All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (2024)

ThanksgivingRecipe Roundups

November 4, 2023

All of the recipes you need for an epic, delicious Thanksgiving! These healthy Thanksgiving recipes are unique twists on the traditional ones that you know and love. From appetizers and mains to amazing side dishes and desserts, these recipes will be your new favorites to share with family & friends.

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All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (1)

Thanksgiving might just be the greatest holiday ever (hello, pumpkin pie 4 life) and I’m so excited to share all of the best Thanksgiving recipes with you. I included a delicious mix of appetizers, salads, mains, sides, and desserts for you to pick and choose from for the big day, PLUS a printable menu for you to write in your recipes!

Whether you’re hosting for the first time or heading to a family member’s house, these unique, healthy twists on traditional Thanksgiving recipes are guaranteed to impress.

Take a scroll, pick out your favorites, and be sure to leave a comment to tell me what you think! I’d love to see your Thanksgiving creations, so share any photos in our Facebook group and be sure to tag #AmbitiousThanksgiving on Instagram.

FREE Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide (+ printable checklist!)

Whether you’re hosting or just attending, this Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide email series is for everyone. Enter your email below to get all of my best recipes, tips, and a FREE printable checklist for all of your Thanksgiving needs.

GF = Gluten Free

V = Vegan

VT = Vegetarian

** = Monique’s favorites

Thankful for all of you each and every day. Enjoy, xoxo!

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (2)

Appetizers

  • Scallion Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Mushrooms VT **
  • VT
  • Roasted Garlic Tahini Carrot Dip
  • Garlic Olive Oil Dip V, GF
  • VT, GF
  • Ricotta and Pear Crostini with Salty Pumpkin Seed Pistachio Crunch
  • How to Make Super Creamy Hummus (+5 different flavor variations!) V, GF
  • Bacon Wrapped Dark Chocolate + Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates GF **
  • GF
  • Ultimate Charcuterie Board **
  • Bubbly Hot Chicken Enchilada Bean Dip GF
  • VT
  • The Best Garlic Bread You’ll Ever Eat
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes VT, GF **
  • GF
  • VT
  • Vegan Jalapeño Butternut Squash Queso V, GF
  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs with Bleu Cheese Yogurt Dip GF
  • Vegetarian Three Cheese White Bean Buffalo Dip VT, GF
  • Tortilla Chip-Crusted Baked Jalapeño Poppers VT, GF
  • Vegan Charcuterie Board inspiration
  • Creamy Jalapeño Spinach Artichoke Dip VT, GF
  • Smoked Salmon Crostini

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (3)

Drinks & co*cktails

  • Apple Cider Hot Toddy
  • Rebecca’s Pomegranate Margarita
  • Spicy Blood Orange Margarita
  • Rebecca’s Mulled Wine
  • Grapefruit Margarita

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (4)

Salads

  • Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad GF **
  • Brussels Sprouts Kale Honeycrisp Apple Salad with Maple Cider Dressing V, GF
  • Vegan Caesar Salad V, GF
  • Roasted Carrot Cauliflower Quinoa Salad with Sunshine Dressing V, GF
  • Autumn Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad GF
  • Winter Roasted Butternut Squash Black Lentil Salad V, GF **
  • California Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad V, GF
  • VT, GF **
  • Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad GF
  • Chickpea Apple Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing VT, GF **
  • VT, GF
  • Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Pomegranate, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese VT, GF

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (5)

Mains

  • Herb Butter Maple Roasted Turkey GF **
  • Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese GF ** (easily vegetarian without the bacon!)
  • How to Make an Easy Roasted Chicken GF
  • Cozy Roasted Vegetable Butternut Squash Lasagna VT, GF
  • White Chicken Chili Pie with Pumpkin Cornbread Crust
  • How to Spatchco*ck a Chicken GF
  • Blow Ya Mind Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Pot Pie
  • VT, GF
  • Cranberry Pecan Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Goat Cheese Crema VT, GF
  • Vegetarian Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna VT, GF
  • One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta GF
  • Oh So Good Chicken Meatballs in Pumpkin Coconut Curry Sauce GF
  • Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie
  • Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Meatloaf GF **
  • Brown Butter Acorn Squash Pasta with Toasted Hazelnuts + Sage VT
  • Pesto Mushroom Chicken Lasagna Roll Ups
  • Mom’s Ultimate Vegetarian Lentil Loaf V, GF
  • V, GF
  • Butternut Squash, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole GF
  • The Best Healthy Turkey Lasagna You’ll Ever Eat GF
  • Saucy Baked Pumpkin Pasta GF **
  • Whole Wheat Honey-Jalapeño Cornbread Chicken Tamale Pie
  • Vegan Butternut Squash Lasagna with Garlic Tahini Tofu Cream V, GF
  • Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese V, GF

