Counting Down to Thanksgiving: 20 Recipes for Every Level of Home Chef

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Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, Counting Down to Thanksgiving: 20 Recipes for Every Level of Home Chef has something for everyone. From beginner-friendly sides like Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls to impressive showstoppers like Maple Orange Glazed Spatchcock Turkey, this collection is designed to inspire. No matter your skill level, these recipes will help you plan, prep, and pull off a memorable holiday meal—whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share. With options ranging from comforting Candied Yams to crowd-pleasing Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon, you’ll be ready to make this Thanksgiving one to remember!

Maple Orange Glazed Spatchcock Turkey

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Image Credit: Downshiftology

This spatchcock turkey with a maple-orange glaze will win over everyone at your table. It’s juicy, flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and crispiness.

Get the Recipe: Maple Orange Glazed Spatchcock Turkey

Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Scrumptious Mulled Wine (Glühwein) photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Mulled Wine is the perfect holiday drink. This glühwein recipe is easy to make and will warm up any chilly night!
Get the Recipe: Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Cornbread Dressing

Tasty Cornbread Dressing on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Cornbread Dressing recipe is filled with fresh herbs, garlic, celery, and moist cornbread. Cornbread stuffing is a delicious side!
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Dressing

Roasted Delicata Squash, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

A white plate with a salad featuring arugula, roasted squash rings, pear slices, pumpkin seeds, red onion, and pomegranate seeds, on a light-colored cloth with a fork and knife beside it.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

This roasted delicata squash, pear, and pomegranate salad with maple balsamic vinaigrette is as delicious as it is seasonal—bound to become a holiday favorite!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Delicata Squash, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Hot Apple Cider

Hot Apple Cider
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Warm up with a mug of hot apple cider! Mulled with citrus & spices and warmed in the crockpot. Try spiking it with brandy for a cozy cold-weather cocktail!
Get the Recipe: Hot Apple Cider

Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese

Scrumptious Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Green Bean and Corn Casserole is a classic holiday side dish made with cheese, sour cream, and a cracker topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Corn Casserole with Cheese

Sangria Recipe

Sangria Recipe
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Make this easy sangria recipe! Infused with brandy, orange juice, big chunks of fruit, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s delish & so authentic!
Get the Recipe: Sangria Recipe

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

A tray of freshly baked golden brown dinner rolls, arranged in neat rows, showcasing their smooth, glossy tops. The rolls appear soft and fluffy, lightly shining under the light.
Image Credit: Handle the Heat

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, with a lightly crisp, chewy crust and a subtle touch of sweet potato flavor.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Brussels Sprouts Gratin in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Brussels Sprouts Gratin with bacon is the ultimate holiday side dish. This cheesy veggie dish is just perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

How to Make Hot Buttered Rum

How to Make Hot Buttered Rum
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Need to warm up? Make yourself this classic hot buttered rum! An easy toddy made with butter, brown sugar, & spices. It’ll make you feel so cozy!
Get the Recipe: How to Make Hot Buttered Rum

Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls

A basket filled with freshly baked, golden brown dinner rolls, resting on a patterned cloth. The rolls look soft and fluffy, capturing the warmth of a homemade treat.
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

These homemade dinner rolls are so fluffy & pillowy soft! Easy to make with pantry staples. Make them the night before & have warm, fresh bread with dinner.
Get the Recipe: Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This basic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe will be your go-to year after year. Perfect with turkey dinner, it’s got the traditional flavor your family craves.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe

Candied Yams

A white baking dish filled with glazed, roasted sweet potato cubes. A serving spoon rests in the dish. The sweet potatoes are caramelized and glossy, appearing rich in color. A couple of forks lie beside the dish on a cloth napkin.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

Candied yams bring comforting Southern charm to your holiday spread. Tender slices are coated in a buttery, spiced glaze and baked to caramelized perfection—one sweet side everyone will want seconds of!

Get the Recipe: Candied Yams

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe will make your whole meal! Easy to make, and bakes up so creamy and decadent!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Turkey Gravy

Turkey Gravy served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Turkey gravy is a must for any holiday dinner and making gravy from turkey drippings is so easy. Pour it over your everything on your plate!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

A baked green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions and melted cheese in a white rectangular dish. The dish is placed on a striped red and white cloth.
Image Credit: Handle the Heat

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is loaded with savory goodness, making it hard to go back to the classic version. Even better—no canned soup required!

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This classic mulled wine recipe will warm you right through! Such a soothing drink made with red wine, spices, & citrus. Quick, easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mulled Wine

Deep Fried Turkey

Deep Fried Turkey in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Deep Fried Turkey is the perfect main course for any holiday. Make an herby wet brine, then fry for a super crispy and juicy result.
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Turkey

Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Oven-roasted carrots slicked with the most incredible citrusy, buttery glaze (with just a hint of heat), garnished with creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios.
Get the Recipe: Orange Sriracha Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese and Pistachios

Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This easy creamed spinach recipe is even better than at the steakhouse! Perfectly seasoned & infused with a hint of garlic & parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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