Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in tradition, gratitude, and, most importantly, food. The moment you step into a home celebrating Thanksgiving, the air is thick with the rich, comforting aromas of a feast that has been lovingly prepared. It’s a day for family, friends, and a menu that brings everyone to the table. While new recipes and modern twists are always exciting, there’s an undeniable magic to the classic, traditional Thanksgiving dishes that have graced holiday tables for generations. These are the recipes that define the holiday, evoking memories and creating new ones with every bite.

This guide is a celebration of those timeless classics. We’ve compiled the top 10 traditional Thanksgiving recipes that are essential for the ultimate holiday feast. From the magnificent roasted turkey at the center of it all to the decadent slice of pumpkin pie that perfectly caps off the meal, we’ll cover the must-have dishes, along with tips and tricks to make them the best you’ve ever had. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned pro looking to perfect your repertoire, this list is your roadmap to a delicious and memorable holiday meal.

The Heart of the Feast: The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

No Thanksgiving table is truly complete without a majestic, golden-brown roasted turkey as its centerpiece. It’s the anchor of the meal, the dish everyone eagerly awaits. But cooking the perfect turkey can be intimidating. The fear of a dry, flavorless bird is real, but with the right techniques, you can ensure a juicy, succulent, and incredibly flavorful result every single time.

Why Turkey is the Thanksgiving Centerpiece

The tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving dates back, though perhaps not directly to the first Thanksgiving of 1621 as is commonly believed. Wild turkey was a plentiful bird in New England, and its large size made it ideal for feeding a crowd. By the mid-19th century, thanks in part to Sarah Josepha Hale (the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) who championed Thanksgiving as a national holiday, the roast turkey had become firmly established as the star of the show.

Secrets to a Juicy, Flavorful Roast Turkey

Achieving that picture-perfect turkey isn’t about magic; it’s about method. Here’s how to guarantee success:

• Choose the Right Bird: For a smaller crowd, a 12-14 pound turkey is ideal. Plan on about 1.5 pounds per person to ensure you have enough for leftovers. Whether you choose fresh or frozen is a matter of preference, but be sure to thaw a frozen turkey completely and safely in the refrigerator, allowing at least 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
• The Power of Brining: Brining is the single most effective step you can take to ensure a moist turkey. A brine is a solution of salt and water (and often sugar, herbs, and spices). Soaking the turkey in this solution for 12-24 hours allows the meat to absorb moisture through osmosis, which helps it stay juicy during roasting. A dry brine (rubbing the turkey with a salt mixture) also works wonders by drawing out the turkey’s natural moisture, which then mixes with the salt and is reabsorbed.
• Aromatics and Seasoning: Don’t just season the outside! Stuff the cavity of the turkey with aromatics like halved onions, garlic cloves, lemon or orange wedges, and bunches of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Before roasting, rub the entire bird down with softened butter or olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper. This not only flavors the meat but also helps the skin become incredibly crispy and golden.
• Roasting to Perfection: Start roasting at a high temperature (around 425°F) for 30 minutes to get the skin browning, then reduce the heat to 350°F for the remainder of the cooking time. Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) to check for doneness. The turkey is ready when the thermometer reads 165°F.
• Let It Rest: This step is non-negotiable. Once the turkey is out of the oven, tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more succulent bird. If you carve it too soon, all those delicious juices will end up on the cutting board.

Unforgettable Thanksgiving Side Dishes: The Real Stars of the Show

While the turkey may be the centerpiece, many would argue that the side dishes are the true heart and soul of the Thanksgiving meal. This is where variety, texture, and a tapestry of flavors come to life, transforming a simple roast dinner into an epic feast. These accompaniments are the comfort foods we crave all year long.

1. Creamy & Dreamy Mashed Potatoes

A Thanksgiving plate just feels empty without a generous scoop of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, ready to cradle a pool of savory gravy. They are the ultimate comfort food.

• Perfect Potato Choice: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, use starchy potatoes like Russets. For a creamier, denser mash, Yukon Golds are an excellent choice. Many chefs swear by a combination of the two.
• Technique is Key: Boil the potatoes until they are very tender. For the smoothest texture, pass the cooked potatoes through a ricer or food mill. This avoids activating the starches, which can lead to a gummy texture if you over-mash them with a standard masher or, even worse, a food processor.
• The Rich Add-Ins: Don’t be shy with the fat! Warm milk or heavy cream and generous amounts of high-quality butter are essential for a rich flavor and creamy consistency. For an extra flavor boost, infuse the milk with a few garlic cloves and a bay leaf before adding it to the potatoes.

2. Rich & Savory Gravy

Gravy is the liquid gold that ties the entire meal together. A good gravy should be smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, made from the delicious drippings at the bottom of the turkey roasting pan.

• Start with the Drippings: After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, pour the drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup. Let the fat separate to the top.
• Build the Roux: A roux, a mixture of fat and flour, is the thickening agent for your gravy. Use about 4 tablespoons of the separated turkey fat (or butter, if you don’t have enough) and whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it smells nutty and has a light golden color.
• Whisk for Smoothness: Slowly whisk in the reserved turkey pan juices (the part under the fat) and some turkey or chicken broth. Continue whisking constantly as you pour to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for extra umami.

