My Best Thanksgiving Recipes for 12 Days of Thanksgiving
Are you looking for some good Thanksgiving dinner recipes or some easy Thanksgiving menu ideas? Are you attending Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving but don’t know what to bring? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled ALL of my best Thanksgiving recipes here for easy reference. This will be the best Thanksgiving, EVER!
Here’s what you will find for the BEST Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes and 12 Days of Thanksgiving:
1: The Turkey
2: Cranberry Sauce
3: Mashed Potatoes – plus other potato recipes!
4: Vegetables
5: Stuffing
6: Pies – multiple recipe options and ideas!
7: Salads – and why you should have them!
8: Sweet Potatoes – and a healthier alternative
9: Pumpkin Desserts – if pie isn’t your thing (multiple recipes!)
10: Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast Ideas – for when you have house guests
11: Appetizer Ideas
12: Drink Ideas – and why having alcohol at your Thanksgiving isn’t a bad idea!
Bonus: What should I bring to Thanksgiving Dinner? What should I bring to Friendsgiving?
Like any of these recipe? Be sure to pin it to your THANKSGIVING board for later!
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Need to get organized with Thanksgiving Shopping & Cooking?
Download my FREE Printable Holiday Meal Prep Planner Shopping List. Great for planning your menu, knowing what foods you need to prep in advance and preparing a shopping list for the big day! You can download your FREE Printable Holiday Meal Prep Planner Shopping List here!
Day 1 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: The Turkey!
Every Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving needs a turkey. It’s the centerpiece of the dinner. Whether you’re doing a traditional dinner or something new and unconventional, it’s not Thanksgiving without turkey. Below are three of my best resources and recipes for roasting turkey.
I’ve made these posts and recipes as simple as possible and they’re designed for people that might be cooking a turkey for the first time. I’ve also included the tools you’ll need and answered all of the questions that come with how to roast a turkey.Gobble, gobble!
- How to Dry Brine A Turkey
- Apple Cider Turkey Brine
- Citrus Turkey Brine
- How to Cook a Moist Turkey – How to Wet Brine a Turkey
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast – great if it’s just a few of you for Thanksgiving
Day 2 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Cranberry Sauce
Like turkey, cranberry sauce is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner recipes. Some people simply cannot have Thanksgiving without cranberries, others could simply pass over it without a second thought. I’m VERY pro-cranberry at Thanksgiving, and consider it one of my favorite sides. I also love it AFTER Thanksgiving – topped on oatmeal and added to my Thanksgiving turkey sandwich!
- Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apricots & Orange
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
- Cranberry Citrus Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans
Love cranberries? Here are some of my other delicious cranberry recipes:
Day 3 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Mashed Potatoes
One of my BEST Thanksgiving recipes are these Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. Mashed potatoes are definitely a Thanksgiving staple, but doing them the right way is a must. Over-processing makes them gluey and unappealing. My recipe, tips and tricks will help you get fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes every time!
Get my recipe, tips and tricks for the BEST Parmesan Mashed Potatoes here
If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving Menu Ideas for potato recipes check this one out:
Slow Cooker Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole (aka, cheesy potatoes or funeral potatoes)
Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes
Day 4 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Vegetables
Green Bean Casserole – love it or hate it? I can do ya one better! My Healthy Green Bean Casserole is a much better version of the old recipe with cream of whatever soup and greasy canned onions. This recipe includes fresh green beans, mushrooms and shallots. It’s VERY easy to make (made in just one skillet in about 20 minutes!), and is one of my Best Thanksgiving dinner recipes!
Get the recipe for my Healthy Green Bean Casserole here!
Here are some other stand-out vegetable side-dishes you’ll be sure to love:
- Sauteed Carrots
- Paula Deen Corn Casserole
- Bacon Brussel Sprouts from Yummy Healthy Easy
- Roasted Rainbow Carrots
- Sauteed Broccoli with Garlic
Day 5 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Stuffing (or Dressing)
Hands-down, one of my favorite Thanksgiving dinner recipes! I’ve been making this Everything Thanksgiving Stuffing for about 15 years, and it NEVER disappoints! Like the name, it includes everything – apples, pecans, sausage, mushrooms – and even has a mix of both cornbread and bread stuffing crumbs. In my book, it is just NOT Thanksgiving without this recipe!
Get my amazing Everything Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe here!
Day 6 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Pie
Other holidays have their own desserts, but Thanksgiving means PIE! Definitely my favorite dessert category, pie doesn’t mess around. Many people have even started “Pie Dinners” where you bring a pie or two to share for a glorious pie-pot-luck gathering. Brilliant!!
Now that is how you build community! If you’re looking for Thanksgiving menu ideas for dessert, these are it!
