There are certain staples everyone loves to see — and make — for Thanksgiving dinner. Some of those recipes, like brussels sprouts, find themselves on the table year-round. But some, like sweet potatoes, are seasonal favorites that truly get a chance to shine at a holiday feast.
If you cook holiday dinner every year, you probably already know what goes into a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. But having guests over is a perfect time to experiment with new recipes. And even though Turkey Day doesn’t have a reputation for being the healthiest of holidays, there’s no reason that has to stay the case. Refreshing your recipes gives you a chance to swap in some vegetarian options — like one of these mouth-watering vegan holiday recipes.
We’re hungry just thinking about it — ready to start planning your Thanksgiving feast? Here is a collection of the 12 best Thanksgiving recipes that will wow your dinner guests this holiday season.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy {Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Keto}
Recipe & Photo Credit: Recipes From A Pantry
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2.5 – 3 lbs boneless turkey breast
6 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
1.5 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
2 tsp crushed coriander seeds (optional)
1 tsp garlic purée
1 teaspoon salt
This easy-to-make Instant Pot recipe means that you can have Thanksgiving turkey on the table in less than an hour. It’s an easy, delicious alternative to a roasted turkey — perfect for more casual dinners or a smaller Thanksgiving table.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Southern Collard Greens Recipe (w/ Smoked Turkey Wings)
Recipe & Photo Credit: Whisk It Real Gud
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2 cups of onions diced
4 garlic cloves minced
1 green pepper diced
1 sweet bell peppers, diced
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon jalapeno diced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
2 tsp onion powder
Fresh collard greens, done right, are practically an art form. This recipe for Southern-style collards takes a few hours, but is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Start these early and make a lot — and see the extra note for those who’ll want to lick the plate.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Recipe & Photo Credit: The Hungry Hutch
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2 pounds fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
Zest and juice of 1 orange
Homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly easy to make, but elevates any Thanksgiving meal. You can make this version in under 30 minutes (plus cooling time).
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Sweet Potato and Plantain Fritters (w/ Creamy Jerk Sauce)
Recipe & Photo Credit: Dish It with Tisha
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
1 green onion stalk
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Vegetable oil for frying
1 teaspoon salt
2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
1 ripe plantain
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
You know that moment where everyone starts to get hungry while waiting on the main course? Keep rumbling tummies at bay with these creative, flavorful fritters. Once the ingredients are grated up, these can be fried and on the table in about 10 minutes.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Recipe & Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
5 large red potatoes cut in halves
1/2 cup butter cut into chunks
3 cloves garlic minced, pressed, or grated
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
3/4 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
1 tablespoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Sea salt to taste
These garlic mashed potatoes are delicious and as easy to make as they are to clean up. Use fresh herbs and sea salt to get the flavor juuuuust right.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple French Toast Casserole
Recipe & Photo Credit: Making Our Life Matter
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2 loaves French or Italian bread, cut up and cubed
6 large eggs
2 cups of milk
1½ tsp. cinnamon
¼ cup butter, softened
1¼ cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp. vanilla
Dried cranberries
Delicious for dinner, breakfast, or dessert, this easy slow cooker French toast uses ingredients you might even have around the house.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Easy Trinidad Corn Pie
Recipe & Photo Credit: Homemade Zagat
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
1 can cream-styled corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
3 eggs
1 stick of butter
1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
1/4 green bell pepper, diced
1/4 red bell pepper, diced
1/3 1 large onion, diced
Want a delicious, Island-inspired alternative to cornbread? Try this Trinidadian corn pie. The author says that you can freeze these for up to 3 months, so try doubling the recipe or doing a little holiday cooking in advance.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Recipe & Photo Credit: Whisk It Real Gud
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tsp bourbon (optional)
11 tbsp room temperature butter, diced or sliced
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
The ultimate favorite of all Thanksgiving desserts, this sweet potato pie recipe will steal the show at your next holiday meal. Use a food processor to cut down on prep time and get the perfect, creamy texture.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Pumpkin and Shrimp Stuffed Shells
Recipe & Photo Credit: Dish It with Tisha
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
5 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 pound uncooked, peeled and deveined shrimp
8 ounces pasta shells
2 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Seafood isn’t a traditional addition to a Thanksgiving holiday table — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t welcome. With pumpkin puree and seasoned-to-perfection shrimp, you’ll forget all about the turkey leftovers.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
How to Make a Glazed Ham Without a Recipe
Recipe & Photo Credit: The Hungry Hutch
Choose ingredients from each of the three categories:
Sweeteners: granulated sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, maple syrup, agave
Salts and Acids: salt, mustard, soy sauce, vinegar (sherry, red wine, balsamic, etc.), fruit juice (pineapple, lemon, orange, etc.)
Herbs and Spices: dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, etc.), black pepper, garlic/onion powder
Recipes are great — but sometimes it’s easier to just keep things simple. This site teaches you how to wing it perfectly every time using a balance of sweeteners, acidity, and spices.
Continue reading for preparation.
Bourbon Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Recipe & Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
2 large sweet potatoes roasted and skinned
1/4 cup heavy cream
6 tablespoons butter melted
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
Okay, we already had one sweet potato pie on the list — but let’s be real, you weren’t planning on making just one anyway. Try out this bourbon sweet potato pie that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
Ground Provision Pie
Recipe & Photo Credit: Homemade Zagat
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
1 pound cassava (yucca) (I also use Goya frozen yucca)
1 pound sweet potatoes
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 can crushed tomatoes (12 oz)
This provision pie is a delicious vegetarian side featuring a variety of root vegetables. The author recommends serving them with stewed meats or anything drenched in a savory sauce.
Continue reading for the complete list of ingredients and preparation.
These 12 recipes still not enough? Click here for even more Thanksgiving recipes for you to try.
Yum! Don’t these Thanksgiving recipes look delicious? Which ones do you plan to prepare? Share in the comments below and with me on social at #TMABlog.
Latest posts by Maria Antoinette (see all)
- 10 Romantic Date Night Ideas For Any Time of The Year - January 26, 2023
- Tips To Help You Reconnect With What Brings You Joy - January 19, 2023
- Planning A Road Trip? Here Are Some Key Tips You Should Know - January 12, 2023