Ditch breakfast altogether this Thanksgiving, thanks to these 15 unforgettable recipes that will make your main event irresistible. Every bite demands a commitment to an empty stomach and loose pants. The morning oatmeal can wait—this spread guarantees your guests will stay full, happy, and ready for seconds. Don’t blame us if you start dreaming about leftovers before the meal is even done.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
Warm up your guests with Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup, a creamy, comforting dish that brings both richness and a touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, setting the tone for a relaxing Thanksgiving meal. This is the perfect way to start your dinner if you want something light but flavorful. It pairs beautifully with your main courses for a cozy, balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup
Turkey & Apple Panini
The flavors of Thanksgiving meet the simplicity of a sandwich in Turkey & Apple Panini. If you’re looking for something a little different from the traditional dishes, this panini is an easy win. Perfect for a quick bite before the big feast, it combines savory turkey with the sweetness of apples in a way that’ll surprise and please everyone. It’s the kind of dish that gets people talking.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Warm up your guests with a comforting bowl of Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. It’s a great starter before the big meal, offering a light but flavorful beginning. With its smooth texture and rich taste, it serves as a great alternative to heavier appetizers. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches and is a perfect way to get everyone into a relaxed, cozy mood before dinner.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
These stacked potatoes are easy to serve and hard to resist. Au Gratin Potato Stacks offer the perfect combination of creamy and crispy, making them a must-have for your Thanksgiving table. They provide all the rich, comforting flavors you crave in a side dish. The best part? They’re simple enough to make but fancy enough to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Looking for something a little more unique? Try Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour, a drink that brings together smoky, sweet, and sour flavors in every sip. It’s an unexpected twist on a classic cocktail that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Pair it with your Thanksgiving feast, and it’ll quickly become a favorite. This cocktail is as perfect for celebrating the season as it is for starting conversations.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Wild Rice Salad
If you’re looking for a hearty but light side, Wild Rice Salad should be on your Thanksgiving table. This dish brings a satisfying crunch and a blend of flavors that pair perfectly with the rich main course. It’s a good option for those looking for something refreshing to balance out the heavier dishes. It’s not just healthy—it’s also a crowd favorite that adds color to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Need a quicker way to enjoy those classic sweet potatoes? Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer take the hassle out of prepping a side dish while still delivering that sweet, savory satisfaction. They cook up perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Serve them as a side dish or as a stand-alone snack that’s both comforting and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Sunshine Salad
Brighten up your table with Sunshine Salad, a colorful dish that’s as fresh as it is flavorful. This salad is a great way to add some lightness to the rich foods that dominate Thanksgiving. It’s simple, but the mix of flavors makes it an unexpected hit with guests. Whether as a starter or a side, it’s the kind of dish that keeps things feeling fresh and vibrant throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sunshine Salad
Cider Sangria
When the turkey’s in the oven and your guests need something to sip on, Cider Sangria is an excellent option. This drink mixes the best of autumn flavors with a bit of bubbly for a refreshing take on a holiday classic. It’s a great way to get people in the festive spirit while they wait for the main course. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Cheers!”
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you’ve been looking for a Brussels sprouts recipe that even skeptics will love, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds is the one to try. The rich brown butter and crunchy almonds upgrade this veggie to an irresistible level. It’s the perfect side to balance out the heavier, richer dishes on the table. Serve it up and watch everyone at the table fight over the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Turkey Thighs
For a rich, smoky flavor that will rival your main turkey, try Smoked Turkey Thighs. The deep, smoky notes make these thighs a great alternative or addition to your Thanksgiving turkey. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a juicy, tender piece of dark meat. These will definitely have guests going back for seconds, even after they’ve filled up on the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs
Beef Wellington Bites
Make your Thanksgiving spread stand out with Beef Wellington Bites. These mini versions of the classic dish are as delicious as they are impressive, packing all the flavor in bite-sized portions. Serve them at the start of the meal, and watch your guests’ eyes light up. If you want a conversation starter, this is it—they’re perfect for catching everyone’s attention while they wait for the main event.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington Bites
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
When you’re looking for a bite-sized snack that packs a punch, Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels won’t disappoint. These crispy, savory treats are the perfect warm-up for the main course. They disappear quickly, so be ready for round two. Serve them as a snack before the feast or as an unexpected side to your main meal. Either way, they’ll leave everyone wishing they had more.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
If you’re looking for a festive drink, Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned is sure to impress. Combining the comfort of apple pie with the warmth of whiskey, this cocktail gives a holiday twist to a classic. It’s the perfect drink to sip on as you gather with family before sitting down for dinner. One sip, and you’ll be thinking of all the ways this drink could become a holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
If you love turkey but want a quicker option, Air Fryer Turkey Breast is the way to go. Perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, this recipe skips the long oven time while still delivering that classic turkey flavor. It’s a great choice if you’re short on time but still want something satisfying. Serve this alongside traditional sides, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast