15 Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Family Gatherings

Posted by by Emily Grace 126 Views
15 Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Family Gatherings

Thanksgiving is all about comfort, joy and spending time with family. The smell of roasted turkey, buttery rolls and sweet baked pies fills the air with happiness. Every dish feels like a warm hug that brings everyone together.

These 15 Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Family Gatherings are made with love and simple ingredients. Each bite adds comfort, flavor and joy to your table.

If you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving recipes that taste amazing, here are 15+ delicious dishes perfect for family gatherings and festive feasts.

1. Classic Roast Turkey

This juicy roast turkey is the heart of every Thanksgiving dinner. It’s full of flavor, tender on the inside, and golden on the outside.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Rub turkey with butter, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  3. Place in a roasting pan with chicken broth.
  4. Cover loosely with foil.
  5. Bake 3 to 4 hours or until golden and cooked through.
  6. Let rest before slicing.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are smooth, rich and comforting. They pair perfectly with gravy or turkey.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving Recipe

3. Homemade Turkey Gravy

Homemade Turkey Gravy
Homemade Turkey Gravy

This gravy adds amazing flavor to your turkey and sides. It’s silky, savory and easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp turkey drippings or butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a pan, melt drippings or butter.
  2. Whisk in flour to make a paste.
  3. Slowly add broth while stirring.
  4. Cook until thick and smooth.
  5. Add salt and pepper.

4. Savory Stuffing

This classic stuffing is soft inside with a crispy top. It’s filled with herby, buttery goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups bread cubes
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a pan.
  2. Add onion and celery, cook until soft.
  3. Mix with bread cubes and herbs.
  4. Pour broth and stir well.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

5. Green Bean Casserole

This dish is creamy and topped with crunchy fried onions. A true Thanksgiving favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans green beans
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup fried onions

Instructions:

  1. Mix soup, milk, and green beans.
  2. Pour into baking dish.
  3. Top with fried onions.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole

This casserole is creamy, sweet, and topped with marshmallows or pecans.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup marshmallows or pecans

Instructions:

  1. Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
  2. Spread in baking dish.
  3. Top with marshmallows or pecans.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

7. Cranberry Sauce

This tangy cranberry sauce is bright, fresh, and simple to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
  2. Cook until cranberries burst.
  3. Cool before serving.

8. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy, this dish is always a hit with kids and adults.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni and drain.
  2. Melt butter and add flour.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk.
  4. Add cheese until melted.
  5. Mix with macaroni and bake 15 minutes.

9. Cornbread

Soft, buttery and golden cornbread adds a Southern touch to your table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Pour into a greased pan.
  3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

10. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Fluffy and warm rolls that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix yeast with warm milk and sugar.
  2. Add flour, salt, and butter.
  3. Knead and let rise.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy and caramelized, these sprouts are full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Toss sprouts with oil and seasoning.
  2. Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.

12. Pumpkin Pie

A Thanksgiving classic that tastes like fall in every bite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Pour into pie crust.
  3. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

13. Apple Crisp

Sweet baked apples with a buttery oat topping.

Ingredients:

  • 4 apples, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Layer apples in baking dish.
  2. Mix oats, sugar, and butter.
  3. Sprinkle on top.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

14. Pecan Pie

Rich, sweet, and crunchy, this pie is always a winner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Mix syrup, eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
  2. Add pecans.
  3. Pour into pie crust.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.

15. Pumpkin Bread

Soft, moist, and full of warm spice flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
  2. Combine and pour into loaf pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

16. Hot Apple Cider

A cozy drink to end your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

  1. Simmer all ingredients for 10 minutes.
  2. Serve warm.

Final Thought on 15 Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Family Gatherings

These 15 Cozy Thanksgiving Recipes for Family Gatherings make every bite special. From savory turkey to sweet pies, each dish brings warmth and love to your table. Gather your family, cook with joy and make memories that last forever.

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Emily Grace
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Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!