51 unique Thanksgiving dinner ideas to impress your guests

Turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes—check, check, check. Thanksgiving is all about traditions, and that includes bringing everyone’s favorite traditional foods to the table. But if you’d like to change things up a little this year, why not add a few new ideas for Thanksgiving dinner to your tried-and-true routine?

Whether you’re preparing a classic turkey and want to add unique side dishes, or you’re looking for a faster, vegan-friendly main course with standard Thanksgiving desserts, this robust list of Thanksgiving ideas for dinner is sure to inspire—and make you hungry. Now get out your shopping list, and prepare for the best Thanksgiving spread yet.

 

Thanksgiving dinner ideas to change up the main course

 

What’s for dinner? Check out our traditional and non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas that taste just like Grandma used to make, and some that give new meaning to fine cooking, with all your favorite autumn flavors, of course. Mix them together to provide a unique Thanksgiving experience for friends and family that they’ll talk about for years to come. 

 

1. Roast turkey

If turkey is the star of the show this year, use a classic roast turkey recipe for the ultimate juicy bird, filled with the flavors of fall.

• Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Servings: 8–20 (depending on turkey size)
• Diet: gluten-free

Find the recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

 

2. Roasted turkey breast

Sometimes you don’t have the time, space, or guest list to cook a whole turkey. Roast a turkey breast if you’ve got a small kitchen or fewer guests to feed—or if you just prefer white meat to dark.

• Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Servings: 3–4
• Diet: gluten-free

Find the recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

 

3. Spatchcock turkey

Also known as butterflying, spatchcocking a turkey cuts the cooking time in half by flattening it on the pan. Spatchcocked turkeys are also easier to carve and keep the meat moist while the skin stays crispy.

• Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (plus 6 hours to chill)
• Servings: 8–10
• Diet: gluten-free

Find the recipe from Bon Appétit.

 

4. Turkey casserole

Why wait for Thanksgiving leftovers to make a homestyle turkey casserole? Serve up this recipe for a tweak on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Diet: Make it a gluten-free turkey tetrazzini with this recipe from The Herbeevore.

Or find the original recipe from Delish.

 

5. Turkey roulades

A turkey dinner you can make in under 90 minutes—or even a day in advance? Yes, please. These turkey rolls come with their own stuffing centers for full Thanksgiving flavor in every bite.

• Total time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Diet: Unfortunately, these are not gluten-free, dairy-free, or able to meet other restricted diets. 

Find the recipe from Country Living.

 

6. Rosemary salmon

Host a non-turkey Thanksgiving dinner (and avoid the basting, the stuffing, and all the other work) with a baked salmon dish that incorporates savory rosemary and sweet orange flavors.

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4–8 (depending on salmon size)
• Diet: gluten-free, pescatarian

Find the recipe from Cotter Crunch.

 

7. Braised brisket and roots

A meaty meal that comes with its own side, this healthy braised brisket recipe is a great alternative to those looking for another non-turkey Thanksgiving dinner idea.

• Total time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: dairy-free, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Eating Well.

 

8. Beef Wellington

Borrow a page from British cuisine with a classic Beef Wellington recipe with all the trimmings.

• Total time: 3 hours, 40 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Diet: This dish can be made gluten-free and dairy-free using this recipe from Grace Cheetham.

Otherwise, find the full recipe with gluten from Serious Eats.

 

9. Maple-glazed pork tenderloin

If you’ve never considered replacing turkey with pork for Thanksgiving, consider it now. This maple-glazed recipe has all fall flavors with a much shorter cooking time than turkey.

• Total time: 5 hours, 10 minutes (cook time: 30 minutes)
• Servings: 8
• Diet: gluten-free

Find the recipe from Sweet Tea + Thyme.

 

10. Glazed roast chicken

Combine honey, lemon, and rosemary in a fall-friendly glaze that makes any roast chicken feel like a turkey dinner.

• Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: Substitute a rice-based soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Find the recipe from Food & Wine.

