Ah, Thanksgiving! A time when friends and family come together at a perfectly set table to enjoy a delicious feast and reminisce on the bounty of the past year. At least that’s how it’s supposed to go, right? Depending on your level of involvement in making sure said feast goes off without a hitch, it can also be a day filled with stressful moments, especially if you’re a Turkey Day newbie. Fear not, first-timers! Whether you’re tackling a full spread or just bringing a dish to the potluck, we’ve got you covered with a list of foolproof recipes that will wow your guests and keep you sane while doing it. Disclaimer: after rocking your first Thanksgiving, you may set the bar so high that you become the default annual host. Happy cooking!
APPETIZER
Focaccia with Roasted Squash
click to see the recipe, photo by con poulos for food & wine
APPETIZER
Maple Roasted Nuts with Mixed Herbs
click to see the recipe
APPETIZER
Cheese Board
click to see the recipe
APPETIZER
Crudités with Caesar Dressing
click to see the recipe
APPETIZER
Blue Cheese & Asian Pear Tartines
click to see the recipe
SIDE DISH
Asparagus, Quinoa & Rice Salad with Goat Cheese & Maple Tahini Dressing
click to see the recipe
SIDE DISH
Sweet Potato & Pomegranate Salad
click to see the recipe
SIDE DISH
Roasted Vegetables
click to see the recipe
SIDE DISH
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
click to see the recipe, photo by dana velden for the kitchn
SIDE DISH
Green Bean Casserole
click to see the recipe, photo via oh my veggies
SIDE DISH
Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
click to see the recipe
SIDE DISH
Poblano Cornbread Stuffing
click to see the story
MAIN COURSE
3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Turkey with Orange & Sage
*tip: ask your butcher to spatchcock the turkey for you to simplify the process!
click to see the recipe, photo by chelsea kyle for epicurious
MAIN COURSE
Maple-Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast
click to see the recipe from the seasoned mom
MAIN COURSE
Stuffed Roasted Turkey Breast
click to see the recipe from noshing with the no lands
MAIN COURSE
Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
click to see the recipe from olivia’s cuisine
MAIN COURSE (VEGETARIAN)
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
click to see the recipe
MAIN COURSE (VEGAN)
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
click to see the recipe from delish knowledge
MAIN COURSE (VEGAN)
Roasted Vegan Thanksgiving Bowl
click to see the recipe from i love vegan
CONDIMENT
Orange Cranberry Sauce
click to see the recipe from yellow bliss road
CONDIMENT
Browned Flour Gravy
click to see the recipe from the view from great island
DESSERT
Pumpkin & Gingersnap Pie
be on the lookout for lots more pie recipes later this week!
DESSERT
Autumn-Spiced Stuffed Baked Apples
click to see the recipe
DESSERT
Maple Affogatos + Amaretti Cookies
click to see the recipe
DESSERT
Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
