgiving dinner not only delicious but stress-free with these easy-to-follow recipes.

1. Classic Roast Turkey

The centerpiece of every Thanksgiving table, this turkey is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Mix butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture under the skin and on the surface of the turkey.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
6. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Herb and Sausage Stuffing

This hearty stuffing is packed with flavor and is the perfect complement to your turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed
• 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
3. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Add onion and celery, cooking until softened.
4. Combine bread, sausage mixture, and herbs in a large bowl. Gradually add chicken broth until moist but not soggy.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden.

3. Classic Cranberry Sauce

This tangy, sweet sauce adds a vibrant touch to your Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Let it cool before serving.

4. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

This sweet and savory side dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

A creamy dish topped with a delightful crunch, this casserole is a must-have on your menu.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash.
2. Mix in brown sugar, cream, butter, and cinnamon. Spread into a baking dish.
3. Combine pecans and brown sugar. Sprinkle over the potatoes.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

6. Green Bean Almondine

This elegant dish is quick to make and adds a fresh pop of green to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Steam green beans until tender-crisp.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and toast almonds until golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Toss green beans with the almond mixture and drizzle with lemon juice.

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake

End your meal on a sweet note with this creamy, decadent dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin, eggs, and cinnamon.
3. Pour over crust and bake for 50-55 minutes. Let cool before serving.

This Thanksgiving, let your kitchen be filled with laughter, love, and the comforting aroma of these easy-to-make dishes. With a little preparation and a lot of heart, you can create a feast that brings everyone closer and makes this holiday unforgettable.