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.

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

Recipes / thanksgiving

Cuban Thanksgiving Turkey

Try a Cuban twist to your turkey this Thanksgiving. The turkey is marinated with a sour orange and garlic mixture. This could be the best turkey you've ever had. Trust us!

Method: oven
Time: over 5 hours

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

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

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

Louisiana Oyster Stuffing

This recipe is the perfect way to add a little bit of seafood flair to your Thanksgiving feast. This traditional oyster stuffing is sure to please even the most discerning...

Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes

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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

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

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Put the sweet back in sweet potato. Mash them up with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon and top that off with some marshmallows before a trip to the oven. Just...

Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes

Slow Roasted Turkey

What's the hurry? Slow-roasting is the way to go for an ultra-juicy bird, and a quick crank of the oven up to 500 gives this turkey a nice outer crust before the rest gets cooked.

Method: oven
Time: over 5 hours

Mashed Potato Candy

Made with peanut butter, mashed potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar

Time: 30-60 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

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

Baked Creamed Corn With Cheese

A great way to dress up frozen corn. The corn is baked in a creamy sauce with a hint of sugar and a savory dash of Romano cheese.

Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes

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

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

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

7-UP Turkey

Just like the pilgrims did it. Well, at least how they would've done it if 7-Up had been around. Just two ingredients for a moist and delicious bird, what more could you really ask for?

Method: oven
Time: 2-5 hours

Shallot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with oven-roasted shallots to make an incredible potato side dish, perfect to accompany your favorite main dish.

Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours

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

Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar

If acorn squash isn't available you can substitute another winter squash like butternut, buttercup, or even small pie pumpkins. For an added treat, drizzle a little...

Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes

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

Spicy Cajun Turkey Gravy

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

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

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

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

Pecan Green Beans

Nutty and buttery, these green beans are a perfect holiday side dish

Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 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

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

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast With Cranberry Stuffing

Made with black pepper, salt, dried basil, boneless turkey breast, stuffing cubes, water, butter or margarine, onion, mushrooms, dried cranberries

Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours

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

Slow Cooker Turkey and Black-Eyed Pea Chili

Made with dried black-eyed peas, water, chili powder, cumin seeds, garlic, cayenne pepper, onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, chopped cooked turkey

Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours

Maple Smashed Sweet Potato Bake with Spiced Pecan Streusel

Sweet potatoes are mashed with milk, eggs, and maple syrup and baked with a streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, flour, pecans...

Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours

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

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

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

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

Cracker Stuffing

Ready for a flavor-packed surprise? This cracker stuffing takes classic ingredients and spins them into a dish that might just steal the show at dinner.

Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes

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

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Bone-In Turkey Breast With Bacon Gravy

Made with dried sage, Worcestershire sauce, bacon, bone-in turkey breast, garlic pepper, turkey gravy, all-purpose flour

Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: over 5 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

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

Garlic Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are good and garlic mashed potatoes are better, but horseradish garlic mashed potatoes are best. The spicy horseradish works great with savory...

Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 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

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Fresh Rosemary

For a side dish that stands out, try these roasted garlic mashed potatoes. The unique combination of roasted garlic's depth and the fresh herbal notes...

Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours

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

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

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

Bourbon And Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes

This bourbon and brown sugar sweet potatoes recipe brings a delightful twist to a classic favorite. By incorporating bourbon, you introduce a complex layer of...

Method: oven
Time: 1-2 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

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer

Make your own pumpkin pie coffee. The ground ginger in there really sends it over the edge. You can take this stuff with you wherever you need a holiday-flavored cup of joe....

Time: under 30 minutes

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