Updated on English Recipes

Thanksgiving Recipe Favorites

The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate old traditions and create new ones, too. Some of the best traditions are recipes made for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Thanksgiving recipe favorites, both old and new.  

Mains and Sides

Here is a list of some of our fall dishes for your Thanksgiving table. You may see some of these on your table every year, and others might be a delicious surprise! 

Green Bean Casserole  

green bean casserole in a white glass casserole dish

Green beans, mushrooms, onions, and a whole lot of spices! This recipe is a fresh take on a classic with less sodium and more flavor. You’ll want to keep this dish around for future holidays and all celebrations in between.  

Holiday Stuffing 

holiday stuffing in a white casserole dish

Put this savory stuffing recipe on your Thanksgiving menu for a delicious side dish that is healthy and easy to make. You don’t have to forego taste to keep up your healthy eating habits during the holidays. 

Spicy Carrots and Squash 

roasted carrots and squash on a white dish

Sweet potatoes are not the only orange vegetable that you’ll want on your table this holiday. Carrots are another root vegetable packed full of vitamins for healthy skin and eyesight! Try topping this dish with chopped nuts or fresh herbs for extra flavor! 

For more information on how to incorporate red and orange vegetables in your diet, click here.  

Corn Bread 

corn bread cut into squares and placed on a white dish

Cornbread is a southern classic that belongs in every holiday spread! If you’re looking for more flavor or texture, try adding a can of whole kernel corn, smoked paprika, or jalapenos for an extra kick.  

Scalloped Potatoes 

scalloped potato dish in a white serving dish

Think outside the box with this creamy and crispy dish. If you want to serve potatoes but you’re tired of traditional mash potatoes, this recipe is for you! 

Kale and Cranberry Stir-Fry 

close up photo of stir-fried kale with cranberries scattered throughout

This recipe is a colorful and flavorful take on a greens side dish. Try adding chopped almonds or pecans at the end for extra crunch.  

Desserts

We’ve all got our eye on the dessert table. Here are some traditional recipes with fun fall twists for this holiday.  

Sweet Potato Cheesecake  

whole sweet potato cheesecake placed on a wooden counter top with leaves scattered around it

With less total and saturated fat than typical cheesecake recipes, a slice of this dessert is perfect for those who want to be mindful of their total fat intake.  

Apple Bread Pudding 

a serving of breaded apple pudding with icing drizzled over the top

Apples, cinnamon, and whole-grain bread make for a delicious fall dessert that is healthy too! 

Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins 

three chocolate pumpkin muffins arranged side-by-side with a dark background

This moist muffin will satisfy all your chocolate and pumpkin cravings. The secret ingredient is canned (or pureed) pumpkin that binds the ingredients together for a tasty, satisfying treat. 

 

Whether you are tackling Thanksgiving prep for the first time or you’re a holiday cook expert, we hope you found a new favorite dish in this list. Happy cooking!  

 

Written by Darci Bell, RDN, LD | Reviewed by Leslie Davis, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, and the Nutrition Education Team     

Posted: November 15, 2021