This set gives you a full Thanksgiving lineup—from classic sides and upgraded mains to unique desserts and even drinks. Whether you’re using a Traeger, slow cooker, or sticking to the oven, there’s a solid mix of traditional dishes and new favorites here.
The recipes cover everything: smoky twists on familiar favorites, make-ahead options to save kitchen space, and plenty of comforting sides with seasonal ingredients like squash, cranberries, and sweet potatoes. There are also smaller-scale options for less formal gatherings or weeknight meals.
Use this list to build your menu, plug gaps in your sides, or switch things up this year. Whatever your setup, you’ll find something here that fits your crowd and your schedule.
Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are made creamy with Boursin cheese and a hint of smoke, giving them extra depth and richness. Great for holiday meals or any time you want something a little more flavorful than the usual version.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes cooked on the Traeger with roasted garlic for added flavor and a light smoky edge. A simple upgrade to the classic side dish that pairs well with turkey or roast.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Traeger Pumpkin Pie
This pumpkin pie is baked on a Traeger for a subtle smoky flavor. The filling is smooth and classic, with just enough spice—perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Pumpkin Pie
Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing
A savory stuffing baked on a Traeger to pick up that signature smoke. It’s a twist on the traditional dressing that keeps the flavors familiar but adds more depth.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing
Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Spatchcocking the turkey helps it cook evenly on the Traeger, and the smoke infuses the bird with flavor throughout. A juicy, crispy-skinned option for Thanksgiving or other large meals.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Traeger Smoked Turkey
This method delivers a moist turkey with smoky skin and tender meat, all done on the Traeger. It’s ideal for holiday feasts and cuts down on oven use.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey
Savory Butternut Squash Casserole with Bacon
Butternut squash is baked with bacon, mushrooms, and a walnut crumble topping. It’s savory, rich, and a great option for fall dinners or a standout Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Savory Butternut Squash Casserole with Bacon
Creamy Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
A smooth pumpkin pie baked in a graham cracker crust. It skips the traditional dough for something easier, with the same spiced filling everyone expects on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pie in Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Mashed sweet potatoes baked with a brown sugar pecan topping. It’s sweet, crunchy, and a Southern-style side dish that always disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes
A colorful rice dish with tart cranberries and tender sweet potatoes. It’s a lighter alternative to heavier sides, but still fits right in on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Acorn Squash
Acorn squash halves are roasted with olive oil, herbs, and parmesan. Easy to prep, impressive to serve, and a solid pick for a fall or Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe and Stuffing
Turkey breast and stuffing cook together in the slow cooker. This is a good choice for smaller gatherings or when the oven’s already packed.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe and Stuffing
Turkey Stock
A straightforward way to use turkey bones after the big meal. Simmer them with aromatics for a homemade stock that can be frozen or used for soups and gravies.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stock
Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry
Made with crumbled cornbread, broth, and seasoning, this version of dressing stays moist and flavorful. It’s a reliable choice for a holiday side that goes with everything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli and rice baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce. It’s a go-to comfort food that’s simple to prep ahead and easy to serve alongside turkey or ham.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Black Olive Tapenade
A salty, no-cook appetizer made with black olives and olive oil. Works well as a spread with bread or crackers, and adds variety to Thanksgiving starters.
Get the Recipe: Black Olive Tapenade
Easy Turkey Veggie Tray for Thanksgiving
A kid-friendly appetizer made with sliced vegetables arranged in the shape of a turkey. Fun for guests and a healthy way to kick off the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Veggie Tray for Thanksgiving
Savory Carrot Souffle
Whipped carrots baked into a light, fluffy side dish. Slightly sweet and very smooth, it’s an unexpected option that works for holiday meals or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Savory Carrot Souffle
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
A fresh green bean side tossed with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and crumbled goat cheese. A simple way to dress up vegetables for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce cooks low and slow with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a hands-off, make-ahead option that frees up your stovetop on busy prep days.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing
A slow cooker stuffing that includes cranberries and pecans for a sweet-savory combo. Easy to prep and ideal when oven space is tight.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cranberry Stuffing
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
Butternut squash is roasted and tossed with feta, dried cranberries, and a touch of honey. Bright and sweet, this is a side dish that feels festive without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
Cheesy Corn Pudding
A rich, creamy corn side made with Jiffy mix and plenty of cheese. This dish is warm, soft, and crowd-friendly—perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Pudding
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sliced sweet potatoes baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze until caramelized. A classic Thanksgiving side with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Homemade From-Scratch Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Pumpkin pie gets a crunchy praline topping and a traditional crust in this version. It’s spiced, rich, and feels like a special occasion dessert without being difficult.
Get the Recipe: Homemade From-Scratch Praline Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Garlic and Herb Turkey Tenderloin
A smaller-scale turkey option, this tenderloin is coated with garlic and herbs, then roasted until juicy. Great for small gatherings or a weeknight meal with Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Turkey Tenderloin
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans sautéed with almonds and butter for a simple, elegant side. Light but flavorful, this works well with heavier mains like turkey or ham.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine
The Best Savory Cornbread Dressing for Thanksgiving
Cornbread, herbs, and sausage come together in this savory dressing. Hearty and filling, it’s a classic Southern-style side that holds up on crowded plates.
Get the Recipe: The Best Savory Cornbread Dressing for Thanksgiving
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
A layered dessert with cinnamon apples, caramel sauce, and cheesecake on a blondie crust. It’s rich and seasonal, making it a standout choice for Thanksgiving dessert.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Apple Cider Jello Shots
These spiked jello shots use apple cider and cinnamon whiskey for a fall-friendly twist. Fun for Friendsgiving, tailgates, or a more relaxed holiday get-together.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Jello Shots
Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
A bold cranberry sauce made with orange zest and bourbon. It brings a sweet-tart bite with extra flavor, perfect for turkey or spreading on leftover sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Potatoes with Candied Maple Pecans
Sliced or mashed sweet potatoes topped with maple-glazed pecans for crunch. Sweet and rich, this dish fits right in with the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes with Candied Maple Pecans