Whether you’re cooking for 2 or 20, here’s a collection of my top Thanksgiving recipes to make this year your best ever! Let the feasting begin!!
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Whole turkey or breast? Roasted or slow cooker? I’ve got you covered!
Warm Sides
Don’t skimp on sides. Some would argue sides trump the turkey! And everyone loves having choices!
Potato Sides
Potatoes, cream, butter and cheese. All the essential (comfort) food groups are right here!
Breads
To slather with butter, mop up gravies and clean your plates …
Rice Sides
Seasoned rice with golden mushrooms? A holiday spiced Cranberry Rice Pilaf with nuts? Rice sides on the table are a great option because they’re easy to reheat!
Side Salads
With all that turkey and gravy, heavy stuffings and creamy sides, fresh salads provide some welcome balance and cut through all the richness.
Sweet Ending
Pecan pie? Pumpkin pie? Or for bite size nibbles, how about profiteroles??
Can’t decide? Browse my Easy Thanksgiving Menu suggestions!
How I plan menus
This is my approach to planning menus: The main centrepiece is always the priority. Everything else works around it! The main factor is usually oven availability.
- Dream menu: Choose your dream menu. Forget calories and kitchen logistics!
- Prioritise the items. Turkey trumps salad. Mac and Cheese over roast veg. Cake trumps bread. etc.etc
- Fresh vs make ahead: Figure out which are best made fresh and which can be made ahead without loss of quality.
- Oven & cooking logistics: Determine the cook schedule of the recipes to see if it’s viable based on the cooking appliances you have available on the day. This includes reheating! The main factor for me is always oven availability.
- Adjust menu to work around conflicts. Start with the top priorities, and work the “less important” dishes around them.
- Delegate where possible! Don’t feel guilty about delegating. Your family and friends want to help! (a bit… 😂)
- Balance the menu. Never underestimate the power of great, crunchy, fresh salads!!
- Finalise new menu. Repeat above steps 2 to 7 as required!
Life of Dozer
I really wanted to finish with a decent, cheerful photo of Dozer and I to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving… This is the best I can do. A typical failed selfie attempt, clutching Dozer, squishing his face, trying to get him to look at the camera when the timer starts flashing…!!!
The photo might be ridiculous, but the spirit is there. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! ~ Nagi & Dozer x
Christy says
Do you have a non cajun dressing recipe?
Nagi says
I don’t, this is the one I use! Trying to get it up in the next 12 hours! But it’s an easy recipe to follow π N x http://hapanom.com/pork-sausage-dressing/
Sha says
Hi Nagi, Can I use the same ingredients and the same way of brining for cornish hen and pheasant?
Nagi says
Hi Sha! I am not familiar enough with those to say for sure, but I can say that I brine chicken the same way! Just scale the recipe to the weight by clicking on servings and sliding π N x
SUSEN ALEX says
Hey Nagi, Is it okay if i marinate/brine the juicy roast turkey recipe with garlic herb butter?
Nagi says
Hi Susan – absolutely! What I would do is follow the Juicy Roast Turkey recipe as written but only use salt (no spices). Rub salt all over and under skin per recipe. THEN add the garlic herb butter but DO NOT add salt into the butter (use the garlic herb butter in the Roasted Turkey Breast or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe). It’s important not to add salt because otherwise it will be too salty π N x
Renee says
Love the picture of you and Dozer! Thanks for all your great recipes!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Renee! Glad you enjoy them π N x
Kathy Crawford says
Love your blog and recipes. In Canada we have thanksgiving in October, same turkey oriented dinner but not the same family frantic hoopla that the USA goes through. In your turkey cooking methods could you publish a few recipes for those of us that prefer the dark meat? Deboned turkey thighs rolled over a sage stuffing, crock pot turkey thighs, etc. Our stores here used to sell turkey hindquarters but I haven’t seen them for awhile.
