Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the American holiday season. It’s a great time to get together with friends and family to eat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. For anyone who has hosted Thanksgiving you know that it’s best to go into this holiday with a list and a plan.
The following is a concise list of main dishes, sides, desserts, and crafts from my website and a few others. I have tried all of these and love to include them in my plan with family and kids over the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you find this list helpful, and happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Main Dish Turkey Recipes
Let’s talk Turkey. Whether you like turkey or you hate turkey, this holiday 8-25 pound bird is the main event. If you’ve never cooked a turkey before, one of my favorite posts is from the Bewitchin’ Kitchen called How to Cook Turkey Like a Boss. That post is my go-to refresher for turkey do’s and don’ts.
They also have a recipe for Roast Turkey with Prosciutto, Rosemary, and Roasted Garlic that is a little more fancy and brings a delicious twist the Thanksgiving usual.
There are so many fabulous turkey recipes on the web that I haven’t created a specific one for a basic Thanksgiving turkey. Instead, if you want to switch things up for Thanksgiving, here is my favorite and easy recipe for Baked Turkey Wings.
However you like your turkey, these few recipes are great ones to review when you’re getting started.
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
Thanksgiving is my favorite time to enjoy delicious side dishes. Here are some classics that never fail to impress.
Easy Turkey Gravy -My Nourished Home, This is my recipe for turkey gravy that is fast and works great every time!
Turkey Gravy Without Drippings – The Bewitchin’ Kitchen, This is a recipe from the TBK on how to make turkey gravy if you don’t have drippings from the actual turkey. It’s great in a pinch or if you’re buying already cooked turkey.
Homemade Stuffing– The Bewitchin’ Kitchen, This homemade stuffing is oh so tasty and a must-have at any Thanksgiving meal.
Yams with Marshmallows – My Nourished Home, This is my favorite, whether you are using sweet potatoes or yams, the recipe is the same. You can also prep this one ahead of time and then simply top with marshmallows and bake on the day of.
Garlic Rosemary Bread -The Bewitchin’ Kitchen, For a different holiday twist, this Garlic Rosemary Bread pairs really well with Roast Turkey with Prosciutto, Rosemary, and Roasted Garlic.
Soft Dinner Rolls– For more traditional rolls, I also love these soft dinner rolls from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole– If you prefer a traditional green bean casserole, this casserole recipe is from Sally’s Baking Addiction. I’ve made it and love that it doesn’t use canned soup. Instead you make your own cream sauce. It’s delish!
Green Beans with Tomato Jam– Instead of green bean casserole, I prefer these classic cut green beans with tomato jam. They are so delicious, my family asks for it every year.
Creative Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving is a great time to get creative with desserts. While classic pumpkin pie is a must-have, there are many cute ideas for kids and adults alike that I love.
My favorite for kids are these Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes! They are fun to make and my kids love decorating them every year.
I love making Pumpkin Cheesecake Hand Pies from TheBewitchinKitchen.com. They are quick to prepare and have a delicious cream cheese filling. These tasty treats can be made in just twenty minutes.
TheBewitchinKitchen.com also has a fun twist on classic pies. It’s called Pumpkin and Apple Pie-in-a-Pie. This unique dessert combines two flavors into one delightful experience. Both pumpkin and apple lovers will enjoy this sweet treat.
Another favorite is Maple Pumpkin Bread Pudding. This warm dessert has a delightful oatmeal crumble on top. It is perfect to add to the Thanksgiving dessert menu.
For something different, I enjoy whipping up Pumpkin Balls. They are no-bake and use cream cheese, cinnamon, and coconut. They are keto-friendly and super easy to make. They go great on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving leftovers are a treasure! After the big feast, you can use all of that leftover turkey to create soups, stews, and chili. Or freeze the turkey to add to future meals.
One of the easiest ideas is making turkey soup. Adding leftover turkey to a simple broth can turn it into a delicious meal. I enjoy recipes like Creamy Turkey Soup for a warm treat.
If I want something hearty, I whip up a turkey and root vegetable stew. It’s filling and makes great use of leftover veggies.
For a fun twist, I make turkey chili. This dish is perfect when I want something spicy. Using leftover turkey instead of ground beef is a great way to switch it up.
These ideas help me enjoy Thanksgiving flavors long after the holiday is over!
Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts
Thanksgiving is a great time for creative fun. I love making crafts that get everyone involved. Here are some ideas for arts and crafts you can try this holiday season.
Turkey Hair Bows
These Turkey bows are easy to customize with your favorite fall colors. If you have enough a hot glue gun and some ribbon, then be sure to make doubles for adorable pigtail bows. They not only look good on a clip for an updo but also make a snazzy headband accessory. We always get compliments with these and they are so easy to make!
String Art Maple Leaf
Another fun activity is the String Art Maple Leaf Craft. It’s a perfect seasonal project. This craft keeps kids busy while adults prepare the Thanksgiving meal.
Fun Paper Turkey
The Fun Paper Turkey Craft is enjoyable for kids. They can get creative with colors and designs. It can also serve as a great table decoration for dinner.
Thanksgiving Wall Art
I also love making DIY wall art. With the right supplies, you can create beautiful pieces to showcase at home. Check out these DIY Thanksgiving Wall Art Ideas that add a festive touch to any space.
Crafting is a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving. It keeps everyone engaged and adds warmth to our festivities, whether I am watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or spending time with family.
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