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17 Thanksgiving Recipes That’ll Make Your Cousin’s Instagram-Perfect Dinner Look Sad

Ready to outshine every “perfect” dinner pic flooding your feed this Thanksgiving? With 17 recipes designed to be as irresistible as they are eye-catching, your table will be stealing the spotlight. Each dish is crafted to satisfy the traditionalists and surprise the adventurous, so expect your guests to put down their phones and dig in. From main dishes that don’t mess around to sides with a little attitude, your Thanksgiving spread is about to set a new standard.

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For the potato lovers at the table, Au Gratin Potato Stacks bring layers of crispy and creamy goodness. This dish takes the classic to new heights, with each stack perfectly portioned and packed with savory flavor. A must-have for those who appreciate a little crunch and comfort. Expect these to be one of the first dishes to disappear!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfectly packed between two slices of toasted goodness, Turkey & Apple Panini brings a sweet-meets-savory twist to Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s not just another sandwich; it’s a perfect blend of flavors that makes each bite interesting. Layered with textures, this panini stands out for flavor and comfort. Trust this: it’ll be the leftover that barely makes it to the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

A bowl of red pepper and tomato soup next to a plate of bread and a spoon.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ideal for a warm, comforting start, Red Pepper & Tomato Soup balances a slight sweetness with a rich depth. It’s a smooth, vibrant dish that pairs well with almost anything on the table. Perfect for chilly days, this soup brings a cozy, flavorful warmth to your Thanksgiving menu. Plus, it’s light enough to save room for the main courses!
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Turkey Brownie Cupcakes

Pieces of Turkey brownies served on a white plate beside a bowl of M&Ms.
Turkey Brownie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These Turkey Brownie Cupcakes combine a classic dessert with a Thanksgiving twist, making them a hit for both kids and adults. The rich brownie base pairs perfectly with the decorative holiday theme, adding a bit of fun to the dessert table. Expect these to be a standout, visually and taste-wise. They’re a perfect sweet ending to any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Brownie Cupcakes

Fasolakia Lathera

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A perfect choice for anyone looking for a side that’s healthy and satisfying. Fasolakia Lathera, or Greek green beans, bring a Mediterranean twist to Thanksgiving. Cooked in flavorful goodness, these beans are hearty yet light, adding a fresh dimension to the meal. It’s a standout dish that complements the holiday spread with ease.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Thanksgiving just got a touch more sophisticated with Parisian Potatoes. These small, flavorful potatoes bring a buttery richness to the table without needing anything extra. Each bite is soft on the inside with a little crisp outside, making them a perfect companion to the main dishes. These potatoes are as simple as they are deliciously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Two bowls of cranberry sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a fresh twist on a holiday favorite, Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce is a guilt-free addition to your feast. It brings that iconic cranberry flavor without the extra sweetness, allowing its natural tang to shine. This sauce pairs well with everything on your plate without overpowering. Great for anyone wanting that Thanksgiving taste with a little less sugar.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

They’re crowd-pleasers without trying too hard and deliver on that comforting, familiar flavor. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans keep it classic and comforting. They’re slow-cooked to a soft perfection that melds flavors, creating a dish that’s full of homestyle goodness. Perfect as a side, these beans fit right in with the Thanksgiving classics.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Cider Sangria

Christmas Sangria with Cranberries and Cinnamon.
Cider Sangria. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Prepare for refills because it’s just that drinkable. Cider Sangria is the refreshing drink your Thanksgiving spread deserves, bringing a little sweetness with a hint of warmth. With subtle fruity notes, it’s an easy sipper that pairs well with every dish on the table. Perfect for gatherings, this drink fits seamlessly into holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Comfort food at its best, Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese adds a creamy richness to your Thanksgiving spread. Each spoonful is cheesy and smooth, striking the perfect balance between classic flavor and cozy texture. It’s the side dish that everyone knows and loves, making it hard to go wrong. Get ready for it to be one of the top-requested dishes at the table.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

More than just a side; it’s a flavor-packed addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds brings a nutty twist to this often-underrated veggie. The brown butter adds depth, while the almonds give a bit of crunch, making each bite satisfying. This dish will surprise and impress any sprout skeptics at the table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

With a Mediterranean twist, Greek Green Beans bring fresh, robust flavor to the Thanksgiving table. This dish is hearty yet light, making it an excellent balance to the heavier holiday favorites. Perfect for anyone wanting a side that feels both satisfying and refreshing. Its simple flavors and textures add a new twist to the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Three pieces of pumpkin brownies on a slate plate.
Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Think of classic brownies layered with a little Thanksgiving spirit; that’s what Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies bring to the table. With layers that balance rich and subtly spiced, it’s the dessert that’ll get people talking. These brownies are just as satisfying as they look, perfect for rounding out a holiday meal. Warning: they might steal the dessert spotlight!
Get the Recipe: Two-layer Pumpkin Brownies

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Step up your Thanksgiving sides with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon – it’s a surprising combo that brings tangy and savory together. The sauerkraut adds a slight zing, balanced with the smoky notes that take this dish to another level. Each bite is flavorful and unique, holding its own on the holiday spread. Ideal for anyone craving something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sunshine Salad

Sunshine salad with slices of oranges in the center served on a white plate.
Sunshine Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A simple yet effective way to add variety to the holiday feast. Sunshine Salad adds a burst of brightness to the Thanksgiving lineup with its fresh, citrusy flavor. It’s light enough to keep the meal balanced but flavorful enough to stand out on a crowded table. Perfect as a side dish, it brings a refreshing note to the heavier main courses.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry on a counter.
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

They’ll be gone quicker than the stuffing on Thursday! Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry take Thanksgiving leftovers to another level. Imagine turkey and veggies nestled in a flaky crust, creating a cozy dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to serve. Each pie is rich, filling, and perfect for reliving Thanksgiving without the whole meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Thanksgiving staple with a little extra love, Sweet Potato Casserole brings a comforting twist to the table. It’s sweet yet balanced, smooth yet textured, and perfect for every holiday plate. The warm flavors pair perfectly with any main dish or can easily stand alone. Bring this out, and watch as people go back for seconds – it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

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