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    Home » Recipes » Baking Tips

    Best Thanksgiving Recipes and Planning Guide

    Published by Melissa on November 15, 2022 | Updated November 15, 2022 | 26 Comments

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    Take the guess work out of Thanksgiving with my tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipes. With my Thanksgiving Planning Guide, you’ll know what to cook and when to start it so that the entire dinner comes together at the same time. 

    collage of Best Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

    Thanksgiving dinner—it’s one of the biggest meals of the year! With so many sides and desserts (not to mention the will-it-ever-pop nature of turkey timers), it can be a challenge get the timing right! When do you need to start everything so that the entire meal will be hot-and-ready at the same time?!

    Spending a little time creating a plan helps take the stress out of Thanksgiving day.

    If you are one of the lucky ones in charge of hosting dinner this year, use one of my Thanksgiving planning guides to help you get your dinner on the table! It’ll tell you when to prepare and cook each of the items on your Thanksgiving menu. (Scroll down to the bottom of the post to download your guide.)

    Bread Stuffing on a white plate

    Best Thanksgiving Recipes

    I’m hosting a big crowd this year—my grown children alternate years at our house and their in-laws. This year, I’m so excited to be hosting my full family, complete with my in-laws, my son and his fiancee, my twins with their fabulous significant others, my daughter’s family with my wonderful grandsons and my tiny new granddaughter.

    For the most part, my family demands the classic, traditional Thanksgiving recipes that I’ve been cooking for years. However, I always throw in a few new things to keep it fun for me. Here’s my line up of Thanksgiving recipes for this year:

    Turkey

    Dry-Brined Turkey: I’ve been making this dry-brined turkey since 2010. The recipe is quite simple—just salt and turkey—and allows the turkey flavor to really come through. Plus, the dry brine ensures the turkey cooks up moist, flavorful, and delicious.

    Thanksgiving Turkey and Mashed Potatoes on a white plate

    Traeger Spatchcock Citrus Turkey: This turkey is new to our menu this year! I have loved cooking on my Traeger and have been looking forward to smoked turkey ever since I got it. I did a test run of this recipe for a family event, and my family devoured it and asked for more. Even though the flavors are a bit nontraditional, it makes a delightful gravy and would be a great fit for any Thanksgiving table.

    Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast: Yes, I’m cooking a third turkey this year. My grown children love it when I send them home with leftovers for turkey sandwiches, and making a quick turkey breast ensures we have enough gravy for seconds (and thirds) of mashed potatoes.

    Tips for the best Thanksgiving turkey:

    • If you’ve never roasted a turkey before, be sure to give yourself plenty of time so you’re not stressed about getting dinner on the table.
    • Make sure your turkey is fully defrosted; if there’s even a chance the center of the turkey is frozen, you’ll need to add extra cook time. (See the USDA’s recommended defrosting schedule here. It always seems to take longer than expected to defrost the turkey, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time.)
    • Take the guesswork out of cooking and use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your turkey is cooked to 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.

    Sides

    Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: These are a must-have at my house—you can’t even think of making turkey without lots of mashed potatoes for the gravy. I like to make my mashed potatoes early in the day and keep them warm in a crockpot with a little milk on top. For extra creamy potatoes, there’s no replacing my potato ricer.

    Mashed Potatoes in a white bowl

    If you make just one pressure cooker Thanksgiving recipe this year, let it be mashed potatoes. Seriously, steaming the potatoes in the pressure cooker is the best way to cook potatoes for mashing. No boiling over, no watching pots, no steamy kitchen. My Pressure Cooker Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the only way I’ve made potatoes since I started pressure cooking.

    If you’re looking for a nontraditional mashed potato recipe, try this Bacon and Caramelized Onions recipe.

    Bread Stuffing: This recipe is one I’ve been making for 40 years now, based on a recipe my sister-in-law gave me when I first got married. This bread stuffing features classic seasonings. The secret to this stuffing/dressing is toasting the cubed bread first—it dries the bread out, which allows it to absorb the broth and seasonings without getting mushy. I also have an Instant Pot Bread Stuffing Recipe “baked” in a pretty ring shape.

    Sweet Potatoes: Several years ago, I swapped out my marshmallowy syrupy-sweet recipe for Paula Deen’s Easy Sweet Potato Bake, and I’ve never once looked back. To make it even easier, I’ve converted it into a pressure cooker sweet potato casserole, and it’s a fixture around my table.

    Cranberry Jelly and Cranberry Sauce: I’ll be honest—I like cranberries a little on Thanksgiving day, but I really love them for day-after-Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches. My husband and boys still prefer the classic Cranberry Jelly, while I prefer a fancier Cranberry Sauce.

