These are My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes that will create a festive feast for you and all those you love. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s all about gathering around the table, sharing laughs, and, of course, enjoying the most comforting and delicious foods.
I also love how the holiday table feels like a true reflection of the season.
The colors, the flavors, and the richness of every dish bring the warmth of autumn indoors.
A table filled with golden crusts, deep roasted vegetables, and sweet spiced desserts feels like a celebration of fall itself.
It’s a feast for the eyes just as much as it is for the taste buds, and it always makes me grateful for the joy of cooking and sharing.
Saturday Chitchat with Janine – Volume 227
Recipes That Bring Everyone Back for Seconds
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific recipes never fail to make an appearance at our Thanksgiving table.
They’ve become the ones family and friends specifically request, the ones people always circle back for when they think no one is watching.
I love that these recipes don’t just fill plates—they fill the room with joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness.
Always Room for Something New
Of course, part of the fun for me is constantly experimenting with new recipes.
I’ll spend weeks leading up to Thanksgiving scrolling through ideas, pinning festive dishes, and testing new flavors in the kitchen.
But even with new additions, there’s always a handful of recipes that never get replaced.
They’ve earned their permanent spot on the menu, and I love mixing them with new finds for a balance of fresh and familiar.
Family Favorites That Last
I think the reason these recipes mean so much is that they’ve grown into family and friend favorites.
Over the years, people have shared which dishes they look forward to most, and that’s such a sweet reminder of how food creates connections.
These recipes are woven into our traditions, becoming just as much a part of the holiday as the gathering itself.
A Personal Note from Janine
This Thanksgiving, we’re packing our bags and heading to Vermont to celebrate with my mother-in-law and extended family! It’s been way too long since we’ve spent the holiday together, so we thought this year would be the perfect time to make the trip.
I’m really looking forward to cozy New England charm, crisp fall air, and of course, my mother-in-law’s famous pumpkin pie! I’ll definitely be hovering nearby while she bakes—taking notes, asking questions, and gathering all her delicious secrets.
I can’t wait to share more about our Vermont Thanksgiving with you—so keep an eye out for all the details (and hopefully a few pie tips!) in Saturday Chitchat!!
Cheers,
This Week’s Inspiration – My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is our go-to side dish for holiday dinners and cozy comfort food meals.
Using a pressure cooker makes mashed potatoes incredibly quick and easy, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The potatoes come out perfectly tender every time, ready to be mashed into a creamy, buttery side everyone loves!
How to Make a Juicy, Tender Steak
Learn How to Make a Tender, Juicy Steak packed with flavor using a meat injector and a rich garlic herb butter sauce. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or cooking indoors, this easy steak recipe guarantees a moist, tender steak every time.
Perfect for date night, family dinners, or special occasions, this method shows you exactly how to cook a steak so it’s juicy and tender, just like a steakhouse!
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful side dish, this Sauteed Carrots Recipe is the one to try! With only five basic ingredients—carrots, butter, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey—these carrots come together in minutes and deliver a beautifully sweet and savory flavor. The butter adds richness, while the honey gives a light glaze that makes these sautéed carrots irresistible.
Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, this easy side dish is always a hit!
This Homemade Sourdough Stuffing Recipe is a must-have for Thanksgiving! My husband created this recipe years ago and continues to perfect it yearly.
It features cubed rustic sourdough bread, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms, all blended with a rich mix of herbs and butter.
It’s so delicious that you’ll want to make extra—because the leftovers are just as irresistible!
Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe Copycat
Costco Pumpkin Pie Recipe Copycat is a must-try if you love Costco’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced slice of pie.
This made-from-scratch version brings all the fall flavors you crave, with the bonus of making it right in your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or just want a slice of nostalgia, this copycat recipe is the ultimate fall dessert.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with an easy pumpkin pie that tastes like the original!
This Parmesan Crusted Halibut is an old-time family recipe! The crispy cheese topping that is smoother in butter is so delicious!
If you have anyone you know who doesn’t like fish for dinner, this recipe will convert them. The fish tastes very mild in flavor, and the butter, onions, and parmesan cheese make this recipe so delicious!
These Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts take 7 minutes to make! This recipe makes crispy, tender, flavorful sprouts that are quick and easy to make.
The apple cider, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and brown sugar create a tasty blend of ingredients.
If you need a simple and quick Canned Cranberry Sauce Recipe, then look no further.
Canned cranberry sauce never tasted this amazing with just a few additional ingredients, and it’s shocking how delicious this hack version tastes with a few yummy ingredients.
Save time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving by making this recipe.
More Recipes From My Friends
Fall Harvest Salad with Sweet Onion Dressing
The Fall harvest salad with sweet onion dressing is a beautiful, seasonal dish that combines baby greens, crisp honeycrisp apples, edamame, asparagus, sugared pecans, pumpkin seeds, and vibrant pomegranate seeds—all tossed together with a rich, homemade sweet onion vinaigrette made using an onion jam base!
The recipe “My Mother’s Famous Cranberry Bread” is a warm, holiday-lover’s delight—full of fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, and a secret twist of bitter-sweet orange peel that elevates the flavor beyond simple quick bread.
The Thanksgiving Sangria recipe by Half Baked Harvest is a festive pitcher-style drink that blends white wine, apple cider, brandy, pumpkin butter (or apple butter), citrus, and spices, with a splash of ginger beer—just sweet enough and full of seasonal flavor!
Latest Obsession – Microwavable Bowl Cozy
If you’ve ever reached into the microwave and grabbed a scorching hot bowl—this is for you.
This cozy makes it so much easier (and safer) to handle heated dishes. It keeps your fingers from getting burned and makes carrying hot bowls a breeze.
I’ve been using mine constantly and can’t believe how much simpler it makes the whole reheat-and-eat routine. Such a smart little helper in the kitchen!
This Week’s Tip – Thanksgiving Dishes
I finally gave in last year and treated myself to these beautiful Thanksgiving plates—and I’m so glad I did! The quality is amazing, and they instantly elevate the table. Everything just feels a little more special when these are part of the setting.
It honestly took me years to make the purchase, but now it’s a little tradition I look forward to every fall. Unpacking them each Thanksgiving makes me smile. They’re not just pretty—they’ve become part of our holiday story.
My Amazon Finds – Thanksgiving Dishes
Hey there!
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about more than just food—but I can’t deny that these recipes play a massive role in making the day feel special.
They’ve become the staples I’ll never let go of, and every year they remind me of why I love cooking for the people I care about.
A fabulous table full of delicious foods, traditions, and new memories—that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.
Happy cooking, and happy fall!
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