I can still smell my grandmother’s kitchen on Thanksgiving morning—the rich aroma of roasting turkey blending with cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pie. That’s when I learned these must have Thanksgiving dishes aren’t just food; they’re edible memories. For over twenty years, I’ve tweaked these classic recipes to create that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and comforting. Whether it’s the golden-brown turkey, the herby stuffing that soaks up all the gravy, or the green bean casserole with its irresistible crunchy topping, these are the dishes that make everyone’s eyes light up when they hit the table.

What makes these recipes special? They’re the ones my family still requests every year—the ones that disappear fastest from the serving platters. The turkey stays juicy thanks to a simple butter rub, while the stuffing gets its can’t-stop-eating-it quality from freshly diced veggies and quality broth. And let’s be honest—no Thanksgiving is complete without that first bite of silky pumpkin pie with just the right amount of spice. These are the dishes that turn a regular Thursday into Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love These Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Trust me, these dishes aren’t just tradition—they’re the heart of Thanksgiving for a reason. Here’s why they’ll become your favorites too:

Crowd-pleasing flavors: That perfect balance of savory turkey, herby stuffing, and sweet pumpkin pie makes everyone go back for seconds (or thirds!)
Nostalgia in every bite: These classics taste like childhood memories and family gatherings rolled into one comforting meal
Surprisingly simple: Don’t let the impressive results fool you—most prep can be done ahead, leaving you free to enjoy the day
Leftovers that shine: These dishes taste even better the next day (turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, anyone?)
Flexible foundations: Easy to tweak while keeping that signature Thanksgiving magic (add bacon to the green beans, I won’t tell!)

Ingredients for Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle for Thanksgiving success. I’ve learned through trial and error that quality matters—fresh herbs make all the difference, and real butter beats margarine every time. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, organized by dish so you can shop efficiently (and maybe delegate some tasks to eager helpers!).

Turkey Ingredients

The star of the show deserves simple but perfect ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) – fresh or properly thawed
1 cup unsalted butter – softened (trust me, it spreads better)
1 tsp salt – I use kosher for even distribution
1 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if possible
Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for stuffing the cavity

Stuffing Ingredients

This is where the magic happens—don’t skimp on the butter!

4 cups bread cubes – slightly stale works best
1 cup diced celery – about 2-3 stalks
1 cup diced onion – yellow or sweet varieties
2 cups chicken broth – low-sodium lets you control seasoning
1 tsp dried sage – or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it
Extra butter for sautéing – about 4 tbsp

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Creamy, dreamy perfection starts here:

5 lbs potatoes – peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold are my favorite)
1/2 cup milk – whole milk makes them extra rich
1/4 cup sour cream – the secret to fluffy texture
Butter – because everything’s better with butter

Green Bean Casserole Ingredients

The retro classic that never gets old:

2 cups green beans – fresh trimmed or frozen (not canned!)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – classic Campbell’s works best
1 cup crispy fried onions – reserve half for topping

Pumpkin Pie Ingredients

Save room for dessert—this is non-negotiable:

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling
3 eggs – room temperature blends smoother
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – the key to custardy texture
1 cup sugar – I mix white and brown sometimes
1 tsp cinnamon – Ceylon if you’re feeling fancy
1/2 tsp nutmeg – freshly grated if possible

How to Make Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ve timed this out over years of Thanksgiving chaos to make everything come together perfectly. We’ll start with the turkey since it takes longest, then move to sides while it roasts. Pro tip: recruit helpers for peeling potatoes—it makes the whole process way more fun!

Preparing the Turkey

First things first—that beautiful bird needs some love. Preheat your oven to 325°F while you work. Rinse the turkey inside and out (yes, even that weird neck cavity!), then pat it bone-dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy later. Now rub every inch with softened butter—get under the breast skin if you’re feeling adventurous—then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using fresh herbs, stuff a handful inside the cavity for extra aroma.

Pop it breast-side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Roast for about 3-4 hours (for a 12-14 lb turkey), basting occasionally with pan juices. The magic number? 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh when checked with a meat thermometer. Once it hits that temp, pull it out and let it rest for 20 minutes—this keeps all those precious juices inside when you carve.

Making the Stuffing

While the turkey works its magic, let’s make the stuffing. Melt 4 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté those diced onions and celery until they’re soft but not browned—about 5 minutes should do it. In a big bowl, mix your bread cubes with the sautéed veggies, sage, and enough chicken broth to moisten everything without making it soggy (start with 1 cup and add more as needed).

Transfer to a buttered baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the top gets golden. The smell alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen!

