Most Popular Thanksgiving Recipes In 2025

Most Popular Thanksgiving Recipes in 2025

Basically right after we put away our Halloween costumes, we’ve got one thing on our minds: what to serve at the Thanksgiving table (obviously). Thanksgiving only comes once a year (or twice if you count all those leftovers the next day). And it’s hard to beat a traditional Thanksgiving feast, from turkey to stuffing to all the potatoes with enough gravy to top it all off. And you must save room for dessert.

1 . Turkey Dressing Recipes to Impress Guests

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a hearty and flavorful turkey dressing. Here are some of the most popular Thanksgiving recipes,everyone can try.

Turkey dressing, also known as stuffing, is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that is made from bread, vegetables, and herbs. It is typically cooked inside the turkey, but it can also be baked in a separate dish.

2 . Additional Tips for Making Turkey Dressing:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Don’t overstuff the turkey.
Cook the dressing until it is golden brown.
Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes before serving.

In addition to being delicious, turkey dressing is also a nutritious side dish. It is a good source of protein, fibre, and vitamins.

Turkey dressing is also a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add your favourite herbs, spices, and other ingredients.

3 . Recipe 1. Thanksgiving Sensation Dry-Brined Lemon-Sage Turkey

Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Brining Time: 24-48 hours | Cooking Time: Varies based on turkey size | Total Time: 3 days (including bringing)

Ingredients:

For the Dry Brine:

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder

For Roasting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 lemons, halved
Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Brine

Combine Dry Brine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix kosher salt, light brown sugar, lemon zest, chopped fresh sage, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the dry brine.
Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
Apply the Dry Brine: Rub the dry brine mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Ensure an even coating. Place the turkey on a tray and refrigerate, uncovered, for 24-48 hours.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Bring the Turkey to Room Temperature: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator at least 1 hour before roasting to allow it to come to room temperature.

Step 3: Roasting Brilliance

Melted Butter Magic: Brush the turkey with melted butter, ensuring a glossy finish.
Lemon Infusion: Squeeze the juice from the halved lemons over the turkey and place the lemon halves in the cavity for added flavour.
Add Broth: Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Roasting Time: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Cooking times vary based on the size of the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste Occasionally: Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with pan juices to enhance flavour and keep it moist.

Step 5: Garnish and Rest

Garnish with Sage: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, place fresh sage leaves on top of the turkey for a decorative touch.
Check Doneness: Once the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Step 6: Thanksgiving Euphoria

Carve and Serve: Carve the dry-brined lemon-sage turkey into slices and arrange on a platter.
Thanksgiving Grandeur: Present this Thanksgiving Sensation as the centrepiece of your holiday table, a beautifully golden and flavorful turkey that captures the essence of the season.
Savour the Thanksgiving Bliss: As your guests indulge in the succulent and aromatic flavours of this Dry-Brined Lemon-Sage Turkey, relish in the warmth and joy that Thanksgiving brings.

4 . Recipe 2.Sage and Apple Turkey Dressing Extravaganza

Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound (about 8 cups) day-old rustic bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 celery stalks, diced
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 1/2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly toasted. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add finely chopped onions and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced apples to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apples are slightly tender.

Step 3: Season the Mix

Stir in the dried sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 2- minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the vegetables and apples with flavour.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetable and apple mixture, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Moisture Magic

Gradually pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the bread mixture. Start with 2 1/2 cups and add more as needed, ensuring the bread is moistened but not overly soggy.

Step 6: Bind it Together

Once the mixture is adequately moist, add the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly. The eggs will act as a binding agent, giving the dressing a cohesive texture.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the dressing mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the centre is set.

Step 8: Serve and Delight

Allow the turkey dressing to cool for a few minutes before serving. The combination of savoury herbs, sweet apples, and perfectly moistened bread creates a Thanksgiving side dish that is sure to delight your guests.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.

Step 9: Revel in Thanksgiving Bliss

As you present this Sage and Apple Turkey Dressing to your Thanksgiving table, bask in the joy of sharing a dish that encapsulates the essence of the season. Each flavorful bite is a journey into the heart of autumn, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that will make this dressing a perennial favourite at your holiday feasts.

6. Recipe 3. Classic Oyster Dressing

This classic oyster dressing recipe is a must-have for any Thanksgiving table. The oysters add a rich, briny flavour that complements the savoury stuffing perfectly.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup torn French bread
1 cup cooked and chopped oysters
1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Add French bread and oysters and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir until well moistened.
- Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

5. Recipe 4. Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples

This cornbread dressing is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic recipe. The sausage adds a savoury flavour, while the apples add a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 pound ground sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cornbread cubes
1 cup chopped apples
1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off excess grease.
Add butter, onion, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add cornbread cubes, apples, and chicken broth and stir to combine.
Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

6. Recipe 5. Vegetarian Stuffing with Cranberries and Pecans

This vegetarian stuffing is a delicious and flavorful option for those who don’t eat meat. The cranberries add a tart sweetness, while the pecans add a nutty crunch.

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups cubed sourdough bread
1 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add cubed bread, cranberries, pecans, and vegetable broth and stir to combine.
Transfer stuffing to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

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