Love your pic with Dozer
Nagi says
Hi Kathy! I was just thinking that I’d love to do a rolled turkey next year! Keep an eye out π N x
Lucia Goldman says
Dearest Nagi,
Your recipes are always wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed at my home.
I should preface by saying that I am originally from Brasil, though I have been living in the US for 42 years.
We live in the Washington DC metropolitan area, so we will be celebrating Thanksgiving next Friday. I perused your Thanksgiving extensive menu but did not find a recipe for stuffing, which seems to have a frequent appearance in the American table. Would you provide us with one of your creations for savory stuffing? I usually prepare my fresh fruit/dry fruit recipe, but this year my daughter is asking for a savory one. I would be very interested in trying your creation. Love, Lucia
Nagi says
Hi Lucia! I’m actually making a video for stuffing today! This is the recipe I use -> http://hapanom.com/pork-sausage-dressing/ The only difference is that I mix it all up in a bowl using my hands because I find it easier. It’s soooo crazy good!
Lucia Goldman says
Oh, thank you dearest. You are a star! I will prepare your recipe for sure. Our hands and fingers are our best tools!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and Dozer
Donna B says
I really like the new format for showing all the recipes pertaining to a season/event such as Christmas together with photos. Makes it so much easier to find them at a time you need them. I also thought your Christmas spread photo from last year was great. Made my mouth water and gave me confidence to try that succulent glazed ham. Good on you, Nagi, youβre always coming up with new ideas and ways to do things such as this, the menu planner (which I also love), the hotline and asking people what recipes they wanted. I admire your style. Hugs to the adorable Dozer. The photo of you both is great even if 50% of the participants were less than willing! ππΎπΎ
Nagi says
I’m looking forward to doing this same format for Christmas! Thank you for the compliment Donna. I try to keep trying new things – gets boring just doing the same over and over!! N x
Eha says
Writing with love and admiration from rural Australia: Nagi, naturally I do not celebrate Thanksgiving and eat few of the dishes described even at other times. BUT . . . may I compliment you for one of the best and most useful posts I have seen in my nearly nine years of visiting food blogs around the world. Methinks you have made and will make such a huge difference in the quality of food served at Thanksgiving dinners wherever . . . kudos for your hard work and thorough knowledge and preparation . . . and some people commenting perchance could think twice ere they pen their words . . . You and Dozer: a perfect family photo π !
Nagi says
I just saw your email Eha….. You are seriously giving me a BIG HEAD!! π N x
Eha says
Milady – you are far, far too sensible and down-to-earth to ever ‘suffer’ from that π !
Vera G says
Yes, yes, YOU HAVE BEEN SOOOOOOOGOOD (is it going to last ) Haaa, Haaa. Better be good Santa is coming . Nagi I do fell better in my self on Friday am having blood test HOPE , HOPE FOR GOOD RESULTS /NEWS . 31st of October Drs did big boo boo, lesson to be learned. Sadly I wasn’t the only one, three of us with history of blood clots ’cause of twilight anaesthetic they are stoping MEDC for two days but they did NOT WANT TO GIVE ME UNTIL NIGHT TIME so by late afternoon it was to little to late. End up with blood clots in both legs. And to top at up time was wrong all Drs were on a way home so been in hospital end up having emergency. And had to stay in hospital for six days instead over night.SUCH AS LIFE. Now I like to say that Love your dear Mum Japanies vege soup. Just the way she tells the story of legend makes it so interesting to read . Also the Japanese alphabet is something I have not seen before. And talk about alphabet yesterday at the show there were group of Islam /Arab representing religion and older gentlemen could write your name in caliography and of cause I was in it but have learned that they do NOT HAVE LETTER. V NOR P INTERESTING TO SEE THE FANCY WRITING. OK THAT IS IT FROM ME. Cheerio!!
Nagi says
Oh dear Vera! I’m sorry to hear that. I am keeping my fingers crossed for good news too! N x
Debbie L. says
Love the Thanksgiving index…and you and Dozer. Happy Holidays!
