Thanksgiving is still a fairly new tradition for me. I grew up in Denmark, where late November usually means gray skies and the first hints of Christmas, not turkey and pumpkin pie. But over the past few years I’ve had the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with Steve and his family, and I’ve completely fallen for the whole thing. The food, the coziness, and that slightly chaotic kitchen energy where everyone is doing something at the same time. It feels warm and familiar in a way I didn’t expect.
So I set out to put together the essential recipes you need for a classic American Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re curious to give the holiday a try, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Oven-roasted Turkey
I make a wet brined turkey, which gives a really juicy and flavorful result. When I photographed the recipe, I actually forgot to tie the legs together, but even with that little detail missing the turkey turned out beautifully. If you tie the legs it looks a bit neater, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
My recipe for wet-brined turkey with stuffing
Sweet Potato Mash
Sweet potato mash with marshmallows might sound more like dessert than a side dish, but trust me, it works so well with the turkey. Most people use mini marshmallows, but I only had the big ones at home, and they looked surprisingly pretty once melted and toasted.
Brussels Sprouts
In the US, Brussels sprouts are often roasted until the edges turn crisp and slightly charred. It’s the perfect dish for an air fryer if you have one. I finish them with lemon, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Simple and incredibly good.
Holiday Mash
Steve’s Holiday Mash is one of those recipes that everyone at the table goes back for. It is rich and comforting with plenty of cream, Parmesan, butter, and of course potatoes. It is a filling side, but it goes perfectly with the turkey and everything else on the table.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish is a lighter and brighter alternative to the more traditional cooked cranberry sauce. It is made with a whole orange, peel and all, fresh cranberries, and just a bit of sugar. That’s it. It takes only a moment to make, and it tastes even better the next day when the flavors settle and the cranberries soften.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole has been a Thanksgiving classic since the 1950s when a Campbell’s test kitchen chef mixed green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy onions and accidentally created the perfect holiday side. It is a little retro, very cozy, and always a crowd favorite.
Turkey Gravy
Thanksgiving gravy is thick and light brown, made from a roux of butter and flour. Depending on how long you cook the roux, you get that nice golden color without needing any browning sauce. It ties the whole meal together.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is one of those desserts people have heard about but not many outside the US have actually tasted. My recipe is very straightforward and doesn’t require much prep or baking experience. The filling has that warm, spiced flavor that reminds me a little of a pumpkin spice latte, or maybe it is the latte that reminds me of the pie.
Leftovers
One of the secret highlights of Thanksgiving is the day after. There is nothing better than a proper leftover turkey sandwich. I usually stack slices of turkey on butter toasted sourdough bread, add a spoonful of cranberry relish, chopped brussels sprouts, some stuffing and warm gravy on the side. It is simple, a bit messy, and honestly one of the best parts of the whole holiday.
If you’re planning your first Thanksgiving dinner or simply looking to add something new to your table, these dishes are a great place to start. They are classic, comforting, and surprisingly easy once you get going. Happy Thanksgiving cooking!
