Planning Your Thanksgiving Menu? Here are 12 Recipes to Add to Your Table

Get more recipes and food news by signing up for our Deep Dish newsletter.

Thanksgiving is almost here, so it’s the perfect time to revisit some recipes that will add some color, flavor, and texture to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re preparing to host your own Thanksgiving, or you don’t want to show up empty-handed, we’ve got suggestions for casseroles, sides, veggies, sweets, and a cocktail for you to try out.

1.Mashed Potatoes with Caraway-Mustard Butter

Photo: Connie Miller of CB Creatives

Add a little bit of kick to your mashed potatoes with this Milk Street recipe. Horseradish gives these mashed potatoes a little bit of a sweet heat.

2. Savory Sweet Potato Gratin

Photo: Milk Street

This Milk Street recipe is a good substitute for the classic sweet potato casserole. The bonus? No marshmallows needed. If you’ve got a lot to cook, the gratin can be made a day ahead.

3. Ligurian Potato, Green Bean, and Mushroom Gratin

Photo: Courtesy Milk Street

Milk Street also offers a fresh take on the classic green bean casserole with this potato, green bean, and mushroom gratin. It works as a side or a main dish for vegetarians.

4. Tater Tot Hotdish

Photo: Cook's Country

If you’re from Minnesota, you probably know what hotdish is. These baked dishes typically include protein and vegetables bound in a creamy sauce with a starch, making them a great add-on for Thanksgiving. Give this recipe for Tater Tot Hotdish from Cook’s Country a try.

5. Pastitsio

Photo: Carl Tremblay

If you’re looking for a different kind of casserole, this recipe for pastitsio (sort of like a Greek lasagna) from America’s Test Kitchen could be a good fit on Thanksgiving.

6. Roasted Acorn Squash with Browned Butter-Orange Vinaigrette

Photo: Connie Miller of CB Creatives

This recipe is the epitome of fall food. Roasted pistachios will add some texture to this warm, buttery side. The recipe can easily be doubled if you have a lot of guests at your table.

7. Roasted Baby Artichokes

Photo: Stephen Hamilton / Listen to Your Vegetables

This recipe comes from Monteverde’s Sarah Grueneberg and was created by “happy accident.” With an herb marinade, this dish turns out like fried artichoke chips but without the hassle of a mandolin. It could be a fitting side or something to snack on while people wait for the big meal.

8. Pumpkin Seed Rolls

Photo: Connie Miller of CB Creatives

Your Thanksgiving rolls can be more than just gravy-dipping vehicles; bring in the flavors of the season with some pepitas for these rolls from Milk Street. These are best when made the day of serving.

9. Cranberry Curd Tart with an Almond Crust

Photo: America's Test Kitchen

The vibrant color of this cranberry curd tart from America’s Test Kitchen will brighten up any Thanksgiving table. The recipe includes an almond crust. This recipe is great for Christmas and other winter holidays, too.

10. French Apple Cake

Photo: Connie Miller of CB Creatives

Not a fan of pie? This apple cake recipe from Milk Street brings all the warmth and flavors of a traditional apple pie.

11. Pumpkin Tart

Photo: Milk Street

If pumpkin pie is too dense for you, this tart serves as a lighter version, and sautéing the pumpkin puree with dark brown sugar adds a caramel flavor.

12. Bijou Cocktail

Photo: Callum Duffy

Add some spirit to your Thanksgiving with this cocktail from Milk Street editorial director J.M. Hirsch. This gin cocktail is ideal for people who like bourbon or want a slightly brighter version of an Old Fashioned.