24 Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas You Wish You Knew Last Year

You know how every year we end up scrambling for fresh Thanksgiving dinner ideas? Well, I compiled a bunch of recipes that are total game-changers and make you wonder where they’ve been hiding all this time. From twists on classic dishes to unexpected sides, these ideas might just be your new holiday favorites. Get ready to plan a feast that’ll surprise everyone at the table!

Sweet And Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing

A baked cornbread stuffing. — Sweet And Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern cornbread dressing blends sweet cornbread, fresh herbs, and tender veggies in a warm, cozy dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing

Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Fluffy Brioche Rolls Recipe

A basket filled with freshly baked golden brown rolls, lined with a light gray cloth. In the background, there is a small dish of butter with a knife on a dark plate. The setting is on a textured blue surface. — Fluffy Brioche Rolls Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Soft brioche rolls made with eggs, butter, and a hint of sweetness. Fluffy, golden, and brushed with butter.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Brioche Rolls Recipe

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

A serving spoon removing some potato and ham casserole. — Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Scalloped potatoes and ham is a comforting casserole of potatoes and tasty chunks of ham in a creamy white sauce under a layer of gooey gruyere.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Bourbon Glazed Carrots

You’re going to love Bourbon Glazed Carrots, slightly sweet but still savory. A delicious upgrade to everyday carrots. Slowly cooked in a skillet for a roasted flavor with just a hint of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage.

One bite and you’ll agree these are the BEST make ahead mashed potatoes. This creamy side dish can be reheated in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Full of fresh summer flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes. — Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

Sour Cream Yeast Rolls

Sour cream rolls in a basket — Sour Cream Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sour Cream Yeast rolls formed into elegant knots are one of the BEST dinner roll recipes. Easy to make, they’re sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Yeast Rolls

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

A baking dish of homemade scalloped potatoes. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This side dish casserole for cheesy scalloped potatoes is made with thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and fresh garlic, milk and cream, plus gruyere cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray. — Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

A round baking dish filled with glazed sweet potatoes, coated in a shiny caramelized sauce and sprinkled with chopped pecans. A large spoon is resting in the dish, ready for serving. The background surface is a cool, muted color. — Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

You only need five ingredients to whip up these skillet sweet potatoes, and no oven is required! Fresh sweet potatoes are simmered slowly on the stovetop in brown sugar and butter and sprinkled with chopped pecans for a sweet side dish, perfect for serving at Thanksgiving, Sunday suppers or for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Pimento mac and cheese is an easy, baked pasta dish made with zesty pimentos in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more golden cheddar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

Roasted cauliflower with brown butter in a serving bowl. — Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Roasted Cauliflower is even better with some browned butter. Add a little spicy and some pumpkin seeds for a great side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Challah Rolls

Individual challah buns on a wooden board. — Challah Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Challah rolls are a sturdy yeast roll that are light and fluffy that bake to a perfect golden color – great on their own or for a sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Challah Rolls

Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a serving spoon. — Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

A serving of mac and cheese being removed from a casserole dish. — Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With cottage cheese blended into its sauce, this baked one-pot mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy. A delicious twist on classic mac & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

A bowl of pea salad with a serving spoon. — Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar — Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a great way to enjoy fresh produce. Roasting brings out so much flavor and it’s quick and EASY.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Hawaiian Dinner Rolls With Pineapple Juice

A baking dish of Hawaiian rolls. — Hawaiian Dinner Rolls With Pineapple Juice. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Hawaiian Rolls have just a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice. They are so fluffy. and EASY to make for your holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Dinner Rolls With Pineapple Juice

Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe

A plate of cooked leafy greens, topped with seeds, nuts, and shredded coconut, served on a white hexagonal-patterned plate—an elegant option for your Thanksgiving dinner ideas. — Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe has a hint of maple sweetness & a punch of vinegar sourness for delicious collards.
Get the Recipe: Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe

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