This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
No need to search endlessly for traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas. We have compiled these Easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes sure to please a crowd.
Easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes
Whether you are all about the turkey or come for the side dishes and dessert, we have the best menu ideas. This is our go to list of tried and true favorites guaranteed to make everyone happy.
We all have dishes that we expect to see on the Thanksgiving table. For me, it just isn’t Thanksgiving unless we have stuffing and cranberry sauce. What does your family ask for year after year?
I love to try a new dish or two each year but traditional menu items are a must of course. This list has the absolute best recipes of classic Thanksgiving items as well as a few new things you might want to try.
These ideas will make for a great meal while still being able to spend time with your family. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while their family is hanging out all day.
How to make a thanksgiving dinner
- Make your list of what you plan to make. It all starts with a menu plan with Thanksgiving recipes. If someone else is bringing a dish, make a note on the list so you won’t forget.
- Separate according to items you can make ahead and recipes that need to be made on Thanksgiving.
- Make your grocery list by scanning each recipe to see what ingredients you need for these easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes. I like to allow guests to salt and pepper recipes to taste as opposed to adding to the recipes. This helps to please everyone.
- It is that simple to make your Thanksgiving menu.
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
It definitely isn’t Thanksgiving without a golden brown turkey and most people are pretty picky about it. Everyone wants moist and flavor packed turkey with fresh herbs and more. Cooking a turkey is easy once you know the best tips and tricks.
This list has options for a whole turkey as well as a turkey breast for those that prefer breast meat. Make this in a roasting pan in the oven or the slow cooker and even the instant pot.
The turkey should be at room temperature before baking. This will allow it cook evenly.
Also, use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh is 165 degrees when you remove the turkey from the oven. It is handy to have one of these in the kitchen and definitely helps to ensure food safety.
How to Roast a Turkey
Learn how to roast a turkey that is tender, juicy and packed with flavor. This oven baked turkey is so easy and really delicious.
How to Roast a Turkey
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Instant pot turkey breast is a game changer. Learn how to cook turkey in a fraction of the time and it is so tender and flavorful.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Learn how to cook a turkey in a bag for flavorful turkey every time. This fool proof way to cook turkey is the easiest Thanksgiving turkey!
How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Crockpot Turkey Breast
Crockpot turkey breast is flavorful and so delicious while being super easy. Once you try it, you will be hooked on this amazing meal.
Crockpot Turkey Breast
Air fryer turkey breast
Air fryer turkey breast is a game changer! Enjoy turkey that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. It is so good!
Air fryer turkey breast
How to Cook Thanksgiving Ham
Not everyone likes turkey and ham is a delicious option for Thanksgiving. You could even fix both if you have a large crowd and people that enjoy more options.
Spiral ham is very simple to make and I included options to bake it, slow cook it or use the pressure cooker. We have you covered with options you will love.
Ham should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees when finished cooking. You can use a meat thermometer to easily check. I prefer to use a digital easy read one.
Crockpot Spiral Ham
Crock pot Ham Recipe is easy to make. Slow cooker ham is perfect for the holidays and frees up your oven. Try this crock pot spiral ham today!
Crockpot Spiral Ham
Instant Pot Spiral Ham Recipe
Make delicious instant pot ham in minutes thanks to the pressure cooker. The ham is tender and flavorful for a great meal.
Instant Pot Spiral Ham Recipe
Spiral Ham
We are going to show you how to cook spiral ham that has the absolute best glaze. This ham is tender and delicious for a great meal idea!
Spiral Ham
Thanksgiving Potatoes
Is it really Thanksgiving without potatoes? While some are team mashed potatoes others must have a cheesy potato casserole. With so many delicious and easy options, why not make both.
This holiday is definitely a great time to indulge in comfort food. Forget a simple baked potato or potato soup, we have creamy and tasty mashed potatoes for the gravy.
Potatoes and stuffing and gravy all go hand in hand. There are lots of delicious options for potatoes.
Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe to feed a crowd. This easy way to make mashed potatoes is perfect for holiday cooking and so delicious and creamy.
Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
Make this easy Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes recipe and never buy the store bought packaged scalloped potatoes again. These are so much better and so easy.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
You are going to love this quick and easy crock pot cheesy potato casserole recipe. Finally a delicious casserole that won’t heat up your kitchen!
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Looking for electric pressure cooker recipes? This instant pot mashed potatoes recipe is the best. Pressure cooker mashed potatoes is the only way to go.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and delicious. Jazz up plain potatoes with garlic for the best side dish.
Garlic mashed potatoes
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Jazz up plain potatoes with these easy loaded mashed potatoes. Lots of bacon, cheese, sour cream and more make this a delicious side dish.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another classic menu item everyone expects to see at Thanksgiving. Whether you mash them, bake them or turn them into a casserole, we have easy and tasty options.
I am a big fan of sweet potato casserole with brown sugar topping. It is my absolute favorite and the recipe below has the perfect blend of everything.
Sweet potatoes are a must for Thanksgiving. It is one of those side dishes that it would not be the same if it were missing.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Needing an easy side dish recipe? Try this mashed sweet potatoes recipe! Making mashed sweet potatoes is easy and delicious!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Apples
Try this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Apple. It is the perfect side dish! You will love this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe!
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Apples
Sweet Potato Casserole
There isn't anything more classic than this easy Sweet potato casserole. Layers of sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and pecans make this so tasty.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Crock pot Sweet Potatoes
Crockpot sweet potatoes make such an easy side dish. The slow cooker does all of the work and it's also a great way to meal prep.
Crock pot Sweet Potatoes
How to bake sweet potatoes
Learn how to bake sweet potatoes perfectly every time. Enjoy delicious sweet potatoes for an inexpensive and easy side dish.
How to bake sweet potatoes
Thanksgiving Rolls
Everyone is always happy if the bread basket is plentiful. Fresh, hot rolls complete the meal so don’t forget this on the menu.
You can make homemade rolls in just 30 minutes and your kitchen will smell heavenly. From dipping in gravy or making sliders with leftovers, these rolls will not go to waste.
Bread is a must for Thanksgiving. I suggest on planning to make extra. Everyone loves a hot roll with their meal.
30 Minute Dinner Rolls
30 Minute Dinner Rolls is the perfect solution when you want homemade bread but don't have much time. Enjoy fluffy rolls in 30 minutes!
30 Minute Dinner Rolls
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Learn how to make Copycat Texas roadhouse rolls at home. Enjoy everything you love about these soft and fluffy rolls anytime you want!
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
This easy homemade dinner rolls recipe is so delicious. You will love this easy yeast rolls recipe! It’s such an easy bread roll recipe everyone will love.
Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
Kings Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
This kings hawaiian rolls recipe is easy to make and they actually taste like the real kings hawaiian rolls.
Kings Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Crusty Artisan Bread
Artisan Bread Recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients and you can have homemade bread at home with little effort. Try this artisan sourdough bread recipe.
Crusty Artisan Bread
Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls
Free up some oven space, and make your rolls in your crock pot.
Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls
If you are looking for an easy way to make homemade dinner rolls, make Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls. Perfect for your holiday dinner.
Slow Cooker Dinner Rolls
More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
I always like to make a few extra side dishes. In our family, green bean casserole and creamed corn make the list every year. We love comfort food.
From brussel sprouts to bacon wrapped green beans, there is something to make every crowd happy.
These recipes include options for the crock pot and stove top. If you are like me, I love to make a few side dishes in the slow cooker and some in the oven.
It helps free up precious oven space doing it like that.
Easy Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
This easy creamed corn recipe is rich and creamy. It is better than store bought but super easy to make. Give it a try.
Easy Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
Easy Green Bean Casserole
This delicious Green bean casserole recipe is sure to be a hit. From the crispy topping to the creamy sauce, this side dish is perfect for any occasion.
Easy Green Bean Casserole
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Make easy bacon wrapped green beans for a delicious side dish. The green beans are topped with brown sugar and bacon for the best flavor.
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Enjoy this fun twist on the classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe! Free up the oven this Holiday with the Crock pot Green Bean Casserole Recipe!
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Jalapeno Corn Casserole
Jalapeno corn casserole recipe is easy to make and so tasty. The sweet corn combines with the jalapeno peppers for a tasty casserole.
Jalapeno Corn Casserole
Crock pot Creamed Corn
Crockpot Creamed Corn is the best comfort food and so creamy and delicious. The slow cooker makes it easy and the results are yummy!
Crock pot Creamed Corn
Cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients. It is tangy, sweet and perfect for your holiday meal.
Cranberry sauce
How to Make Turkey Gravy
Learn how to make turkey gravy and skip the store bought gravy. This is super easy and amazing over turkey or mashed potatoes.
How to Make Turkey Gravy
Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Try this delicious Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe for the perfect side dish. Everyone will love these tender and flavorful brussel sprouts in oven.
Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
Stuffing is definitely a standard menu item that is a must at Thanksgiving. I love to pour gravy all over it and eat it with cranberry sauce.
Most people are pretty picky about stuffing. These recipes have options for those that enjoy lots of veggies in the stuffing and recipes that don’t.
You will find something to satisfy everyone. The stuffing muffins are easy to make with leftovers if you are looking for ideas.
Best Sausage Stuffing
This easy Sausage stuffing is hearty and delicious. The sausage gives it a ton of flavor for the best sausage stuffing recipe
Best Sausage Stuffing
Easy Stuffing Recipe
Learn how to make this easy stuffing recipe and never buy the boxed stuff again. Homemade stuffing is much better and actually very simple.
