20 Thanksgiving Recipes You Can Make Early

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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish—creamy, rich, and full of flavor. They come together in just 8 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Every bite is perfectly fluffy and buttery, with a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with any main course. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe that everyone at the table will love. Plus, the Instant Pot makes the process almost effortless, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

This moist and creamy spoon bread is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with gooey, melty cheese and crispy, flavorful bacon in every bite. Its rich texture and savory flavor make it perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a standout side dish for special occasions. What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to prepare—just a few ingredients and straightforward steps create a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. My family can’t get enough of it, and it always disappears from the table in no time. It’s an easy, unique recipe that turns an everyday meal into something truly memorable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This indulgent holiday side dish features a rich, homemade mushroom cream sauce that brings warmth and depth to every bite. Topped with crispy, do-it-yourself French fried onions, it adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy base. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a comforting and elegant addition to any festive table. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time, giving you one less thing to worry about on a busy holiday. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated, it’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

These pumpkin cupcakes are incredibly moist and packed with warm, comforting autumn flavors. Each bite is soft and tender, with just the right hint of spice, making them taste just like pumpkin pie in cupcake form. They’re generously topped with sweetened whipped cream that adds a light, creamy finish, perfectly balancing the rich pumpkin base. Whether for a holiday treat or a cozy afternoon snack, these cupcakes are sure to delight anyone who loves classic pumpkin desserts.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

This dessert features a buttery, flaky cream cheese crust that perfectly complements a rich filling of brown sugar–sweetened sweet potatoes. Each bite is topped with golden, gooey marshmallows that melt slightly, adding a light, fluffy sweetness to every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia to the table, making it a showstopper for any Thanksgiving gathering. With its balance of creamy, sweet, and comforting flavors, it’s truly a must-have for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars

Pumpkin Dump Cake

This pumpkin dump cake is the ultimate cozy dessert to bring to your Thanksgiving table this year. Imagine creamy, spiced pumpkin pie filling tucked under a golden, buttery crumble that’s sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with warm, comforting aromas and makes everyone eager for seconds. Best of all, it’s made from scratch in under an hour, so you can have a homemade treat without the stress. Once you try it, this dreamy pumpkin cake will quickly become your go-to dessert for every fall and holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

This Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board is a delightful and festive appetizer that brings a playful touch to your holiday spread. It’s loaded with a colorful assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, savory deli meats, and an array of crackers, all arranged into the charming shape of a turkey. Perfect for a no-cook option, it’s simple to assemble but makes a big impression on your guests. Kids and adults alike will love exploring all the tasty bites, and it’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter. This creative and inviting board adds both flavor and fun to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

This turkey tater tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will reach for again and again. Packed with tender turkey, hearty potatoes, and a mix of colorful vegetables, it all bakes together in one easy dish or skillet, making weeknight dinners a breeze. It’s also a clever way to give leftover Thanksgiving turkey a second life, turning it into a warm and satisfying meal. The crispy tater tot topping adds the perfect crunch, while the savory filling keeps it cozy and filling. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole is both hearty and wholesome—guaranteed to please kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Turkey Casserole

Cranberry Brie Bites

These Cranberry Brie Bites take the classic baked brie to a whole new level, turning it into a deliciously bite-sized treat that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy. Flaky, golden puff pastry cradles creamy, melty brie and a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Once baked to perfection, they’re topped with crunchy roasted pecans and a touch of fresh rosemary, adding both texture and aroma. Sweet, savory, and wonderfully festive, these little appetizers are perfect for holiday parties, Thanksgiving tables, or cozy Christmas gatherings. They’re sure to impress your guests while disappearing faster than you can say “pass the platter!”
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites

Best Southern Corn Pudding

This Southern Corn Pudding is a comforting, farm-to-table classic that brings a touch of Southern charm to any meal. Creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh corn flavor, it pairs beautifully with everything from juicy grilled steaks to a traditional Thanksgiving turkey. Its soft, custardy texture makes it both hearty and indulgent, a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, this corn pudding is sure to become a beloved staple on your table.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

