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

click to see the recipe

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

click to see the recipe from lauren’s latest 

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Comments (2)
  1. 1
    Molly November 7, 2016 at 8:13 am

    Sign me up for a vegan bowl for my lazy leftover filled weekend!

    Reply
  2. 2
    Blush & Pearls November 7, 2016 at 8:39 am

    Ok – these all look AMAZING! Definitely a few things I need to pin hear for future inspiration.

    Angela / Blush & Pearls

    Reply