20+ Thanksgiving Meal Recipe Ideas Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are starting to plan their holiday meals. While traditional dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are always a hit, it's always fun to switch things up and try something new. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or having a small intimate dinner, here are some delicious and creative ideas for your Thanksgiving meal.
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Apple Juice, Ground Ginger, Ground
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and try out some new recipes. And what better way to add some fall flavor to your Thanksgiving feast than with some delicious pumpkin butter? This homemade pumpkin butter recipe will have your taste buds singing and your guests coming back for seconds.
This pumpkin butter is made with a blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect spread for your Thanksgiving rolls, biscuits, or even on top of your turkey. Plus, it's so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time at all. Trust us, your Thanksgiving table won't be complete without this delicious homemade pumpkin butter.
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Delicious and Quick Thanksgiving Meal When You Have to...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Butternut Squash, Brussel Sprouts, Acorn
We've all been there – Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you suddenly find out that you have to host the big meal. Panic sets in, and you start to worry about how you'll get everything done in time. But fear not, because we have the perfect solution for you.
This quick and delicious Thanksgiving meal is perfect for those last-minute hosting situations. It's a one-pan wonder that includes all your Thanksgiving favorites – turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. And the best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make, so you can have a stress-free Thanksgiving meal without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.
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Pumpkin Crunch – The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin Puree, Evaporated Milk, Granulated Sugar, Large
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious dessert to finish it off. And this pumpkin crunch recipe is the perfect way to end your Thanksgiving feast. It's a delectable combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and a crunchy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This pumpkin crunch is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones on Thanksgiving day. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
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Everyday Thanksgiving Casserole
Main Ingredients: Knorr Rice Sides Creamy Chicken, Cut Up Cooked
Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence, but sometimes you want to enjoy those classic Thanksgiving flavors without going overboard. That's where this everyday Thanksgiving casserole comes in. It's a lighter take on the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but still packs a punch in terms of flavor.
This casserole is made with lean ground turkey, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, and a sprinkle of crispy onions on top. It's a perfect option for those watching their waistline, but still want to enjoy the taste of Thanksgiving. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover turkey from the big meal.
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Thanksgiving Pumpkin Trifle Dessert
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Packed Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Puree
If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for your Thanksgiving feast, look no further than this pumpkin trifle. Layers of pumpkin cake, whipped cream, and caramel sauce make for a delicious and visually appealing dessert that will impress all your guests.
The best part about this dessert is that you can make it ahead of time and assemble it right before serving. It's a great option for those who want to save time on Thanksgiving day but still want a decadent dessert to end the meal.
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Meal Prep – Healthy Roasted Chicken and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts Boneless Skinless, Broccoli Florets
Thanksgiving can be a heavy meal, so why not balance it out with a healthy and delicious meal prep option? This roasted chicken and veggies meal prep is perfect for those who want to enjoy a nutritious and filling meal without all the guilt.
The chicken is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted with a mix of vegetables for a flavorful and colorful meal. It's a great option for those who want to get back on track with healthy eating after indulging on Thanksgiving day.
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Pumpkin Pie Cake {Thanksgiving Dessert}
Main Ingredients: Butter, Eggs, Butter Cake Mix, Pumpkin Puree
If you can't decide between pumpkin pie and cake for your Thanksgiving dessert, why not have both? This pumpkin pie cake combines the best of both worlds, with a layer of pumpkin pie on top of a spiced cake base.
It's a unique and delicious twist on the classic pumpkin pie, and it's a great option for those who want to mix things up this Thanksgiving. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.
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Meal Prep – Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Oil
Another great meal prep option for Thanksgiving is this teriyaki chicken and broccoli dish. It's a quick and easy meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to eat.
The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served with steamed broccoli for a well-balanced and flavorful meal. It's a great way to switch things up from the traditional Thanksgiving fare and add some Asian-inspired flavors to your feast.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie
Main Ingredients: Brewed Espresso, Pumpkin Puree, Vanilla Yogurt, Pure
If you're a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, you'll love this pumpkin spice latte smoothie. It's a healthier, dairy-free version of the popular fall drink, and it's perfect for a quick breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.
This smoothie is made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a shot of espresso for that signature pumpkin spice latte flavor. It's a great way to get your caffeine fix and some fall flavors all in one delicious drink.
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
Add some holiday cheer to your Thanksgiving dessert table with these pumpkin chai cupcakes. They're a unique and delicious twist on traditional pumpkin desserts, with a hint of warm chai spices in every bite.
The cupcakes are topped with a creamy chai frosting, making them the perfect treat for a festive Thanksgiving celebration. Plus, they're so easy to make that you can whip them up in no time at all.
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Pumpkin Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Light Brown Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Salt
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a classic pumpkin pie. This tried and true recipe will give you the perfect pie every time, with a flaky crust and a creamy pumpkin filling.
It's a simple and delicious dessert that will please everyone at your Thanksgiving table. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert experience.
If you're tired of traditional Thanksgiving flavors, switch things up with these Italian chicken meal prep bowls. They're a great option for those who want a break from all the heavy holiday food and crave something light and flavorful.
The bowls are filled with tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a homemade Italian dressing, making for a nutritious and tasty meal. They're also perfect for those who want to meal prep for the week ahead and have a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Butter Margarine, Medium Onion, Celery Stalks, Kosher
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without some delicious stuffing. This recipe takes the classic side dish to the next level with the addition of apples, cranberries, and pecans.
The sweet and savory flavors in this stuffing will complement your Thanksgiving turkey perfectly. Plus, it's so easy to make that you'll wonder why you haven't been making it this way all along.
Of course, we can't forget the star of the Thanksgiving show – the turkey. This roasted turkey recipe will give you a perfectly cooked and flavorful bird every time.
The secret to a delicious turkey is in the seasoning, and this recipe uses a blend of herbs and spices to infuse the meat with flavor. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a Thanksgiving turkey that will have your guests raving.
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Thanksgiving Margarita
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Pumpkin Puree, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Lime
Add a festive twist to your Thanksgiving celebrations with this Thanksgiving margarita. It's a refreshing and tasty cocktail that will have your guests feeling thankful in no time.
The margarita is made with cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, and triple sec, giving it a tangy and sweet flavor that will pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal. Serve it with a salted rim for a classic margarita experience.
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Pre Thanksgiving Meal- Crock Pot Pork Chops
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Cream Of Celery Soup, Cream Of
If you're looking for an easy and delicious meal to make before Thanksgiving, these crockpot pork chops are the answer. They're a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
The pork chops are slow-cooked with a blend of spices and a tangy BBQ sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meat that falls off the bone. Serve it with some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Taco Meal Prep Bowls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Brown Rice, Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Chili
Who says you have to stick to traditional Thanksgiving flavors? These taco meal prep bowls are a great way to mix things up and add some Mexican flair to your holiday feast.
The bowls are filled with spiced ground beef, black beans, corn, and all your favorite taco toppings. They're also perfect for those who want to meal prep for the week ahead and have a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
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Meal-Prep Shrimp Taco Bowls
Main Ingredients: Medium Shrimp, Olive Oil, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Chili
If you're not a fan of beef, why not try these meal-prep shrimp taco bowls instead? They're a lighter and healthier option, but still packed with flavor and all your favorite taco fixings.
The shrimp is marinated in a blend of spices and served with a mix of vegetables and quinoa for a well-balanced and tasty meal. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy some Thanksgiving flavors without all the heavy dishes.
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Thanksgiving Trifle Dessert
Main Ingredients: Cake, Ginger Snap Cookies, Instant Vanilla Pudding
If you want to impress your guests with a visually stunning dessert, this Thanksgiving trifle is the way to go. Layers of pumpkin cake, vanilla pudding, and whipped cream make for a delicious and eye-catching dessert.
The trifle is also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Serve it in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful layers and watch as your guests gobble it up.
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Honey Cornbread Muffins, and My Thanksgiving Meal
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda
Lastly, we couldn't end this list without a mention of these honey cornbread muffins. They make the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal, with a touch of sweetness and a hint of buttery flavor.
These muffins are so easy to make and can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. They're also a great option for using up any leftover cornbread from your Thanksgiving stuffing. Trust us, your guests will thank you for these delicious muffins.
Vegetarian Options
Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie
For those who are looking for a meatless alternative for their Thanksgiving meal, this vegan lentil shepherd's pie is the perfect option. It's hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein from the lentils. Plus, the layers of mashed potatoes and vegetables make it a beautiful and festive addition to your dinner table. Your guests will be surprised and delighted by this unique twist on a classic dish.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Another great vegetarian option is stuffed acorn squash. This dish is not only delicious and nutritious, but it also adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread. Simply roast halved acorn squash and fill them with a mixture of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs. It's a burst of fall flavors in every bite and will leave your guests wanting more.
International Flavors
Moroccan Spiced Turkey
For those who want to add some excitement and global flavors to their Thanksgiving meal, try a Moroccan spiced turkey. This recipe calls for a rub made from a blend of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, which gives the turkey a unique and bold flavor. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised by this twist on the traditional turkey.
Indian Style Stuffing
Instead of the usual bread stuffing, why not try an Indian-inspired stuffing? This dish uses aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala to add a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. It's a great way to incorporate international flavors into your holiday feast.
Healthier Options
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
If you're looking for a healthy and tasty side dish for your Thanksgiving meal, try roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. The Brussels sprouts become tender and caramelized when roasted, and the balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy element to the dish. It's a simple and flavorful addition to your menu that your guests will love.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
For a healthier twist on traditional mashed potatoes, try using cauliflower instead. Roasted cauliflower is blended with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream to create a creamy and delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies and lighten up your Thanksgiving meal.
Incorporating some of these unique and flavorful ideas into your Thanksgiving meal will not only add variety to your menu but also impress your guests. With these delicious and creative recipes, your Thanksgiving feast is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and try something new this year, your taste buds will thank you.