This Garlic Brussels Sprouts Oven-Baked Casserole strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. Tender Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection and infused with rich garlic flavor, creating a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a showstopper for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, yet easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight. Creamy, savory, and full of texture, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love. Plus, it makes for wonderful leftovers that taste just as delicious the next day.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

These southern-style cowboy baked beans are a true flavor powerhouse, packed with rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes that make every bite irresistible. They actually taste even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. While many think of baked beans as a summer staple, this hearty side is comforting and satisfying any time of year. It shines at potlucks, BBQs, and even as part of a festive Thanksgiving spread. Serve it alongside soft banana bread rolls or freshly baked hot dog buns for a meal that feels cozy, indulgent, and completely unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad

This Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a wonderfully simple dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy autumn gathering. Creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh fruit, it’s the kind of treat that everyone can enjoy without any fuss in the kitchen. Each bite brings together the comforting flavors of fall, from juicy seasonal fruits to a hint of cheesecake richness. It’s refreshing yet indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels both festive and satisfying. Whether served as a light ending to a big meal or a sweet snack, this salad is an effortless way to celebrate the season.
Get the Recipe: Fall Cheesecake Fruit Salad

Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll recipe brings together a perfectly moist pumpkin spice cake and a light, fluffy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Each slice offers a comforting blend of warm autumn spices, making it an irresistible treat for family and friends. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly feels festive, adding a cozy touch to any Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale to a holiday meal or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this pumpkin roll is sure to delight cake lovers of all ages. Its soft texture and rich, creamy filling make it a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Crisp

Bring a fresh and flavorful twist to your Thanksgiving spread with this irresistible Pumpkin Crisp, a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall. It combines a smooth, creamy pumpkin and cream cheese filling with a delightfully crunchy, nutty crumble topping that adds the perfect texture contrast. Easy to make yet full of flavor, it’s a dessert that feels special without being fussy. Each bite is rich, comforting, and just the right balance of sweet and spice. This dish is bound to become a new favorite that your family and friends will keep asking for year after year!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crisp

Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a warm, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a fragrant mix of spices, it comes together effortlessly while filling your kitchen with that cozy, autumnal aroma. Each slice is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, making it an irresistible treat for both family and friends. It’s the kind of pie that instantly evokes memories of fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and homemade goodness. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed a day later, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite that everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Cranberry turkey sliders on soft Hawaiian rolls are a delightful way to savor all the flavors of Thanksgiving without the fuss of a full meal. Each slider is piled high with tender turkey, savory stuffing, and a tangy spoonful of cranberry sauce, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tart in every bite. The fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls add a comforting touch that makes these sliders irresistible. They’re ideal for casual holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even as a creative way to transform leftover turkey into something exciting the next day. Bite-sized and flavorful, these sliders are sure to disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Turkey Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Turkey Salad

Turkey salad is the perfect way to transform your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a fresh, flavorful meal. Packed with tender chunks of turkey, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s both hearty and satisfying. Spread it on your favorite bread or enjoy it over a bed of greens for a simple yet delicious lunch. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite feel special, even days after the holiday feast. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that gives new life to your leftover turkey.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Salad

Southern Dressing (Stuffing)

This Southern Air Fryer Dressing takes a beloved holiday classic and gives it a modern, flavorful twist. Made with buttery cornbread and a blend of savory seasonings, it’s packed with rich, comforting flavors that instantly evoke the warmth of Thanksgiving. Cooking it in the air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft, tender, and full of taste. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to save oven space without sacrificing a dish that feels traditional and satisfying. Whether it’s your first time making it this way or a longtime favorite, this dressing is sure to be a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Dressing (Stuffing)

Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing

This Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing recipe brings together tender, juicy boneless pork chops with the sweet, comforting flavor of apples and classic stuffing — a combination that often feels like a special Thanksgiving treat. The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t have to be reserved for the holidays; it’s perfectly cozy for an everyday fall dinner or any time you’re craving something warm and hearty. With minimal effort, your slow cooker does all the work, infusing the pork chops and stuffing with rich, savory flavors. It’s a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with the scent of apples, herbs, and roasted pork, making it feel like a celebration any night of the week. Simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing