17 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes You Can Count On

Thanksgiving can be unpredictable, but not when there’s a solid list of 17 reliable recipe ideas on hand. These dishes are the kind that make everyone pause mid-conversation and nod in approval. They’re easy to follow, big on comfort, and built to handle second helpings without falling apart.

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving if you’re looking for something hearty and filling. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta blends comfort and seasonality into one dish, showcasing the flavors of fall. Its warm and lovely texture makes it a great holiday choice. Pair this with other side dishes for a complete festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom wellington on a white serving plate.
Elegant Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a touch of refinement to your Thanksgiving table with this recipe. Elegant Mushroom Wellington offers a rich and visually appealing centerpiece that guests will enjoy. Its flavor layers create a memorable eating experience. Perfect for those looking to serve something unique and special.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Savory Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

A cast iron skillet filled with vegetable shepherd's pie, topped with mashed potatoes and garnished with rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley. Two spoons are placed inside.
Savory Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This warming dish is a perfect addition to Thanksgiving spreads. Savory Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie brings together comforting textures and flavors that will complement any traditional menu. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. Ideal for a cozy and hearty holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A wonderful option for plant-based Thanksgiving tables, this dish impresses with its simplicity. Tender Cauliflower Steaks strike the perfect balance between crisp and soft textures, making them a satisfying centerpiece. Serve alongside traditional sides for a well-rounded meal. Your vegetarian guests will love this dish.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Holiday Lentil Loaf

A slice of lentil loaf on a plate with sprigs of thyme.
Holiday Lentil Loaf. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re searching for a classic meat-free alternative, this recipe fits the bill. Holiday Lentil Loaf brings the flavors of tradition to your plate without compromising on quality. Fully packed and crowd-friendly, this loaf adds depth to your dinner menu. It’s a dependable and flavorful option for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Lentil Loaf

Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Create a dish that’s both comforting and festive with this recipe. Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna provides irresistible layers of flavor and texture, perfect for any gathering. Its presentation is as impressive as its taste. This dish is sure to become a treasured part of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby.
Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A staple for Thanksgiving, this dish is beloved for its rich consistency. Mashed Potato Casserole takes traditional mashed potatoes to the next level, making it a standout side. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd while staying true to classic flavors. This recipe promises to be a hit on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A showstopper on any Thanksgiving menu, this recipe is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower stands out as a bold centerpiece for your holiday meal. Its texture and appeal balance tradition with innovation. Ensure to include it if you’re preparing a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Butternut Squash Ravioli

A plate of ravioli topped with creamy sauce, grated cheese, and fresh herbs, served with a fork.
Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treat your guests to a meal that shows the elegance of seasonal cooking. Butternut Squash Ravioli is a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving staples, offering a mix of hearty flavors and perfect texture. It’s a great way to bring warmth and something different to your celebration. Pair with your favorite sides for an unforgettable dish.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re searching for a comfort food upgrade, this dish will deliver. Cheesy Eggplant Casserole is rich, lovely, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s an excellent way to enjoy vegetables in an inviting way. Add this recipe to your lineup for a warm and hearty addition.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This dish combines simplicity and flavor to create a standout side for Thanksgiving. Tender Roasted Broccoli enhances the vegetable’s natural goodness with a lovely touch of texture and appeal. It’s an effortless way to complement heartier main dishes. Perfect for lovely guests who enjoy light yet flavorful sides.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Hearty Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A classic addition to your holiday table, this dish is as versatile as it is appealing. Hearty Wild Rice Casserole brings robust textures to your Thanksgiving dinner, providing substance and flavor. The dish pairs seamlessly with traditional Thanksgiving favorites. Deliver a dish that balances taste and tradition with ease.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offer a dish that’s all about rich textures and flavor. Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans is perfect for creating a cozy and appetizing side to accompany your Thanksgiving menu. Its smooth consistency contrasts beautifully with other dishes. This recipe will easily catch the attention of your guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For something out of the ordinary, add this recipe to your holiday spread. Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi embodies the balance between indulgence and heartiness, making it a wonderful main or side dish. Its soft texture allows it to blend seamlessly with other seasonal choices. Make this dish a centerpiece worth sharing.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring the taste of transformed dining to your Thanksgiving table. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto creates a perfect way to enjoy rich and bold textures while serving all of your guests. The creaminess of this dish makes it a standout option. It’s ideal for pairing with your favorite roasted vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Vegan Nut Roast

A plate with a nut roast and potatoes on it.
Vegan Nut Roast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This recipe checks all the boxes when you want a delicious alternative to traditional protein dishes. Vegan Nut Roast provides a hearty and festive option that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s an excellent dish for vegetarians or anyone wanting to try something new. A dependable recipe for pulling off a flawless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish is perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with a touch of warmth. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto blends traditional fall flavors into a single, satisfying dish. It pairs beautifully with both lighter vegetable sides and richer mains. A solid seasonal recipe that your guests are sure to appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Similar Posts

  • Cheese Ball

  • Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *