Bringing everyone together over a meal is what Thanksgiving is all about, and these 19 mom-approved dishes are perfect for the occasion. With these recipes, you can focus on the company instead of complicated cooking, knowing that each dish has that holiday touch families appreciate. This collection has everything you need to create a full Thanksgiving spread with ease and heartwarming flavors.

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

A closeup of a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On chilly Thanksgiving evenings, warming up with a bowl of Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup can bring comfort to your dinner table. This soup blends wholesome veggies into a creamy consistency that’s both nutritious and filling, making it a hit with moms who prize both health and flavor. It’s an ideal starter for your feast or a cozy dish to enjoy while catching up with loved ones. And when the conversation is as heartwarming as the meal, you’ve got the recipe for a memorable holiday.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Soup

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining the traditional turkey with a twist, this Turkey & Apple Panini introduces a crunchy, sweet note to your Thanksgiving spread. Each bite offers a unique combination that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s an excellent choice for using up those leftovers in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather around the table for these Paninis, and watch the smiles spread as easily as the warmth from this comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a side dish that’s as easy as it is impressive, turn to Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. They emerge from the air fryer with a crisp exterior and tender inside, providing a simple yet splendid addition to your Thanksgiving table. This fuss-free approach allows more time for family games or simply sharing stories. Every forkful is a reminder of how simple ingredients can create a festive atmosphere during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

A bowl of red pepper and tomato soup next to a plate of bread and a spoon.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

As the autumn winds whisper outside, a bowl of Red Pepper & Tomato Soup offers a warm embrace. It’s a bright and cheerful dish that serves as a pleasant contrast to the heavier holiday favorites. This soup is sure to stand out amid the Thanksgiving spread with its rich hues and inviting aroma. Relish in its comforting presence as you relax with family, cherishing the flavors as much as the moment.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks take a beloved classic and present it with a touch of elegance. Each stack is a savory morsel of tradition and innovation, making it a must-try on mom’s special holiday menu. Not only are they impressive to look at, but they also leave your diners reaching for another. As these stacks disappear from the platter, they leave behind memories as layered and rich as the dish itself.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Cider Sangria

Two glasses of cider sangria with cinnamon sticks.
Cider Sangria. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your Thanksgiving toast with a pitcher of Cider Sangria, a festive beverage that melds fall flavors into a drinkable feast. It’s an ideal pairing for any dish and a refreshing shift from the usual holiday drinks. Your guests will be charmed by its spirited twist on tradition and the way it complements the meal. As you sip and enjoy this sangria, it’s bound to spark conversations and cheer that last long after the glasses clink.
Get the Recipe: Cider Sangria

Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

A plate of Prosciutto & Parmesan Puff Pastry pinwheels.
Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Roll into the holiday spirit with Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels, a savory tidbit that’s as whimsical as it is delicious. Each pinwheel is a flaky bite of joy, perfect for piquing your appetite before the main feast begins. These crowd-pleasers go fast, so you may want to make an extra batch. Share and swirl these around as you count your blessings and bask in the golden glow of Thanksgiving companionship.
Get the Recipe: Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Smoked Turkey Thighs

Smoked turkey thigh on a white plate.
Smoked Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Turkey Thighs offer a deep, rich flavor that’s a robust alternative to the traditional holiday bird. The smoking process infuses each thigh with a unique taste that stands out on a day dedicated to indulgence. It’s sure to be a conversation starter, with its aroma alone tantalizing your guests as they step through your door. Whether it’s your first time smoking a turkey or a cherished tradition, this dish is bound to become a highlight of the day.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Thighs

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let your slow cooker take some of the holiday strain with Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans that simmer to perfection with minimal effort. This side dish frees you up to focus on your family and the joy of the season. It gently cooks the beans into a tender treat that is sure to complement any Thanksgiving entrée. Enjoy the leisure of the day as the slow cooker does the work, and enjoy the results as a testament to the simple pleasures that Thanksgiving brings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

