Every year I polish up my Thanksgiving recipes as part of this extensive guide that I have been building for the past decade. I’ve tried to cover everything – from a primer on turkeys to what to do with leftovers. If you have any thoughts or anything questions, let me know! I’ll be adding more Thanksgiving recipes throughout the month. Be sure to check out my Thanksgiving online cooking class on Nov. 12th!

[Updated October 2023]

Sick of Cooking? Get Thanksgiving in a Box

Order in from a local restaurant, try a meal kit or a pre-cooked sides or the whole thing.

27 Holiday Dinner Tips from the Pros

Food writer friends weigh in on planning and executing a Thanksgiving meal. I asked what strategies they’ve learned and pulled them together for a guide every cook can use.

Frequently Asked Questions: Turkey

A one-page guide to common questions featuring brief, sensible answers. From what type of bird to buy to how to cook it and carve it. I even tackle whether you can cook a frozen turkey.

What to Buy? How Much Per Person?

Just getting everything together can be daunting. How much to buy, what to buy and how to store it? I’ve got answers.

How to Make Foolproof Gravy and What to do When Gravy Goes Wrong

Say goodbye to gravy nerves with this straightforward guide with bulletproof ratio and what to do when gravy goes wrong.

Processed vs Homemade

I challenged a group of firefighters to tell the difference between homemade sides compared to the same ones from boxes, cans and jars. The result? Take a look.

19 Great Ideas for Leftovers

Leftovers are just as much of a holiday tradition as turkey and cranberry sauce. I’ve pulled some creative ways to make the most of them.

 Foolproof Thanksgiving Recipes

Easy as Pie

Pie maven Kate McDermott from Art of the Pie on the perfect pie crust, plus why no one should feel guilty using canned pumpkin.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, not lumpy, my Le Cordon Bleu-inspired recipe with a video by Chef John of FoodWishes.com

Cranberry Relish with Orange and Port

If you can open a can of cranberries, you can make my family’s recipe for this classic from scratch. Promise.

 Potato Gratin with Chevre and Pancetta

A different take on potatoes from food writer Jess Thompson that can be made in advance and heated up just before the big dinner.

Carrots roasted with Mustard

Surprisingly simple, strikingly tasty. Another winner from Jess Thompson’s book, Cooking Up Washington

Bread Stuffing with Apples, Bacon and Caramelized Onions

A simple, classic recipe from the celebrated food writer Diane Morgan. Cook the onions and bacon a day in advance, toss ingredients together and bake.

Carrot and Rosemary Soup

An inexpensive, easy way to put the flavor of autumn in a bowl. Another make-ahead recipe with a complex taste but simple steps.

Finishing Butter

Adding a pat of flavored butter to simply prepared vegetables is perhaps the easiest side dish of them all. Learn just how easy it is to assemble.

 

Techniques, Tips and More Thanksgiving Recipes:

• The Kitchn: How to Make Turkey Gravy (Ahead of Thanksgiving)
• Delish.com: Ideas for Procrastinators (or those too busy to plan ahead
• SavvyEat: How to Put Together a Thanksgiving Menu (great infographic!)
• Tasting Table: One Pan One Hour Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner (serves up to four)
• House of Brinson: An amazing Thanksgiving in a Pot recipe (with slide show)

Beverages

• Creative Culinary: Cranberry Cocktail (can be non-alcoholic, too)
• FarmFreshFeasts: Slow-Cooker Apple Chai (alternative non-alcoholic drink)

Some of the pages in this guide include affiliate links. Questions? Email me.