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
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
Maple Bacon Roast Turkey
Plymouth Rock Cocktail
A simple and refreshing holiday-flavored cocktail made with gin, cranberry juice, and fresh cranberries for garnish
Time: under 30 minutes
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
This flavorful gravy made from roasted turkey wings can be made up to a week in advance (longer if you freeze the gravy). Perfect time saver over the holidays.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Green Beans With Bacon, Shallots And Cider Vinegar
Fresh green beans are cooked in a seasoned broth mixture then given a splash of cider vinegar for flavor.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Apricot Glazed Turkey
Made with butter, onions, shallots, turkey, chicken broth, fresh thyme, sage, salt and pepper
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
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Mashed Potato Candy
Made with peanut butter, mashed potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar
Time: 30-60 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
Pecan Green Beans
Nutty and buttery, these green beans are a perfect holiday side dish
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Candied Acorn Squash
A little maple syrup and allspice gives these acorn squash some delightful sweetness. Serve them as a side or even as a dessert with some cool vanilla ice cream.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Cranberry Punch
This festive holiday drink works well with low sugar/diet ingredients as well as regular. Float the cranberries on top for a festive look.
Time: under 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Orange-Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Cooking sweet potatoes just got a whole lot cooler. With a splash of orange and a sprinkle of spice, you'll be wondering why you didn't make these sooner.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
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
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
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Relish
Made with cranberries, sugar, orange peel, orange juice
Method: crock pot
Time: over 5 hours
Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Carrots
Carrots are slow cooked until tender and mixed with an orange-pecan sauce.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Dark Chocolate and Pumpkin Cheesecake
Layers of chocolate pecan cookie crust, chocolate cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake, and chocolate ganache make up this out of this world dessert.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Glazed Carrots And Brussel Sprouts
Made with black pepper, brown sugar, baby carrots, Brussels sprouts, chicken broth, butter
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
So Easy Sweet Potatoes
Transform canned sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side with just butter, sugar, and a little marshmallow magic.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: under 30 minutes
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
White Castle Turkey Stuffing
White Castle isn't just for late night burger cravings! Chopped up burgers actually make a great stuffing for your Thanksgiving turkey (or weeknight chicken).
Time: under 30 minutes
Classic Roast Turkey And Homestyle Gravy
Preparing a classic roast turkey doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe emphasizes a no-fuss roasting method accentuated by a gravy that pulls it all...
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
Apple Gobbler Cocktail
This bourbon apple cider cocktail is the epitome of fall flavors.
Time: under 30 minutes
Turkey Egg Salad
Throw in some leftover turkey to really turn egg salad into something substantial. Mayo, eggs, and relish make a creamy and crunchy mixture perfect for lunch in a lettuce wrap or a...
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
Apple Walnut Stuffing
Anyone can open a box of stuffing, but why not take it one step further? Turn that packaged stuffing into a dish that tastes made from scratch.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
San Francisco Sourdough Stuffing
Here's a stuffing recipe that goes beyond the norm: think sourdough paired with the sweet notes of figs and cranberries, all nestled in savory turkey sausage.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a holiday staple. This version has a twist in that it's made in the crock pot.
Method: crock pot, stovetop
Time: 2-5 hours
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
Honey And Spice Glazed Turkey
Made with vegetable oil, chili powder, garlic powder, ground allspice, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, honey, water, turkey
Method: oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Pumpkin Pie Shot Cocktail
Pumpkin pie in a glass! Vodka is mixed with pumpkin puree, simple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and heavy cream.
Time: under 30 minutes
Sweet Potato & Leftover Turkey Salad
Made with fresh ginger, cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, raisins, walnuts, mayonnaise, lemon juice, orange juice, orange peel
Time: 2-5 hours
Apple Glazed Turkey
This apple glazed turkey swaps out traditional savory flavors for a sweeter twist with apple cider and maple syrup, making it a standout choice for any festive occasion.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 2-5 hours
Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey
Ready to spice up your Thanksgiving feast? This marinated turkey recipe uses an intriguing mixture of savory and citrus, which makes it a great option for those seeking...
Method: oven, outdoor grill
Time: over 5 hours
Cranberry Sausage Stuffing
This is a festive holiday stuffing with the addition of fresh cranberries.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Apple and Sage Stuffing
If you thought stuffing was just a sidekick, think again. This apple and sage version is here to steal the spotlight at your next holiday or dinner gathering.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Want a perfectly easy pumpkin pie? Pumpkin puree blended with sweetened condensed milk and a blend of spices are your ticket to this holiday favorite.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Celery And Sage Bread Stuffing
This savory stuffing combines the earthy flavors of celery and sage with soft bread cubes. Whether you prefer it slightly crispy on top or tender throughout, this dish...
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 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
Pumpkin Pie Spice With Cloves
Pumpkin pie seasoning with kicks from allspice, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. You'll find uses for it far outside the pie crust. Smoothies, granola, coffee, pancakes -...
Time: under 30 minutes
Baked Cranberry Sauce
This baked cranberry sauce is almost as easy as opening a can of sauce but tastes worlds better.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Thanksgiving Maize
Made with margarine, sour cream, corn muffin mix, whole kernel corn, cream corn
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Turkey Baste Paste
This homemade concoction is a balanced blend of spices to boost your turkey's flavor. Its perfect for rubbing inside the turkey's cavity and under the skin.
Time: under 30 minutes
3 Layer Pumpkin Pecan Cake
Made with carrot cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, water, powdered sugar, butter, cream cheese
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Citrus Roast Turkey
Two lemons, two limes and an orange with fresh bunches of sage, marjoram, and thyme add the herbal notes for a uniquely flavored bird.
Method: oven
Time: 2-5 hours
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
Mini-Thanksgiving Turkey
Want a turkey dinner without all the work? Try this small-scale version made with turkey tenderloins and homemade bread stuffing.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Pumpkin Martini
Pumpkin puree is shaken with vodka, simple syrup, nutmeg, and vanilla for this tasty cocktail recipe.
Time: under 30 minutes
Sweet Potato Buttermilk Waffles
Use up leftover sweet potatoes in this delicious breakfast recipe. Mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with buttermilk, egg, pancake mix, sugar, and cinnamon and cooked in a...
Method: waffle maker
Time: under 30 minutes
Traditional Stuffing
This is a simple, traditional stuffing made with white bread, celery, onions, and sage. It is a staple recipe on many holiday tables.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southerners know their stuff-ing! Some other southern traditions include adding fresh chopped sage, hard boiled eggs, or cooked giblets to the cornbread dressing.
Method: stovetop, oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.