Thanksgiving rolls around and suddenly the table feels incomplete without these 17 main dishes. Each one brings its own personality, making it impossible to pick just one favorite. They’re the reason people start lining up early with plates in hand. Honestly, leftovers are the bonus gift everyone secretly hopes for after the holiday.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Layers of baked goodness make this casserole perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or even the star of the table. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole balances creamy and hearty textures in every bite. Its baked, bubbly top brings a homemade comfort vibe. Any Thanksgiving lineup feels complete with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A meal that works while you handle the rest of the Thanksgiving chaos is an easy choice. Slow Cooker Pot Roast is melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed for hearty holiday meals. It’s rich, savory base pairs well with nearly everything on the table. Letting it slowly simmer throughout the day makes the whole house smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Beef Wellington
For a show-stopping centerpiece, nothing steals the attention quite like this. Beef Wellington serves up a buttery outer layer paired with flavorful meat inside. The combination of textures is what makes this so memorable on every Thanksgiving menu. It’s a dish that turns heads as soon as it’s sliced.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington
Easy Meatloaf Recipe
A simpler main dish option doesn’t make it any less of a favorite for big meals. Easy Meatloaf Recipe delivers hearty, no-fuss flavors loved for generations. Its rustic and comforting taste balances well with other Thanksgiving sides. It’s one of those classics that’s ready to shine, even on a big food holiday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Turkey Casserole
Everyone loves Thanksgiving leftovers, and this is the perfect way to bring them back to the table. Turkey Casserole combines that oven-baked goodness with a twist on holiday expectations. Its familiar yet playful approach makes it a definite crowd-pleaser. A great use of turkey that doesn’t feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole
Pumpkin Pasta
Surprising break from the usual main dishes without being too offbeat for Thanksgiving. Pumpkin Pasta brings creamy flavors to the forefront while still feeling comforting. Its balance of richness makes it stand out, even on a crowded table. Perfect when looking for something unexpected yet warmly familiar.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Traditional dishes might stick to roasting but adding a glaze changes the game completely. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast offers a mix of tender meat and sweetened flavors that work well. Its manageable size is perfect for smaller gatherings or just trying something different. The glaze idea adds variety to any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Not every main dish needs meat to impress at Thanksgiving. Roasted Whole Cauliflower could surprise even the most traditional guests with its hearty flavors. Its crispy outer layer contrasts perfectly with the softer interior. Great for anyone seeking something lighter, it still holds its place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Thanksgiving often revolves around turkey, and this method takes the usual centerpiece up another level. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey cooks faster and tends to stay even in flavor all around. Its flatter style sits beautifully on the table as a unique visual addition too. Perfect for anyone wanting extra moist white meat.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Thanksgiving Casserole
The holidays often call for casseroles that combine several flavors into one pleasing bite. Thanksgiving Casserole blends the heart of Thanksgiving into each spoonful. It’s a compact version of what everyone loves about these food-centered gatherings. A one-dish wonder that feels nostalgic but still special year after year.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Pork Belly
For a break from traditional turkey, this cut of meat takes Thanksgiving mains into bold territory. Pork Belly delivers crispy skin paired with rich, tender textures underneath. Its flavorful layers steal attention even from the sides surrounding it. Excellent for those hoping to bring something new to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly
Chicken and Rice Casserole
A simple go-to dish that holds its charm well among fancier Thanksgiving meals. Chicken and Rice Casserole brings balance with familiar, hearty layers. Its straightforward nature holds up surprisingly well when surrounded by complex side dishes. Comforting and reliable for those wanting something straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Turkey Chili
Shifting turkey into this dish works better than expected during any large feast. Turkey Chili surprises with its warmth and ability to stand among traditional dishes. Its spiced flavors don’t overwhelm and provide something contrasting but welcomed. Looks casual, but feels right anytime it’s plated.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili
Easy Cornbread Casserole
Corn lovers know how much it ties flavors from different areas into one place. Easy Cornbread Casserole feels flexible enough for big gatherings without stealing too much time to prepare. Its comforting layers feel rich but never overdone next to other Thanksgiving mains. A surefire favorite with large crowds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Roast Beef
Hearty option that often gets the spotlight during heavy feasting holidays like Thanksgiving. Roast Beef offers tender slices full of bold flavors suited for special occasions. Perfect when served as a complement alongside more traditional staples. The leftovers from this are a meal in themselves.
Get the Recipe: Roast Beef
Chicken Pot Pie
All the key elements of comfort foods come packed into one warm dish here. Chicken Pot Pie delivers flaky goodness matched with a hearty filling underneath. It works especially well for those wanting a memorable dish outside the norm. Tricky to go wrong with something this popular.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
Roasted Turkey
The most iconic Thanksgiving centerpiece and often the highlight of the day. Roasted Turkey never fails as it combines simplicity with flavors tied to tradition. Its preparation alone feels like a Thanksgiving ritual in most homes. Always the safest pick to make sure the table feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey
