Planning Thanksgiving dinner can feel overwhelming. Every dish, from turkey to pie, needs to be just right. If you want recipes that always impress, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the most popular, tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes that home cooks love year after year.

This guide offers a full menu of dishes, each with thousands of great reviews. (The BEST Thanksgiving recipes, 2025) Whether you’re hosting for the first time or have years of experience, these recipes will help you make a meal your family and friends will remember. You’ll also find helpful tips from cooks who have already mastered these favorites.

The Main Event: Turkey and More

The main dish at Thanksgiving should be just right. Here are the top-rated recipes to make sure your main course is juicy and memorable. (The Best Green Bean Casserole, 2025)

Perfect Turkey

This turkey recipe uses fresh thyme and white wine for great flavor and a juicy result every time. If you don’t have much fridge space, try brining the turkey in an oven bag. Put the turkey and brine in the bag, squeeze out the air, and chill it overnight in a cooler with plenty of ice for a moist, tasty bird.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

If roasting a whole turkey seems like too much, or you need more oven space, try this slow cooker turkey breast. It turns out moist and tender with little effort and is easy to clean up. Using a Crock-Pot also keeps your oven free for pies and casseroles.

Unforgettable Side Dishes

Side dishes are what truly make the Thanksgiving meal a feast. From creamy potatoes to side dishes, they really make Thanksgiving special. From creamy potatoes to classic casseroles, these recipes are always a hit. (Green Bean Casserole, 2025)f mashed potatoes? This recipe elevates the classic dish with a secret touch of garlic. For those who prefer a milder garlic flavor, many cooks suggest using roasted garlic instead of raw. This simple swap adds a subtle sweetness and depth that makes these potatoes irresistible.

Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Cranberry Stuffing

This isn’t your average stuffing. It’s a delightful mix of savory sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries that has become a holiday staple for many families. For the best texture and flavor, experiment with different types of bread, like a combination of sourdough and potato bread. Using fresh herbs instead of dried will also take this dish to the next level.

Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

This creamy sweet potato casserole is a holiday favorite, especially because of its crunchy pecan topping. It balances sweet and savory flavors, and many families request it every year. (Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Cranberries, 2024) It’s a tradition you’ll want to try.

Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic. For the best flavor, use fresh, steamed green beans instead of canned. Sauté fresh onions in butter and mix half the cheese into the beans before baking for a creamy result.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This easy recipe can win over even those who don’t usually like Brussels sprouts. Roasting gives them a nutty, caramelized flavor and removes bitterness. For the best texture, cut the sprouts in half and trim the ends before roasting.

Cream Corn Like No Other

Skip the canned corn and make this creamy, flavorful homemade creamed corn instead. Even people who usually don’t like creamed corn love this recipe. Its rich texture and sweet taste make it a standout side dish for any holiday table.

Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread

This cornbread is always moist and tender, and it goes well with any Thanksgiving dish. A little sugar gives it a gentle sweetness that families have enjoyed for generations.

Delectable Desserts

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without pie. These top-rated desserts are the perfect way to end your meal.

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

With over 10,000 reviews, this apple pie is a true champion. (Clark, 2024) The recipe calls for tart Granny Smith apples, which create a perfect sweet-tart filling. The straightforward instructions make it accessible even for novice bakers, and the results are so spectacular that it’s been hailed as the only apple pie recipe you’ll ever need. (Harding, 2025)

Sweet Potato Pie

This sweet potato pie recipe is a holiday treasure, celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. A popular variation involves swapping regular milk for evaporated milk and using a mix of brown and white sugar. These simple changes create a pie so delicious that it’s often declared the “best” by lifelong fans of the dessert. (Sanders, 2022)

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Why choose between pumpkin pie and cheesecake when you can have both? This dessert features a creamy cheesecake layer topped with a spiced pumpkin layer, creating an unforgettable combination. It’s so decadent and popular that you might want to guard your slice—reviewers have shared stories of it disappearing from the Table in minutes! (Shrager, 2012)

Granny Kat’s Pumpkin Roll

If you want something different from traditional pie, try this pumpkin roll. It’s a spiced pumpkin cake rolled with sweet cream cheese filling. If you’re new to jelly rolls, use a larger pan so the cake is thin enough to roll without cracking—this tip comes from other home cooks.

A Menu Built on Success

A great Thanksgiving dinner starts with recipes you can trust. Adding these popular, well-reviewed dishes to your menu helps make the holiday delicious and stress-free. These recipes have brought joy to many tables and can become part of your own celebration. (Kitchen, 2025)