Thanksgiving Recipes Old and New
When President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the turkey had already secured its place as the quintessential centerpiece of the feast, a position it has defended successfully against all challengers. Today, Thanksgiving remains one of the most anticipated meals of the year, a day when kitchens across the country fill with ambition, aromatic abundance, and the occasional minor panic. Here are classic and modern recipes to help you create a memorable holiday spread without losing your nerve.
The Star: Herb-Roasted Turkey
A perfectly roasted turkey, moist throughout with golden, crackling skin, is the crowning achievement of any Thanksgiving table. Our Herb-Roasted Turkey recipe includes fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme, along with citrus tucked into the cavity, which infuses the meat with layers of flavor as it roasts, turning a simple technique into something that tastes impressive. For a presentation that matches the effort, arrange the finished bird on a platter surrounded by citrus wedges, fresh herb sprigs, and perhaps a few roasted vegetables. It creates a festive display that shows you’ve taken this meal seriously. If you want to dive deeper with tips on flavoring a turkey, read Taste of Home’s article How to Season a Turkey: 11 Secrets to the Most Flavorful Turkey in 2024. You’ll learn tips on seasoning the turkey, injecting flavor, making gravy, and more.
Mashed Potatoes: Classic and Loaded
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a generous bowl of mashed potatoes. Whether you prefer the classic buttery, creamy version or the indulgent, cheesy garlic variation, both have their devoted followers. The beauty of offering both is that traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike find exactly what they’re craving, which keeps everyone happy. Either way, these are the kind of dishes that disappear quickly and inspire second helpings before anyone has finished their first plate. Try our recipe for Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Cornbread Dressing
Dressing made with a combination of crumbled cornbread and crusty French bread strikes an ideal balance between the sweet, tender crumb of cornbread and the sturdy texture of a good artisan loaf. This Southern-influenced approach creates a dish that’s moist but never soggy, with enough structure to hold its own alongside the other components on a crowded plate. This perfectly seasoned Cornbread Dressing from Tastes Better from Scratch will become a new holiday favorite.
Green Bean Casserole
Everyone knows that there’s only one true green bean casserole to serve on Thanksgiving Day: Campbell’s Classic Green Bean Casserole. Dorcas Reilly made an unexpected, lasting mark on the Thanksgiving holiday when she created the green bean casserole in 1955. As a Campbell Test Kitchen Manager, Dorcas’s job was to come up with creative ways to use Campbell’s products. Little did Dorcas know that her creation would become a holiday hit! This Green Bean Casserole from Campbell’s is the real deal.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
There’s something particularly satisfying about serving warm, homemade dinner rolls at Thanksgiving, especially when they’re soft, buttery, and fragrant enough to make people forget about the other carbohydrates already on their plates. If you’re new to bread-making or want to explore different styles, check out our guide Master Yeast Dough, Bake Everything. You’ll find a variety of incredible yeast dough recipes, from Overnight Refrigerator Rolls to Homemade Bread Bowls, perfect for winter soups. And come the Friday after Thanksgiving, everyone will be reaching for leftover homemade dinner rolls to construct legendary leftover turkey sandwiches.
Desserts: Pies and a Retro Surprise
Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving standard, and the classic version, rich, sweet, and nutty, never disappoints. However, our Chocolate Pecan Pie takes it into more decadent territory. For a twist on apple pie, Lucky Leaf’s recipe for Caramel Apple Pie results in a pie that is richer and more indulgent, while House of Nash Eats’ creamy, dreamy Strawberry Cottage Cheese Jello Salad provides a nostalgic option. Between them, there’s a dessert to suit every preference and satisfy every generation gathered around your table.
The Meal That Brings Us Together
Thanksgiving dinner is more than the sum of its recipes; it’s a ritual that connects us to history, family, and the particular pleasure of a thoughtfully prepared meal shared with the people you love. Whether you stick to every tradition or introduce a few modern touches, the goal remains the same: a table filled with good food and the people who make the effort worthwhile. Here’s to a holiday that lives up to its reputation, one delicious dish at a time.
