Grab For Eats 
Thanksgiving is the heart of the holiday season, a cherished time when families gather to share love, laughter, and the joy of togetherness. This year, as loved ones assemble for an unforgettable day filled with games, spirited debates, and hearty support for their favorite teams, it’s time to plan a meal that truly celebrates the occasion. At the center of every Thanksgiving table, the turkey stands as the show-stopping centerpiece, perfectly golden and bursting with flavor. Complemented by a savory ham, sweet candied yams, and a refreshing green salad, this feast is designed to bring everyone together.
To celebrate, we’re serving up 24 Thanksgiving meal ideas that will inspire your holiday menu and delight your guests. From classic side dishes to modern twists, there’s something here for every taste and tradition. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a full house, these recipes are sure to create the perfect atmosphere for a day filled with gratitude and warmth.
From all of us at GrabForEats, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a beautiful start to the holiday season. Now for the best part: the eats!
Thanksgiving Turkey!
Add bold flavors to your Thanksgiving table with this standout turkey recipe! Combining traditional spices like thyme and paprika with the warm, spicy twist of jerk seasoning, this turkey is sure to steal the show. Paired with seasoned breaded stuffing soaked in buttery, herby goodness, every bite is unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a full feast, this recipe promises a juicy, flavorful bird and a stuffing so good, you’ll crave it year-round. Get ready to impress your guests with a turkey that’s equal parts classic and bold—perfect for creating new holiday traditions!
Tasty Baked Macaroni Pie
Baked Macaroni Pie is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving! With creamy cheddar cheese, al dente elbow macaroni, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate side to pair with roast turkey, green beans, and cranberry sauce. This dish brings a creamy, cheesy texture with a crunchy finish, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Boston Market Mashed Potatoes
Boston Market’s Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful side dish beloved for their silky texture and rich taste. Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, butter, skim milk, garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley, this recipe is easy to prepare. Boil the potatoes with garlic, mash them with melted butter and milk, then season with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Add parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Perfect alongside dishes like chicken soup, cornbread, or roasted vegetables, these mashed potatoes are a comforting complement to any meal.
Easy Three-Bean Salad
This Three Bean Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish made with black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, all tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s both nutritious and flavorful. Optional ingredients like corn, asparagus, and red onion enhance texture and taste. Perfect for Thanksgiving, this salad can be chilled for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. Pair it with grilled meats like chicken, salmon, or steak for a complete meal. A versatile and refreshing addition to your holiday table!
Jamie Oliver Spiced Nuts Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Spiced Nuts are a flavorful, healthy snack perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday enjoyment. Made with fresh almonds and hazelnuts, olive oil, cinnamon, and a touch of salt, this recipe combines crunch and aromatic spices for a delicious treat. It’s simple to prepare—just roast, toss with spices, and bake for a satisfying snack that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. Want a sweeter variation? Try the honey-roasted nuts for an irresistible caramelized twist. These versatile recipes are great for snacking, adding to salads, or gifting during the festive season. Healthy, delicious, and oh-so-easy!
Paula Deen’s Glazed Ham
Paula Deen’s glazed ham recipe is a delicious and simple dish that promises a burst of flavor with every bite. The key ingredients include brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and red pepper, which create a perfect balance of savory and sweet. A fully cooked spiral-cut ham is topped with pineapple slices, cloves, and maraschino cherries for a festive presentation. The brown sugar glaze is made with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice, creating a thick, flavorful coating. This dish is ideal for holiday meals and guarantees a flavorful, satisfying experience for your guests.
Delicious Apple Pie
Apple pie is a classic, comforting Thanksgiving dessert that combines a golden, flaky crust with a sweet, spiced apple filling. It’s a favorite for family gatherings and holidays, offering a perfect balance of tender apples and crispy pastry. This recipe uses simple ingredients like apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it easy to prepare but incredibly flavorful. The apples are mixed with spices and sugar, then baked in a pre-made crust until golden brown. For a personalized touch, you can mix apple varieties, add a lattice top, or serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Bob Evan’s Dinner Roll Recipe
This stuffing seasoning mix recipe is the secret to making your Thanksgiving stuffing stand out. The blend includes rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, parsley, sage, ginger, celery seeds, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Each herb brings its own flavor, with rosemary adding a woodsy touch and sage delivering a strong poultry seasoning flavor. The mix is easy to prepare—simply grind the herbs into a fine powder and combine with chicken bouillon, onion flakes, and parsley. Use the seasoning in your stuffing for a flavorful, aromatic side dish. Store leftovers in a jar for future use.
Bob Evan’s Strawberry Supreme Pie
The Bob Evans Strawberry Supreme Pie is a delicious, tangy dessert made with a creamy filling and a sweet strawberry topping. The recipe calls for a store-bought pie crust, cream cheese, fresh strawberries, vanilla extract, and a few simple ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to thicken the filling. After assembling the pie, it’s refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld. Once set, it’s topped with whipped cream for a beautiful finish. This pie is a perfect, easy-to-make dessert for any occasion, especially when paired with tea, coffee, or juice for a refreshing treat.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoning Mix
This stuffing seasoning mix recipe is the secret to making your Thanksgiving stuffing stand out. The blend includes rosemary, oregano, thyme, marjoram, parsley, sage, ginger, celery seeds, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Each herb brings its own flavor, with rosemary adding a woodsy touch and sage delivering a strong poultry seasoning flavor. The mix is easy to prepare—simply grind the herbs into a fine powder and combine with chicken bouillon, onion flakes, and parsley. Use the seasoning in your stuffing for a flavorful, aromatic side dish. Store leftovers in a jar for future use.
Paula Deen Yams
Paula Deen’s yam recipe is a beloved Southern classic, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavor. Using sweet potatoes as the base, this dish combines vegetable oil, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper for a savory and slightly spicy profile. The recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings or as a Thanksgiving side. For added indulgence, try a variation with canned yams and marshmallows, a nostalgic favorite that’s sweet and satisfying. Whether sautéed or candied, Paula Deen’s yams deliver comforting, authentic Southern flavors that are sure to please at any meal.
Old Fashioned Spice Cake
This Old Fashioned Spice Cake is a cozy, flavorful dessert perfect for fall. Made with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, it’s complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting. The cake is easy to make with simple ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. After baking, it’s topped with a creamy frosting made from butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Ideal for Thanksgiving, this cake is both satisfying and festive, with a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that will surely be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Pan De Campo
Pan de Campo, or “bread of the field,” is a traditional Texan bread with deep roots in cowboy culture. Originally cooked over campfires using basic ingredients like flour, fat, and water, it’s beloved for its quick preparation and rustic flavor. This biscuit-like bread features a crispy exterior and soft interior, thanks to buttermilk and shortening in the dough. Often paired with chili, soups, or grilled meats, it’s versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Simple to make, Pan de Campo is ideal for family gatherings, outdoor adventures, or as a nostalgic nod to its Southwestern heritage.
Spring Pasta Salad
Spring vegetable pasta salad is a vibrant, light dish perfect for warmer weather. Combining small-shaped pasta like rotini with fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, and cucumbers, this salad bursts with flavor and nutrition. A creamy dressing made from olive oil, mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey ties it all together, with optional balsamic vinegar for added tang. Simply toss cooked pasta, diced veggies, and dressing, then chill for an hour. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for a refreshing, customizable meal or side dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for springtime gatherings!
Delicious Cranberry Sauce
This Holiday Cranberry Sauce Recipe offers a refreshing twist on the classic with orange zest, cinnamon, and a hint of mint. It’s easy to make in just 30 minutes and perfectly balances tartness with sweetness. The key ingredients include frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and grated orange peel. The sauce simmers until the cranberries break down, creating a rich, flavorful side. You can customize it with apple cider, pomegranate seeds, or maple syrup for added depth. Serve it chilled, and garnish with mint leaves for a festive, vibrant touch.