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (6)

Sides

  • Parmesan Bacon Sourdough Mushroom Stuffing
  • VT
  • VT, GF
  • Twice Baked Butternut Squash GF
  • Perfect Homemade Turkey Gravy GF
  • Gluten Free Cornbread Muffins VT, GF
  • The Best Cornbread Stuffing Ever VT, GF **
  • Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup VT, GF
  • Lightened Up Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel VT, GF **
  • Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce VT, GF
  • Cheddar Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin VT
  • The Best Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes VT, GF **
  • VT , GF **
  • Garlic Fingerling Potatoes (V, GF)
  • The Best Fluffy Moist Cornbread Recipe Ever VT
  • The Best Homemade Healthy Green Bean Casserole VT, GF **
  • Homemade Slow Cooker Baked Beans GF
  • Lightened Up Brown Butter Mashed Sweet potato (with a slow cooker option!) VT, GF **
  • Balsamic Herb Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables V, GF
  • GF
  • VT, GF **
  • Honey Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins VT **
  • Chipotle Gouda Scalloped Sweet Potatoes VT
  • 15-Minute Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce V, GF **
  • Brown Butter Cranberry Pumpkin Cornbread Skillet VT
  • Healthy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Casserole with Almond Oat Crumble VT, GF
  • Butternut Squash Quinoa Patties with Cranberry Sauce V
  • Sesame Garlic Roasted Asparagus V, GF

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (7)

Desserts

Making a pie? Start with my BEST all butter pie crust recipe!

  • Salted Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Pie**
  • The Best Tart Cherry Pie You’ll Ever Eat**
  • Best Ever Healthy Pumpkin Pie**
  • Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie**
  • V, GF
  • World’s Best Banana Cream Pie (with peanut butter cookie crust!)
  • Blow Ya Mind Pumpkin Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting GF
  • Flourless Monster Cookies GF
  • Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp GF
  • White Chocolate Macadamia Snickerdoodles
  • Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
  • Mini Paleo Pumpkin Pies with Gingerbread Cookie Crust GF
  • Ooey-Gooey Salted Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars GF
  • Paleo Ginger Molasses Cookies GF **
  • Best Healthy Apple Crisp Ever V **
  • Blow Ya Mind Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies V, GF **
  • Salted Brown Butter Coffee Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Deep Dish French Silk Pie **
  • How to Make Whipped Cream GF
  • Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bars with Almond Flour Sugar Cookie Crust GF
  • Brown Butter Apple Coffee Cake
  • Peanut Butter Cup S’mores Chocolate Cookies
  • Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting GF **
  • Grain Free Tahini Brownies (the best brownies I’ve ever eaten!) GF **
  • Brown Butter Snickerdoodles Cookies**
  • The Best Paleo Chocolate Cake with Paleo Chocolate Frosting GF **
  • Coffee Tahini Date Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies
  • Lightened Up Sweet Potato Pie with Sweet and Salty Pecan Crust GF
  • Grain Free Snickerdoodles GF
  • Old Fashioned Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies **
  • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies with Fluffy Peanut Butter Filling
  • Paleo Orange-Kissed Loaf with Dark Chocolate Glaze GF
  • Healthy Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust GF
  • The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Eat **

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (8)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE MENU

And don’t forget to grab our FREE printable checklist for hosting!

I hope you love these delicious Thanksgiving recipes! If you make anything from AK, be sure to tag #ambitiouskitchen onInstagram. I love seeing your creations and featuring followers!