 

11. Vegetarian pot pie

Whether or not you have vegetarians on the guest list, this vegetarian pot pie is a healthy and home-cooked alternative to a meat-based entree.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4–5
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

 

12. Butternut squash lasagna

Love lasagna? Love butternut squash? Combine these two affinities with a delicious butternut squash lasagna recipe for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

• Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

 

13. Portobello steaks with pesto aioli

(Mushroom) steak is what’s for dinner! Delight vegans and non-vegans at your table with a hearty portobello steak recipe and a zesty pesto aioli.

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Making Thyme for Health.

 

14. Seitan “turkey” roast

It won’t just be the vegans reaching for this roast made with bulgar wheat and celery. A delicious blend of herbs and vegetables makes this turkey alternative a new favorite entrée.

• Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Diet: vegan

Find the recipe from My Vegan Cookbook.

 

15. Thanksgiving pithiviers

Put a vegan twist on a traditional meal with vegan pithiviers. These filling French pies combine essential autumn flavors with butternut squash or pumpkin.

• Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Diet: vegan

Find the recipe from Lazy Cat Kitchen.

 

Thanksgiving side dish ideas to add new flavors 

 

Just because they’re not the main course doesn’t mean these ideas for Thanksgiving dinner are less important. Perfect for changing up a traditional menu or finding inspiration for a potluck Thanksgiving, our list of side dish suggestions belongs front and center on your Thanksgiving menu.

 

16. Buttery mashed potatoes

It’s not Thanksgiving without the potatoes. Use this classic recipe to prepare creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that complement any main dish.

• Total time: 40 minutes 
• Servings: 6
• Diet: make it vegan by using dairy-free butter and milk. 

Find the recipe from Favorite Family Recipes.

 

17. Cajun mashed potatoes

Kick it up a notch by making your mashed potatoes Cajun-style.

• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Diet: Make it vegetarian by skipping a bacon crumble on top. 

Find this spicy recipe on Allrecipes. 

 

18. Cranberry sauce with apples and oranges

Don’t listen to those guests who say they prefer the canned stuff. This twist on a classic cranberry sauce recipe will change anyone’s mind.

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free, grain-free

Find the recipe from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

 

19. Pan-fried sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a savory alternative to marshmallows and yams, try these pan-fried sweet potatoes that add an autumn touch to a traditional favorite. Plus, they take only 15 minutes.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Bake It With Love.

 

20. Cornbread and sausage stuffing

Delicious with or without the sausage, this cornbread stuffing can be made the day before Thanksgiving and warmed up right before hitting the table.

• Total time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Diet: Make it vegetarian by removing the sausage or adding plant-based sausage instead.

Find the recipe from Epicurious.

 

21. Stuffed pumpkins

Imagine perfectly cooked stuffing nestled into the ultimate autumn bowl—a mini pumpkin. More than an appealing centerpiece, these stuffed pumpkins pair well with Thanksgiving classics.

• Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Servings: 8–12
• Diet: vegetarian, but if you’re looking for vegan, our next recipe has you covered. 

=Find the recipe from The Spruce Eats.

 

22. Vegan stuffing

No one will be able to tell that this traditional-tasting stuffing recipe is actually vegan—unless you tell them.

• Total time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegan

Find the recipe from Love & Lemons.

 

23. Air fryer green beans

Free up some oven space this Thanksgiving with a quick, simple recipe for green beans cooked in an air fryer. Season according to the directions, or add your own preferred herbs for a unique taste.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

 

24. Sweet-and-sour onions

Some guests may turn up their nose at an onion side dish, but no one will be crying once they try these sweet-and-sour onions.

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian 

Find the recipe from Country Living.

 

25. Thanksgiving salad

We’re going to say it: Thanksgiving salad should be more of a thing. Luckily, with this hearty recipe—hello, cranberry vinaigrette dressing—it will be this year.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Food Folks and Fun.

 

26. Easy herb rolls

Want homemade-tasting Thanksgiving rolls without the rolling pin? Try this shortcut recipe that adds rosemary, thyme, and oregano to a pack of frozen dinner rolls.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 20 rolls
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Modern Proper.