Cooking Mashed Potatoes

About an hour before dinner, get those peeled and cubed potatoes boiling in salted water. They’re ready when a fork slides in easily—about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then return to the pot and mash with milk, sour cream, and butter until creamy. I like mine slightly lumpy for texture, but you do you! Season with salt and keep warm in the pot with a lid until serving.

Assembling Green Bean Casserole

This retro classic couldn’t be easier. Mix your trimmed green beans (fresh or thawed frozen) with the cream of mushroom soup in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with those crispy fried onions and bake another 5 minutes until golden and bubbly. Watch out—people will start “taste testing” this one before it even hits the table!

Baking Pumpkin Pie

Last but not least—dessert! Whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices until smooth. Pour into your favorite pie crust (homemade or store-bought, no judgment here). Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake another 30-35 minutes until the center barely jiggles when shaken. Let it cool completely before slicing—the hardest part of the whole meal is waiting for this!

Tips for Perfect Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Want to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level? These are my tried-and-true secrets for making every dish shine:

Herb it up: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage make all the difference—toss a handful inside the turkey and in the stuffing for maximum flavor.
Rest that bird: Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes after roasting. It’s the hardest wait of the day, but it keeps the meat juicy when you carve.
Spice smart: Taste your pumpkin pie filling before baking and adjust the spices to your liking—I sometimes add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
Prep ahead: Chop veggies and measure ingredients the night before. Trust me, your future self will thank you when the big day arrives.

Serving Suggestions for Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Now for the best part—the grand reveal! I always start with the turkey front and center (it’s the star, after all), then build around it with generous scoops of stuffing and mashed potatoes. Don’t forget the gravy boat—that silky sauce ties everything together beautifully. A little cranberry sauce on the side adds the perfect sweet-tart contrast, and warm dinner rolls are essential for sopping up every last bite. Pro tip: serve the green bean casserole in its baking dish for that nostalgic “dig in” feeling, and save the pumpkin pie for when everyone’s ready to collapse on the couch!

Storing and Reheating Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Let’s be real—the leftovers are half the fun of Thanksgiving! Here’s how I keep everything tasting fresh for days. First rule: store dishes separately in airtight containers. Turkey stays juicy when reheated with a splash of broth in the microwave (30-second bursts work best). That green bean casserole? Pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive the crispy topping. Mashed potatoes love a splash of milk when reheating. And that pumpkin pie? It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!

Nutritional Information for Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop—these Thanksgiving classics are meant to be enjoyed guilt-free for one glorious day! Keep in mind that nutrition varies based on your exact ingredients and brands. A generous plate of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, and pie clocks in around 650 calories, with roughly 35g protein and 55g carbs. But honestly? On Thanksgiving, we count memories, not macros!

FAQs About Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

After years of hosting, I’ve heard every Thanksgiving question imaginable! Here are the answers to the ones that come up most often—so you can avoid any last-minute panic.

Can I Substitute Fresh Green Beans for Canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans make the casserole even better—just blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes first to soften. Frozen beans work great too—no need to thaw, just add 5 extra minutes to the bake time. Whatever you do, skip the mushy canned ones!

How Do I Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm?

Oh, I’ve mastered this one! Transfer your mashed potatoes to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting and stir in an extra splash of milk. They’ll stay creamy for hours. No slow cooker? An insulated serving bowl wrapped in towels works nearly as well.

Can I Use a Different Pie Crust?

Of course! I’ve used store-bought crusts when pressed for time—just blind bake it for 10 minutes first to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free options, almond flour crusts pair beautifully with the pumpkin filling. My aunt swears by gingersnap crusts for extra spice!

Share Your Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes

Now it’s your turn! What dishes make your Thanksgiving table special? Drop your family secrets in the comments—I’m always hunting for new twists on these classics. And if you try these recipes, snap a photo and tag me so I can see your beautiful feast! You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.

9 Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes for an Irresistible Feast

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

Essential dishes to make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
1 cup unsalted butter
4 cups bread cubes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried sage
5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups green beans, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup crispy fried onions
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Rinse turkey and pat dry. Rub with butter, salt, and pepper.
Roast turkey for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For stuffing, sauté celery and onion in butter. Mix with bread cubes and broth. Bake 30 minutes.
Boil potatoes until tender. Mash with milk, butter, and sour cream.
Mix green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and half the fried onions. Bake 25 minutes, top with remaining onions.
For pumpkin pie, mix pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices. Pour into crust and bake 45 minutes.

Notes

Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.
Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Holiday
Method: Roasting, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 650
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie