This isn't your typical turkey gravy. The pilgrims might not have approved of the jalapenos and spicy Cajun seasoning, but you'll be converted to the zesty side real quick.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Thanksgiving Recipes: Turkey, Stuffing, Pumpkin Pie
Thanksgiving is celebrated the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. It's a remembrance of the first Pilgrim feast in 1621 where they gave thanks for a bountiful harvest.
This is also one holiday that warrants nearly as many recipes for leftovers as it does the meal itself. In fact, many people claim that the leftovers are their favorite part of the holiday!
Every few years a new trendy fad develops to put a new spin on the traditional fare. For example, deep frying a turkey in place of roasting has become popular over the last few years as has brining the bird before cooking it.
Traditional Thanksgiving food (not to be confused with the food served at the original feast, only some of which is still served today) consists of a roasted turkey, gravy, stuffing (dressing), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin or pecan pie. Of course, many variations are common in different parts of the country and every family has developed their own traditions.
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October (same as the former Columbus Day in the U.S.). Many of the same foods are eaten on both US and Canadian Thanksgivings.
jump to the recipes
mashing the potatoes
Learn the tricks of the trade for keeping your potatoes lump free and preventing them from turning gluey
gravy basics
Lose the lumps, brown your flour, and other handy gravy tips
storing leftovers
A handy guide on how long to safely store those leftovers.
cooking the turkey
Tips for a perfectly juicy and tasty turkey every time
Spicy Cajun Turkey Gravy
Kentucky Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Butter, vanilla, and a golden-baked marshmallow topping turn some sweet potatoes into an utterly life-changing casserole.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots
Simple but delicious! Carrots are glazed with brown sugar, butter, and orange peel.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Ginger Glazed Carrots
Ginger glazed carrots are a delicious and easy way to add some extra flavor to your side dish. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or holiday meal.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Apple Brined Turkey
A spectacular brine of apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices gives your holiday bird sweet and spiced undertones and keeps it super moist.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallow Creme Sauce
Put the sweet back in sweet potatoes, then add a layer of marshmallow creme on top. This decadent dish is the perfect sweet and savory bridge between dinner...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Contemporary Club Sandwich
The classic club sandwich gets an updated ingredient list.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Cranberries Jubilee
You'll be "jubilant" from this tangy cranberry jubilee. A simple warm sauce of cranberries, sugar and a splash of brandy poured over vanilla ice cream makes a phenomenal...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Night Before Mashed Potatoes
The night before Thanksgiving or other big family event, make this easy recipe for mashed potatoes. This is a great way to cut down on your cooking time during busy...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: over 5 hours
Jack Daniel's Pecan Pie
This Jack Daniel's pecan pie takes the beloved Southern staple and gives it a unique spin with the addition of whiskey and chocolate chips.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Baked Stuffing Casserole
A simple bread stuffing made with onion, celery, bread, seasonings and instead of plain chicken broth it uses chicken and rice soup for a different twist.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Apple Brined And Hickory Smoked Turkey
Turkey is brined in a mixture of apple juice, brown sugar, salt, oranges, ginger, cloves, garlic, and bay leaves. To further enhance the flavor it's cooked in a...
Method: outdoor grill
Time: over 5 hours
Oven Orange-Glazed Carrots
Oven-roasting the carrots in a sweet butter sauce gives them a caramelized-like glaze.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Apple And Onion Dressing
Say goodbye to boxed stuffing and hello to a delightful combination of apples, onions, and a medley of fresh ingredients. This apple and onion dressing is not just a side, it...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Deluxe Mushroom Green Bean Casserole
What makes this casserole deluxe, you ask? Some might say it's the fresh sliced mushrooms. Others might suggest the crispy fried onions.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Savory Stuffing Balls
A great way to serve stuffing in individual portions. The outside gets a nice, crispy texture while the inside is moist and delicious.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Mom's Left-Over Mashed Potato Casserole
Don't settle for just reheating your leftover mashed potatoes, turn them into a loaded up casserole with bacon and cheese.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Leftover Mashed Potatoes Croquettes
What do you do with leftover mashed potatoes? Try potato croquettes! They're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and make for a great appetizer or side...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Citrus Turkey Breast
Let's face it, turkey can sometimes be a bit bland, but not with this recipe. A combination of spices and citrus juices turns a classic into a standout dish that...
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Turkey Lasagna With Cranberries
A great way to use up leftover holiday turkey! And, even though it is rich tasting and filling, this recipe is lower in calories and fat than other lasagna recipes.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Diabetic Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those watching their sugar intake. It's made with pumpkin puree and sugar-free pudding, making it rich...
Time: 2-5 hours
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Brown sugar and butter are standard fare for candied sweet potatoes, but the real genius of this recipe is adding in some OJ
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Herbed Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Stuffing
This stuffing does so many things right, but here's what really sets it apart: adding a sweet, tart, apple to balance out the savory flavors. Truly a stand-out...
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Best Turkey Dressing
The combination of white bread and cornbread cubes mixed with pork sausage makes the best turkey dressing you'll ever have.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Turkey Spread
Tired of those holiday leftovers? Try this dressed up turkey spread that is delicious as a sandwich or served on crackers.
Time: under 30 minutes
Old-Fashioned Green Beans
With bacon as a sidekick, these green beans turn into a Rockstar and steal the dinner table show. Front row tickets, please. I don't want to miss the party.
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Turkey Leftover Pot Pie
A great way to use up turkey (or chicken) leftovers. Use whatever veggies you have on hand and you can substitute sauteed onion in place of the pearl onions if desired.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Leftover Turkey Burritos
Use up leftover turkey in a different way with these zesty burritos. All it takes is a few seconds in the microwave and dinner is served.
Method: microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Apple Sausage Stuffing
Sweet and savory stuffing can be a Thanksgiving game changer. Slow cooked apples and pork sausage makes an absolutely stand-out stuffing that's miles ahead of the...
Method: stovetop, crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Impossible Pumpkin Pie
A crustless pumpkin pie made with pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, butter, eggs, sugar, Bisquick, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Elvis Presley's Favorite Sweet Potato Pie
This popular pie is made with a combination of sweet potatoes and russets for a lighter flavor than other pies.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Easy Turkey Pot Pie
This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey or chicken. The gravy and vegetables create a savory filling, while the biscuit dough adds a fluffy, flaky topping.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Cream Style Corn
Discover a delicious and easy recipe for cream-style corn. Made with fresh corn, milk, and simple seasonings, this side dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Maple Bacon Roast Turkey
Voted the best Thanksgiving turkey ever (by CDKitchen staff). The turkey is covered in slices of bacon and basted with maple syrup while roasting. Heavenly!
Method: oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Extra Special Pumpkin Pie
Buckle up for a pumpkin pie that's boldly going where no pie has gone before. This one's strutting a fancy apricot layer and a crust that'll make you want to write home about...
Method: oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Baked Mashed Potato Omelet
This oven-baked omelet is made with minced bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, eggs, mashed potatoes and Parmesan cheese.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Cornbread Dressing Made With Neck Meat
Who knew turkey neck meat could be the star of the show? This cornbread dressing is rich, hearty, and just the thing to make any dinner feel like a special...
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Pumpkin Pie With Splenda
This pumpkin pie With Splenda is for everyone who's sweet enough already. It's the same spiced, cozy treat you love, just slimmed down in the sugar department. Hello, healthier...
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Stuffed Cranberry Sauce Slices
A different way to serve cranberry sauce at the holidays. Slice canned cranberry sauce into layers and sandwich together with a filling of cream cheese, mayo, and pecans.
Time: under 30 minutes
Cranberry Sausage Stuffing
This is a festive holiday stuffing with the addition of fresh cranberries.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Fancy Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is the perfect dish for any holiday gathering or family dinner. It is packed with flavor and everyone will love the sweet graham cracker crumb topping.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Slow Cooker Apple-Raisin Stuffing
Ready to impress your friends with a stuffing recipe that's anything but ordinary? This apple-raisin stuffing can be whipped up in a snap, whether you prefer the crock...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Farmhouse Sweet Potato Pie With Pecan Streusel
Who says only apple and cherry pies deserve a crumb topping? Crunchy spiced pecan streusel turns a good sweet potato pie into a great one, adding textures...
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Glazed Baby Carrots With Parsley
Cooked baby carrots are mixed with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. It's a simple recipe but it makes a great side dish.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Make Your Own Poultry Seasoning
No need to buy poultry seasoning when you can make your own better version. This herby medley is heavenly on roasted chicken and turkey, and it's super convenient to...
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Baked Sweet Potatoes
These crockpot baked sweet potatoes are perfect for fall, whether you're going sweet with butter and cinnamon sugar or savory with roasted veggies.
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie
Made with pie shell, evaporated milk, eggs, pumpkin, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Easy Karo Pecan Pie
Karo corn syrup was introduced in 1902. While pecan pies were around already, in the 1930's Karo corn syrup became a popular ingredient in them in place of molasses or other sugar...
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Pecan Green Beans
Nutty and buttery, these green beans are a perfect holiday side dish
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
The perfect way to add a little bit of holiday cheer to your meal. The tart cranberries are balanced perfectly by the sweet orange liqueur, making it a delicious addition...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
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