40+ Basic Thanksgiving Recipes For A Simple Thanksgiving Menu

Is this your first Thanksgiving of being the one in charge of preparing the meal? Preparing a delicious feast doesn’t need to be hard or stressful! In this delicious collection, you will find simple and basic Thanksgiving Recipes perfect for your menu!

40+ Basic Thanksgiving Recipes For A Simple Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it may look a little different this year.

As we prepare to gather around the table, we’re sharing a roundup of simple Thanksgiving recipes.

In the past, maybe you spent your Thanksgiving at another family member’s home.

Maybe you have even taken a side dish or dessert for the occasion.

However, this year, getting together may be harder than in the past.

Or, maybe this is the first year YOU are responsible for cooking the Thanksgiving meal.

If this is your first time hosting and creating a Thanksgiving menu, we’ve gathered recipe ideas that are simple to follow.

For example, if this is your first time making mashed potatoes, this step-by-step shows you how to make the perfect mashed potatoes that will come out right every time.

You can also check out our other mashed potatoes which have a creamier taste and one of my favorite side dishes.

Basic Thanksgiving Recipes are just what we need in 2025

These Easy Thanksgiving Recipes require common basic ingredients, as in nothing super fancy and certainly no words you can’t say or spell, and are all super easy to make.

In this collection of recipes, you will find various ways to make turkey, potatoes, dressing, carrots, green beans, and even some of the simplest desserts.

But first, we wanted to share a few of our favorite basic go-to recipes.

These recipes may be basic, but they sure make up for it in deliciousness!

Not interested in making a big turkey this year, or want something different?

Our Cornish Hens recipe is simple, and these hens are juicy and delicious.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about a ton of leftovers, and using Cornish Hens is great for a small crowd.

You can also check out this roundup for more Cornish Hens recipe ideas.

Another alternative recipe idea, instead of turkey, is lamb.

Here’s a simple recipe for grilling lamb chops.

This collard greens recipe has a few steps, but so worth it.

If you’re feeling confident in the kitchen and want to try this twist on collard greens, check out our creamy greens recipe.

Another recipe to try this year for Thanksgiving is our Au Gratin Potatoes with Bacon.

It’s a few more steps than a regular potato recipe, but so worth it!

Honey Garlic Butter French Green Beans,

our Honey Garlic Butter French Green Beans is a winner.

It starts with trimmed fresh French Green beans. The green beans are blanched and then cooled in an ice bath.

A glaze is made with melted butter, minced garlic, and honey.

Keep reading below for more easy Thanksgiving recipes

Our roundup collection below has several “basic” and “easy” recipes that will help you put on a spread, leaving others wondering where you have been hiding such mad cooking skills!

Basic & Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Is this your first Thanksgiving of being the one in charge of preparing the meal? Don't panic! Preparing a delicious feast doesn't need to be hard or stressful! In this delicious collection, you will find basic and easy Thanksgiving Recipes perfect for your menu!