Thanksgiving Recipes

Working on your menu for Thanksgiving? Let Life’s Ambrosia be your one stop shop for all the recipes need for your Thanksgiving table.

Having planned several in my life, I know that planning Thanksgiving dinner can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options. Should you go traditional? Or out of the box? What if someone can’t eat dairy? And another doesn’t like mashed potatoes. It’s enough to make one reach for the wine just to help plan the menu.

That is where I hope to help. With less than a week to go, I thought I would share some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help those of you that are in charge of the big day.  With drinks, appetizers, sides and desserts there’s a recipe here to please just about everyone.

Drinks:

• Pumpkin Pie Martini: I turned pumpkin pie into a cocktail, and you’re going to love it!
• Hot Cranberry Apple Cider: A must make to sip on! Great for those looking for a non-alcoholic drink to celebrate with!
• Mulled Wine: Mulled Wine is a spiced wine recipe made with red wine, brandy, mulling spices and honey. It’s perfect for the holidays!

Appetizers:

Appetizers are always my favorite part of any celebration. Whether we’re at a party or a holiday dinner, you’ll find me hovering over the appetizer spread. Here are some of our favorites!

• Brussel Sprouts Dip: This creamy, decadent dip loaded with bacon, Brussels sprouts and white cheddar will turn everyone into a Brussel Sprouts lover.
• Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms– Mushrooms stuffed with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, cheese, parsley and garlic and then baked until the cheese is golden and the mushrooms are tender
• Cranberry Cream Cheese– Sweet cranberries, fresh rosemary and smooth cream cheese make this a perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving
• Deviled Eggs: It is not Thanksgiving without them! This classic recipe is easy to make and you can make them in advance!

The Main Event:

From turkey to potatoes, gravy to stuffing, and vegetables to rolls, you’ll find a collection of recipes here on Life’s Ambrosia to load up your Thanksgiving table with delicious dishes.

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• Roasted Turkey Thighs– If a whole turkey is too big for your celebration try these roasted turkey legs.
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast: An easy, and quick way to get your Thanksgiving dinner on the table!
• Gravy– All you need for this is reserved pan drippings flour, a good quality stock, some milk, salt and pepper and you are on your way to making delicious, creamy gravy fit for your Turkey Day table
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes– The creamiest, yummiest mashed potatoes ever.
• Sausage, Apple and Brie Stuffing– Savory sausage, tart apples and creamy brie help make this Thanksgiving staple a new favorite.
• The Best Easy Stuffing: If something a bit more traditional is more your style, this classic stuffing is a must!
• Mushroom Stuffing: If you love savory mushrooms, you’re going to LOVE this mushroom stuffing.
• Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad–A healthy, hearty salad with farro, cranberries and goat cheese all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
• Spinach, Arugula, Cranberry and Walnut Salad– Spinach, peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries and tangy goat cheese tossed in a quick cranberry vinaigrette.
• Apple Gorgonzola Salad: A perfect fall salad loaded with apples, dried cranberries, gorgonzola and pecans.
• The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese:  Made with three different cheeses and done on the stovetop. It’s creamy, cheesy and destined to be a family favorite! 
• Cranberry Sauce– Forget the canned stuff, use fresh cranberries, OJ and sugar to make your sauce this Thanksgiving.
• Green Bean Casserole– Fresh green beans, mushrooms, half & half, cream cheese, parmesan & panko. Now THAT is a casserole.
• Green Bean Bundles: These little beauties turn vegetables into a showstopper!
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin: A delicious and easy vegetable side dish, made with Brussels sprouts, cream, shallots, garlic and gruyere. Vegetables never tasted so good. 
• Yeast Dinner Rolls– Soft, light and fluffy!

Dessert:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars– If you’re looking for a Pumpkin dessert that’s a bit different from the traditional pie, try these pumpkin cheesecake bars. Creamy and decadent!
• Mini Pumpkin Pies: Need individual desserts? You have GOT to make these Mini Pumpkin Pies.
• Cranberry Apple Pie: may become your new favorite Thanksgiving dessert! This simple crumble pie recipe is a favorite with everyone who tries it.
• Easy Apple Crisp: Thanksgiving desserts don’t get any easier!

Note: Originally published in 2012. List updated in 2023.