 

27. Butternut squash mac and cheese

Don’t forget the cheesy macaroni on your Thanksgiving table! This Southern staple is enhanced with an addition of a flavorful fall favorite: butternut squash, for extra creaminess. It may replace the rest of the meal as your family’s new go-to dish.

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from two peas & their pod.

 

28. Squash casserole

For a traditional Southern side dish, serve a classic squash casserole that tastes like autumn. It’s just as savory—and cheesy—as you remember.

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegetarian. Use gluten-free crackers to make the dish gluten-free, too.

Find the recipe from Southern Living.

 

29. Garlic cauliflower soup

Whether your November is cool and rainy or warm and sunny, this healthy garlic cauliflower soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

 

Thanksgiving appetizer ideas for a fresh start

 

Going to a casual Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving this year? Choose an appetizer that incorporates all the flavors of Thanksgiving into tiny, bite-sized snacks—or set up an appetizer table to keep guests satiated while the turkey cooks. 

 

30. Cranberry brie bites

Caution: Don’t go overboard on these delicious cranberry brie bites or your guests will be too full for dinner.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 24 bites
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Country Cook.

 

31. Butternut squash with browned butter

What better way to whet your guests’ appetites for dinner than to bring buttery butternut squash to the table? Cut it in cubes and put toothpicks in for a quick bite-sized treat. 

• Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Woman’s Day.

 

32. Candied walnuts

Great for sprinkling into a salad, adding to a cheese log, or just snacking by the handful, these candied walnuts are a sweet and crunchy way to welcome guests to Thanksgiving.

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2 cups of walnuts
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Taste of Home.

 

33. Bacon-wrapped dates

For a sophisticated yet crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving appetizer, put a platter of bacon-wrapped dates on the table. Stuffed with either blue cheese or feta—your choice, these dates may be love at first sight for your guests.

• Total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 dozen dates
• Diet: gluten-free

Find the recipe from Food & Wine.

 

34. Spinach artichoke dip

Is it really Thanksgiving without spinach artichoke dip? Delicious and convenient, this recipe calls for slow cooker preparation, which keeps your stove and oven free for other dishes.

• Total time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

 

35. Cranberry pecan goat cheese log

Is there any better flavor combination than cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese? If so, we haven’t found it—and your guests won’t be able to get enough.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free

Find the recipe from This Farm Girl Cooks.

 

36. Thanksgiving charcuterie board

Gather meats, cheeses, nuts, and any other autumnal snacks to display on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Diet: varies based on ingredients

Find the recipe from Wanderlust and Wellness.

 

37. “Pumpkin pie” cheese and crackers

How do you make cheese and crackers look like they belong on a Thanksgiving appetizer table? Craft them into teeny-tiny pumpkin pie slices.

• Total time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 15 crackers
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Decorated Cookie.

 

38. Thanksgiving deviled eggs

Deviled eggs aren’t just for Easter—especially when they look like cute pumpkins, and taste like sage, rosemary, and pomegranate. 

• Total time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Delicious Table.

 

Thanksgiving dessert ideas for a tasty ending

 

Offering dessert after Thanksgiving isn’t just a holdover from Southern Thanksgiving traditions—it’s practically a required final course. From classic apple pie to easy-to-make pumpkin ice cream, satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with a number of dessert ideas for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

39. Braided lattice apple pie

Make your apple pie appetizing to both sight and taste with this braided lattice apple pie recipe. It’s so pretty that guests may be reluctant to cut your work of art—but they’ll get over it.

• Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 pie
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

 

40. Salted caramel apple pie bars

Halloween’s over, but caramel apples last forever… except if you bake them in these crumbly, streusel-topped shortbread bars that will disappear from your dessert table faster than the turkey disappeared from dinner.

• Total time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
• Servings: 12–16
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

 

41. Pumpkin roll

It’s not time for a yule log yet, but a pumpkin roll will do until December comes along. This pumpkin cake recipe is rolled with a cream cheese frosting inside for an appealing end-of-Thanksgiving dessert.

• Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe at Preppy Kitchen.

 

42. Vegan pumpkin pie

Pies are often off-limits to vegans and people who can’t eat gluten. But this vegan pumpkin pie recipe is so scrumptious that it may just replace a pie made with dairy and flour.

• Total time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegan, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Delish.

 

43. Purple sweet potato pie

Did you forget the purple in your Thanksgiving spread? Don’t panic—a delectable sweet potato pie recipe using purple sweet potatoes will do the trick. Add coconut and ube flavoring for a lovely looking and lovely tasting dessert.

• Total time: 8 hours, 35 minutes, including 6 hours of cooling time
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Food & Wine.

 

44. Pecan pie

For a classic end to the Thanksgiving dinner, try “Bon Appétit”’s favorite pecan pie recipe—it’s sure to be your favorite, as well.

• Total time: 2 hours plus cooling
• Yield: 1 pie
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Bon Appétit.

 

45. Citrus cranberry pie

Both sweet and tart, this recipe for citrus cranberry pie is just right for a Thanksgiving dinner that features cranberry as a main flavor profile.

• Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes 
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Taste of Home.

 

46. Peach cobbler

Want the Southern taste of peach cobbler, but don’t have all day to cut peaches? Use a simple peach cobbler recipe that incorporates canned peaches—shhh, we won’t tell—with ginger, cinnamon, and bubbling brown sugar.

• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Sweet Tea + Thyme.

 

47. Turkey cookies

If you’ve got kids on the guest list—and even if you don’t—these turkey cookies are an adorable addition to your dessert table.

• Total time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from The Decorated Cookie.

 

48. Molasses cookies

Who needs flour when you’ve got molasses and sugar? Bake up a batch of these chewy vegan molasses cookies for a sweet, gingery taste at the end of the day.

• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 16
• Diet: vegan

Find the recipe from Love & Lemons.

 

49. Pumpkin ice cream

Not everyone likes a warm Thanksgiving dessert—especially if you live in an area where the weather is still on the warmer side. Make your own pumpkin ice cream for a cool spiced treat.

• Total time: 1 hour, 30 minutes, plus chill time
• Yield: 1 quart
• Diet: gluten-free, vegetarian

Find the recipe from A Couple Cooks.

 

50. Pumpkin-maple cheesecake bars

For more of a grab-and-go dessert, these cheesecake bars carry the sweet maple and savory pumpkin flavors of Thanksgiving as guests carry them away.

• Total time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
• Servings: 20
• Diet: vegetarian

Find the recipe from Epicurious.

 

51. Triple chocolate trifle

Got any chocolate lovers at the table? If the answer is “yes”—and trust us, it is—serve up a luscious chocolate trifle with cake, pudding, whipped cream, and toffee crumbles.

• Total time: 20 minutes, plus 2 hours of cooling time
• Servings: 12
• Diet: vegetarian, gluten-free

Find the recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch.

 

Give thanks to friends and family with Paperless Post

 

Now that the menu is squared away, it’s time to invite the guests (unless you want to eat all the amazing food yourself—we don’t blame you). 

Send friends and family Paperless Post Thanksgiving invitations that include features like Guest Questions and a Comment Wall so hosts can get the details, like who’s bringing what, and dietary restrictions just right. Then use Guest Tags to keep track of which allergens to avoid for each meal. Add a Link Block to provide a spreadsheet for potluck assignments and a Details Block to write out a preview of the Thanksgiving menu in advance. 

Not sure what else to say in your Thanksgiving invitations? Read our Thanksgiving message invitation ideas for multiple suggestions and invitation choices for any type of Thanksgiving celebration. And if you want some new decorations for your freshened-up Thanksgiving dinner, shop for fall entertaining party supplies at Paperless Post Party Shop for all your holiday needs. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Browse Thanksgiving Invitations

 

Hero image via Kitchen Stories.