20 Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas

It is never too early to start brainstorming your next Thanksgiving Day meal! Whether you are the main chef, or responsible for bringing a side or two, you cannot go wrong with doing some research well in advance of the big day. The last thing you would want to happen is you bringing a side you just made for the first time and it tastes terrible! Practicing in advance makes it less stressful when you make it for the real thing.

Here are some great Thanksgiving dinner ideas you have to try!

1. French Bread Rolls

No amazing holiday meal is complete without bread! Instead of serving store-bought or formerly frozen rolls, why not make your own? This Crusty French Bread Rolls recipe is perfect to add to your list of Thanksgiving dinner ideas!

2. Pumpkin Bread Rolls

Elevate your roll game with these pumpkin-shaped rolls! Of course, you can never go wrong with classic rolls, but why not shake things up? Give this Pumpkin Bread Rolls with Cinnamon Butter recipe a shot! They are quick and easy to make and look adorable.

3. Herb Butter Turkey

For most families, the turkey is at the center of the Thanksgiving table. If this is your first time making a turkey, you might want to have a practice run, or at the very least give yourself more time than what you need to cook that bird! Consider adding this Super Juicy Turkey Baked In Cheesecloth recipe to your list of Thanksgiving dinner ideas for something that required minimal prepping.

4. Baked Ham

Some families like having both ham and turkey as options at their Thanksgiving dinner. If you or your family falls into this category, this copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe is perfect for you! This will take less than half the time you would spend on a turkey and is guaranteed to satisfy.

5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

While the meat might be the main focus of the meal, the sides are what everyone cares about the most! The combination of cheese and potatoes is quite possibly one of the best combinations known when it comes to side dishes! This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe for the chef who wants to keep it easy and delicious.

6. Garlic Parmesan Corn

While most of us would rather pile our plates with everything but vegetables, there is nothing wrong with balancing our plate out with some healthy sides we actually love! There is no shame in taking shortcuts on some of your Thanksgiving dinner ideas. Save time where you can and use frozen instead of fresh corn for this Fried Corn recipe!

7. Cranberry Sauce

Whether you like to drop some sauce on your turkey or just eat it with a spoon, there is no wrong way to eat this delicious Thanksgiving classic! Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own. This Cranberry Sauce Recipe only requires six ingredients and less than an hour of your time!

8. Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes are an absolute essential when it comes to any meal, especially holiday ones! Everyone knows that buttermilk makes everything better, so give this Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes recipe a try for yourself to change up your usual recipe.

9. Roasted Mushrooms

Looking for a low-calorie, simple side recipe? This recipe for Roasted Mushrooms is perfect! Not only do these look amazing, but their browned butter, garlic, and thyme sauce will leave your tastebuds wanting more.

10. Glazed Carrots

Why keep carrots simple when you can create something really special in a crockpot? Give this Honey Butter Thyme Crockpot Glazed Carrots recipe a try to elevate your usual cooked carrots!

11. Sweet Potato Souffle

This souffle deserves a place on your Thanksgiving dinner ideas! Is it a vegetable or a dessert? The world may never decide. Give this Sweet Potato Souffle recipe a spot on your list of sides!

12. Creamed Spinach

For some reason, spinach is always more tolerable when it is cooked! If you are looking for something fast, easy, and green to make for Thanksgiving, try this Creamed Spinach recipe. It looks amazing and will certainly make everyone at your table happy!

13. Roasted Beets

Beets are a simple way to add some color to your table. You can always jazz up a boring vegetable by adding some honey and ricotta cheese! This Oven-Roasted Beets with Honey Ricotta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next Thanksgiving dinner.

14. Baked Macaroni And Cheese

At Thanksgiving, macaroni and cheese always count as a vegetable. Instead of taking the easier route of box mac and cheese, consider making this side in a dish in the oven instead of cooking it on the stove. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a must!

15. Autumn Salad

While not many people add salads to their list of Thanksgiving dinner ideas, if you can find the right recipe, it could be a big hit! This Autumn Salad recipe is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table!

16. Apple Pomegranate Harvest Salad

This vibrant salad is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner! Your guests will not be able to resist the bright colors. Give this Apple Pomegranate Harvest Salad recipe a shot and see how it fairs with your dinner guests!

17. Caramel Apple Streusel Pie

While you can never go wrong with plain apple pie, there is no harm in elevating a fall favorite. This Caramel Apple Streusel Pie recipe is sure to become your new Thanksgiving go-to!

18. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

For a fun twist on a fall classic, try the cheesecake version of pumpkin pie! As a general rule, everyone loves cheesecake and pumpkin pie, so why not combine the two? Add this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe to your Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a different take on your favorite dessert!

19. Snickerdoodle Layer Cake

Everyone goes all out for Thanksgiving, so why not elevate snickerdoodle cookies to an amazing cake that will become a new must-have? This Snickerdoodle Layer Cake recipe looks too pretty to eat, but will effortlessly satisfy your sweet cravings!

20. Chocolate Chip Pie

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without some pie! For a unique twist on a cookie recipe everyone has fallen in love with over the years, try this Chocolate Chip Pie recipe for yourself.