Our guide on the most popular Dishes for Thanksgiving for you to try at home.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude, family, and of course, food. Below are the most popular Thanksgiving dishes, with recipes, tips for making them perfect, and estimated calorie counts to guide your feast.
These Thanksgiving classics will ensure your table is filled with flavor, tradition, and a touch of indulgence. Happy feasting!
Thanksgiving Table Tips
Balance the Flavors: Mix rich dishes (turkey, stuffing) with lighter options (roasted veggies, cranberry sauce).
Plan Portions: Ensure there’s enough food per person, but don’t overdo it—Thanksgiving leftovers are great, but waste isn’t!
Prep Ahead: Many dishes like stuffing, casseroles, and cranberry sauce can be made a day in advance.
Most Popular Dishes for Thanksgiving
1. Roast Turkey
Why It’s Popular: The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners, roast turkey is a symbol of the holiday.
Ingredients:
12-14 lb turkey
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry and rub butter mixed with herbs, salt, and pepper all over the skin and under the breast. Stuff the cavity with onion, carrots, and celery.
Roast for about 3-4 hours (13-15 minutes per pound), basting occasionally. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Calories: ~320 per serving (6 oz of meat with skin).
Tips:
Brine the turkey overnight for juicier meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.
2. Classic Stuffing (or Dressing)
Why It’s Popular: A Thanksgiving essential, stuffing pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 tsp fresh thyme
2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft. Add herbs. Toss bread cubes with the mixture in a large bowl. Mix in chicken broth and eggs until combined. Bake in a greased dish for 30-40 minutes.
Calories: ~180 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Use a mix of bread types for more flavor. Add sausage or cranberries for a twist.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Popular: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a must-have side dish.
Ingredients:
3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Calories: ~200 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Use a potato ricer for smoother mashed potatoes. Infuse the cream with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Why It’s Popular: This creamy, crunchy dish has become a Thanksgiving classic.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes. Mix green beans, soup, and milk in a casserole dish. Top with fried onions. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Calories: ~190 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Use fresh mushrooms sautéed in cream for a homemade touch. Add shredded cheese to the casserole for extra richness.
5. Cranberry Sauce
Why It’s Popular: Tangy cranberry sauce balances the richness of Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients:
1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens (10-15 minutes). Let cool before serving.
Calories: ~90 per serving (2 tbsp).
Tips:
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Why It’s Popular: A sweet and savory side dish, often topped with marshmallows or pecans.
Ingredients:
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup mini marshmallows or chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Spread into a casserole dish. Top with marshmallows or pecans and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Calories: ~250 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Roast sweet potatoes for a richer flavor. Add a touch of vanilla or nutmeg to the potato mixture.
7. Gravy
Why It’s Popular: Gravy ties together the flavors of turkey, stuffing, and potatoes.
Ingredients:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups turkey drippings or stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add turkey drippings, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Calories: ~50 per serving (1/4 cup).
Tips:
Strain drippings to remove fat and bits for smoother gravy. Add a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
8. Roasted Vegetables
Why It’s Popular: A healthy and colorful side dish that complements heavier dishes.
Ingredients:
1 lb carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Calories: ~120 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting. Use seasonal veggies like squash or sweet potatoes.
9. Macaroni and Cheese
Why It’s Popular: A creamy, cheesy indulgence that’s a hit with all ages.
Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Cook pasta and set aside. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk and simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted. Combine with pasta and serve.
Calories: ~400 per serving (1 cup).
Tips:
Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for more depth. Add breadcrumbs on top and bake for a crispy finish.
10. Dinner Rolls
Why It’s Popular: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
3 tbsp sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar; let sit for 5 minutes. Mix with flour, salt, and butter to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let rise for 1 hour. Shape into rolls, let rise again, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Calories: ~120 per roll.
Tips:
Brush with melted butter before and after baking for a glossy finish. Add garlic or herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.