    Roasted Green Beans with Almonds served in a large white bowl

    Roasted Green Beans: Oftentimes, vegetables get overlooked at Thanksgiving dinner. Not with this recipe—my family frequently argues over who gets to finish these off. And I usually double or triple the amount of almonds so there’s enough to go around.

    Green Jello Cream Cheese Salad: I know that this is a Utah-centric food, but it’s just not Thanksgiving for me without this classic Jello salad recipe.

    a basket of homemade Lion House Rolls

    Dinner Rolls: My sons and grandsons are crazy about homemade rolls. Each year, I like to make a huge batch since there’s nothing better than turkey sandwiches on a homemade roll. This year, I’m planning to make my Lion House Rolls. These rolls are awesome—light and fluffy with a fun rolled shape. I also love these Crescent Rolls, which make a great base for a turkey sandwich.

    I really like parbaking my rolls to free up some time on Thanksgiving. Many years ago, I came across Frieda Loves Bread’s Brown & Serve Roll technique, and it’s still my go-to way to make rolls for Thanksgiving! They taste, look, and smell fresh-baked, but you do most of the hard work several days ahead of time!

    Desserts

    My favorite part of Thanksgiving is when it’s finally time to break out the pie! At my house, everyone has a favorite, and I often end up making at least three or four pies each year.

    Pecan pie  for Thanksgiving

    Pecan Pie: There’s a reason this pie is a Thanksgiving favorite! Pecan pie is such an easy pie to make—just whisk the ingredients together, toss in the nuts, and pour it into a pie crust. The nuts rise to the top and brown up beautifully as the pie cooks. For a twist on the classic, try my Cranberry Pecan Pie. This cranberry-citrus-pecan topping has a tangy-tart flavor that is an awesome alternative to sweet pies.

    Homemade Pumpkin Pie: What can I say—my husband loves the flavors he grew up eating. At this point, we still haven’t found a pumpkin pie recipe he prefers more than the classic Libby-on-the-label version. Since my husband is the main reason I make pumpkin pie, I sometimes cook a smaller one just for him in my pressure cooker.

    Brown sugar banana cream pie

    Brown Sugar Banana Cream Pie: This one is new to my menu this year—my grandsons are demanding it. They love the sweet brown sugar pudding and the crumbly crust.

    Lemon Blackberry Chess Pie: My mom loved Thanksgiving. Her favorite pies were lemon pies, so I’m always sure to include a lemon pie in her honor. This Lemon Blackberry Chess Pie is a great flavor combination with a beautiful presentation. If you want a more traditional lemon pie, however, you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Lemon Yogurt Pie or a No-Bake Lemon Cream Cheese Pie.

    See more of my favorite Thanksgiving Pies on my roundup post.

    Thanksgiving Planning Guide

    Once you’ve got the menu planned. It’s time to make a planning guide. Preparing as much as you can in the days before Thanksgiving helps alleviate a lot of the stress of a big meal. In addition, so many sides and desserts can be made ahead of time and either frozen and kept in the fridge ready to bake or serve.

    Download my Thanksgiving Planning Guide here, and use it as a template to make your own Thanksgiving meal.

    Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, love, and good food.

    Pin It:

    collage of Best Thanksgiving Recipes and Planning Guide and Timeline
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    About Melissa & Barbara

    As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lorraine @Not Quite Nigella

      November 20, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      One year I’d really like to do a Thanksgiving dinner but I don’t know if I would have the energy with Halloween and Christmas too! But if I do I’ll use this guide. Thanks mum! 😀

      Reply
    2. Kirsten

      November 11, 2015 at 5:33 am

      Barbara,
      Thanks for allowing me to share your round up in my Best Thanksgiving Round Ups post! I appreciate your contribution to the cornucopia of recipes. With your help, we’ve got hundreds of recipes for all sorts of Thanksgiving needs, from setting the table, to making ahead, to vegetarian dishes, to more desserts than my brain can comprehend.
      Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    3. Sarah Franz

      November 25, 2013 at 5:46 pm

      How do you make turkey stock when you don’t have the turkey carcass yet??

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 25, 2013 at 6:05 pm

        Hi Sarah – just buy some turkey parts. Wings, thighs, or legs.

        Reply
    4. Kate@Diethood

      November 24, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      You are definitely ready, Barbara. 🙂 LOVE your organizational skills!! And your menu is amazing!

