50+ Festive Thanksgiving Recipes from Appetizer to Dessert
You've been daydreaming about it all fall: a giant bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes, perfectly sweet pumpkin pie, and of course, the most tender, moist turkey of all time. Now, the time to prep for your Thanksgiving feast is finally here! And the Co-op is here to help.
Everyone is welcome to shop at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op—no membership required! Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, the Co-op is your one-stop-shop for all things Turkey Time (psst, did you order your turkey yet?) With new Fresh Deals savings every week, Co+op Deals, and everyday low prices on basic items, you can stock up without breaking your budget.
We've got all the baking supplies, local produce, and favorite Thanksgiving fixins’ you could ever need to make the most amazing Thanksgiving feast while making sure everyone gets their favorite dish—if you're looking for gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan ingredients, we've got you covered there, too. And if you want to support local this holiday season, we source artisan cheeses, fruits, snacks, and other fresh foods produced right here in the Pacific Northwest, so you can make a meal with all the best local flavors (keep scrolling for recipe inspiration!).
And if there is one thing we've all learned from 2021, it's that spending time (whether in person or with a little help from technology) with the people we love is what matters. Sharing good food helps. So whether you're making a small Thanksgiving dinner for yourself and joining the family via Zoom, or your gathering with the whole crew, we've put together a huge list of some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to put together a top-notch Turkey Day.
Thanksgiving Recipes: Appetizers
Because every feast needs a warm-up.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Festive Cheese Ball
There's something about a cheese ball that just feels like the holidays.
Cheese balls are an easy food to toss together day of that everyone loves while getting them all in the kitchen for some real quality face time.
And the beauty of the cheese ball is that it can be adapted to include whatever cheese you're craving, or have on hand
Easy Winter Fruit Salad
If the only fruit you attribute to Thanksgiving are cranberries and apples, think again! This winter fruit salad is the perfect way to add some color to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread!
Made up of kiwi, clementines, bananas, pears, and apples, this fruit salad is a naturally vegan-friendly recipe that's sure to be a hit.
If you want to add even more color, consider tossing in some pomegranate seeds!
Find the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven
Warm Olives with Rosemary, Garlic & Almonds
And what goes better with cheese and crackers than olives?
In this quick and easy recipe, garlic and herbs are browned, almonds are toasted, and olives are warmed to create an aromatic appetizer that's perfect for nibbling.
Serve your warmed olives with crostini or mini forks for easy pre-dinner snacking.
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Sweet, Spicy, Salty Candied Pecans
Maybe your family likes to snack on mixed nuts leading up to the big meal. Skip the plain old roasted nuts and opt for something sweet and salty!
This is one of those recipes you can prep ahead of time, but they only take 15 minutes to make and are especially delectable straight out of the oven.
Not a fan of pecans or have another type of nut on hand? Simply sub them in! Walnuts would be especially delicious.
Find the full recipe at Once Upon a Chef
Persimmon and Brie Crostini
Given that they have a similar texture to tomatoes, of course persimmons are the perfect addition to crostini!
Here, in-season winter persimmon is paired with brie, brown sugar, and sliced baguette to create an elegant, yet simple appetizer.
Be sure to choose Fuyu persimmons when shopping—they're still firm when ripe, which makes them easy to slice up for crostini.
Find the full recipe at Martha Stewart
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you've never enjoyed warm and savory spinach and artichoke dip, you're in for an irresistible treat.
Aside from being warm and cozy, it's full of rich, cheesy flavor that's perfect as an appetizer.
Serve your dip with pita or tortilla chips.
Find the full recipe at Gimme Some Oven
Even More Appetizer Recipes to Choose From
Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates from Half Baked Harvest
Turkey Croquettes from Martha Stewart
Thanksgiving Stuffing Muffins from Feasting at Home
Three Cheese Fondue from Welcome to the Table
10-Minute Caramel Apple Baked Brie from Gimme Some Oven
Deviled Egg with Relish from Martha Stewart
Thanksgiving Recipes: Main Course
Whether you're going with a traditional turkey or are trying for vegetarian and vegan alternatives, here are some entrees worth carving into for the festivities.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Roasted Turkey
Whether you've been roasting the Thanksgiving turkey for decades or you're taking over the tradition, this recipe includes all the directions you need for a moist, tender turkey the first time!
Along with tips for roasting, this guide also has a turkey roasting timetable and thawing instructions, so you know your turkey is prepared safely and correctly.
