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Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of family, gratitude, and the joy of sharing a beautiful meal together. At the center of this holiday is the dinner table, where laughter flows, stories are shared, and memories are made over comforting dishes.
While side dishes and desserts often get plenty of attention, it’s the main Thanksgiving dinner recipes that truly anchor the feast. From the classic golden turkey to creative vegetarian options like stuffed squash or hearty shepherd’s pie, the main course sets the tone for everything else.
The best part? Thanksgiving dinners don’t need to be complicated. With the right recipes, you can create impressive, delicious meals that are beginner-friendly and stress-free. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or hosting a full family gathering, this list of the 12 best Thanksgiving dinners will give you inspiration for a festive and memorable holiday table.
Let’s get into the recipes!
No.1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
A golden roast turkey is the timeless centerpiece of Thanksgiving. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, making it approachable even for first-time holiday cooks. The secret is a rich herb butter made with softened butter, garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Rubbing it under the skin and all over the bird locks in moisture and seasons the turkey beautifully.
As the turkey roasts, the herb butter bastes the meat naturally, producing juicy slices and crisp, golden skin. For best results, roast uncovered at first to develop color, then loosely tent with foil if it browns too quickly. Once it’s done, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving—this keeps the juices in the meat instead of on your cutting board.
Pair your turkey with mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans for a classic spread. Cooking for a smaller gathering? Try a turkey breast prepared the same way—it cooks faster but is just as flavorful.
No.2. Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham
If you’re looking for a festive alternative—or addition—to turkey, honey-glazed spiral ham is a true crowd-pleaser. The best part? Spiral hams are pre-cooked, so all you need to do is reheat and glaze.
This recipe calls for a glaze made with honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warming spices like cloves and cinnamon. Scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to seep into every bite. As it bakes, baste the ham every 15–20 minutes until the glaze caramelizes into a sweet, sticky coating.
The result is smoky, savory ham with a perfect balance of sweetness. Serve it with cornbread, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp salad for contrast. And don’t forget about leftovers—ham sandwiches, split pea soup, or breakfast scrambles will keep your holiday spirit going all week long.
No.3. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
For families that want something indulgent, herb-crusted prime rib is a spectacular Thanksgiving main dish. Prime rib is already tender and flavorful thanks to its marbling, and with the right seasonings, it becomes a true showstopper.
The method is simple: coat the roast with garlic, coarse salt, rosemary, and thyme, then slow-roast until nearly done. Finish with a blast of high heat to form a golden crust. The inside stays juicy and pink while the outside becomes beautifully crisp.
Serve with au jus made from pan drippings and creamy horseradish sauce for a steakhouse-style experience. Roasted potatoes, asparagus, or Yorkshire puddings make excellent sides.
Prime rib also works well for smaller gatherings—simply ask your butcher for a smaller cut. Leftovers can be turned into sandwiches or beef hash for the days following Thanksgiving.
Rosemary and garlic don’t just flavor the meat; they’re also loaded with compounds that support heart health and immunity.
Learn more about the wellness benefits of herbs and spices in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
No.4. Roasted Cornish Hens with Garlic and Lemon
Cornish hens are perfect when you want a smaller, elegant alternative to turkey. Each guest gets their own personal bird, which feels festive and thoughtful.
The preparation is straightforward. Marinate the hens with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme, then roast until golden brown and crisp-skinned. Because they’re small, they cook in under an hour—perfect if you don’t want to spend the whole day in the kitchen.
For extra aroma, tuck lemon wedges and sprigs of rosemary inside each cavity before roasting. Serve with roasted potatoes, wild rice, or sautéed green beans for a complete meal.
Want a variation? Swap lemon for orange or thyme for tarragon for a new flavor profile. Cornish hens are versatile and easy to adapt.
Citrus and garlic don’t just enhance the taste—they also boost immunity and digestion.
No.5. Butternut Squash Stuffed with Quinoa and Cranberries
Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on a festive main dish, and this stuffed butternut squash proves it. The squash halves roast until tender, then serve as edible bowls filled with a colorful mix of quinoa, cranberries, herbs, and nuts.
The combination is as tasty as it is beautiful. The sweet squash pairs perfectly with nutty quinoa and tart cranberries. Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. You can even fold in crumbled feta or goat cheese if you’d like extra richness.
This dish is hearty enough to stand as a main course but also works as a side alongside turkey or ham. The vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients make it a stunning addition to any Thanksgiving table.
Squash is packed with vitamin A and fiber, while quinoa is a complete plant protein—making this dish both nourishing and satisfying.
No.6. Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken
Not everyone wants to roast a giant turkey, and that’s where a simple roasted chicken shines. This garlic and herb version is straightforward yet deeply flavorful, making it a wonderful option for smaller gatherings.
Rub the chicken with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary before roasting. The skin crisps beautifully, while the meat stays juicy and tender. Stuffing lemon halves inside the cavity adds brightness to every bite.
Pair the chicken with traditional sides like stuffing, gravy, and roasted vegetables for a Thanksgiving-worthy spread. The beauty of this recipe is that you can roast two chickens side by side if you’re hosting a bigger group, without the stress of handling a massive turkey.
Garlic and fresh herbs not only boost flavor—they also bring antioxidants and natural compounds that support overall wellness. Explore these benefits in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
No.7. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
This vegetarian shepherd’s pie is comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Instead of meat, the filling is made from lentils, mushrooms, carrots, and peas simmered in a savory gravy. A layer of creamy mashed potatoes goes on top, then the whole dish is baked until golden and bubbling.
Every bite delivers the perfect mix of hearty vegetables and fluffy potatoes. It’s a cozy dish that can hold its own as a main course, especially for vegetarian guests.
You can prepare the pie a day ahead and simply bake it on Thanksgiving Day—making it a stress-free addition to your menu. Want a twist? Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a colorful, slightly sweet topping.
Lentils and mushrooms are rich in plant-based protein and nutrients, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing.
No.8. Maple-Glazed Roast Duck
For an elegant twist, roast duck with maple glaze brings a luxurious feel to your Thanksgiving table. Duck has rich, flavorful meat, and the maple glaze adds a sweet, slightly smoky note that complements it perfectly.
To prepare, roast the duck slowly to render the fat, then finish with a glaze made of maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic. The result is crisp, golden skin and tender meat. Serve with wild rice, Brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots for a complete meal.
Duck may feel intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward to cook. The key is patience—slow roasting ensures the fat renders properly.
Maple syrup isn’t just a sweetener; it also contains minerals like manganese and zinc.
No.9. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples
Stuffed acorn squash is rustic, beautiful, and full of flavor—perfect for Thanksgiving. The squash halves roast until tender, then are filled with a savory mixture of sausage, apples, onions, and herbs.
The combination of sweet apples and savory sausage is irresistible. Add breadcrumbs or wild rice for texture, and garnish with fresh parsley. The presentation of colorful squash halves filled with stuffing makes this dish stand out on the holiday table.
This recipe is flexible too—you can use chicken sausage for a lighter version or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian take.
Acorn squash is high in fiber and vitamin C, while apples bring antioxidants and natural sweetness.
Learn more about seasonal produce and its benefits in The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
No.10. Baked Salmon with Dill and Lemon
If you want a lighter Thanksgiving option, baked salmon is a fantastic choice. This recipe keeps it simple—fresh salmon fillets baked with olive oil, lemon, and dill until flaky and tender.
The lemon brightens the natural richness of the salmon, while dill adds a fresh, herby touch. Serve with roasted asparagus, wild rice, or a bright salad for balance.
Salmon is not only delicious—it’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. For guests who prefer seafood over poultry or beef, this dish is a winner.
Want to mix it up? Add a honey-mustard glaze or top with garlic butter before baking. Either way, you’ll have a dish that feels special yet effortless.
No.11. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
This mushroom and spinach lasagna proves that pasta can belong on the Thanksgiving table. Layers of noodles, creamy ricotta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach bake into a bubbling, golden casserole.
The dish is hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main but also pairs well with turkey or ham. Make it ahead of time and simply bake it before dinner, freeing you up for other holiday tasks.
Want a lighter option? Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add zucchini slices in place of some noodles. Either way, this lasagna is comforting, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
Mushrooms and leafy greens bring plenty of nutrients, including iron and antioxidants.
No.12. Turkey Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
Turkey pot pie is the ultimate comfort food and a clever way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. Chunks of turkey, carrots, peas, and potatoes are simmered in a creamy gravy, then baked under a flaky pastry crust.
The result is a warm, bubbling pie that captures the best flavors of Thanksgiving in one dish. It’s cozy, filling, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.
You can prepare this dish from scratch or with leftovers the next day—it’s equally delicious either way. Serve with a side salad to round out the meal.
Not only is this recipe satisfying, but it also reduces food waste by repurposing turkey.
For more on how whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables work together to fuel your body, explore The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving dinners are more than recipes—they’re traditions, stories, and memories served at the table. Whether you stick to the classic turkey, try a maple-glazed duck, or surprise your guests with a vegetarian shepherd’s pie, each dish adds love and warmth to the holiday.
The beauty of these recipes is that they’re festive yet approachable, making Thanksgiving cooking both joyful and stress-free. With fresh ingredients, a bit of planning, and a lot of heart, your table can overflow with flavors that everyone will cherish.
This year, let your Thanksgiving be about savoring every bite and every shared moment. Because in the end, it’s not just the food that makes the holiday special—it’s the people you share it with.