      Reply
    5. My Inner Chick

      November 23, 2013 at 10:54 am

      WOW! Sounds Perfect.
      you are organized and fabulous!
      Brie Bites! YUM.
      perfect mashed potatoes! YESSSss.
      Have a Great Day W/ your family, dear! Xxx

      Reply
    6. angela@spinachtiger

      November 23, 2013 at 10:19 am

      What a great llist. I’ve been eying those dinner rolls and I agree about Libby’s pumpkin pie. I also do a dry brine and then I roast with cheesecloth. It’s a no fail. Have a happy Thanksgiving meal, Barbara. Mine is Sunday, a new tradition.

      Reply
    7. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

      November 23, 2013 at 6:43 am

      I had to laugh at the 20 lb turkey. I bought my turkey the other day and it’s about 10 pounds and it was one of the bigger ones at the store. They had one larger than this and it was $72 and it didn’t come close to 20 lbs. Turkey isn’t a big thing here so if you want it bad enough, you pay. 🙂 I’ve got a new American family member I’ve never met who’s coming for dinner and is dying for American food. Yay!

      I need to get my planning guide going!

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 23, 2013 at 9:01 am

        Wow $72 – I guess I shouldn’t tell you that I bought mine for $.99 a pound. 🙂 Have fun with your American Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    8. Andi

      November 22, 2013 at 7:59 pm

      Thanks I checked it out, so maybe sometime when you make another pie you can try this. here is my pie crust recipe and a picture of it before and after baked in a spiced up apple pie. Thanks Andi

      http://thewednesdaybaker.blogspot.com/2011/04/vinegar-pie-crust.html

      http://thewednesdaybaker.blogspot.com/2013/10/spiced-up-apple-pie-best.html

      Reply
    9. Andi

      November 22, 2013 at 5:21 pm

      thank you for doing this Barbara. A big help. I wonder if you have ever tried another pie crust recipe. I have one that you add vinegar, egg and water along with the flour shortening etc and I love it. Just wondering since you are a great cook to try my recipe sometime and let me know how you like it. I got this recipe from my mom that used this recipe for as long as I can remember.

      I think I would like to come to your house for dinner, everything looks so good
      Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family

      Andi thewednesdaybaker

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 22, 2013 at 5:33 pm

        Hi Andi – I have tried several recipes, but not one with egg. If you want to email it or send me a link, I’d be happy to give it a try one day.

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Barbara Schieving

          November 22, 2013 at 7:09 pm

          Andi – Handle the Heat did a fun pie crust comparison you should check out. http://www.handletheheat.com/2013/11/ultimate-pie-crust-guide.html

          Reply
    10. Melissa B

      November 22, 2013 at 4:52 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing your Thanksgiving planning guide! Lots of great planning tips and ideas!
      Pinning to my Thanksgiving board.

      Reply
    11. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

      November 22, 2013 at 2:08 pm

      I would love to go to a Thanksgiving dinner just once in my life-and yours is on the top of my wish list if you would have me! 😀 xxx

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 22, 2013 at 5:34 pm

        Sweet Lorraine – you are already on the guest list and I expect you in the kitchen as well. xoxo Mum

        Reply
    12. Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles

      November 22, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      You have a beautiful menu lined up, Barbara. Happiest Thanksgiving to you!

      Reply
    13. Carol

      November 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      I don’t cook Thanksgiving dinner any more-my daughter does the cooking now-I just have to organize the list of half the house that I’m bringing up there.

      I wish I was as organized as you are Barbara-your menu sounds over the top amazing. I would love to sample all the wonderful dishes you’re serving. I know everyone will push away from that glorious feast with very full tummies and VERY big smiles.

      A very happy and blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family,

      Carol

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 22, 2013 at 5:35 pm

        Thanks Carol! Happy Thanksgiving to you. I think having it at your daughter’s house sounds lovely.

        Reply
    14. jane maynard

      November 22, 2013 at 10:38 am

      this post blows my mind – love the organization! 🙂

      Reply
    15. Kalyn

      November 22, 2013 at 9:54 am

      I only dream about being this organized! Great post, and glad you liked the Broccoli Gratin. Will share this!

      Reply
    16. Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent

      November 22, 2013 at 9:49 am

      This looks great! Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    17. 2 Sisters Recipes

      November 22, 2013 at 9:43 am

      Wonderful planning Barbara! It certainly helps take relieve some of the stress that goes with this holiday every year! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    18. Maria

      November 22, 2013 at 7:45 am

      I want to come to your house for Thanksgiving:)

      Reply
      • Barbara Schieving

        November 22, 2013 at 8:22 am

        Wouldn’t that be fun. Although California sunshine does sound pretty awesome too.

        Reply
    19. Rosa

      November 22, 2013 at 7:12 am

      Great planning and dishes!

      Enjoying your Thanksgiving.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply

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