12 Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Make Your Family Beg for Seconds

This Thanksgiving, wow your family with some seriously delicious dishes. I've rounded up twelve recipes that'll take your holiday meal from good to great. We're talking about a perfectly juicy turkey, sides so tasty they might steal the show, and a pumpkin pie that could become your new family tradition. These recipes are all about bringing more flavor and fun to your Thanksgiving table. So let's roll up our sleeves, pour a little something to sip on, and cook up a feast that'll have everyone asking for the recipes (and maybe even volunteering to do the dishes!).

Smoked Turkey on a Pellet Grill

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Learn the secret to a show-stopping Thanksgiving centerpiece with this foolproof smoked turkey recipe. Simply coat your bird in a homemade dry rub, then let your pellet grill work its smoky magic. The result? A perfectly juicy turkey with a flavor-packed, crispy skin that'll have your guests fighting over the last piece.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey on a Pellet Grill

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

The make ahead baked potato casserole on a white countertop. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes aren't just tasty - they're a real time-saver, too. You can make them ahead and pop them in the oven just before you're ready to eat.

Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

A smoked turkey breast cut into thin slices and placed on a white serving platter. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This smoked turkey breast is an excellent option if you're not cooking for a huge crowd on Thanksgiving. It's pretty simple - just rub it with spices and let the smoker handle the rest. You'll get a juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of brining.

Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

Old-Fashioned Fluffy Air Buns

A stack of fluffy air buns on a counter, ready to serve. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These old-fashioned fluffy air buns are a Thanksgiving table must-have. They're soft and light, and the best part? You can make them ahead of time. The recipe's pretty forgiving, so don't worry if you're not a baking pro. Make a big batch - they're great for Thanksgiving dinner and tasty with leftover turkey sandwiches the next day.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Fluffy Air Buns

Oven Roasted Squash and Sweet Potatoes

Oven roasted squash and sweet potato in a baking dish. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This oven-roasted buttercup squash recipe could be your new Thanksgiving side dish star. It's quick and easy - just toss squash and sweet potatoes with maple syrup and bake. It's ready in under an hour so it won't hog your oven all day. Plus, it's sweet enough to please the kids but not so sweet that the adults won't love it.

Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Squash and Sweet Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey

A Traeger spatchcocked turkey on a baking sheet. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

If you're tired of the same old oven-roasted bird, try this Traeger Spatchcock Smoked Turkey. No brining needed, which saves you time and fridge space. The spatchcock method helps it cook faster and more evenly. Just rub it with spices and let the smoker do its thing. You'll end up with a juicy turkey that's got a nice smoky flavor - something different for your Thanksgiving table.

Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Need a break from heavy Thanksgiving sides? This Broccoli Crunch Salad might do the trick. It's got a bit of everything - crunchy broccoli, creamy dressing, and crispy bacon. It's quick to throw together, which is handy when you've got a million other dishes to make. Plus, it's a good way to sneak some greens onto the holiday table without any complaints.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

If you need a break from all the heavy Thanksgiving dishes, try this quick fruit salad. It's made with Cool Whip and pudding, so it's creamy and sweet without being too rich. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, which is great when you're juggling all those other holiday dishes.

Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Homemade Stuffing

Thinking of skipping the boxed stuff this year? This Homemade Stuffing with Bacon and Cranberries might convince you to make the switch. It's not much harder than the packaged kind, but the flavor is way better. The bacon adds a nice smoky touch, and the cranberries give it a bit of tang.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Have family members on special diets? This Whole30 Cranberry Sauce tastes a lot like the regular stuff but uses a different sweetener to make it Paleo, Whole30, and vegan-friendly. It's easy to make, plus it's nice to have something on the table that everyone can enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Whole 30 Cranberry Sauce

Smoked Pumpkin Pie

Want to shake up your Thanksgiving dessert table? This Smoked Pumpkin Pie might do the trick. It's your regular pumpkin pie, but cooked on a pellet grill for a subtle smoky flavor. Don't worry if you don't have a smoker - you can still make it in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

A slice of pumpkin pie on a dessert plate with the rest of the pie beside it in a pie dish. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

If you're not a fan of regular pie crust, this pumpkin pie with a graham cracker crust might be your new Thanksgiving go-to. It's got all the pumpkin spice flavor you expect, but with a buttery, slightly sweet crust that's a nice change of pace.

Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust