Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays — not just for the food (though let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it), but for the way it brings everyone together. The kitchen hums with laughter, the table fills with color, and the air smells like butter, herbs, and cinnamon. To help you host a Thanksgiving feast to remember, I’ve rounded up over twenty recipes — from festive punches and cozy drinks to irresistible appetizers, comforting sides, and show-stopping main dishes.
Now, grab a cup of cider, pull up a chair, and let’s plan your Thanksgiving menu together.
Thanksgiving Punch Recipes
1. Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
This punch is my go-to when guests start trickling in. It’s tart, sweet, and tastes like fall in a glass.
Quick Recipe:
- In a large pitcher, mix 4 cups of apple cider, 2 cups of cranberry juice, and 1 cup of orange juice.
- Add sliced oranges, apples, and cinnamon sticks.
- Chill, then top with 2 cups of ginger ale right before serving for that fizzy sparkle.
2. Pomegranate Orange Sparkle Punch
Bright, tangy, and beautiful on the table — this punch is a crowd-pleaser.
Quick Recipe:
- Combine 3 cups pomegranate juice, 2 cups orange juice, 1 liter soda water, and a handful of rosemary sprigs.
- Serve chilled with orange slices floating on top.
3. Spiced Pear and Ginger Punch
This one’s smooth and elegant — perfect for a cozy dinner setting.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 4 cups pear nectar, 2 cups ginger beer, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Garnish with pear slices and a cinnamon stick.
4. Autumn Harvest Sangria
I make this every year — it’s fruity, aromatic, and dangerously good.
Quick Recipe:
- In a large jug, combine 1 bottle red wine, ½ cup brandy, 2 cups apple cider, sliced apples, oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Thanksgiving Drinks
1. Pumpkin Spice White Russian
A creamy, cozy cocktail that tastes like dessert in a glass.
Quick Recipe:
- Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 3 oz pumpkin spice creamer.
- Stir gently and sprinkle a little nutmeg on top.
2. Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
This drink is pure autumn comfort — smoky, sweet, and strong enough to warm you up instantly.
Quick Recipe:
- Stir together 2 oz bourbon, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 2 dashes of bitters.
- Add ice, an orange peel, and a cherry.
3. Hot Cranberry-Orange Tea
This non-alcoholic option is fragrant and comforting.
Quick Recipe:
- Brew 4 cups of black tea, then stir in 1 cup cranberry juice, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cinnamon stick.
- Serve warm with a slice of orange.
4. Apple Cinnamon Mocktail Mule
This crisp mocktail is a favorite for both kids and adults.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix ½ cup apple cider, juice of ½ lime, and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
Thanksgiving Appetizers
1. Stuffed Mini Pumpkins with Goat Cheese and Herbs
Tiny roasted pumpkins filled with creamy cheese — as beautiful as they are tasty.
Quick Recipe:
- Slice the tops off 4 mini pumpkins, scoop out seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Fill with a mix of goat cheese, thyme, and a drizzle of honey.
- Bake another 10 minutes.
2. Cranberry Brie Bites
Flaky, cheesy, and just the right mix of sweet and savory.
Quick Recipe:
- Place squares of puff pastry in a mini muffin tin, top with a cube of brie and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Maple-Glazed Roasted Nuts
Perfect for snacking while the turkey roasts.
Quick Recipe:
- Toss 2 cups mixed nuts with 2 tbsp maple syrup, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
4. Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Elegant, smooth, and full of fall flavor.
Quick Recipe:
- Blend roasted butternut squash with vegetable broth, a splash of cream, and nutmeg.
- Serve warm in small glasses with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top.
5. Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bread Bowl
Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for sharing.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 cup artichoke hearts, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup mayo, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Spoon into a hollowed-out bread loaf and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Herb Butter
Creamy, buttery, and the ultimate comfort food.
Quick Recipe:
- Boil 2 lbs potatoes until soft, mash with ½ cup butter, ½ cup cream, 3 cloves roasted garlic, and fresh thyme.
2. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
A classic with a little twist.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix 4 cups green beans with 1 can cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup milk, and top with fried shallots and breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
This one always disappears first at my table.
Quick Recipe:
- Mash 4 baked sweet potatoes with ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Top with a streusel of chopped pecans, flour, and brown sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
4. Cranberry Orange Relish
Fresh and zesty — the perfect contrast to rich dishes.
Quick Recipe:
- Pulse 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 orange (peeled), and ½ cup sugar in a food processor.
- Chill before serving.
5. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy, sweet, and smoky — even the sprout skeptics love this.
Quick Recipe:
- Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and chopped bacon.
- Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
6. Homemade Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Savory, aromatic, and heartwarming.
Quick Recipe:
- Sauté ½ lb sausage with onion and celery, mix with 6 cups bread cubes, 1 chopped apple, herbs, and 1 cup chicken broth.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Thanksgiving Main Dishes
1. Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey
Golden, juicy, and beautifully aromatic.
Quick Recipe:
- Rub a whole turkey with a mix of butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
- Roast at 325°F until internal temp hits 165°F, basting every 30 minutes.
2. Honey-Glazed Ham with Cloves and Pineapple
A sweet and savory classic that fills the house with the best aroma.
Quick Recipe:
- Score a spiral ham, stud with cloves, and glaze with a mix of ½ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp mustard.
- Bake at 350°F for 1½ hours, adding pineapple slices near the end.
3. Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon
A lighter main that still feels festive.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp soy sauce.
- Brush over salmon fillets and bake at 400°F for 12 minutes.
4. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Cranberries
Perfect for vegetarian guests (and everyone else too).
Quick Recipe:
- Roast halved acorn squash, then fill with a mix of cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and feta.
- Bake another 10 minutes.
5. Turkey Pot Pie
Ideal for leftovers or smaller gatherings.
Quick Recipe:
- Mix diced turkey, frozen peas, carrots, and gravy.
- Pour into a pie dish, cover with pie crust, and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until golden.
Bonus: Dessert Suggestions
Because Thanksgiving without dessert just isn’t Thanksgiving.
- Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Chocolate Bourbon Bread Pudding
Wrap Up
Thanksgiving doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated. It’s about slowing down, cooking from the heart, and savoring every bite with the people you love. These recipes are ones I’ve made (and remade) over the years — a mix of tradition, warmth, and just enough creativity to make them feel special.