- Pumpkin Meringue Pie
- Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Cherry Almond Crumble Tart
- Apple Pie Tarts – Simple & Pretty Individual Apple Pies
- Pumpkin Pie Tarts
- Creamy Strawberry Pie
- Creamy Blueberry Pie
- No Bake Chocolate Pie
Day 7 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Salads
Some of the best Thanksgiving recipes are those that are a little unexpected. Sometimes, the standards like turkey, stuffing and potatoes get a little “beige.” Having a salad on the table not only brings some color & texture to the meal, it also adds some nice freshness. You’ll likely have guests that are more health conscious that don’t want all the carb-heavy sides. Having a salad or two is essential.
Were you asking to bring something to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? These salads are PERFECT options. They don’t require reheating, and the dressing can be brought on the side for dressing right before the meal.
- Cranberry Citrus Salad with Pecans
- Roasted Carrot Salad with Apples & Pistachios
- Harvest Salad with Pears and Pomegranates
- Healthy Broccoli Salad with Apples and Cherries
Day 8 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Sweet Potatoes
For many, it is just not Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes! My Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole is simple to make, and includes a glorious pecan crumble on top that makes the dish! Some people like to add marshmallows, but this sweet potato casserole doesn’t need it. It’s plenty sweet (it’s amazing served warm with ice cream!) and goes beautifully with your Thanksgiving turkey.
Give my Hasselback Sweet Potatoes and my Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows a try as well!
Looking for more Thanksgiving Menu Ideas in this area? My Roasted Butternut Squash Medley has some of the same delicious flavors without as much sugar as the sweet potato casserole.
Day 9 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Desserts (not pie)
Yes, pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, but there is nothing saying you have have some other options. Cake, tarts, bars and cheesecakes are great options, especially for those people that would rather have another type of dessert.
Were you asking to bring something to Thanksgiving dinner or Friendsgiving? These non-pie desserts are fantastic!
- Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake – PS, my All-Time Most Visited recipe at Delightful E Made!!!
- Dutch Apple Pie Bars
- No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
- Pumpkin Pie Bars with Pecan Crumble
- Layered Pumpkin Dessert
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake
- Caramel Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
Day 10 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast
Will you have overnight guests, family or relatives staying with you for the Thanksgiving holiday? Having some breakfast options in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving morning or even the days after is a good idea. These pumpkin breakfast recipes are great (and easy enough for any of your guests to make, should they offer!)
Healthy recipes:
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
- Baked Spinach & Mushroom Frittata
- Ham and Veggie Baked Egg Cups
- Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats – A great make-ahead option!
- Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
Sweet Breakfast Treats:
- Pumpkin Crumb Cake
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Breakfast Braid
- Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins
- Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Breakfast Braid
- Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
- Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
Day 11 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Appetizers
Appetizers and pre-dinner snacks are always a good idea! Cheese plates, olives, dips and these Slow Cooker Honey Roasted Mixed Nuts are fantastic. They go great with wine and cocktails, and make a great pre-dinner snack for when the turkey is still in the oven.
Want to bring something the Thanksgiving dinner or Friendsgiving? An appetizer like these are the perfect option!
- Grape Cheese & Pistachio Truffles – super easy 3-ingredient appetizer that goes great with wine & drinks!
- Hot Artichoke Dip
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Crock Pot Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
Day 12 of 12 Days of Thanksgiving: Drinks
I know not everyone drinks, but having some booze for your guests is ALWAYS a good idea. As soon as guests start talking politics and religion, things can get a little awkward. (And BTW, there is always that ONE person who likes to stir the pot. I’m looking at you Uncle Bob!)
Social lubricant aside, cocktails are actually really wonderful for a holiday meal. Pre-dinner drinks set the tone of the holiday and are lovely to serve with dessert. Here are a just a few of my seasonal cocktail recipes:
- Hot Mulled Apple Cider
- Whisky Apple Cider Cocktail
- Apple Ginger Moscow Mule
- Cranberry Moscow Mules
- Slow Cooker Spiced Mulled Wine
- How to Make a Brandy Alexander
- Pomegranate Citrus Champagne Cocktail
- 60 Amazing Holiday Cocktail Ideas for your Holiday Party
What should I bring to Thanksgiving?
- Check in with the host first. They might have some ideas for you or could use some help in a certain area.
- Bringing any one of the following is great: Salad, Non-Pie Dessert, Appetizer or Drinks/Wine/Beer are always appreciated! See each of these categories above for recipe ideas.
- Don’t want to cook? Here are some other ideas: Music or Playlist, Card or Board Games, Bottled Water, Ice, or a Vegetable Tray
- A Hostess Gift – flowers are always a great idea!
What should I bring to Friendsgiving?
- Check in with the host. Ask them what they could use help with or what you could bring.
- Bringing any one of the following is great: Salad, Non-Pie Dessert, Appetizer or Drinks/Wine/Beer are always appreciated! See each of these categories above for recipe ideas. Also, anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or heated in the oven is ideal. If it does need to keep warm, consider bringing something in a slow cooker that can be plugged in, away from valuable prep space.
- Don’t want to cook? Here are some other ideas: Music or Playlist, Card or Board Games, Bottled Water, Ice, or a Vegetable Tray
- A Hostess Gift – flowers are always a great idea and a lovely gesture to your host.
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