Nagi says
So glad you like it Debbie! Was totally worth all the nerdy coding dramas!! π
Nagi says
Happy Holidays to you too Debbie!!! And Dozer sends over giant slobbery kisses – that’s after launching himself at you for a hug π
Vera G says
Thank you for endless work and photos but you know what I am going today : photo of two of you is icing on cake!! Yesterday went to Mind, Body and spirit show, Love it. We had South wind yesterday, cold, 16 C was like only 11C, today Ok, from Sunday warm, Monday hot and Tues everything, hot, humid steaming change night time and possible rain for next 4 days. At last. Hope you have BIG Weekend, enjoy what ever you are doing.
Nagi says
Ohhh! I was that good?? I have heard about it but never been! Hope you have a great weekend too Vera! Feeling better?? N xx
Jan Hunter says
Hi Nagi – you asked whay we thought of the new idex …. I love it, it is well laid out& the interface is excellent π
Thanks for all your hard work!
Nagi says
Thanks Jan! I’m so glad I figured out how to make this index, now I can do it for Christmas and all sorts of other things! Like dinner party menus! So handy π N x
Naomi says
Thank you Nagi for all the recipes you make for us. When we celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, I will be thankful for your recipes!
I love the picture of you and Dozer. Y’all are adorable!
Nagi says
Love the thought of some of my recipes making it to your Thanksgiving table Naomi!! So I will be there in spirit β€οΈ N xx
Leah says
That turkey breast is going to find it’s way to my Christmas table, along with your gravy on some Duchess and Scalloped au Gratin potatoes. A few other items from this site will find their way as well, and I’m already looking forward to it!
Love the photo Nagi, it’s perfectly right! Hugs to you and Dozer! π
Nagi says
Ooh Duchess potatoes are on my list for next year!! Last time I tried them they went flat π©
Leah says
Mine used to as well, but I changed a little something in the recipe I was using which called for 3 egg yolks. I changed it to 2 yolks, and 1 full egg thinking the egg white might cause a firmer texture. It worked! I beat the eggs well before adding too…not sure which did the trick…but the recipe works now.
I also changed up the tip I used to pipe them, I use a Wilton #1M that I’ve straightened the tips of a bit. It produces a larger rope with lovely deep little grooves for trapping LOTS of gravy! It’s all about the gravy. Yep!
PS, if it’s just me having some of the goodness, I also add a sprinkle of Panko crumbs to give it some texture. O.M.Gosh! Good stuff!
Charlie says
Thanks Leah!
Charlie says
Leah:
They sound delicious!
Would you want to share the recipe?
Kudos for thinking on your feet!
Leah says
PPS, I use Russet potatoes so I don’t know how the Yukon Gold’s work, but returning the pot to the heat to help get rid of moisture is a really important step. Full disclosure here: if I feel the texture of the potatoes is too soft to hold I have added a sprinkling of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to perk them up. I also do ALL steps by hand, no electrics to gum up the works. So to speak.
Just re-reading what I wrote up top, I use 1 egg yolk and 1 whole egg when using extra jumbo eggs (what I normally buy), otherwise 2 and 1 applies.
Leah says
Hi Charlie,
I just use the recipe found at Simply Recipes, but use 1 egg yolk and 1 whole egg. Potatoes work up easier and better if they’re riced vs mashed, but if you mash – don’t over mash! That makes them gummy because it releases too much starch…they also become gummy and ucky if you add cold ingredients to hot potatoes too! Don’t ask how I know that.