What this recipe doesn't include, however, are seasoning recommendations; you'll have to check out the next few recipes for that!
Find the full recipe at Co+op
Herb & Butter Roasted Turkey
If you aren't sure how to season your turkey, check out this recipe from Half Baked Harvest!
To flavor her Thanksgiving Turkey, author Tieghan chooses to incorporate fresh sage, thyme, parsley, garlic, onion, lemon as well as lots of butter to give it a rich, moist flavor.
This recipe also includes directions for a white wine pan gravy, but feel free to sub in your favorite recipe instead.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Simple Roast Chicken
Maybe turkey just isn't your bird of choice on Thanksgiving.
If you're opting for chicken instead, consider this roast recipe that calls for just 4 simple ingredients.
This recipe yields about 2 1/2 cups of pulled meat, making it a good alternative for those who are spending Thanksgiving with just a couple of special people.
Find the full recipe at Co+op
Vegan Shepherd's Pot Pie
Whether you have a couple of vegan family members or you just want a change of pace from turkey, consider this veggie-full pot pie!
Traditionally, Shepherd's pie is filled with ground meat, but in this veggie-forward version, onions, carrots, peas, corn, and broccoli serve as the filling.
This pot pie comes together in just an hour and a half and is the perfect vegan-friendly alternative that still tastes like Thanksgiving.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham Steaks
If you want to go all out with your spread, why not add some ham to the mix?
These simple ham steaks come together quickly and offer your guests an alternative (or addition) to turkey.
This recipe only calls for 6 simple pantry ingredients, so you can toss it together last minute, too!
Even More Main Course Recipes to Choose From
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey from LA Times Cooking
Delicata Squash with Creole Quinoa Stuffing from Forks Over Knives
Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze from EatingWell
Cajun Roasted Chicken from Welcome to the Table
Grilled Vinegar Turkey With Chiles and Rosemary from Bon Appetit
Thanksgiving Recipes: Side Dishes
Maybe you're in the camp that believes the best part about Thanksgiving dinner is the sides. We can't say that we disagree, and that's why we've included all the standbys, as well as some new favorites.
Mashed Potatoes
Of course, we're leading off with one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes of all time: mashed potatoes.
Along with the instructions, this recipe includes helpful tips on how to avoid having a big bowl of mashed potatoes that no one wants to eat.
There are also directions for how to adapt these potatoes to be vegan-friendly, extra cheesy, and our personal favorite, nice and garlicky.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Sweet Potato Casserole
Another classic standby, sweet potato casserole (when it's done properly) is a little crispy, creamy, and perfectly sweet.
This particular recipe calls for coconut milk and maple syrup to compliment the sweet potatoes, while chopped pecans add that extra little crunch.
Marshmallows aren't included here, but toss 'em in if you're feeling fancy!
Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom & Wild Rice Stuffing
Here's a vegan stuffing recipe that's just as satisfying!
Made of out roasted cauliflower, mushroom, and wild rice, this definitely isn't your traditional stuffing, but it is full of all that fantastic herby flavor you've come to expect on Thanksgiving.
This recipe skips the bread, but feel free to add it back in to make the dish a little more filling.
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Or, maybe stuffing is the dish you're always grabbing seconds (and thirds) of.
This easy stuffing recipe is perfect for those that are new to preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and it features a simple ingredient list of unseasoned stuffing, chicken broth, sausage, celery, onion, garlic, and herbs.
If you want to make this dish even more flavorful, make sure to sub in fresh ground sausage from our Meat Department and stuffing made in our bakery (look for the CRUST & CRUMBS bags)!
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Classic Gravy
Depending on how much you love it, you might consider gravy to simply be a topping or an entire side dish in its own right.
Either way, it's a Thanksgiving must-have, and this recipe is super simple and flavorful.
There are instructions for utilizing the turkey drippings in the gravy, as well as a vegetarian version that incorporates vegetable stock instead.
Photo Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
After you try fresh cranberry sauce, you'll never go back to the canned stuff again!
Calling for just 4 ingredients, this cranberry sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and has a touch of orange zest that balances out the sugar and tart cranberries perfectly.
This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 10 days, so it's definitely one of those side dishes you can prep ahead of time.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Kale Cranberry Salad
If you find that your Thanksgiving dinner table is often lacking in the uh, greens department, consider this seasonally-appropriate kale salad!
Made up of kale, red onion, cranberries, walnuts, and a homemade dressing, this salad is full of lots of texture and flavor that's the perfect pairing for moist turkey.
