Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup
Let me just say this: hosting Thanksgiving is not for the faint of heart, but it is fully worth it. In order to test my recipes, I hosted a friendsgiving and spent the whole day cooking and filming, which meant things got a little chaotic. I had a good game plan and my recipes printed out, but there is always going to be something that goes wrong or something you forgot. I, of course, forgot to buy pasta for the mac and cheese. Thankfully and my husband is always gracious enough to do those store runs for at a moments notice. He’s a keeper. But when everything finally came together, and we sat around the table with full plates and full hearts, I had one of those “OK, yeah, this is why we do it” moments.
These are the recipes I made, a mix of family traditions and comfort dishes with a little bit of a glow up. Everything is from scratch, made with love, and perfect for feeding a hungry holiday crew.
If you want to follow along in real time, watch my YouTube video of my “Thanksgiving” cooking day. I walk through every recipe step by step and give a behind the scenes look at how it all came together.
1. Buttermilk-Brined Roast Chicken (or Turkey!)
There are a lot of fancy holiday mains you can make, but this one wins for simplicity and flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of rich flavor from the brine.
2. Potato and Leek Gratin with Creamy Gruyère Sauce
Layered potatoes, silky cream, and a little Gruyère. This one is cozy, cheesy, and feels fancy without being too much work.
3. Real Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Leeks and Herbs
No cans involved. Just real green beans, creamy mushroom goodness, and a crunchy herb topping that makes every bite worth it.
4. Cornflake Crust Mac and Cheese
Super creamy mac under a buttery cornflake and herb topping. I honestly could have eaten a bowl of the topping alone.
5. Brown Butter & Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes with nutty brown butter and crispy sage. It is simple, warm, and the perfect sweet and savory moment on the plate.
6. Soft Pull-Apart Rolls with Gruyère & Butter
Fluffy, warm rolls brushed with melted butter and herbs. The kids were pulling these apart before I could even snap a picture.
7. Chocolate Crunch Bombe
A nostalgic family recipe. Ice cream, crunchy graham crust, and homemade fudge sauce. It is a no bake dessert, which is a huge win when oven space is limited, and it is always the first dessert gone.
If you try any of these for your own Thanksgiving meal, let me know how it turns out. And if you’ve got any shortcuts or make-ahead tips that save your sanity in the kitchen, definitely share the wisdom.
