Preparing Thanksgiving dinner for the first time but you’re not a pro in the kitchen? These Thanksgiving recipes for beginner cooks will help you pull off a delicious holiday meal. We’re sharing an assortment of easy Thanksgiving recipes that’ll take stress out of the day. From appetizers, a juicy turkey, side dishes, and desserts these recipes will leave your guests talking about the meal… in a good way!
Traditional Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
“I was able to come up with this recipe that works quite well! If you like classic dishes but weren’t taught them by a family member, this might fill the same hole for you that it did for me.” – Kat
Creamed Corn
“This is so great to make when your oven is full of other yummy things.” – Debbie
Roasted Carrots, Thanksgiving Favorite
“I made these for Thanksgiving and the family said they were the best carrots they had ever had. The roasting brings out the sweetness, and cutting them the same size means they are done together and not overcooked.” – Teresa
Simply Scalloped Potatoes
“My mother-in-law had a knack for making simple recipes that tasted like she tolled over the oven and stove! But her love of cooking and her love for her family showed every time we sat down for a meal of hers. This dish is very simple and so good, that I had to share it.” – June
Crowd-Pleaser Green Bean Casserole
“Green Bean Casserole is my favorite side dish! I worked on perfecting this recipe for a long time, and now I can say- this is it! You will not be able to stop going for a second helping, and it is a sure winner with everyone! This recipe feeds a small crowd.” – Jane
Pecan Pie Cobbler
“If you are a pecan pie lover this is a recipe for you. A different way to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie.” – Sharon
Roast Turkey
“For you new cooks or those who have not used a roasting bag, this is a no-fail method and you do not have to baste the turkey during the cooking. You new brides can produce a beautiful bird this way. I have been using this method since the bags first came out over 20 years ago.” – Nell
Cheesy Mashed Potato Bake
“I made this for Thanksgiving to try something different than just plain potatoes. It was a huge hit!” – Meggan
Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce
“The combination of tart cranberry sauce and creamy Brie cheese is irresistible! This recipe also works with Camembert cheese.” – Tess
Roasted Butternut Squash With Sage & Dried Cherries
“It’s fall and time for squash. I love butternut squash, and paired with the sage and dried cherries, it’s so delicious.” – Jo
60 Minute Rolls
“This can be made into bread or rolls, and is really only 60 minutes from the time you start mixing to the time they come out of the oven! My husband’s family will not let me make anything but these for holiday get-togethers.” – Beth
Bacon Bundled Green Beans
“I needed a new idea for Thanksgiving this year, and this recipe was such a hit that I’ve been asked to make it for Christmas again. I think we found a new tradition! These little green bean bundles are easy to make, delicious, and look fabulous on the plate.” – Sara
Pumpkin Crisp
“This Pumpkin Crisp has a pumpkin pie-type filling and a spicy, buttery crisp topping. Easier than pie, this will soon be a fall favorite. ” – Debbie
Easy Homemade Cornbread Dressing in the Crock Pot
“The ease and clean up is this the best part of the recipe. Oh, and it tastes just like my great grandmommas. You can add cooked chicken or turkey to the dressing and have the main dish ready to go with salad and a vegetable. Perfect every time.” – Charlyenne
Green Bean & Scalloped Potato Casserole
“This is a good way to doctor up a box of scalloped potatoes. Add the green beans and you have a complete side dish that is yummy for your tummy!” – Lois
Corn Casserole
“This is a very basic recipe, but everyone loves it. It’s so quick and easy to prepare, and it is delicious. Children love this recipe. My great-nephew visits twice a year. He always wants to take this corn casserole home with him.” – Annie
Poor Man’s Apple Cobbler
“This is the easiest cobbler you can make in a pinch. If you have unexpected company and need a quick and easy dessert, give this a try.” – Shawna
Cranberry Butter
“Serve on rolls at Thanksgiving, bagels, or quick breads.” – Gwendolyn
Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes
“Not only is this a perfect veggie dish for Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but this unexpected combination is also tasty. It makes a wonderful fall or winter side dish with any meat. Make ahead and reheat in the microwave just before serving. Letting it sit overnight brings out the flavors.” – Christine
Easy Sweet Potato Cobbler
“My best friend of 23 years gave me this recipe years ago. We lost my friend Bunny to cancer in 2001. This is a tasty and fast sweet potato recipe. Great for the Thanksgiving table!” – Sandy
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots Recipe
“Sweet and tender roasted carrots in a tasty maple dijon glaze.” – Kevin