A glass of Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned garnished with sliced apples on a skewer.
Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A sip of Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned perfectly encapsulates the essence of Thanksgiving in a glass. It’s a concoction that pays homage to the classic dessert while bringing a new level of warmth to the celebration. Toast to your family’s health and happiness, letting the smooth flavors accompany the toasty indoor chatter. This drink offers a refined pause amid the holiday buzz, inviting you to relish every moment and every sip with gratitude.
Get the Recipe: Gibson’s Apple Pie Old Fashioned

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a touch of smoke to your Thanksgiving with Smoked Carver Ham—an entrée that’s both majestic and heartily enjoyed. It offers a departure from the typical turkey and brings a smoky, savory bounty to your autumn feast. This entrée promises to be the center of attention on your dining spread. Engage in festive laughter and sharing as each slice of ham is served, making this Thanksgiving uniquely memorable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon is a delicious twist on a classic side dish that brings a pop of tartness and a hint of sweetness to your palate. It’s a surprising trio that balances the richer flavors of your other Thanksgiving favorites. This side is sure to provoke curiosity and leave guests eager for a taste. Bask in the robust conversations that this unique dish will inspire as varied palates come together in celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

A glass of Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour.
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For beverage enthusiasts at the table, Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour plays into the medley of Thanksgiving offerings. This cocktail brings an inviting warmth to the festivities, with its smooth maple hints and smoky undertones. It’s a top-shelf choice for sipping slowly as the evening unwinds and the appreciation for good food and company deepens. Raise a glass to tradition, to innovation, and to the special touch that turns a meal into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Serve up a side of Wild Rice Salad for a hearty yet refreshing counterpoint to the indulgent main courses. Its presence on your table provides a wholesome variety that’s as visually appealing as it is on the palate. It stands out as a dish that seamlessly blends health with a hearty taste. As leaves rustle outside and laughter fills your home, enjoy the balance and bounty that this salad brings to your Thanksgiving cornucopia.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

A white rectangular plate Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffin topped with chocolate chips.
Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins bring the playful spirit of fall to your dessert table with their moist, spongy texture and familiar festive spices. These muffins are a convenient treat that can be whipped up in a pinch, perfect for when festive activities fill the day. They’re just the right size for a sweet finish to your Thanksgiving meal without being overly indulgent. Watch as hands reach for just one more, while stories and pumpkin-spiced laughter fill the room.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Indulge in the creamy, comforting embrace of Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese, a dish that feels like home. This Thanksgiving staple satisfies all ages and tastes with its timeless appeal. It’s the ultimate comfort food that makes everyone feel like a kid again, even if just for a meal. Exchange tales of past holidays and create new memories over spoonsful of this cheesy treat, as the familiar taste anchors you in the warmth of the season.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A slice of no-bake pumpkin cheesecake delight on a white plate, partially eaten with a fork resting on the plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Simplify your dessert spread with a No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake that sets itself apart in both taste and ease. Without the need for oven time, this dessert marvel saves space and stress, allowing you to mingle and enjoy the holiday cheer. It’s a light yet luxurious finale to your Thanksgiving dinner that’s bound to become a new favorite. This cheesecake is a testament to the sweetness of the holiday—effortless, yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Two bowls of cranberry sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Add a fresh twist to a Thanksgiving classic without the added sweetness with Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce. It’s an inclusive dish that ensures everyone can dip into the tradition, regardless of their dietary preferences. This sauce is as vibrant on your plate as the autumn leaves are on the trees, making it an essential element of your Thanksgiving palette. Enjoy the healthful goodness as it mingles with every layer of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A Traeger Smoked Turkey could be the show-stopper at your Thanksgiving gathering, offering a spin on the holiday bird that’s infused with rich, smoky nuances. The aroma alone promises to stir up anticipation and appetite as it wafts through your home. This turkey takes center stage not just for its flavor, but for the dedication it represents—a reminder of the care put into every aspect of Thanksgiving. Amidst shared stories and grateful hearts, it makes the feast all the more special.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

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