Looking for new holiday inspiration? These Thanksgiving recipes are great for traditionalists as well as folks looking to add new dishes to the family table.
50 Thanksgiving Recipes to Share with Family and Friends
Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
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Herb-Roasted Turkey
Total Time: 3 hours, 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey, honey, rosemary, sage, basil
Level: Easy
When looking for Thanksgiving dinner ideas, it’s always good to start with a classic. The honey, savory herbs and seasonings give this turkey a slightly sweet flavor. It’s a tried-and-true recipe that would be a star on your Thanksgiving table.
Honey and corn syrup blend with savory herbs and seasonings to give my turkey a slightly sweet flavor. My tried-and-true herb turkey recipe never fails to win compliments. —Recipe contributor Charlene Melenka, Vegreville, Alberta
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Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, pancetta, cranberries, pine nuts
Level: Easy
Bring an irresistible take on Brussels sprouts to the family table this Thanksgiving. Sweetness from balsamic vinegar and cranberries are blended with the savory flavors of pancetta and garlic cloves for a delicious side that everyone will want a scoop of.
I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I’ve been making them ever since. —Recipe contributor Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
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Cranberry-Apple Chutney
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Cranberries, apples, onion, raisins
Level: Easy
For something that goes beyond canned cranberry sauce, this sweet and savory chutney chock-full of cranberries, apples and onion will be your new go-to. It’s delicious with roast turkey (it’s an excellent spread for day-after sandwiches!) and makes a lively centerpiece on a holiday cheeseboard.
In our house, this chutney is a must-have for our Thanksgiving dinner. It also makes a great appetizer when spooned over cream cheese on Melba rounds. —Recipe contributor Mary Ellen Gilbert, Franconia, New Hampshire
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Cauliflower au Gratin
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ham, cauliflower, heavy cream, Swiss cheese
Level: Intermediate
For a side dish twist, consider switching cauliflower for potatoes. Ham makes the casserole extra delicious, but if you want to make it vegetarian, just omit and replace it with another vegetable, like asparagus. Don’t like cauliflower? This works with broccoli, too!
Count on this dish to make new vegetable converts. Whenever I serve it, people ask me for the recipe. Sometimes I’ll substitute broccoli for all or half the cauliflower, and the green veggie tastes just as good! —Recipe contributor Jacki Ricci, Ely, Nevada
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German-Style Cabbage and Beans
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Green beans, bacon, onion, red cabbage
Level: Easy
Green beans with slivers of red cabbage is a festive twist on green bean casserole. Crisp bacon and a vinegar-based dressing add a flavorful pop that goes well with turkey and favorite Thanksgiving sides.
This is one of my greatest hits for a potluck dish at church suppers. If you use some red cabbage, it will have very festive colors, light pink with green. It looks so pretty. —Recipe contributor Winifred Winch, Wetmore, Michigan
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No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Total Time: 30 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, canned pumpkin
Level: Easy
This no-bake cheesecake is the perfect dessert to make when you’re running out of oven space on a busy holiday. Requiring no water bath or long bake time, you’ll make a mousse-like filling, set it in a graham cracker crust, and top it with whipped cream.
This creamy, dreamy no-bake pumpkin cheesecake is an easy dessert to pull together the day before Thanksgiving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Onions, Swiss chard, garlic
Level: Easy
When you’re coming up with all the traditionally hearty Thanksgiving dinner ideas, it’s good to keep a few healthy-leaning dishes on the menu. This simple combination of hearty greens and aromatics hits the spot.
I like to make this Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Recipe contributor Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
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Honey-Glazed Turkey
Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey, honey, Dijon mustard
Level: Intermediate
Thanks to a honey glaze, this turkey recipe virtually guarantees a mouthwatering bird caramelized to perfection. The sweet-and-savory turkey pairs will with all the classic sides.
