Best Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas in 2024: A Feast to Remember

What does Thanksgiving remind you of? Celebrations and loved ones? Well, same. For us, it’s about sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in a delicious meal! Amazing Thanksgiving recipes build a yummy Thanksgiving menu. This year, it’s time you explore some mouth-watering dishes to amaze your guests and make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable.

Here we will cover a show-stopping main course, a crowd-pleasing side, and an indulgent dessert that will make you the star of Thanksgiving. Let’s wear our chef’s hat and five into the kitchen to whip up some new Thanksgiving recipe ideas!

1. Main Course: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter

To start things off we have the mainstay at any Thanksgiving dinner, the main character (or should we say, the main bird?) of any Thanksgiving meal—the turkey! For this Thanksgiving recipe, we’re giving the classic a modern twist with an aromatic herb and garlic butter rub.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lemon, halved

1 onion, quartered

2 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Start by removing the turkey from the packaging and pat-drying it with paper towels.

2. In a small bowl mix up the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.

3. Gently and thoroughly rub the garlic butter mixture all over the turkey. Be generous and make sure to get some under the skin for extra flavor.

4. Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters.

5. Place it (the turkey, of course!) in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. It will start simmering in the juices.

6. Roast the turkey for about 3-4 hours, and remember to keep basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving the bird and serving.

This Thanksgiving recipe turkey is flavorful, juicy, and has a crispy skin that will have your guests lining up for seconds.

2. Side Dish: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving dinners remain incomplete without a comforting side dish of mashed potatoes! We bring to you a Thanksgiving recipe for garlic mashed potatoes which is rich, creamy, and full of flavour. It will perfectly complement your turkey.

Ingredients

5 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan filled with salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. In a small saucepan pour the heavy cream and heat it along with cream, butter, and garlic over low heat until the butter is melted, and the garlic starts emanating fragrance.

3. Drain the potatoes and put them back in the pot. Use an electric mixer to quickly mash until smooth.

4. Slowly add the garlic butter mixture to the potatoes, stirring until creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

These Thanksgiving recipe sides have become the yummiest comfort food. Trust us, it is going to be the star of the table right next to the turkey.

3. Dessert: Classic Pumpkin Pie with a Twist

Another Thanksgiving staple is Pumpkin pie. But we bring this Thanksgiving recipe dessert with a little twist by incorporating a spiced whipped cream topping. The perfect way to finish off a hearty meal is given below!

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree

1 cup evaporated milk

3/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 pre-made pie crust

Whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon for topping

Directions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large bowl start whisking together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.

4. Bring down the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) & bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

5. Let the pie rest and cool before serving. Our serving suggestion is to add a dollop of spiced whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Trust us, this Thanksgiving recipe dessert has just the right amount of sweetness and warmth to round off your Thanksgiving feast.

How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

You can pull off a successful dinner if you sit down to plan a cohesive Thanksgiving recipe menu. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Balance the flavours: For a main course which is savoury, balance it with sweet or tangy sides. A rich dessert is balanced with lighter side dishes.

2. Incorporate seasonal ingredients: Use what’s fresh and readily available during the fall, like squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and Brussels sprouts.

3. Don’t forget about drinks: A signature cocktail or festive punch can elevate the meal.

Taking Your Leave

Thanksgiving recipe ideas that we have shared our perfect to host a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Now, it’s time to get cooking and make this Thanksgiving one for the books!