Columbia Restaurant Sangria
The Columbia Restaurant Sangria Recipe is an easy and refreshing way to make traditional red sangria, a popular drink in Colombia. The key ingredients are cold water, sangria mix, and red wine. For extra flavor, you can add brandy, orange juice, lemon, and cherries. To prepare, mix cold water with the sangria mix, then add red wine. For a twist, add brandy and orange juice. Garnish with orange and lemon slices, and serve with ice. Pair with tapas, steak, or fruit tart for a perfect meal. This recipe offers a delicious, easy shortcut to enjoy a classic sangria at home.
Paula Deen’s Cornbread
Paula Deen’s cornbread is a classic Southern favorite, known for its buttery flavor and crispy edges. Made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, it has a slightly sweet taste and crumbly texture, ideal as a side dish for meals like chili, fried chicken, and barbecues. This cornbread recipe is easy to prepare using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder, and is baked in a cast-iron skillet for perfect results. Serve it during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, or enjoy it at family gatherings for a comforting, delicious addition to any spread.
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles
Zaxby’s fried pickles are a tangy, crunchy treat perfect for appetizers or snack time. This copycat recipe is easy to make, starting with thinly sliced dill pickles coated in a seasoned flour mixture of garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. After frying them to golden perfection, pair the pickles with a homemade dipping sauce made from buttermilk, garlic, vinegar, and onions. The combination of crisp pickles and flavorful dip delivers a delightful Southern-inspired snack, ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll enjoy restaurant-style fried pickles at home!
Pumpkin Pie with Walnut Crumble
This Pumpkin Pie recipe, topped with a crunchy walnut crumble, brings the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, making it an ideal dessert for the holidays. The rich, creamy filling is made from pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and a blend of spices, while the walnut crumble adds texture and flavor. The pie is baked until golden and finished with a broiled crumble topping for extra crunch. With a prep time of 20-30 minutes and a cook time of 1 hour, this pie is an easy yet impressive addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday table.
Quick and Easy Fried Plantains
Here’s a great treat to try for your Thanksgiving breakfast! Fried plantains are a sweet and crispy treat made by frying ripe plantain slices until golden brown. Their natural sweetness intensifies as they caramelize during frying, making them a popular snack or side dish worldwide. Unlike bananas, plantains are starchier and typically cooked before eating. Choose yellow or dark brown plantains for the best results, as they yield the sweetest flavor. This simple recipe requires minimal tools: a frying pan, tongs, and paper towels for draining. Serve warm for a delightful addition to any meal or as a standalone snack. Easy to make, delicious to eat!
Mastro’s Creamed Corn Recipe
Mastro’s Creamed Corn is a rich and flavorful side dish, perfect for recreating the restaurant’s indulgence at home. This recipe uses simple ingredients like frozen corn kernels, butter, cream cheese, and milk, seasoned with onion, cracked pepper, and a touch of sugar. It’s quick to prepare in just a few steps: sauté onions in butter, mix in flour, add milk and cream cheese for creaminess, and finish with seasonings and corn. Serve warm, topped with parsley or chili flakes, alongside BBQ chicken, baked beans, or juicy pork chops for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Hot Mulled Wine
Hot Mulled Wine is the perfect cozy beverage for winter, offering a rich blend of fruity wine, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness. This recipe is easy to prepare and customizable, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in. Key ingredients include red wine, orange slices, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, sugar, and optional brandy for added warmth. The wine is gently simmered with the spices for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve it hot, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick, for a comforting, festive treat.
World Famous Dear Abby Pecan Pie
The Dear Abby Pecan Pie, a beloved recipe by Abigail Van Buren, features a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, nutty filling made with pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Pecans, native to North America, are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. This pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can enjoy it warm or chilled, with optional pairings like whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The recipe is simple, and the pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Paula Deen’s Cornbread Salad
Paula Deen’s Cornbread Salad is a delightful Southern dish that combines crispy cornbread, savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences. The dish includes ingredients like olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, whole wheat pastry flour, and cornmeal, giving it a rich flavor while staying healthier than traditional cornbread recipes.