All The Recipes You Need for an Epic Thanksgiving | Ambitious Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Our Top 10 Easy Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes w/ Recipes
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Baked Corn. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Fresh Rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

What is in a Thanksgiving dinner checklist? ›

Thanksgiving Menu
  • Turkey. Gravy. Stuffing.
  • Green bean casserole.
  • Salad.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Rolls and other breads.
  • Pumpkin pie.
Nov 21, 2022

What are the top 20 Thanksgiving foods in America? ›

Top 20 Thanksgiving Recipes
  • Apple Stuffing.
  • Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread.
  • Asparagus Bake.
  • Creamy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Cranberry Sauce.
  • Creamy Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
  • Turkey Gravy.
  • Apple Pie.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What is the most traditional Thanksgiving menu? ›

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

What not to forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Don't forget these key items at the store for Thanksgiving
  • 1 of 32. Parchment paper. Education Images/UIG via Getty Images. ...
  • 2 of 32. Evaporated milk. Tom Kelley/Getty Images. ...
  • 3 of 32. Molasses. Scott Olson/Getty Images. ...
  • 4 of 32. Bay leaves. ...
  • 5 of 32. Kosher salt. ...
  • 6 of 32. Shallots. ...
  • 7 of 32. Sage. ...
  • 8 of 32. Stock.
Nov 22, 2023

What is the most popular side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What am I forgetting for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

All the Things I Forget to Have on Hand When Hosting Thanksgiving (But Not This Year)
  • Clothespins. ...
  • Ketchup. ...
  • Paper napkins. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Nondairy creamer.
Nov 17, 2023

What do you drink on Thanksgiving? ›

  • Basic Red Wine and Brandy Sangria. 10 mins.
  • Simple Amaretto Sour co*cktail. 3 mins.
  • Keto Mulled Wine. 2 hrs.
  • Maple Pecan Latte Recipe. 12 mins.
  • Easy Rum Eggnog Recipe. 3 mins.
  • Eggnog Martini. 3 mins.
  • Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte. 10 mins.
  • Apple Cinnamon Mule. 5 mins.

What is the unhealthiest Thanksgiving food? ›

Worst: Sausage Stuffing

It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

What do Californians eat for Thanksgiving? ›

7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving
  • GRILLED TURKEY IS THE CENTERPIECE. ...
  • SOURDOUGH SNEAKS IN SOMEWHERE. ...
  • VEGETABLE SIDES AREN'T GLOPPED IN MAYO. ...
  • GARLIC BREAD IS THE CARB OF CHOICE. ...
  • BRUSSELS SPROUTS PREVAIL OVER GREEN BEANS. ...
  • MAYBE YOU'LL SEE PECAN PIE, MAYBE YOU WON'T. ...
  • PINOT NOIR NEVER STOPS FLOWIN'.
Nov 18, 2015

What is the unhealthiest food at Thanksgiving? ›

14 Unhealthiest Thanksgiving Sides To Avoid This Year
  • Potatoes au gratin. ...
  • Macaroni and cheese. ...
  • Canned cranberry sauce. ...
  • Candied yams. sasazawa/Shutterstock. ...
  • Sausage stuffing. Alivemindphotography/Getty Images. ...
  • Turkey Gravy. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock. ...
  • Cornbread. Bhofack2/Getty Images. ...
  • Pecan Pie. Nicolasmccomber/Getty Images.
Nov 6, 2023

What are 5 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Of course, everybody knows that a traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of turkey, ham, green been casserole, potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc.

What are the top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes? ›

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes
  1. Holiday Stuffing. This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish!
  2. Best Mashed Potatoes Ever. ...
  3. New Green Bean Casserole. ...
  4. Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  5. Baked Cranberry Sauce. ...
  6. Cauliflower Blossom. ...
  7. Butternut Squash Mash. ...
  8. Creamy Corn for a Crowd. ...

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

What are 3 main foods on Thanksgiving? ›

Many Americans would regard Thanksgiving dinner as "incomplete" without stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cranberry sauce. A recipe for cranberry sauce to be served with turkey appeared in the first American cookbook, American Cookery (1796) by Amelia Simmons.

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