We’re closing in fast on Thanksgiving, which seems absolutely crazy to me. I swore yesterday was September, but apparently it wasn’t. 🙂 I know many people will be doing their holiday grocery shopping this weekend, so to help you prep those grocery lists, I gathered up some of my favorite recipes for you. I am confident that your guests would love digging into some of my family’s favorite recipes.
Appetizers
I love appetizers. I could make a meal out of them, most of the time. Since stuffing doesn’t count as an appetizer, I couldn’t do it at Thanksgiving. But any other time, with dishes like these on the menu, I could spend the entire meal on the first course.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
This sounds like a strange dip, but it is incredibly addictive. The jalapeño adds a little heat but doesn’t overwhelm the dip. It’s the perfect blend of spiciness, sweet and sour.
Pumpkin Pie Dip
Love pumpkin pie? Then this is the dip for you. This is a Thanksgiving must.
Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip
I like to pretend this dip is really good for me, thanks to all the spinach and artichokes.
Crockpot Beer Bacon Beer Cheese Dip
Oh heavens. This is so, so good. Ooey goey cheese with a hint of beer and lots of bacon. And it’s made in a crockpot. So simple and so delicious.
Beverages
We typically keep beverages pretty simple for the holidays. But Caramel Apple Cider is an easy, special beverage to add to your menu.
Caramel Apple Cider
Apple cider is one of my favorite Fall beverages. And in some caramel and it becomes even more amazing. Keep this beverage warm in a crockpot and let people help themselves throughout the day.
Bread
I love carbs and cannot imagine Thanksgiving without some great bread options.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
These bad boys are perfect for dunking into gravy or slathering your favorite jam or jelly all over them. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them advance.
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
This is pumpkin pie in bread form. Unbelievably flavorful and so tender. Love the ribbon of cream cheese through it (okay, mine was more marbled, but it still tastes great!) and this is a real holiday treat.
Desserts
Everyone loves a great dessert spread. Make any of these desserts and you’ll be a hero in your family’s eyes.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Tart cranberries mixed with sweet apples and covered in a crunchy topping – what could be better? I know! Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream! This is one of my favorite desserts.
Snickers Ice Cream Pie with Caramel Sauce
This might be the easiest dessert on the planet. But it looks impressive and tastes great.
Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
This makes a lot, which is always great for a crowd. The moist chocolate cake is covered in a rich, creamy peanut butter frosting. Heavenly, I promise.
Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce
Oh my. Tart cranberries combine with a moist, crumbly cake, then it’s covered with the richest, most decadent butter sauce. This is a showstopper.
Sides
The turkey may get all the oohs and aahs but the real unsung hero of Thanksgiving is the side dishes. They make or break your meal, people, and I’ve got some great options for you.
Cheesecake Fruit Salad
We made this for the first time last year and it was a huge hit. You can use whatever fruit is in season and it will get gobbled up.
Corn and Bacon Casserole
Corn and bacon. Nom. Nom. A real winner in my house and easy to make too!
Creamy Corn Casserole
This is the easiest dish to make, seriously. It only takes five minutes to prepare and tastes delicious every time.
Creamy Corn
My Mom makes this for virtually every holiday and family gathering. It’s a HUGE family favorite and I am quite confident there would be rioting if my Mom didn’t make it. Super simple and tasty.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides. I particularly love this version because it cooks in the crockpot and has water chestnuts in it, which gives it such a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Green Beans with Onions, Red Pepper and Bacon
It’s a mouthful to say and your mouth will go nom, nom, when you eat it too. An easy and elegant side dish.
Mashed Potatoes
I will fully confess that I am biased but these are the BEST mashed potatoes ever! Decadent and creamy, thanks to sour cream and cream cheese, these potatoes also reheat beautifully. Make them a day in advance and reheat in your crockpot. Easy peasy.
Crockpot Stuffing
Stuffing is one of my favorite side dishes at Thanksgiving, partly because it seems like you only find it on the menu at Thanksgiving. This is another family favorite recipe and it’s conveniently made in the crockpot too.
Happy Thanksgiving
Max and I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of good food, family and friends.
Tanya and Max