Thanksgiving dinner has a lot of moving parts, but choosing the menu shouldn’t be the difficult part. Start with the turkey, add the sides your family will actually eat and use the recipes and cooking guides below to put everything together.

Turkey Recipes

A whole turkey makes the traditional centerpiece, but it isn’t the only way to serve Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey breast and turkey tenderloin are easier to manage for smaller gatherings, cook faster and leave more room in the oven for side dishes.

For a classic roasted option without handling a full bird, make my Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast. A Smoked Turkey moves the main dish outside and frees the oven, while Sous Vide Turkey Breast provides precise doneness without occupying either the oven or stovetop.

Thanksgiving Gravy, Brines and Turkey Seasonings

A brine seasons the meat before cooking, while a rub builds flavor on the outside. Use my Turkey Rub as a seasoning or dry brine, or choose a Turkey Breast Brine, Smoked Turkey Brine or Cajun Turkey Brine.

Finish the meal with Turkey Gravy made with or without drippings. Just watch the combined sodium if the turkey has already been brined, injected or seasoned with a salt-heavy rub.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving side dishes are every bit as important as the turkey. Start with casseroles, macaroni and cheese, stuffing and other holiday favorites, then use the potato and vegetable collections below to round out the meal.

Thanksgiving Potato Recipes

Mashed potatoes are the natural landing place for turkey gravy, so this is one side I wouldn’t skip. Browse all of my Thanksgiving Potato Recipes, including Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Truffle Mashed Potatoes and the other recipes below.

They can be prepared earlier in the day and held warm in a slow cooker. Add a little warm milk, cream or butter before serving if they thicken while sitting.

Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes

Balance rich potatoes and casseroles with at least one simple roasted or sautéed vegetable. Maple Glazed Carrots can be made in the oven or on the stove, while Roasted Baby Carrots can be served savory or lightly glazed.

Other options include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, green beans and squash. Browse all of my Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes for even more ideas.

Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipes

Thanksgiving appetizers should give guests something to snack on without filling them up before dinner. Put out one dip or a small tray of finger food, such as Cranberry Jalapeño Dip, deviled eggs or phyllo cups.

Browse all of my Thanksgiving Appetizers for more dips, finger foods and bite-size options.

Thanksgiving Mains Beyond Turkey

Turkey may be traditional, but it isn’t required. Serve ham, prime rib or another holiday roast instead, or add a second main dish when you’re feeding a larger group.

Prime Rib makes a strong alternative centerpiece and works with many of the same mashed potatoes, vegetables and sauces already associated with Thanksgiving. See my Prime Rib Recipes collection for cooking methods, temperatures, seasoning and serving ideas.

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Make dessert the day before so it doesn’t compete for oven space on Thanksgiving. Browse all of my Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes, including pumpkin favorites, apple desserts, cookies, bars and mini pies.

For an easy option, try Pumpkin Dump Cake, Caramel Apple Dump Cake or slow-cooker Baked Apples.

Explore All Thanksgiving Recipes

Browse the complete collection of Thanksgiving recipes, including turkey, gravy, potatoes, vegetable sides, appetizers, holiday main dishes and desserts.