Turkey might be the tradition, but these recipes steal the spotlight. From rich sides to unforgettable desserts, they make every bite taste like celebration. The real star of the table isn’t what you think.

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

A rectangular white platter with cooked green beans topped with crispy bacon pieces and sliced almonds, placed on a floral-patterned cloth—perfect for Thanksgiving recipes.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fresh green beans get an upgrade with the nutty crunch of almonds and the savory richness of bacon. This easy side dish adds a little elegance and a lot of flavor to your table. It’s perfect for holidays or any meal that needs a hearty veggie companion.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Easy Yeast Rolls

Yeast rolls in baking dish.
Easy Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Don’t let homemade rolls intimidate you! These easy yeast rolls come together with just a few simple ingredients and bake up soft, golden, and buttery. Perfect for beginners, they’re a warm, comforting addition to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Rolls

Baked cranberry cheesecake

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

This one-bowl cranberry cheesecake combines a buttery crust with a silky, creamy filling. The orange cranberry topping adds a bright, tart finish that perfectly balances the sweetness. A simple yet stunning dessert for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Baked cranberry cheesecake

Southern Mac and Cheese

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

This classic Southern Mac and Cheese is extra creamy inside and beautifully golden on top. Each bite delivers cheesy comfort with a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb topping. It’s comfort food done right and ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of butter and parsley.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are the ultimate shortcut to creamy, fluffy perfection. Ready in just minutes, they’re rich in flavor and pair perfectly with any main dish. An easy favorite for weeknights or holidays alike.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

A whole roasted chicken with golden, crispy skin sits in a cast iron pan, garnished with fresh herbs and next to a sliced lemon—perfect for Thanksgiving recipes or any special gathering.
Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Juicy, golden, and full of zesty lemon-pepper flavor, this roasted chicken is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s simple to prepare, cooks up beautifully in a skillet, and fills your home with mouthwatering aroma. Perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Whole Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole in a white baking dish, topped with crispy fried onions, with a wooden spoon in the dish.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

No holiday table is complete without a creamy green bean casserole. This version keeps it classic — rich, savory, and topped with crispy onions for that perfect crunch. Easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

A sweet and savory twist on traditional stuffing, this casserole blends almonds, cranberries, and sweet potatoes for a festive side. The berry granola topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s a holiday dish that stands out on any table.
Get the Recipe: Almond, cranberry and sweet potato stuffing casserole

Blueberry Upside Down Cake

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

Juicy blueberries and buttery cake come together in this beautiful upside-down dessert. Each bite is sweet, tender, and bursting with berry flavor. A simple treat that feels like summer in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Upside Down Cake

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 pecan pie skips the corn syrup but keeps all the classic flavor and gooey texture you love. With a buttery crust and caramel-like filling, it’s rich, nutty, and irresistibly homemade. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

Sweet Potato Puffs

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

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Sweet Potato Puffs are coated in crunchy Corn Flakes for extra texture. They strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. Fun, unique, and totally irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

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

Light, fluffy, and packed with cozy fall flavor, this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Soufflé is a sweet delight. The pecan topping adds crunch to the creamy base for a perfect contrast. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

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 pie combines a rich chocolate ganache layer with a warm, spiced oatmeal filling inside a buttery crust. The mix of textures and flavors is pure comfort with a hint of indulgence. Perfect for when you want a dessert that’s both nostalgic and special.
Get the Recipe: Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie

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.

Sweet, smoky, and perfectly glazed, this Bourbon Maple Ham is a show-stopping centerpiece. The glaze caramelizes beautifully for a balance of savory and sweet. Ideal for holiday feasts or special Sunday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Hearty and comforting, this Wild Rice Casserole brings together earthy rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce for a cozy side dish. It’s flavorful enough to steal the spotlight at any meal. Great for potlucks, holidays, or easy family dinners.
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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