BHG Editors' Favorite Finds: Best Thanksgiving Recipes
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving dinner without these tried-and-true appetizers, sides, and desserts.
Thanksgiving is possibly the biggest food holiday of the year, and the BHG food editors and Test Kitchen staff have spent thousands of hours perfecting our Thanksgiving menus and classic side dish recipes over the years. But even with dozens of perfectly curated menus at our fingertips, we all have that one family recipe everyone asks for over and over.
If you're looking for inspiration for your Thanksgiving spread, the BHG editors share what we're actually making this season. From classic family recipes to store-bought staples, here's what we'll be serving up alongside the turkey this Thanksgiving.
Related: Our Best Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes to Help You Stress Less on Turkey Day
Carson Downing
Fresh Green Salad
"A big green salad topped with toasted nuts, local cheese and in season fruit were always a part of my Thanksgivings in California. It was nice to have a crunchy and acidic bite to go along with all the super rich food. Julia Child’s classic French vinaigrette made with fresh lemons from our backyard garden was a favorite and ties together any combo of mixed greens."
— Casey Oto, Visuals Editor
Related: 10 Side Dish Salad Recipes That Will Steal the Spotlight
Grape Jelly Meatballs
"My grandma would make these meatballs every year at the holidays, and now they're my go-to Friendsgiving side dish because they're so easy. Make your own meatballs (sometimes I'll grab a pre-made bag of turkey meatballs for an even quicker side) and pop them in a mini slow cooker. Add a bottle of chili sauce, a jar of grape jelly, and the juice of one lemon and mix it all together. I've never made these without someone asking for the recipe!"
— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor
Related: 18 Easy Meatball Recipes That Are Anything but Basic
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Whipped Goat Cheese with Warm Candied Bacon and Dates
"This dip from Half Baked Harvest makes for such a great appetizer on Thanksgiving Day. It's elevated enough to fit in a classy Thanksgiving menu, but casual enough to be grazed over during cocktail hour. The tangy goat cheese paired with the sweet and salty candied bacon and dates is a match made in heaven."
— Halee Miller, Editorial Assistant
Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Pie
"If a pumpkin pie and a cheesecake had a baby, it would be this. I first tried this recipe when we put it on the cover of our November 2008 issue. I fell in love and have made one for Thanksgiving ever since. Serve it chilled—trust me."
— Amy Panos, Home Editor
Related: 16 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes Worthy of Your Holiday Feast
Kelsey Hansen
Leftover Turkey Pho
"No matter how we cook the turkey, I most look forward to this quick twist on pho ga using leftover meat. Fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts offer a welcome dose of freshness after several days of rich meals."
— Emily Teel, Senior Food Editor
Related: 18 Leftover Turkey Recipes for Amazing Post-Thanksgiving Meals
Decadent Mashed Potatoes
"Sure, all the other traditional sides are yummy, but it wouldn't be Thanksgiving for me without a really decadent helping of mashed potatoes. Bring on the butter, whole milk, salt, and just hold the guilt. This BHG recipe is close to the one I use, but the key is making them in my 6-quart slow cooker to save on burner space and reduce the chance of overcooking. Plus, this way it's easy to keep your mashed potatoes at the perfect temperature until it's time to serve."
— Viveka Neveln, Senior Garden Editor
Related: 4 Slow-Cooker Mashed Potato Recipes for a Hands-Off Holiday Side
Courtesy of Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's Turkey Gravy
"I'm a big believer in mixing store-bought food with homemade recipes for Thanksgiving—especially if it means I get to spend more time with my family. We've been using this turkey gravy from Trader Joe's for years, and it's one of the best store-bought swaps you can make. Once it's in the gravy boat, no one knows the difference! It's so tasty that I actually stock up on it in the fall and use it all year."
— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor
Related: Our Best Gravy Recipes For Your Thanksgiving Menu and Beyond
Pumpkin Spice Bread
"I make this tasty pumpkin bread recipe from Real Simple all fall long, but it's especially nice to have around for snacking during Thanksgiving. The topping is delicious (pepitas!) and the bread always comes out rich and moist. Maybe best of all, the recipe yields three loaves of bread, so I can bake once and have slices to enjoy for weeks to come."
— Lauren Phillips, Associate Director, Special Projects
Related: 55 Pumpkin Recipes You Can Make for Every Day of Fall
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