3. Classic Herb Stuffing (or Dressing)

Whether you cook it inside the bird (stuffing) or in a separate baking dish (dressing), this savory bread-based casserole is a non-negotiable part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

• The Bread Base: The foundation of a great stuffing is day-old, dried bread cubes. This allows the bread to soak up the flavorful broth and seasonings without turning to mush. Cornbread, sourdough, and challah are all fantastic options.
• The Flavor Trio: The classic flavor profile comes from sautéed celery, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs, with sage being the most prominent. Many recipes also include sausage for added richness or apples and cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• Moisture is Key: Use a good quality chicken or turkey stock to moisten the bread mixture. You want it to be damp, but not soggy. An egg is often added to bind it all together. Bake until the top is golden brown and crispy and the center is hot and steamy.

4. Tangy & Sweet Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce provides a much-needed pop of bright, tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the other dishes. While many grew up with the jellied version from a can, homemade sauce is incredibly easy to make and far superior in taste.

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: All you need for a basic, delicious cranberry sauce is a bag of fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water. Simply combine them in a saucepan and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Flavor Variations: This simple sauce is a blank canvas. Elevate it with a splash of orange juice and some orange zest, a cinnamon stick, a pinch of cloves, or even a splash of port wine or Grand Marnier for a more complex flavor.

5. Comforting Green Bean Casserole

Invented in the Campbell’s Soup Company test kitchen in 1955, this casserole has become an iconic American comfort food. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination of tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and those irresistibly crunchy fried onions on top.

• The Classic Way: The original recipe is as simple as it gets: canned or frozen green beans, a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, and a can of French’s fried onions. Mix, bake, and enjoy.
• A Modern Upgrade: For a from-scratch version that tastes even better, blanch fresh green beans and make your own creamy mushroom sauce with fresh mushrooms, garlic, cream, and chicken broth. It takes a bit more effort but the depth of flavor is worth it. Don’t forget to top it with plenty of those crispy onions for that signature crunch.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

Whether you prefer them savory or sweet, sweet potatoes in some form are a must. The most traditional presentation is a sweet casserole, a decadent dish that could almost double as dessert.

• Two Topping Camps: There are two main styles of sweet potato casserole. The first is topped with gooey, toasted marshmallows, a kid-friendly favorite. The second features a crunchy streusel topping made from brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans. Both are delicious!
• The Perfect Base: For the base, bake or boil sweet potatoes until they are very soft. Mash them with butter, a little milk or cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract for a smooth and flavorful foundation.

7. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm, buttery dinner rolls are essential for sopping up every last bit of gravy and goodness from your plate. While store-bought rolls are a great time-saver, there’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of homemade bread.

• Make-Ahead Magic: Yeast doughs, like the one for Parker House rolls or simple dinner rolls, can often be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen, making homemade rolls more manageable on a busy cooking day.
• The Finishing Touch: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. This not only adds flavor but also gives them a beautiful sheen and keeps them soft.

The Grand Finale: Essential Thanksgiving Desserts

Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, the desserts appear. A Thanksgiving feast isn’t complete without a traditional pie, and two reigning champions dominate the holiday table.

8. Classic Pumpkin Pie

This is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. The smooth, spiced pumpkin custard in a flaky crust is the flavor of autumn.

• The Perfect Filling: The key to a great pumpkin pie filling is the spice blend. A classic mix includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Use canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced) for consistency and flavor. A combination of sweetened condensed milk and eggs creates a silky-smooth, crack-free custard.
• Don’t Forget the Crust: A buttery, flaky pie crust is crucial. Whether you make your own or use a high-quality store-bought crust, be sure to pre-bake it (blind bake) for about 15 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents a soggy bottom.
• Serving Suggestion: Pumpkin pie is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. All-American Apple Pie

A close second in the dessert race, apple pie offers a delightful contrast with its tender, tart apples and flaky, buttery crust. It’s a comforting classic that appeals to nearly everyone.

• Choosing the Right Apples: For a pie that holds its shape and has a balanced sweet-tart flavor, use a mix of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a firm texture and tartness, while varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious add sweetness and a softer texture.
• The Perfect Crust: Many apple pie traditionalists insist on a lattice crust. Not only is it beautiful, but the openings also allow steam to escape, helping the filling thicken properly. Always dot the filling with small pieces of butter before adding the top crust for extra richness.

10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

To round out the top ten, we need a vibrant green vegetable to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts have surged in popularity, and for good reason. When roasted, they become tender, sweet, and wonderfully caramelized.

• High-Heat Roasting: The secret to delicious Brussels sprouts is roasting them at a high temperature (around 400°F). Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roasting them until the outer leaves are crispy and charred brings out their natural sweetness.
• Flavor Boosters: Tossing the roasted sprouts with crispy, crumbled bacon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes them to the next level of deliciousness, adding smoky, savory, and tangy notes that complement the entire Thanksgiving menu.

Conclusion: Creating Your Own Traditions

This list of top 10 traditional Thanksgiving recipes represents the heart of the American holiday table. These dishes are more than just food; they are a connection to the past and the foundation for future memories. They are the flavors of home, of family, and of gratitude. As you plan your menu, feel free to use these classics as your guide. Perfect them as they are, or add your own personal twist to create a new tradition for your family. After all, the perfect Thanksgiving feast is one that is shared with loved ones. Happy cooking, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!