These recipes go beyond turkey—they define the feast. From irresistible sides to show-stealing desserts, they bring the comfort and celebration Thanksgiving is all about. Every dish feels essential.

Southern Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breakcrumbs in a casserole dish.
Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This Southern Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with golden, buttery bread crumbs. It’s comfort food at its finest — warm, cheesy, and ready in less than an hour. A guaranteed hit at any meal!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

A roasted whole chicken with browned, crispy skin sits in a black skillet, garnished with herbs—perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. A lemon slice and sprigs of thyme are nearby, adding a fresh touch to your festive Thanksgiving dishes.
Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken brings big flavor with little effort. The zesty lemon and cracked pepper blend beautifully with juicy, tender meat for a family-friendly meal that’s both fresh and comforting. It’s easy to prep and roast to perfection in just an hour.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary.
Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole brings together sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in every bite. Topped with berry granola for extra crunch, it’s a fresh twist on a Thanksgiving favorite that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

Sweet potato casserole in a blue dish.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Soufflé is smooth, creamy, and lightly spiced, with a crisp pecan topping for extra crunch. It’s the ideal mix of sweet and savory comfort, made easier than ever with the air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Sliced baked ham on a white plate, garnished with fresh parsley.
Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham combines sweet maple syrup and smoky bourbon for an unforgettable flavor. Juicy, glossy, and beautifully caramelized, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or special meal.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans arranged on a rectangular white platter, topped with sliced almonds and pieces of cooked bacon—a classic addition to your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Crisp green beans get a savory upgrade with smoky bacon and toasted almonds. This Green Beans Almondine with Bacon recipe adds elegance and bold flavor to any meal. It’s the perfect side dish that’s both fancy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

Slice of Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie topped with whipped cream on a stack of plates with a fork beside it.
Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie layers a buttery crust, rich chocolate ganache, and a spiced oatmeal filling. The result is a comforting, gooey dessert that’s part nostalgic classic and part decadent surprise.
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These Roasted Cabbage Steaks are tender, caramelized, and bursting with savory flavor. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, they make a standout side or light main dish any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sweet, creamy, and perfectly crisp — these Sweet Potato Puffs are coated in Corn Flakes for a fun crunch. Each bite delivers a comforting mix of texture and flavor, making them a playful twist on a classic favorite. Ideal for snacks or side dishes!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

A bite of pecan pie on a fork.
Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!). Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This Old Fashioned Pecan Pie keeps all the rich, nutty sweetness you love—without the corn syrup. The buttery filling and flaky crust come together for a dessert that’s perfectly nostalgic and simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Blueberry upside down cake on a white plate before slicing.
Blueberry Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Blueberry Upside Down Cake is bursting with juicy berries and moist, buttery cake in every bite. Simple yet impressive, it’s a perfect summer dessert that shines on any table. Serve warm with whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

Baked cranberry cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake with cranberry sauce on top.
Baked cranberry cheesecake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Rich, creamy, and perfectly festive — this Baked Cranberry Cheesecake combines a buttery crust, luscious filling, and tangy orange-cranberry topping. It’s a showstopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve.
Get the Recipe: Baked cranberry cheesecake

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Earthy wild rice, savory seasonings, and hearty ingredients come together in this comforting casserole. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish that works as a side or a main, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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