50 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

Serve up a succulent roast beef seasoned to perfection and served with a creamy sauce full of fall flavors. The apple adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spicy kick of horseradish, creating a balanced and delicious accompaniment to the rich roast beef. Pair it with savory sides like mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a satisfying Thanksgiving feast.

Maximize your oven space with a flavorful bone-in pork roast with tender potatoes, all cooked together on a single sheet pan. Classic seasonings like thyme and rosemary star alongside unexpected flavors like smoked paprika and coriander for a unique one-pan Thanksgiving meal.

For a vegetarian Thanksgiving dish, try this delightful twist on your usual gnocchi by using sweet potatoes as the base. Soft, pillowy gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces, such as a sage butter or a creamy sauce. This recipe highlights a traditional Thanksgiving side dish ingredient in a new way, making it the star of the show. You can easily make gnocchi at home with your KitchenAid^® stand mixer.

A succulent roasted chicken seasoned with aromatic herbs can be a great alternative to turkey. Serve it with cranberry sauce and sourdough stuffing for a taste of tradition. While this recipe uses a multicooker, it can also be prepared in a Dutch oven on your stovetop, saving valuable oven space.

Vegetarians and pasta lovers alike will savor this creamy, sweet butternut squash ravioli as their main Thanksgiving dinner dish. Sage brown butter sauce adds a nutty aroma and elevates the flavors of the squash. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is not only visually appealing but also a warm, satisfying meal that embodies the essence of autumn in every bite.

This tantalizing dish beautifully marries savory and sweet flavors. The pork tenderloin is generously seasoned with fragrant rosemary and aromatic fennel, creating an enticing herbaceous base. As it roasts, caramelized apples and brown sugar meld with the meat, forming a luscious glaze. The result is a perfectly cooked tenderloin that is juicy, flavorful, and bursting with a delicious balance of savory herbs and sweet fruitiness.

Create a stunning centerpiece that captivates with vibrant flavors and an elegant presentation. Coated in a sweet glaze of honey and fresh herbs, the lamb roasts to perfection, forming a golden, caramelized crust that locks in its juicy tenderness. Paired with fall root vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish transforms any meal into a celebration.

This preparation involves flattening the chicken for even cooking, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, the chicken is roasted alongside golden potatoes that soak up all the savory drippings, becoming irresistibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This recipe uses the KitchenAid^® Smart Oven+ Grill Attachment to add a unique flavor and a deliciously caramelized exterior.

Try this vibrant and flavorful vegetarian Thanksgiving dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, simmered to perfection in a rich and creamy coconut milk sauce. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric, this curry offers a warm and inviting aroma that tantalizes the senses. 

While this recipe uses the KitchenAid^® Multi-Cooker, it can also be prepared on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or large soup pot.

This comforting and hearty dish presents a medley of fresh, colorful vegetables in a flaky, golden crust. Each bite reveals a creamy filling, rich with flavors from herbs and spices. The buttery crust adds a bit of crunch, perfectly complementing the savory filling and making it an ideal choice for a cozy Thanksgiving food that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Savor the rich flavors of this Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder, a dish that transforms a humble cut of meat into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth confection. Perfectly seasoned and cooked low and slow, this recipe ensures that every bite is infused with deliciousness.

As an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey, consider serving this meatloaf which offers a unique and flavorful twist on holiday fare. This dish combines ground turkey with savory ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creating a moist and delicious meatloaf that stands out from the classic roasted bird.

Seafood lovers will appreciate this refreshing change from the traditional roast. This unique Thanksgiving dinner idea features tender, flaky red snapper, grilled to perfection, and served atop a creamy, flavorful white bean purée that adds a delightful contrast. Not only does this entrée provide a lighter option for those looking to diversify their holiday menu, but it also brings a touch of coastal flair, making it a standout centerpiece.

For a show-stopping Thanksgiving entrée, consider Beef Wellington with Cognac Sauce. This exquisite dish features a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin wrapped in layers of savory mushroom duxelles and flaky puff pastry, creating a stunning presentation. Paired with a rich cognac sauce, this elegant alternative to turkey offers a luxurious dining experience that elevates your holiday feast to new heights.

Elevate your traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a juicy, well-basted turkey. You can find a nearly endless number of roasted turkey recipes that suit your dinner theme, either with classic herbs and spices or something different like a sweet Thai-chili bbq rub. But learning to baste it properly will ensure this large roast comes out tender and juicy.

A great addition to Thanksgiving dinner menus, these classic rolls are the epitome of soft, buttery indulgence, featuring a tender, pillowy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Each roll is elegantly folded and brushed with a golden layer of melted butter. Learn how to make homemade butter for an extra special touch.

Bring a vibrant medley of flavors and textures to your Thanksgiving vegetable side dish lineup. This salad combines crisp kale and tender Brussels sprouts with the sweet crunch of fresh apples. Tossed in a zesty dressing, each forkful offers a refreshing burst of tanginess that beautifully complements the earthy greens. Topped with toasted nuts for added crunch, this salad is not only visually stunning but also a nourishing addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Try an updated version of this traditional Thanksgiving side dish with a savory blend of rich sausage and aromatic sage. The addition of homemade pesto infuses the dish with a vibrant herbal essence, while toasted bread cubes provide a satisfying crunch. Elevate your Thanksgiving stuffing with this hearty and comforting twist.

Whip up this delicious twist on the classic Thanksgiving dish, corn casserole. Transformed into crispy, golden bites, each fritter features a satisfying crunch on the outside and a tender, lightly sweet interior. Perfect as an updated Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer, serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream for a festive touch.

This sumptuous dish complements creamy sweet potatoes with the warm, aromatic essence of vanilla bean, cinnamon and maple syrup. Layered and baked to golden brown, the gratin features a luscious, custard-like texture that is both comforting and indulgent.

A charming take on a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, this version showcases vibrant spiralized sweet potatoes dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked until lightly caramelized on the outside and topped with a roasted marshmallow, each individual casserole offers an elevated nod to a childhood favorite.

This mouthwatering dish brings together tender, thinly sliced potatoes with the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère cheese. Each layer of potatoes is generously infused with aromatic garlic, creating a savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy cheese. Baked to golden perfection, the top layer forms a deliciously crispy crust, while the insides remain soft and luscious.

A fusion of sweet and savory, this Thanksgiving dinner side idea combines sweet grated apples with the earthy flavor of fresh carrots. Baked golden brown, each biscuit is tender, flaky and buttery. Perfect with a drizzle of honey, this side dish brings a little sweetness to your dinner plate.

This simple Thanksgiving vegetable side allows seasonal produce to shine. Classic Thanksgiving herbs—fresh parsley, rosemary and sage—marry perfectly with golden beets, radishes and potatoes for a hearty yet light side dish.

This vibrant and comforting dish comes together in just over 30 minutes. The natural sweetness of fresh carrots and the zesty warmth of ginger creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Silky smooth and beautifully bright, each spoonful envelops your palate in the flavors of the season.

This Warm Artichoke Salad features tender artichokes tossed with fresh greens and a zesty dressing, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish. With cremini mushrooms cooked in bacon fat, this Thanksgiving side dish idea isn’t your typical salad.

Update this traditional German favorite using chickpeas. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of chickpeas with crispy, golden potatoes, resulting in an imaginative Thanksgiving side dish.

Indulge in the perfect appetizer or side dish with these Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, where tender scallops are enveloped in crispy bacon for a delicious flavor combination. This easy-to-follow recipe elevates any gathering, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s equally comfortable on an appetizer platter or as a side dish.

Featuring a contrasting blend of spicy chorizo and sweet roasted corn enveloped in light, airy pastry, this Thanksgiving side dish is perfect for entertaining, offering a unique twist on traditional French cheese puffs and corn casserole that won’t leave anyone missing the originals.

This side dish or appetizer offers another inventive way to use spicy chorizo. Balance the rich, spicy meat with earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese for an irresistible on-bite side. This recipe is simple to prepare yet offers complex flavors your guests will savor.

What’s not to love about this creamy dip that brings together artichokes, cream cheese, and Parmesan? Serve it with warm pita bread, toasted crostinis or even fresh crudités.

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Hasselback Potato Gratin, featuring beautifully sliced potatoes layered with creamy cheese and rich flavors. This recipe elevates classic gratin with a unique presentation, making it a stunning centerpiece for any meal.

Warm and comforting, this side can also serve as an alternative main dish for vegetarians. This recipe is topped with a vibrant parsley pesto, adding a fresh and aromatic touch that lifts the flavors. Perfect for chilly holidays, this soup is both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Serve up this refreshing and vibrant drink that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the bright flavors of fresh orange juice and zesty orange slices. Enhanced with a hint of warming spices, this cocktail is perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations. Served over ice and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, making it an ideal choice for winter evenings.

Welcome your guests with this refreshing cocktail that combines the rich flavors of whiskey with the crispness of apple cider, creating a delightful twist on the classic sidecar. Enhanced with a splash of lemon juice and a hint of cinnamon, this drink offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Served in a chilled glass and garnished with an apple slice, it’s an ideal choice for a Thanksgiving cocktail.

This vibrant and festive beverage features white wine with an array of seasonal fruits, such as crisp apples and ripe pears. Enhanced with fragrant spices like cinnamon and star anise, it offers a delightful mix of flavors that truly embodies the spirit of autumn. Serve this drink as an appetizer that teases the flavorful meal to come.

This Thanksgiving cocktail recipe is decadent enough to be served as dessert. Blended with ice for a slushy texture, bourbon, apple cider and caramel sauce offer a grown-up version of your favorite childhood carnival treat. Rim the glasses with caramel and chopped peanuts for a fun and delicious final touch.

Once you’ve stuffed your guests full of delicious Thanksgiving dinner, offer them this rich and flavorful spirit featuring bourbon laced with cinnamon, caramel and tart apples. The infusion process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a smooth and inviting drink perfect for sipping or mixing into other Thanksgiving drinks.

This blend of white wine and tart cranberry flavors infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Served hot and garnished with fresh cranberries and citrus slices, this mulled wine offers a festive and refreshing Thanksgiving cocktail idea.

For this seasonal favorite, bourbon combines with chamomile tea, honey, and lemon juice for a spiced, comforting drink that will keep you warm during the winter. Leave out the bourbon and add a dash of vanilla extract for a mocktail version. Consider it the perfect post-meal Thanksgiving drink.

Give this classic cocktail some holiday shine with the addition of sweet and tangy marmalade. Served over ice and garnished with an orange twist, it offers your Thanksgiving guests a sophisticated and refreshing option to sip before the feast.

This cozy and invigorating Thanksgiving cocktail recipe blends together espresso, coconut milk, rum, cocoa powder and honey for a sweet and creamy aperitif. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and served warm, it offers a comforting twist on traditional coffee drinks, making it an ideal choice for cool-weather gatherings.

Shake up the traditional Thanksgiving flavors of pear and ginger with this saketini. Serve in champagne flutes for a sophisticated Friendsgiving or post-meal digestif.

Warm up your guests with this rich and aromatic coffee drink that elevates your espresso experience with the warm essence of cinnamon. This drink is topped with a luxuriously spiced whipped cream, which adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly complements the bold flavors of the espresso.

A shrub is a sweet and acidic mixer made from a fruit, sugar and vinegar infusion. Make this apple shrub infusion 3-4 days in advance and simply add it to a hot cup of tea alongside a cinnamon stick and fresh apple slices. This unique Thanksgiving drink recipe will set your holiday gathering apart while bringing your guests together. 

Gather the family beforehand to craft homemade marshmallow men, creating a whimsical and festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Add them to rich, creamy hot cocoa infused with the warm spices of gingerbread. This non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drink offers a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season.

Learn three different ways to make holiday flavor-infused syrups that can be served over sparkling water and ice for colorful Thanksgiving mocktails. Choose from an orange juice and rosemary concoction, an apple cider, cinnamon and cloves mixture, or a cranberry vanilla syrup.

This fruit and citrus-forward mocktail can cut through the heaviness of a large Thanksgiving meal. Use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur to keep it alcohol-free. Elevate its presentation with a garnish of lime wedges and fresh mint leaves for a fizzy and refreshing drink.

Warm up this cold brew coffee mixture with creamy almond milk and honey. Add ingredients to a shaker for a frothy texture and serve heated or over ice. This Thanksgiving drink recipe idea is simple but elegant.

Serve dessert in a glass this year with warm and creamy apple pie spiced coffee. Use espresso or cold brew coffee concentrate for a rich taste. If you don’t have apple pie spice mix on hand, simply make your own with 3 parts ground cinnamon, and 1 part each of ground nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and a dash of allspice.