Finish your salad off with some thinly-shaved parmesan and maybe some pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
Even More Side Dish Recipes to Choose From
Thanksgiving Slaw from Welcome to the Table
Roasted Carrots and Scallions With Thyme and Hazelnuts from NY Times Cooking
Easy Vegan Gravy from Minimalist Baker
Homestyle Creamed Corn from Welcome to the Table
Scalloped Potatoes from Gimme Some Oven
Classic Dinner Rolls from The Chunky Chef
French Green Beans with Shallots from Once Upon a Chef
Healthier Green Bean Casserole from Gimme Some Oven
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Sweet Potato Rounds from Welcome to the Table
Thanksgiving Recipes: Drinks
You know how the saying goes: Eat, DRINK, and be merry. Whether you plan to enjoy an adult beverage or are looking for something alcohol-free, we've got you covered.
A Good Ol' Bottle of Wine
Maybe you're looking to keep it simple as far as the drinks go. If that's the case, we've got some wine recommendations for you!
For Thanksgiving, some of the best wine varietals to consider include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.
And if you're ever in doubt, feel free to ask us. We're more than happy to help you pick the perfect bottle to celebrate!
Check out our recent blog post all about holiday wine.
Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Punch
No alcohol? No problem! Punch is a great option for Thanksgiving.
Made with apple cider, cranberries, fresh apples and oranges, and sparkling juice, this holiday punch if perfect for making a family toast.
Garnish it with cranberries and cinnamon sticks for a pinky-up kind of fancy feel.
Find the full recipe at The Spruce Eats
Thanksgiving Sangria
If you're looking to make a big batch of drinks to keep the mood lively all night, consider this seasonal Thanksgiving sangria!
Made up of white wine, apple cider, brandy, pumpkin butter, and a whole bunch of seasonal fruit, this sangria is a breeze to make ahead of time, rather than crafting individual cocktails.
Bonus points if you serve it in a super cute pumpkin punch bowl!
Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest
Even More Drink Recipes to Choose From
Ginger Apple Moscow Mule from Half Baked Harvest
Maple Ginger Hot Toddy from Feasting at Home
Chai-Spiced Apple Cider (non-alcoholic) from Martha Stewart
Spiced Mulled Wine from The Chunky Chef
Thanksgiving Recipes: Desserts
We've saved the best for last: the sweets! Once your belly has a little more space after your Thanksgiving feast, treat yourself to one (or two) of these fall desserts.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Classic Pumpkin Pie
There's not much to say about pumpkin pie, other than it is a requirement on Thanksgiving. Even if you don't like it, there's bound to be a handful of people that do!
This pumpkin pie recipe is traditional and calls for you to either pre-purchase a ready-made crust or make your own.
The only thing you'll have to decide is whether you used canned pumpkin puree, or make your own.
Honeyed Apple Pie
Apple pie is another Thanksgiving staple that we had to include on this list.
This recipe in particular utilizes local honey to add an extra flavor element that gives this pie a florally finish.
We recommend that you use 3 different apple varieties — one tart, tart-sweet, and sweet — to provide the pie with a rich depth of flavor.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Apple Dumplings with Cider-Cinnamon Sauce
Maybe you're having a small gathering and don't need an entire pie, or you want to try a pie alternative. Consider these apple dumplings!
Stuffed with cranberries, hazelnuts, and tart apples, these dumplings would be delicious with a dollop of ice cream or cheese.
To make this recipe easier, consider using store-bought pastry dough instead of homemade.
Cranberry-Stuffed Hasselback Apples
Want to skip the pie altogether? Check out this vegan-friendly, healthy alternative that's still full of festive flavor.
In this recipe, apples are sliced Hasselback-style and stuffed with cranberries, walnuts, and maple syrup.
Alternatively, sub in Bartlett pears for the apples to get an entirely different dessert.
Find the full recipe at Forks Over Knives
Even More Dessert Recipes to Choose From
Salted Maple Apple Tarte Tatin from Half Baked Harvest
Cranberry Apple Tarts from Thrive Magazine
Salted Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Pie from Half Baked Harvest
Pumpkin Bread Pudding from Forks Over Knives
Slow Cooker Apple Crisp from Gimme Some Oven
Overnight Cinnamon Roll Bread with Chai Frosting from Half Baked Harvest
So, what will you whip up for Thanksgiving? Share your Thanksgiving feast photos with us on Instagram @skagitfoodcoop and on Facebook at Skagit Valley Food Co-op! We can't wait to see what you put together!