Even during the holidays, my husband wouldn’t eat turkey—until I tried this recipe. Now he loves it! The sweet and spicy turkey glaze gives the bird a wonderful flavor. —Recipe contributor Mary Smolka, Spring Grove, Illinois
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Apricot-Glazed Cornish Hens
Total Time: 1 hour, 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Cornish game hens, mushrooms, apricot preserves
Level: Intermediate
Perfect for individual servings, this tasty twist on the conventional turkey is filled with well-seasoned stuffing and then brushed with apricot preserves for a beautiful glaze. It’s the perfect alternative for a hassle-free Thanksgiving meal. Don’t forget to check out our collection of alternatives to turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
These savory Cornish hens are a tasty twist on the conventional bird. Filled with a well-seasoned stuffing, they make perfect individual servings. —Recipe contributor Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Hearty Butternut Squash Soup
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Italian sausage, butternut squash, great northern beans
Level: Easy
With the focus on entrees and sides for the holiday, sometimes it’s easy to overlook Thanksgiving appetizers and starter courses. But don’t! Serve small portions of this comforting combination of squash, sausage, beans and veggies for a great starter.
The comforting combination of squash, meat, beans and veggies makes this my go-to soup in fall. It’s full of freshness. —Recipe contributor Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, fresh gingerroot, onion
Level: Easy
It takes a little work to get the Brussels sprouts shredded, but they cook super fast. If ginger doesn’t match your Thanksgiving dinner ideas, try one of the other variations like molasses and Sriracha, cranberry-pecan or even curry.
Even people who normally don’t care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Sweet Potato Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon
Level: Intermediate
This sweet potato casserole is an iconic side dish on Thanksgiving—or is it more of a dessert? Either way, don’t skimp on the marshmallows.
Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Roasted Butternut Tossed Salad
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Butternut squash, baby spinach, dried cranberries
Level: Easy
Healthy salads add balance to all the rich and loaded dishes on a Thanksgiving menu. This one is packed with nutritious veggies, almonds, berries and sweet roasted butternut squash.
This salad makes an easy and special side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, and it’s packed with nutritious veggies, almonds, berries and squash. —Recipe contributor Katie Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
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Roasted Cornish Game Hen
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Cornish game hens, sage leaves, red potatoes
Level: Easy
If you want an easier bird to roast for Thanksgiving, Cornish game hens hit the mark. Small with delicate flavor, they cook in less time and look impressive.
If you’re looking for an elegant dinner for two, we suggest these delightful Cornish game hens. As a bonus, the crisp, tasty potatoes cook right alongside the meat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower kernels
Level: Intermediate
This bright and vibrant salad combines broccoli florets with cranberries, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon and a tangy vinaigrette. Crunchy with a touch of sweet, it’s a perfect foil to some of the richer dishes (gravy, anyone?) at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I’m hooked on this salad’s light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Recipe contributor Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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Maple-Sage Brined Turkey
Total Time: 3 hours, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey, maple syrup, fresh sage
Level: Intermediate
Maple syrup and brown sugar combined with mustard, sage and other herbs make a dynamite wet brine for your Thanksgiving turkey. Check out our helpful guide for more tips on how to brine a turkey.
When the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Recipe contributor Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
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Cranberry-Orange Bars
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh or frozen cranberries, oranges, lemon zest
Level: Intermediate
Thanksgiving dinner ideas run the gamut, from drinks to the sweets that end the meal. For the latter, tart cranberry filling on a lemon-scented buttery crust will be a new star on your holiday dessert table. If you need dessert in a hurry, find inspiration with these 30-minute Thanksgiving desserts.
My mother has had this recipe for years. I love it! These bars make great snacks, but can also be served for dessert. —Recipe contributor Margaret Adelman, Bellingham, Minnesota
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Cranberry Cornmeal Dressing
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Yellow cornmeal, Italian turkey sausage, fennel, bread crumbs, dried cranberries
Level: Intermediate
Filled with seasonal herbs and other flavors, this moist dressing is a perfect match for poultry or even pork. The sweet-tart dried cranberries really complement the richness of turkey sausage and cornmeal.
This moist dressing is perfect when paired with poultry or even pork. The sweet-tart flavor of the dried cranberries really complements the dish’s turkey sausage. —Recipe contributor Corinne Portteus, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, garlic, Dijon mustard
Level: Easy
A creamy Dijon mustard sauce turns ordinary roasted Brussels sprouts into one special side dish. Test Kitchen Tip: Look for smaller sprouts as they’ll be less bitter than larger ones.
Don’t be afraid to bring out the Brussels sprouts. Mellowed by roasting and tossed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Recipe contributor Becky Walch, Orland, California
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Lattice-Topped Apple Pie
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg
Level: Intermediate
The filling in this apple pie doesn’t go overboard on the spices, and a lattice top makes a pretty statement on the holiday dessert table. If you’re unsure about the crust, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a lattice pie crust.
You can’t beat my mom’s yummy apple pie. Pretty as a picture, the golden crust is flaky and the filling has just the right amount of spices. —Recipe contributor Anne Halfhill, Sunbury, Ohio
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Perfect Winter Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Mayonnaise, maple syrup, salad greens, apples
Level: Easy
The name isn’t a misnomer. Fresh greens mixed with tart green apples, dried cherries and pecans are a perfect side to turkey and all the fixings on Thanksgiving day. It also makes a great vehicle for leftover turkey the next day!
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —Recipe contributor DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
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Cranberry-Orange Roasted Turkey
Total Time: 4 hoursMain Ingredients: Turkey, whole-berry cranberry sauce, orange marmalade
Level: Intermediate
Cranberry doesn’t have to just be a condiment. Here, along with fresh orange and marmalade, it creates a delicious glaze for your roast turkey. Looking for more turkey tips? Get our step-by-step guide for how to cook a turkey with help from the Test Kitchen experts.
You’ll have an elegant centerpiece to your meal with this tender, juicy turkey. The cranberry makes it so good. It has such a wonderful aroma and flavor. —Recipe contributor Kara de la Vega, Santa Rosa, California
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Roasted Squash and Carrots
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Carrots, butternut squash, brown sugar, walnuts
Level: Easy
Sweet and caramelized carrots and squash, brown sugar, warm spices and crunchy walnuts—this dish is almost too good to be this simple. Pop this in the oven when the turkey comes out to rest so it bakes while you pull everything for the holiday table together.
After the turkey’s done, I dial up the oven temp and roast carrots and squash for this yummy side. That frees me up to start the gravy. —Recipe contributor Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Potato Stuffing Casserole
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Celery, onion, butter, potatoes
Level: Easy
Who said two Thanksgiving dinner ideas can’t become one? Adding stuffing to traditional mashed potatoes is a great alternative to the classic sides.
I adapted this recipe from a Pennsylvania Dutch cookbook, and it’s indicative of the fine German cooking found in this area. If you’re looking for an alternative to mashed potatoes, try this dish. —Recipe contributor Elsa Kerschner, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Cauliflower, garlic, solid-pack pumpkin
Level: Easy
Thanksgiving dinner planning sometimes requires finding low-carb options. This flavorful pumpkin and cauliflower mash makes a great stand-in for starchy potatoes. Check out our collection of low-carb Thanksgiving sides.
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family’s favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You’ll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Recipe contributor Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
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Holiday Brussels Sprouts
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen Brussels sprouts, frozen peas, celery, bacon
Level: Easy
Spruce up frozen Brussels sprouts by cooking them with peas, celery, bacon and, of course, butter. This recipe easily doubles, which you’ll end up doing because it’s so good.
Make Brussels sprouts special with peas, celery and, of course, bacon. The recipe doubles easily if needed. —Recipe contributor Jodie Beckman, Council Bluffs, Iowa
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Maple Pumpkin Pie
Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Dough for single-crust pie, pumpkin, maple syrup, whipping cream
Level: Intermediate
Just a little bit of maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to pumpkin pie. Serve it the traditional way, with lots of homemade whipped cream on the side to top each slice.
Tired of traditional pumpkin pie? The maple syrup in this special pie provides a subtle but terrific enhancer. —Recipe contributor Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
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Scalloped Apples Casserole
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Golden Delicious apples, sugar, ground cinnamon
Level: Easy
This casserole comes together by baking delicious apples in butter and spice, with the addition of breadcrumbs so it’s almost like a dressing. It’s the side dish you didn’t know you needed on your Thanksgiving menu. If you’re not planning a party this year, then here are a few Thanksgiving recipes for two.
When preparing my first Thanksgiving dinner years ago, I wanted to add something special to the table and came up with this recipe. It’s been a part of our traditional dinner ever since. —Recipe contributor Kellie Erwin, Westerville, Ohio
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Brussels Sprouts au Gratin
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, cubed sourdough or French bread
Level: Intermediate
Turns out you can make just about anything ‘au gratin.’ Topping Brussels sprouts with cream, Swiss cheese and bread chunks masks any bitterness you can sometimes get from the little green brassicas.
In our house, Brussels sprouts have always been sought after. When I topped them with a creamy sauce, Swiss cheese and bread crumbs, it became a new holiday dinner tradition. —Recipe contributor Gwen Gregory, Rio Oso, California
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Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Chicken broth, lentils, garlic, pumpkin, spinach
Level: Easy
If you need some vegetarian options for the holiday, this hearty pumpkin soup with lentils and beans hits the spot. The recipe calls for chicken broth, but you can use vegetable broth as a substitute. Serve this soup along with vegetarian Thanksgiving sides.
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Recipe contributor Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
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Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze
Total Time: 3 hours, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Turkey, maple syrup, whole-berry cranberry sauce
Level: Easy
For a new turkey glaze idea, mix cranberry sauce and maple syrup with (surprise!) walnuts. With all that sugar and texture on the outside, it might start to darken about halfway into cooking time, but simply cover loosely with foil until it hits the right temperature. Here are a few tips on how long to cook a turkey.
I prepare turkey with a taste of Canada in mind. The sweet maple flavor comes through even in the breast meat. You may start to notice its caramelized color after about two hours. That’s when I cover it loosely with foil while it finishes cooking. The meat will stay tender and juicy. —Recipe contributor Suzanne Anctil, West Vancouver, British Columbia
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Spiced Butternut Squash Pie
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Refrigerated pie crust, butternut squash, evaporated milk
Level: Easy
Using mashed butternut squash in place of sweet potato or pumpkin is a revelation. Add in warm spices and a few other ingredients, and bake it in a premade pie shell for ease.
My mom always made this dessert with her homegrown squash. It was my dad’s favorite after-dinner treat. I continue to make it to this day. —Recipe contributor Johnna Poulson, Celebration, Florida
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Wendy’s Apple Pomegranate Salad
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Romaine, pomegranate seeds, Parmesan
Level: Easy
With fresh greens, pomegranates, apples, pecans and walnuts, this winter salad will be right at home on your Thanksgiving dinner table. Remember to dress it right before serving; you don’t want it to sit too long and get soggy.
My grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it’s like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Recipe contributor Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
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Slow-Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Total Time: 2 hours, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Apple cider, caramel flavoring syrup, cinnamon sticks
Level: Easy
This recipe was tested with Torani brand caramel flavoring syrup. Look for it in the coffee aisle of your local grocery store.
Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter’s chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Roasted Red Pepper Green Beans
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Green beans, shallot-chive spreadable cheese, roasted sweet red peppers
Level: Easy
This recipe uses a shallot-and-chive cheese as an easy shortcut to green bean casserole. Roasted red peppers and pine nuts give it a bit of Italian flair!
This recipe showcases a creamy sauce with shallot-and-chive cheese. The toasted pine nuts add crunch. Just a few ingredients—so easy! —Recipe contributor Becky Ellis, Roanoke, Virginia
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Pumpkin Torte
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, pumpkin pie filling
Level: Intermediate
Switch things up with beautiful layered dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet pumpkin filling, smooth cream cheese and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s great for Thanksgiving potlucks.
A local newspaper featured this potluck-friendly recipe years ago. A creamy alternative to pumpkin pie, it quickly became one of my favorites. —Recipe contributor Peggy Shea, Lowell, Indiana
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Apple Sausage Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Cinnamon-raisin bread, ground cinnamon, apple chicken sausage links, spring mix salad greens
Level: Intermediate
Maybe turkey isn’t your thing for Thanksgiving. Thanks to slices of sausage and toasty cinnamon-raisin croutons, this salad eats like an entree (but you can still serve it as a starter).
Making croutons with cinnamon-raisin bread is sweet genius. Toss together the rest of the salad while they toast. —Recipe contributor Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
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Family-Favorite Caramelized Onions
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Butter, brown sugar, onions
Level: Easy
You only need a few ingredients and about an hour with this recipe, but the results are incredible. These sweet, caramelized onions turn roast turkey (or anything, really) into something truly special.
This recipe was passed down to me by my mother-in-law. After a few tweaks, the onions are better than ever and, to my husband’s disappointment, there are rarely any leftovers. They can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Recipe contributor Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
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Seasoned Brown Rice Pilaf
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Brown rice, onion, beef broth, orzo pasta
Level: Easy
This healthy, fluffy pilaf mixes brown rice with whole wheat orzo and spices. For a vegetarian version, just substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.
