17 Thanksgiving Main Recipe Ideas That Bring Big Flavor to the Big Day

ByMandy

I look forward to Thanksgiving more when the right main dish anchors the meal, and this list shows off 17 delicious choices. Whether serving a full crowd or just a few guests, every recipe suits the special mood. Big flavors and familiar favorites promise excitement with every plate on this big day. Sharing a meal becomes the highlight of Thanksgiving.

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.

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Serving this Tender Roasted Broccoli brightens every Thanksgiving plate with a burst of color and a crisp bite. Guests often help themselves to extra, surprised at how flavorful a simple veggie can be. I save leftovers for easy lunch bowls. Roasted sides add comfort and balance on such a big day.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Elegant Mushroom Wellington

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

Any holiday meal feels special with this Elegant Mushroom Wellington taking center stage on the table. Friends pause to admire the golden crust before digging in for savory, rich bites. I love bringing out this dish because it makes Thanksgiving gatherings feel celebratory. Wellington mains always spark conversation.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Mushroom Wellington

Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

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

Bringing out pans of this Hearty Wild Rice Casserole always draws big smiles from your Thanksgiving crowd. Its chewy texture and nutty richness feel perfect as the leaves turn. I make extra for last-minute weekday dinners. Rice casseroles ground holiday meals in warmth and plenty of heart.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Wild Rice Casserole

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.

Cool autumn evenings pair perfectly with bowls of this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta swirling across the plate. Guests have said it’s both surprising and comforting with every forkful. I tend to keep extra handy for easy leftovers after the big feast. Pumpkin pasta lets you blend tradition with a hint of fresh excitement.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Holiday Lentil Loaf

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

Hearty slices from this Holiday Lentil Loaf create a festive centerpiece for plant-based Thanksgiving menus. People come back for seconds, loving the rich texture and comfort. I make an extra loaf for lunches throughout the week. By the end of dinner, even non-vegetarians dig in and enjoy the change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Lentil Loaf

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.

Thanksgiving dinners get a boost when bowls of this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi are passed around. The pillowy texture catches everyone’s attention, while soft flavors create endless comfort. I freeze extras for weeknight meals after family leaves. Gnocchi sides often become new holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Displaying slices of this Stuffed Acorn Squash always catches guests’ eyes thanks to its autumn color. People ask how it’s made as they reach for generous servings. I prep more than needed because leftovers taste great tucked into sandwiches. Squash recipes bring cozy vibes and festive flair to the big day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

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.

The first bite into this Butternut Squash Ravioli might catch people off guard in all the best ways. Sweet, creamy filling makes each forkful taste like autumn. I prepare extra ravioli just in case plates go empty too soon. Ravioli flavors help Thanksgiving stand out as something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

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.

Presenting this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a holiday showstopper that gets everyone talking. Carving into its crispy outside reveals soft, comforting bites perfect for fall feasts. I rely on it for meat-free centerpieces. Cauliflower makes plant-based mains worthy of Thanksgiving applause.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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

A bubbling pan of this Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna adds a comforting touch to Thanksgiving spreads. Guests return for second helpings, each layer soft and filled with savory flavor. I love making extra so leftovers last through the weekend. Lasagna mains always deliver warmth with every pan.
Get the Recipe: Layered Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

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.

Whenever I serve this Cheesy Eggplant Casserole on Thanksgiving, plates fill fast with gooey, golden bites. Even folks who hesitate with vegetables have a change of heart once it’s sliced. I save leftovers for day-after sandwich filling. Cheesy comfort helps make big gatherings feel even more welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Savory Vegetarian Shepherds 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 Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday dinners grow quiet as pans of this Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie make the rounds. Creamy layers and hearty filling stand up alongside even the richest classics. I prep extra to freeze for busy December nights. Shepherd’s pie lends a familiar homey feeling while offering something fresh to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Savory Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

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.

Guests stop mid-conversation once bowls of this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto appear at Thanksgiving. Smooth, subtle bites balance out sweet and savory dishes. I always make a larger batch to stretch through the weekend. Squash risotto signals the start of the coziest time of year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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

These Tender Cauliflower Steaks let everyone enjoy a modern spin on classic Thanksgiving fare. Plates clear quickly, whether served alone or next to traditional sides. I often grill extra for easy leftovers during the holiday week. These steaks make plant-forward meals special at any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Bowls brimming with this Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans bring a gentle richness to fall celebrations. People often ask for the recipe after just a few bites, wanting more for themselves. I save extra beans for comforting soups throughout November. Butter bean mains offer warmth when Thanksgiving weather turns chilly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Marry Me Butter Beans

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

Hosting feels easier once this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto comes to the table swirled with savory goodness. Compliments follow fast since it looks and tastes like a special occasion. I freeze a portion for unexpected visits. Mushroom risotto stands tall among classic autumn flavors, making guests feel pampered.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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.

Passing generous scoops of this Mashed Potato Casserole around the Thanksgiving table guarantees smiles from the youngest to the oldest. Comfort mingles with tradition in each creamy, warm spoonful. I always prepare lots just so everyone can enjoy seconds. Potato casseroles never go out of style when the holidays arrive.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Similar Posts

  • Vegetarian Meatloaf

  • Quick and Easy Air Fryer Reindeer Cookies

Leave a Reply

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