Plays Well With Butter
An overhead shot of a lemon herb roasted spatchcock turkey on a white oval platter garnished with herbs and lemons atop a white marble surface. The platter is surrounded by stuffing muffins, green beans, a bowl of gravy, a bowl of cranberries, and autumn flowers and gourds.
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Thanksgiving

Planning your Thanksgiving menu? You’ve come to the right place! From classic holiday favorites to fresh twists on tradition, these Thanksgiving recipes are full of flavor and made for sharing. Whether you’re hosting the whole family, planning a smaller Thanksgiving dinner, or putting your own spin on the holiday, you’ll find plenty of delicious ideas to make the celebration extra special.

Thanksgiving Turkey 101

An overhead shot of a spatchcock raw turkey on a piece of parchment paper atop a white marbled surface. Fresh herbs, oil, garlic, butter, salt and pepper sit alongside the turkey.

How to Spatchcock a Turkey: 3-Step Miracle Method for an Extra-Juicy Thanksgiving Bird
An overhead shot of a lemon herb roasted spatchcock turkey on a white oval platter garnished with herbs and lemons atop a white marble surface. The platter is surrounded by stuffing muffins, green beans, a bowl of gravy, a bowl of cranberries, and autumn flowers and gourds.

Always-Juicy Roast Spatchcock Turkey with Lemon Herb Butter
An overhead shot of a roasted maple glazed spatchcock turkey on a white oval platter garnished with herbs and cranberries atop a white marble surface. The platter is surrounded by stuffing muffins, green beans, a bowl of gravy, a bowl of cranberries, and autumn flowers and gourds.

Sticky-Sweet Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey (Guaranteed Juicy!)
A close-up angled shot of turkey gravy in a white gravy bowl atop a white scalloped plate. The plate sits on a beige surface.

Easy Turkey Gravy: Making Homemade Gravy from Turkey Drippings
An overhead shot of a roasted maple glazed spatchcock turkey on a white oval platter garnished with herbs and cranberries atop a white marble surface. The platter is surrounded by stuffing muffins, green beans, a bowl of gravy, a bowl of cranberries, and autumn flowers and gourds.

your stress-free Thanksgiving starts here

This FREE email series includes my best-ever Thanksgiving recipes to plan your menu, plus make-ahead dishes and tips for your least stressful holiday yet. Ditch the last minute kitchen scrambling and enjoy the extra time with loved ones this year!

Thanksgiving menus

A woman holds a Thanksgiving chicken and potatoes inside of a large white double handled braising pan over a Thanksgiving table. The table is decorated with a muted red table cloth and has purple florals, a purple linen napkin, and two amber colored drinking glasses resting atop. The woman is wearing a white and black plaid apron with a yellow sweater, and two yellow linen oven mitts on each of her hands.

Small Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for a Cozy Holiday
A stack of four glass casserole dishes with gray lids are filled with and labeled as make ahead mashed potatoes, make ahead sweet potato casserole, make ahead green casserole, and make ahead stuffing. A mason jar filled with and labeled as make ahead gravy rests atop the casserole storage dishes. The dishes sit atop a light peach textured surface with a peach background. A red muted linen napkin and Fall colored florals rest in the background.

Make Ahead Thanksgiving (Stress-Free Recipes, Timeline & Tips)

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Classic, Modern, & Make-Ahead
An overhead shot of three thanksgiving meatballs served atop mashed potatoes with gravy on a speckled ceramic plate that sits atop a creamy white textured surface. One of the turkey meatballs have been cut in half to reveal an inside core of stovetop stuffing inside. A small gravy boat pours gravy over the meatballs from above. The meatballs are garnished with fresh chopped herbs and pepper. A gold fork rests on the edge of the plate while a wine glass and fresh sprigs of herbs surround the plate at center.

11 Alternative Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas (No Turkey Required!)

turkey alternatives

A whole Thanksgiving chicken and potatoes are served atop of a large white platter that sits atop a muted red table cloth. A carving fork & knife rest atop the platter and the platter is surrounded by purple florals, a purple linen napkin, two amber colored drinking glasses, and a white gravy boat filled with chicken gravy.

Thanksgiving Chicken & Gravy
An overhead shot of three thanksgiving meatballs served atop mashed potatoes with gravy on a speckled ceramic plate that sits atop a creamy white textured surface. One of the turkey meatballs have been cut in half to reveal an inside core of stovetop stuffing inside. The meatballs have been drizzled with gravy and garnished with fresh chopped herbs.

Thanksgiving Meatballs (Turkey Stuffing Meatballs & Gravy)
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Garlic Herb Brown Butter sauce fills a gray ceramic bowl. The gnocchi is garnished with fresh sage leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese. The bowl sits atop a creamy white textured surface with a blue and white striped linen napkin tucked alongside & a parmesan rind & loose fresh herbs surrounding the bowl.

Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Garlic Herb Brown Butter

HOW-TO videos

Classic side dishes

A close-up angled shot of turkey gravy in a white gravy bowl atop a white scalloped plate. The plate sits on a beige surface.

Easy Turkey Gravy: Making Homemade Gravy from Turkey Drippings
Side angle of sourdough sausage stuffing in baking dish with spoonful taken out, showing the creamy center.

Crispy-Topped Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage and Mushrooms
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole in a white serving dish sprinkled with fresh herbs and candied nuts with a silver spoon nestled into the dish. The baking dish rests on a flat marbled gray surface next to a gray and white stripe linen napkin, a plate of sweet potato casserole dished up and candied nuts and herbs spread around.

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Pecan Topping
A baking dish of au gratin potatoes with a browned cheese crust, topped with fresh herbs and a serving spoon.

Yukon Gold Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère & Garlic-Thyme Cream
An overhead shot of bourbon orange cranberry sauce garnished with orange zest in a glass bowl atop a pink surface. The bowl is surrounded by golden yellow cloths, an old fashioned, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks and a bouquet of flowers.

“Old Fashioned” Bourbon Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Bitters (25 Minutes)
An oval white baking dish filled with sliced, browned zucchini topped with grated cheese and chopped chives, set on a beige cloth with plates, silverware, and a glass of water nearby.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creamy Braised Leeks
A side angle shot of Thanksgiving salad tossed inside of a large gray ceramic bowl with cider cinnamon vinaigrette. A woman's hands hold a large spoon and a fork to toss the salad together. The bowl sits atop a light cream colored textured surface surrounded by a small white bowl filled with maple spiced nuts, another small bowl filled with goat cheese, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a natural woven placemat.

Thanksgiving Salad with Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette
An overhead shot of garlic mashed potatoes topped with pats of butter and snipped chives in a blue bowl. The bowl sits on a white surface alongside a striped cloth and bowls of chives and pepper.

Blow-Your-Mind Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (8 Ingredients)

Thanksgiving Sides with a twist

Prosciutto-wrapped green bean bundles arranged on a white serving platter and topped with creamy mushroom sauce and french fried onions. The serving platter sits atop a creamy white plaster surface and light gray linen napkin is tucked underneath the platter.

Prosciutto Wrapped Green Bean Casserole Bundles with Crispy Onions
A side shot of a baked crispy stuffing muffin sitting atop a muffin tin full of other stuffing muffins on a cooling rack.

Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins aka, Stuffins! (Individual Portions)
Baked wild mushroom stuffing fills a Grenadine colored Staub Cast Iron Skillet that sits atop a creamy white textured surface. A light gray linen napkin, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a small ceramic bowl filled with gravy sits alongside the skillet.

Crispy Wild Mushroom Stuffing (in a Cast Iron Skillet!)
An overhead shot of a baking dish filled with assembled and baked Savory Sweet Potato Casserole topped with bacon breadcrumb topping. The baking dish sits atop a creamy white textured surface. A gray and white striped linen napkin is tucked underneath the baking dish. A few loose fresh herbs and a parmesan rind surround the baking dish.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Herbed Bacon Breadcrumbs
A close up shot of five twice baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping are arranged atop a white oval serving platter. The platter sits atop a white and gray marble surface surrounded a small white scalloped pinch bowl filled with chopped pecans and walnuts, loose sprigs of fresh herbs, and a light cream colored linen napkin.

Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping
Side angle of a row of pumpkin biscuits. The biscuits have a pecan & fresh herbs inserted in their tops, making the biscuits look like little pumpkins.

Extra Flaky Pumpkin Biscuits with Garlic Herb Butter

Last-Minute add-ons

An overhead shot of roasted caramelized carrots topped with thyme leaves on a white plate atop a white marbled surface.

Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Never Mushy!)
An overhead shot of creamed spinach in a large silver skillet with gold handles on a grey surface. The pan is surrounded by a striped cloth, a box of Boursin cheese, a jar of cream, a pepper mill and a bowl of parmesan cheese.

Absolutely Unreal Creamed Spinach with Boursin (20 Minutes)
Maple roasted brussels sprouts with pancetta & pine nuts arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The brussels sprouts are beautifully golden brown, having been roasted.

Crispy & Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash arranged on a creamy white serving platter with a dark brown rim. Two forks rest on one side of the platter and the platter sits atop a gray and white striped linen napkin.

Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash
Swirled cranberry cornbread muffins shown on top of a black plaid napkin atop a white surface. Some fresh cranberries are scattered around the muffins.

30-Minute Swirled Cranberry Cornbread Muffins
Finished roasted mushrooms are piled atop a black plate that sits atop a black textured surface. The mushrooms have been finished with a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese cheese and fresh herbs. A gold spoon rests atop the plate and the pate is surrounded by a small wooden pinch bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese with a small wooden spoon resting inside and a light gray linen napkin.

Crispy Roasted Mushrooms

Snacks & sips

Creamy pumpkin hummus shown on a small speckled ceramic plate, topped with olive oil, pomegranate arils, pepitas, and fresh herbs. The hummus is placed on a white marble backdrop, next to some fresh rosemary and a plate of root veggie chips. A woman's hand is reaching into the plate, taking a scoop of it with a root veggie chip.

10-Minute Cozy & Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
Mini Baked Brie Bites arranged on a platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary. One brie bite is split open revealing gooey melted brie cheese. The platter sits atop a dark textured surface. A black and white plaid linen napkin, a string of sparkling lights, and a glass of sparkling wine rest alongside.

Mini Baked Brie Bites (Festive, 3-Ingredient Holiday Appetizer!)
Various sizes of pumpkin-shaped cheese balls are arranged atop a wood serving platter surrounded by stacks of crackers and pita chips. The platter sits atop a gray textured surface with a metal cheese knife resting alongside the platter.

Savory Autumn Pumpkin Cheese Ball
bejeweled holiday marinated goat cheese. easy & beautiful appetizer for any holiday party, this bejeweled holiday marinated goat cheese is always a total show stopper. dried fruits (apricots, golden raisins, figs, cranberries) marinated with fresh herbs & pine nuts, then served over a generous portion of goat cheese. this marinated goat cheese recipe only takes 10 minutes to prep & is always a hit! #playswellwithbutter #marinatedgoatcheese #cheeseball #holidayappetizers #crowdpleaserappetizer

Bejeweled Holiday Marinated Goat Cheese
easy & cozy bourbon ginger cider cocktails perfect for autumn! the bold flavor of a nice bourbon is perfectly balanced out by warming notes of a good apple cider & ground cinnamon, the spice of a strong ginger beer, & the bright tang of fresh lime. you will love making these bourbon ginger cider cocktails for your friends & family all autumn long! #playswellwithbutter #easycocktailrecipe #bourbon #autumncocktail #fallcocktail

4-Ingredient Cozy Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktails
a cozy chai cocktail with golden raisin-infused spiced rum & homemade vanilla chai simple syrup. this chai cocktail is just as perfect for a cozy date night in as it is for celebrating with friends & loved ones this winter season. the perfect cozy winter nightcap. cheers! #playswellwithbutter #chai #rum #hygge #datenightathome #cocktail #cocktailrecipe #wintercocktail #winterdrink #cozycocktail #cozy

Cozy Chai Cocktail with Golden Raisin Rum & Vanilla Chai Syrup

Thanksgiving desserts

Side angle of pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust. The cheesecake is on a small white ceramic plate, topped with drizzly caramel & freshly whipped cream.

Best-Ever Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
White ceramic plates with servings of apple pie bars and ice cream are arranged atop a creamy white textured surrounded by a tan colored linen napkin, loose pieces of walnut crumble, & a half of a Granny smith apple. Silver forks rest atop the plates.

Mom’s Flaky Apple Pie Bars with Walnut Crumble
An overhead shot of spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside of a white bowl with a dainty brown pattern. A gold fork rests inside of the bowl and the bowl sits atop a creamy white textured surface surrounded by two other servings of apple crisp in a brown and white bowls, a gray linen napkin, and a small white ceramic cup of masala chai tea.

Chai Spiced Apple Crisp

Must-Have Thanksgiving Equipment

AllThanksgiving

11 Alternative Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas (No Turkey Required!)

Yukon Gold Au Gratin Potatoes with Gruyère & Garlic-Thyme Cream

Small Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas for a Cozy Holiday

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creamy Braised Leeks

Savory Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter & Crispy Garlic

Fluffiest Chai Cinnamon Rolls with Espresso Cream Cheese Icing

Extra-Crispy Roasted Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan (4 Ingredients)

Fall Panzanella Salad with Squash and Focaccia Croutons

Seriously Caramelized Roasted Carrots (Never Mushy!)

Blow-Your-Mind Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (8 Ingredients)

Absolutely Unreal Creamed Spinach with Boursin (20 Minutes)

Crispy-Edged Stuffing Muffins aka, Stuffins! (Individual Portions)

“Old Fashioned” Bourbon Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Bitters (25 Minutes)

Show-Stopping & Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Classic, Modern, & Make-Ahead

20-Minute Hearty Kale Brussels Sprout Salad

One-Pot Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo with Kale

Crispy Roasted Mushrooms

Thanksgiving Meatballs (Turkey Stuffing Meatballs & Gravy)

Thanksgiving Salad with Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Chicken & Gravy

Mom’s Flaky Apple Pie Bars with Walnut Crumble

Savory Autumn Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Autumn Caesar Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash Croutons

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