For those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any leftovers are delicious the next day. —Recipe contributor Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Garlic
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, bacon, garlic
Level: Easy
If you have any Brussels sprouts haters at your holiday table, these might just change their minds. Thinly sliced sprouts tossed with bacon and garlic look and taste fantastic; use pancetta instead of bacon if you want to take them up a notch.
When we have company, these sprouts are my go-to side dish because they look and taste fantastic. Fancy them up a notch with pancetta instead of bacon. —Recipe contributor Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
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Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad
Total Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: French bread, butternut squash, mushrooms, arugula
Level: Intermediate
An easy salad with chunks of roasted butternut squash (use pre-cut vegetables to make it even easier), mushrooms and bread is a wonderful fall take on the traditional panzanella. Switch things up with pecans instead of almonds or watercress instead of arugula.
This colorful salad is easy to make, and it’s even easier if you use precut chunks of butternut squash. You can use pecans in place of the almonds or watercress instead of the arugula or spinach. —Recipe contributor Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California
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Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Carrots, parsnips, Yukon Gold potatoes, onion
Level: Easy
For a new Thanksgiving dinner idea, try using parsnips and carrots in a potato gratin. Fresh rosemary adds a nice herbal note.
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Recipe contributor Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Total Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Italian sausage, celery, onion, chopped apples
Level: Intermediate
Stuffing studded with cranberries, apple and Italian sausage will please even the most die-hard stuffing fans. Cooking stuffing in a turkey can be dangerous, so it’s best to cook it on the side.
One Thanksgiving, I lost the recipe I planned to use, so I threw this together. My cousin Sandy, a die-hard traditional stuffing fan, said this was the best stuffing she’d ever tasted! Talk about a compliment! —Recipe contributor Beverly Norris, Evanston, Wyoming
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Scalloped Potatoes with Mushrooms
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, chicken broth
Level: Intermediate
With butter, sour cream and Swiss cheese, these scalloped potatoes are rich and decadent. You can always swap in low-fat options for the dairy to lighten things up.
Potatoes and mushrooms make a one-dish meal I love. —Recipe contributor Courtney Stultz, Columbus, Kansas
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Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Butternut squash, Italian turkey sausage, onion, garlic
Level: Easy
Butternut squash stuffed with savory sausage and cheese can be a centerpiece (an alternative to turkey, perhaps) or a hearty side dish. It takes little prep work to pull together, and the stuffing can work in other seasonal squash, like acorn.
Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it’s surprisingly low in calories. —Recipe contributor Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia
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Pork Roast with Apples and Onions
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Boneless pork loin, Golden delicious apples, onions
Level: Intermediate
For those who dislike turkey (but aren’t vegetarian), this easy pork recipe is a great option for the Thanksgiving table. The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements juicy, tender and flavorful roast pork.
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family’s favorite weekend dinner. —Recipe contributor Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Cranberry Tart
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, sliced almonds
Level: Easy
An oh-so-easy cranberry dessert that takes advantage of the tart brightness of the fruit. The sweet, dense almond-studded cake complements the cranberries beautifully.
While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it’s a snap to assemble. —Recipe contributor Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut
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Baked Rice with Sausage
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Italian sausage, long grain rice, celery, onion
Level: Intermediate
The Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, but use ground beef or turkey sausage if you prefer.
This recipe is perfect for potlucks or church suppers since it produces a big batch and has flavors with broad appeal. Most folks can’t guess that the secret ingredient is chicken noodle soup mix. —Recipe contributor Naomi Flood, Emporia, Kansas
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Brussels Sprouts Brown Betty
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, onion, garlic, bacon
Level: Intermediate
Make a savory version of the classic brown betty using vegetables in place of fruit, while keeping the crunchy bread crumb topping. The result is a creamy side dish that will turn anyone into a Brussels sprouts fan.
I had the idea to make a savory version of the family-favorite brown betty using vegetables in place of fruit, while keeping the classic crunchy bread crumb topping. The result is a creamy, decadent side that will turn anyone into a Brussels sprouts fan. —Recipe contributor Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
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Creamy Sweet Potatoes
Total Time: 55 minutesMain Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, orange juice, mini marshmallows
Level: Easy
Orange juice adds a nice citrusy note to sweet potatoes, the perfect complement to Thanksgiving turkey. Marshmallows can be left out, but why would you do that? It’s tradition.
I took my mother’s delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Recipe contributor Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
