Thanksgiving is a special time for gathering around the table, sharing comforting food, and honoring family traditions. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or hosting your first Thanksgiving, these classic American dishes bring warmth, nostalgia, and holiday joy. Below, you’ll find the best iconic recipes that families across the USA proudly serve year after year.
🇺🇸 15 Best Traditional American Thanksgiving Recipes
1. Traditional Roast Turkey
A timeless centerpiece that symbolizes Thanksgiving in most American homes. Whether roasted with herbs, fried for crispiness, or smoked for deep flavor, turkey brings warmth and tradition to the holiday table.
Ingredients: Turkey, butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken broth.
How to Cook:
- Rub the turkey with butter and herbs.
- Roast at 325°F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound, or deep-fry at 350°F, or smoke at 250°F.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Classic Bread Stuffing (or Dressing)
A cozy mixture of bread, onions, celery, and herbs is served either inside the turkey or baked separately. Variations such as cornbread dressing or oyster stuffing have deep American regional roots.
Ingredients: Bread cubes, onions, celery, butter, chicken broth, sage, thyme, salt, pepper.
How to Cook:
- Sauté onions and celery in butter.
- Combine with bread and herbs.
- Add broth and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
3. Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Gravy
Creamy, smooth potatoes go well with golden turkey gravy. This classic combination brings comfort and tradition to every plate.
Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, milk, salt, pepper; drippings, flour, broth (for gravy).
How to Cook:
- Boil the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk.
- Make the gravy by whisking the drippings, flour, and broth over heat.
4. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tart, and refreshing, cranberry sauce balances the rich flavors of Thanksgiving. Some people prefer whole berries, while others love the jellied version.
Ingredients: Cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest.
How to Cook:
- Simmer everything in a saucepan.
- Cook until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Smooth sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or buttery pecans make a nostalgic dish that brings warmth to the table.
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, pecans or marshmallows.
How to Cook:
- Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter and eggs.
- Add the topping.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Green Bean Casserole
A classic dish made with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. It’s quick, creamy, and loved in many American homes.
Ingredients: Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, pepper, fried onions.
How to Cook:
- Mix the beans, soup, and milk.
- Add the fried onions on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
7. Pumpkin Pie
A silky custard pie spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It is warm and comforting, traditionally served after the feast.
Ingredients: Pumpkin purée, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, pie crust.
How to Cook:
- Mix the filling ingredients.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then at 350°F for 40 minutes.
8. Pecan Pie
A sweet Southern classic with a buttery filling and crunchy pecans. It is rich, comforting, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients: Pecans, corn syrup, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, pie crust.
How to Cook:
- Mix the filling ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes.
9. Apple Pie
A warm, cinnamon-scented pie filled with tender apples is a cherished American tradition that celebrates the fall harvest.
Ingredients: Apples, cinnamon, sugar, flour, butter, pie crust.
How to Cook:
- Combine apples with cinnamon and sugar.
- Fill the crust and bake at 375°F for 50 minutes.
10. Sweet Potato Pie
Smooth, sweet, and deeply rooted in Southern culture. A cozy alternative to pumpkin pie with a familiar charm.
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, spices, pie crust.
How to Cook:
- Mash potatoes and mix with other ingredients.
- Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes.
11. Regional American Twists
Different regions celebrate Thanksgiving with unique flavors:
- Southern Cornbread Dressing
- New England Oyster Stuffing
- Pacific Northwest Salmon
Ingredients (general): Varies by region but often includes bread, seafood, herbs, or local produce.
How to Cook:
- Prepare the base recipe (cornbread, oysters, or salmon).
- Bake, roast, or pan-sear based on the regional style.
12. Classic Vegetable Sides
Bright, simple vegetables add balance to the feast.
Common Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, olive oil, butter, herbs.
- How to Cook:Roast, simmer, or sauté until tender.
- Season lightly with herbs or a honey glaze.
13. Holiday Appetizers
Simple starters like deviled eggs, cheese balls, or dips help guests pass the time.
Ingredients: Eggs, mayo, mustard (for deviled eggs); Cream cheese, cheddar, herbs (for cheese ball).
How to Cook:
- Prepare and mix the ingredients.
- Chill or serve right away, depending on the dish.
14. Homemade Breads & Rolls
Warm rolls and cornbread bring comfort and complete the meal.
Ingredients: Flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, milk (for rolls); Cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk (for cornbread).
How to Cook:
- Mix the dough or batter.
- Bake until golden and fluffy.
15. Celebration Cakes
Many families serve hummingbird cake or Italian cream cake with pie.
Ingredients: Varies but often includes pecans, bananas, pineapple, or cream cheese frosting.
How to Cook:
- Mix the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes.
- Frost when cool.
If you loved these comforting American Thanksgiving recipes, don’t forget to save this post for later! And if you enjoy traditional holiday dishes, follow me on Pinterest where I share classic, nostalgic food inspirations all year long.
All images in this post were created by me using AI tools, guided by my own research, styling, and creative direction.