Easy Stuffing Recipe
Stuffing Muffins
Turn pantry staples into stuffing muffins that are flavorful and delicious. They are so easy to make and always a hit.
Stuffing Muffins
Crockpot Stuffing
Crockpot stuffing is so simple to make and will be everyone's favorite side dish during the holidays. The slow cooker does all of the work!
Crockpot Stuffing
Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
Classic desserts with lots of pumpkin, luscious chocolate and decadent pecan all top the list for Thanksgiving favorites. You can’t have too many desserts so why not make several for lots of options.
I doubt you will have any complaints with so many tempting desserts to choose from such as pumpkin pies and pecan pies.
Dessert has to be part of the menu plan so go ahead and make a couple of these. You really can’t go wrong with any of these recipes. I love having several to choose from and they all sound amazing.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Try this easy pumpkin pie recipe that is delicious and simple to make. You will love this mini pumpkin pies recipe. Enjoy this simple pumpkin pie today.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Everyone will love this Chocolate Pecan Pie that is so yummy with all the chocolate chips. Chocolate pecan pie recipe is easy to make. It’s sure to impress.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Reese’s Candy Pie
This Reeses Pie Recipe is the perfect no bake dessert. Reese’s peanut butter pie recipe is delicious. Try Reese’s peanut butter cup pie for an easy dessert.
Reese’s Candy Pie
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Pumpkin crisp is the perfect Fall dessert. Enjoy a creamy pumpkin filling and a delicious oat topping. Top it off with ice cream for a treat.
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies
Satisfy your pumpkin craving with only 3 ingredients. Make these super easy and delicious Pumpkin cake mix cookies. They are effortless!
Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan pie cheesecake is the best combination of creamy cheesecake and decadent pecan pie. It is the perfect dessert for Fall or any occasion!
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a must try this holiday season! They are simple to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This is the BEST pumpkin bread recipe. It is easy to make and this Pumpkin Bread Recipe tastes amazing. Try this recipe for Pumpkin Bread.
Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
This easy Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipe is so fun and tasty too! The entire family will love these adorable Pumpkin Cut Out Cookies. They are perfect for Fall parties and more!
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
Need a an easy dessert – make these chocolate chip cookie cheesecake bars. YUM! They are the perfect marriage of chocolate chip cookies and cheescake!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
German Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe
You will love this easy German Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe! Cheesecake and German chocolate make a tasty dessert. Try this easy dessert.
German Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Easy Thanksgiving appetizers
Sometimes guests arrive early and it is so helpful to have a few appetizers set out. We always have a cheeseball and crackers for something easy that I can make ahead.
You can also do a vegetable tray. Most of these ideas can be made prior to Thanksgiving making it so easy.
The oven and kitchen space can be limited on the day of. I am always looking for ways to make the day easier.
Appetizers keep everyone happy and will keep you from feeling rushed. Friends and family can happily snack while you finish up dinner.
Garlic and Onion Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
The best appetizer for the holidays: Try this simple Garlic cheese ball recipe. This entire family will love this Garlic and onion Cheese ball recipe.
Garlic and Onion Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe
Pepperoni Cheese Ball
Try this Pepperoni Cheese Ball next time you are hosting a gathering. It is delicious and is perfect for any holiday! Enjoy the pizza flavoring in this cheese ball recipe.
Pepperoni Cheese Ball
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Need an easy appetizer recipe? Try this bacon ranch cheese ball recipe! You are going to love this easy bacon cheese ball recipe. It is the best!
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Easy Sausage Balls Recipe
Everyone will love this easy Sausage Balls Recipe! Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe is the perfect appetizer.Try this yummy Sausage Balls Recipe for parties!
Easy Sausage Balls Recipe
Bacon wrapped little smokies
Everyone loves this really easy appetizer recipe. This quick and easy Bacon wrapped little smokies recipe is the best and the perfect football appetizer.
Bacon wrapped little smokies
Crockpot Little Smokies
Try this easy BBQ Little Smokies Crock Pot Recipe with the best little smokies sauce! This is the best of lil smokies recipes.
Crockpot Little Smokies
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner ideas.
Which of these recipes do you plan to try? Let us know what recipes everyone expects to see on the table. There are lots of easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes to make.
Make your menu plan and get ready for the best Thanksgiving ever. Everyone will love trying these new recipes.
Whether you like butternut squash soup or prefer heartier dishes, Thanksgiving dinner will be a hit.
This list of ideas will save you a lot of time from searching all over. We have the absolute best recipes to choose from that will make your meal amazing.
It will be the best day full of good food, family and memories made. Try these easy but delicious ideas to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
More Thanksgiving ideas:
I’m determined to cook a delicious turkey this year for Thanksgiving. The last few years have been a real disappointment. No one likes a dry and tough turkey on turkey day! This year is gonna be the one!