I heat the cream to hot, add all the rest of the ingredients including well beaten eggs (tempered of course)…then add to the potatoes. Depending on the potato you use, you might use it all, you might not. You’ll know by texture. Then just sprinkle panko crumbs over them before baking…or if you’re a real heathen like me…make that panko and parmesan cheese. But then, they’re not really Duchess potatoes any more! π They’re just good potatoes! π
Nagi says
Oooh!!! Next year…. Duchess Potatoes that actually keep their form with CRUNCH!!!! All credit to you π N x
Lyn says
Such a fantastic well orgaized job! That’s one of the reasons we all cook your recipes. Also because they are so delicious! Thanks
Nagi says
Thank you Lyn!! I really have to force myself to take a day out from cooking to do things like this because there was all this tech stuff that I had to figure out, and you KNOW I hate tech things!!! But it was well worth it I think, I like that this is an easy way for me to browse my holiday recipes! N xx
J says
OMG! Enough of this bickering please!π±
Nagi and Dozer just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
So N, Happy Thanksgiving to you too, even thou it isn’t ur holiday!
I’m grateful for finding ur blog and to try some new recipes that always come out great! I also think of you as a friend cuz when I comment you always comment back…some bloggers don’t.
I also love to see what Dozer is doing, whether he’s getting into trouble or just being cute…when sleeping! π
It’s also really sweet of you to answer everyone’s questions so they can have a stress-free day.
A virtual hug cuz ur the best with a great sense of humor…like me! π
Happy Thanksgiving to all the people that read your blog! Have a great day to all the non Thanksgiving people too! J x
Charlie says
J: I’m sorry if you think I was bickering.
Honestly I wasn’t!
I was just stating facts. I didn’t expect Nagi to change anything.
Sorry if you felt otherwise.
I just love Nagi, and wouldn’t do anything to upset her.
Nagi says
I didn’t take offence!! π I actually feel bad because I always forget Canadian Thanksgiving. Because it’s not as “loud” as it is in America! π
Charlie says
:~D
J says
It’s ok Charlie! I was defending her cuz that’s what you do for a friend…even thou we prob won’t ever meet in person! π
Nagi’s blog is upbeat, friendly, with no negativity and she jokes and makes it fun to read too!
Also all her great photos with her delicious recipes that are well thought of and put together carefully, shows she cares about everything and everyone that comes here to read it!
You do N!!!
Wow! I’ve been missing out on another turkey dinner all this time! π± My Dad comes from Canada and would speak French when his relatives came here to visit everyone. I remember them bringing over big rd Canadian bacon and bologna for each family when I was a kid! The kind you get in a deli…that big! π One Uncle would always give each child a dollar, but I was too shy to take it! I missed out! π
Charlie says
:~D
Nagi says
Well, most often he is getting in trouble, is he not?? π HUGS back to you! Happy Thanksgiving! I look forward to hearing all about it! N xx
Tara says
I’ve loved reading the recipes these past few weeks as I planned our holiday dinner this year. Still can’t decide which turkey method I’ll use since I’m doing 2 breasts (1 on Thanksgiving, 1 the day before). Having everything together is great so thank you.
I officially invite you to join us next year to celebrate Thanksgiving in the states (Ohio to be exact). You won’t even have to cook (much). You have my email! π
Nagi says
Oooh! Really! π I would LOVE to spend Thanksgiving in the States one year!! N x
Tara says
We’d LOVE to have you…the invitation will remain open!
Jenn says
I used your slow cooker turkey recipe last year and can’t wait to make the new one this year.
I will NEVER cook a turnkey in the oven again! I make turkey and ham so the oven is free for everything else I cook.
Now that I have an Instant Pot too, turkey in the slow cooker and ham in the pressure cooker. My Thanksgiving meal will me much less hassle this year π Much love from Ohio!
Happy Thanksgiving Nagi and Dozer.
Nagi says
I agree Jenn! For us it’s either turkey or ham in the oven, and we almost always have ham so turkey is always in the slow cooker! N x
Nicole says
Thank you! And: LOVE the picture!!!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome!!! #DodgySelfie
Regina says
I am thankful Nagi for ALL that you do. I love and am thankful for Dozer he brightens my day. Great photo!
Nagi says
Thanks for the sweet message Regina! Happy Thanksgiving! N x