Make this Thanksgiving legendary! From perfectly roasted turkey to smoky sides, we’ve got your entire feast covered. Whether you’re a traditionalist or ready to fire up the smoker, these 25 tested recipes will help you create the holiday dinner of your dreams. Traditional meets modern in this ultimate Thanksgiving collection, featuring multiple turkey recipe ideas, show-stopping sides, and all the fixings.

Classic Roast Turkey

Roasted turkey on a platter, garnished with orange slices, herbs, and pomegranates, placed on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Our foolproof method delivers golden-brown skin and juicy meat every time. This recipe has become a holiday staple for thousands of home cooks who swear by our temperature-control technique. Get the Recipe: How to Cook Turkey in Oven

Spatchcock Roasted Turkey

A spatchcocked chicken, seasoned and roasted, on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet in an oven.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

This butterfly-style preparation cuts cooking time in half while ensuring even doneness. The increased surface area creates more crispy skin, making this a crowd favorite. Get the Recipe: Spatchcock Turkey

Whole Smoked Turkey

Roasted chicken garnished with herbs and orange slices on a dark platter, with two knives placed nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Our most requested holiday recipe combines traditional flavors with wood-fired excellence. The slow smoking process creates an unforgettable flavor profile while keeping the meat incredibly moist. Get the Recipe: Smoked Whole Turkey

Traeger Smoked Turkey

Roasted turkey with stuffing on a platter, garnished with herbs and nuts. Surrounded by a checkered cloth and autumn decorations.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Specifically designed for pellet grill owners, this recipe makes the most of your Traeger’s capabilities. The consistent temperature control delivers perfect results every time. Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey on Traeger with Stuffing

Spatchcocked Smoked Turkey

Roasted turkey legs and thighs seasoned with herbs on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by pinecones and greenery.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

The ultimate combination of quick-cooking spatchcock technique with aromatic smoke. This preparation method ensures smoke penetrates every bite while cooking evenly. Get the Recipe: How to Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey

Smoked Turkey Breast

Sliced roasted turkey breast garnished with herbs on a plate, alongside lemon and greens.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Perfect for smaller gatherings or white meat lovers, this recipe delivers juicy meat with a beautiful smoke ring. The focused preparation allows for perfect doneness control. Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Legs

Grilled, seasoned turkey legs are shown on a grill surface, displaying a crispy and browned exterior.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

These Renaissance fair-style legs bring fun to your holiday table. They’re perfect for casual gatherings or as an additional option for dark meat lovers. Get the Recipe: Smoking Turkey Legs

Classic Cranberry Sauce

A white bowl filled with cranberry sauce on a plaid fabric background, accompanied by a halved pomegranate and star anise.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

The perfect balance of sweet and tart, this sauce brightens up every bite. Fresh cranberries make all the difference. Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

No-Drippings Turkey Gravy:

A glass measuring cup filled with smooth yellow gravy, topped with two green sage leaves. A cloth is partially visible nearby.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Don’t wait for the turkey to make perfect gravy. This recipe delivers rich flavor without requiring pan drippings. Get the Recipe: Easy Turkey Gravy without Drippings

Grandma’s Giblet Gravy

A roast turkey is served on a platter, garnished with herbs and sliced oranges. A bowl of gravy is nearby, surrounded by pinecones.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Traditional, rich, and packed with flavor. This gravy makes the most of every part of the bird. Get the Recipe: Grandmaโ€™s Turkey Gravy With Giblets

Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs:

Barbecued chicken thighs on a plate with pickles and a side of coleslaw.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Rich, flavorful dark meat gets the smoke treatment for an incredibly satisfying result. These thighs develop an amazing bark while staying juicy inside. Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs

Smoked Spiral Ham

Close-up of a sliced ham garnished with orange slices, herbs, and cranberries on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

A honey-glazed favorite enhanced with subtle smoke flavors. This is a fool-proof option that’s perfect alongside or instead of turkey. Get the Recipe: Smoked Ham

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Sliced roast beef on a wooden cutting board with a knife, accompanied by herbs and lemon slices.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

An elegant alternative that will make your Thanksgiving memorable. The smoke adds depth to the lamb’s natural flavors. Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg of Lamb

Smoked Prime Rib

Close-up of a sliced, seasoned prime rib roast on a wooden board, accompanied by a knife and fork.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Make your Thanksgiving truly spectacular with this show-stopping roast. The combination of smoke and beef creates an unforgettable centerpiece. Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib

Smoked Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes topped with sour cream, chopped chives, and bacon bits on a baking tray.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

These aren’t your ordinary baked potatoes – smoke infusion takes them to a whole new level. The crispy skin and fluffy interior get an extra layer of flavor. Get the Recipe: Easy Smoked Baked Potato

Domino Potatoes

Close-up of cooked potato wedges topped with herbs on a spoon.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

This visually stunning potato dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. The precision-cut slices create perfect texture and presentation. Get the Recipe: Domino Potatoes

Roasted Green Beans

A white dish filled with seasoned green beans garnished with lemon slices. Two garlic bulbs are placed beside the dish.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Simple, elegant, and perfectly charred for maximum flavor. These beans maintain their crisp texture while developing deep, roasted notes. Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans Recipe

Classic Green Bean Casserole

A blue speckled dish filled with green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served with a silver serving spoon.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Our elevated version of the traditional favorite keeps the nostalgia while upgrading the ingredients. It’s creamy, crunchy, and completely irresistible. Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

A cast iron skillet with roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

These little gems become candy-like after their time in the smoker. Even brussels sprouts skeptics come back for seconds. Get the Recipe: BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Smoked Mushrooms

A variety of mushrooms are cooked in a pan, accompanied by chopped herbs and a large serving spoon.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

The perfect umami-packed side dish that adds earthiness to your spread. These mushrooms concentrate their flavor in the smoker. Get the Recipe: Umami Smoked Mushrooms

Roasted Butternut Squash

A salad with arugula, roasted pumpkin slices, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Sweet, caramelized, and perfectly seasonal. Our technique ensures crispy edges and creamy centers. Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn pieces garnished with herbs and lime wedges on a tray.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

This summer favorite is perfect for your Thanksgiving table. The smoke adds depth to the corn’s natural sweetness. Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cobb

jalapeรฑo Smoked Mac and Cheese

Skillet of baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy topping, alongside a jar of barbecue sauce and a red basting brush on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Creamy, spicy, and enhanced with wood smoke flavor. This adult version of the classic will become a new tradition. Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Fried Mac and Cheese

A hand holding a fork above a plate with a partially eaten croquette and scattered macaroni on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Transform leftover mac and cheese into crispy, creamy bites. These are perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Get the Recipe: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Creamy Mac and Cheese

A pot of creamy macaroni and cheese seasoned with black pepper, placed on a burlap cloth near a wooden bowl.
Image Credit: Girl Carnivore

Our traditional version focuses on the perfect cheese sauce and tender pasta. It’s pure comfort food at its finest. Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

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Well, Hey, Y’all.

Kita is a multi-talented individual, boasting numerous accomplishments such as being an award-winning recipe developer, world-traveled professional photographer, and journalist. As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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