Mom’s Thanksgiving recipes are so good they have a way of making other dinner plans disappear. We’re talking 17 dishes that deliver exactly what everyone’s secretly hoping for on Thanksgiving: flavors that don’t mess around, from the appetizers to the final pie. Each recipe is straightforward but packed with that nostalgic “Mom’s kitchen” magic that brings everyone back to the table—sometimes twice. With dishes this satisfying, “dinner elsewhere” just sounds like a bad idea.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Warming and vibrant, Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is a perfect starter to Thanksgiving, adding a touch of brightness to the meal. This soup’s smooth texture and rich flavor set the stage for what’s to come, providing a little contrast to the heartier dishes. It’s easy to enjoy and perfect for guests who want something light but flavorful to kick off the feast. With its familiar yet unique taste, it makes the perfect warm-up act for the main event.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
For a Thanksgiving drink that feels as warm and nostalgic as dessert, Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned does the trick. This drink combines classic flavors with a cozy twist, making it the perfect companion to the holiday meal. It’s a smooth, sippable cocktail that brings apple pie to your glass without the extra fork. Ideal for rounding out the Thanksgiving spread, it turns even non-cocktail drinkers into fans with one taste.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Turkey Brownie Cupcakes
If you thought Thanksgiving dessert couldn’t surprise you, Turkey Brownie Cupcakes prove otherwise with a fun, tasty twist. Combining sweet and savory notes, these cupcakes bring a playful side to the holiday spread. They’re perfect for adding a bit of whimsy and breaking away from the traditional pie lineup. Each cupcake’s unique flavor profile makes it hard to stop at just one, making it a memorable addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Brownie Cupcakes
Parisian Potatoes
With a flavor that complements rather than competes, they quietly shine as a classic everyone reaches for at least twice. Parisian Potatoes add an elegant touch to the Thanksgiving feast with their simple but refined flavor. These potatoes deliver a creamy and satisfying texture that pairs well with every dish, making them an easy favorite. They’re humble yet sophisticated, a side that always feels right for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
There’s a reason Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese always has a spot on the Thanksgiving table—it’s the ultimate comfort food that needs no introduction. Creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying, it’s the kind of dish that draws people back to childhood. This mac and cheese is rich enough to stand alone yet fits in with all the traditional holiday fare. With its nostalgic, crowd-pleasing taste, it’s the one side that never leaves leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
There’s a reason these beans stick around every year—once they’re served, no one can resist coming back for seconds. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans bring a little Southern charm to Thanksgiving with their deep, comforting flavors. These beans have a richness that makes them more than just a side; they’re practically a main event in their own right. Perfectly tender and flavorful, they balance out the heavier dishes and round out the table nicely.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
For a lighter take on a Thanksgiving classic, Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce delivers all the tangy, festive flavor without the sugar overload. It’s the ideal side for those looking to enjoy the holiday meal while keeping things balanced. With a natural, refreshing taste, it pairs perfectly with turkey and other rich dishes. This cranberry sauce may be sugar-free, but it’s anything but lacking—it’s a new go-to for a more mindful holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
Fasolakia Lathera
A Greek twist on Thanksgiving, Fasolakia Lathera brings fresh, Mediterranean flavors to the holiday spread. These tender green beans add a refreshing change of pace from the heavier sides, with a flavor that feels light yet satisfying. The dish’s simplicity lets each flavor shine, fitting in well alongside the more traditional Thanksgiving foods. This isn’t just a side—it’s a little taste of Greece that complements everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Balancing hearty and tangy flavors, it’s a unique side that pairs well with all the holiday staples in a fresh way. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon brings a surprising blend of flavors that make it an unforgettable Thanksgiving side. The tang of sauerkraut meets a hint of sweetness and smokiness, creating a dish that’s just different enough to stand out. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to add something bold and unexpected to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
For a snack that’s as festive as it is satisfying, Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels bring a savory twist to the Thanksgiving table. With a flaky, crisp exterior and a savory filling, they’re an irresistible appetizer that guests will reach for without hesitation. These little bites are a great way to start the meal, offering just enough flavor without spoiling the main event. Perfectly portioned, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser that sets a delicious tone for the day.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Beef Wellington Bites
A Thanksgiving appetizer that feels fancy but fits right in, Beef Wellington Bites are perfect for those who want something different. Each bite-sized piece brings a savory, meaty flavor that makes it a perfect snack before the main dishes. These bites are both impressive and easy to eat, offering a fun twist on a classic that doesn’t overwhelm you. They’re the kind of appetizer that feels like a treat, setting a festive tone without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
For a Thanksgiving main that’s easy and satisfying, Air Fryer Turkey Breast keeps things simple while packing in all the classic holiday flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a smaller gathering or for those looking to add a healthier twist to the meal. With a juicy texture and crisp skin, it delivers all the traditional appeal without any of the fuss. This turkey breast is ideal for those who want the best parts of Thanksgiving without the heavy prep.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Cider Sangria
Refreshing yet cozy, Cider Sangria is the Thanksgiving drink that pairs perfectly with all the holiday’s savory and sweet flavors. This drink combines classic fall flavors in a way that’s light yet rich, making it an easy favorite for guests. With each sip, it feels like the perfect blend of refreshment and celebration. Ideal for starting the meal or rounding out dessert, it’s a drink that keeps everyone coming back for another glass.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria
Sunshine Salad
Sunshine Salad brings a bright twist to the Thanksgiving table, adding a refreshing note to balance the rich flavors. This dish has a lightness that complements any hearty meal, giving everyone a palate break that still feels right at home. With each bite, it adds a crisp contrast that’s so welcome amid the classics. It’s the type of salad that, despite being healthy, never feels like an afterthought—it’s a staple worth a spot on every Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
A Thanksgiving drink with a smoky edge, Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour offers something a little unexpected to complement the day’s flavors. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and has a warming maple note that feels perfectly seasonal. With a unique, layered flavor profile, this cocktail is memorable enough to make the day feel extra special. It’s a crowd-pleaser for those looking for a drink that’s both adventurous and just right for fall festivities.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
With its cozy, satisfying taste, this soup holds its own at the holiday table or even as leftovers. Turkey Pot Pie Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of Thanksgiving flavors that skips the crust but keeps all the best parts of the classic. This hearty dish brings a nostalgic twist to turkey, ideal for cozying up on a chilly day. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels both familiar and special, perfect for guests who want something rich and filling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
With these around, everyone’s happy to make room for just one more side on the plate. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes bring a crunchy bite to the Thanksgiving table, perfect for those who like their sides a little crispy. These cubes are just right for snacking or as a side, delivering a balance of lightness and heartiness in one easy-to-eat format. They fit in as a complement to any dish, offering a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes