There is no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the lineup of a stellar Thanksgiving menu. Here I am sharing recipes of all of our very favorites that are tried and true veterans. This collection I am sharing with you will be along the traditional lines of Thanksgiving. These dishes have been made over and over again and have stood the test of time and taste and come highly recommended!
Appetizer Must Haves
Bacon Cheese Snacks are always on deck when the Thanksgiving menu is planned. Everyone who has ever eaten one of these goes back for a handful more. If you cannot find rye toast just quarter slices of rye. I like to make the topping ahead of time for these so I can slather it on, pop them in the oven and serve for family to gobble up. Click HERE for the recipe.
Whipped Goat Cheese with Spicy Cranberry Sauce. Well this one is beautiful and delish. You can make all of this ahead of time and assemble before serving. This dish makes the list because it is pretty and can serve as a sweet and a savory menu item. The goat cheese is blended with cream cheese, topped with a sweet and spicy cranberry layer and then finished off by a crunchy brown sugar walnut finale. Serve with Ritz crackers! Click HERE for the recipe.
A Honey Butter Butter Board with pie crust cutouts for dipping is pretty, easy, transportable if you are bringing a dish, and of course heavenly. Definitely use high quality butter for this one. The honey and brown sugar topping set this one right off! Click HERE for the recipe.
Let’s Talk Side Dishes
Green Bean Casserole is a favorite of so many. I have several recipes different family members of mine use, but this one of my aunt Andrea’s is my personal favorite. Oh and the leftovers from this make me want to happy dance when I pull it out the next day! You can prep this ahead and top with the butter and crackers right before baking. Click HERE for the recipe.
My recipe for corn casserole is a very underwhelming title of Really Good Corn Casserole. In all my years of searching for the BEST recipe and the right ratio I finally came up with this one and dubbed it with the most terrible of names so I would remember which recipe to use. This one also receives bonus points for being able to prep it ahead. Click HERE for the recipe!
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a must have for the kids (and me of course, I will absolutely eat two platefuls of this). Being able to cook this in the slow cooker is a plus for many obvious reasons. This is creamy, rich, and cheesy - all the best attributes of the most fab mac and cheese! Click HERE for the recipe!
Let’s Talk Main Courses
I am leaving out the obvious turkey, ham and rib roast for now. Most people either have theirs down pat, have theirs smoked and pick it up or already know how to fry a turkey. However, I am your girl for the best dressing recipe on planet earth. And before you turn your nose up at the ultimate that is my grandmother Lyda’s Duck Dressing recipe, know that you can substitute a chicken fryer in exactly the same manner as a duck.
This recipe and spread in The Copper Whisk Cookbook is my favorite in the whole set of 209 pages. Check it out on page 65 to see why. 😉 Click HERE for the recipe.
Homemade Rolls
We make two kinds of rolls in my house for holidays, one recipe belonging to my grandmother Lyda and the other to my grandmother Fran. The one I am sharing in this post is my grandmother Fran’s Potato Roll recipe. I will make myself unbearably stuffed by sticking two more rolls than I should on my plate (usually my second plate!). And I always top mine with a slather of butter on both sides and honey. They are just too good. If you have never made homemade rolls before, do not be intimidated! These are so easy and just require some time. For the recipe click HERE.
Dessert. Of Course.
The last course is the best course, right? I painstakingly narrowed down this list to 3 desserts. In my estimation, you will need ALL three! First up is Pecan Pie Cake. This one is just a showstopper. It was recently featured in Bayou Life Magazine, and every time I share this one it gets rave reviews! Click HERE for the recipe.
My second choice comes from my other grandmother, Lyda. Her Sweet Potato Pie is always my personal go-to dessert of choice. This one is classic and served best either warm or cold with a huge spoonful of homemade whipped cream on top. My goodness I looooooove this one! Click HERE for the recipe.
Lastly, I must share with you Pecan Pie Brownies. This is one of my most popular recipes, and I never go anywhere with these without coming back empty handed and giving out the recipe to everyone who eats them. If you have ever made Mom’s Brownies before, then you know how good these must start with these brownies as a base. Top with a simple gooey pecan pie layer, and, you, my friend have something extra special for dessert. Click HERE for the recipe.
I hope you are grabbing your pen and paper now with new inspiration for Thanksgiving. Planning a meal I know everyone will love is one of my favorite things to do. Thanksgiving is a golden time of the year and meant to be centered around food and gratitude - and for that reason it may be my favorite holiday of the year! Enjoy. 🤎 ~ Ashley
My Dad is always in charge of his famous Rib Roast. I like the end pieces the best!
Throwing together a cute kid’s board is always a fun idea. I usually buy Thanksgiving crackers for them as well.
My cousin’s little girls - Ella Kate, Lyda Ann and Charlotte.
My sister Erin, coursing Savannah, cousin Bailee and her daughter Lyda Ann.
My grandparents Fran and Charlie.
My granddaddy.
