Mohamed Shili Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and enjoying great food. These 15+ Pioneer Woman recipes offer simple, crowd-pleasing dishes. From casseroles to sides, this collection will make your holiday meal extra special and stress-free.
1. Spatchcock Turkey
We’ve all been there—waiting hours for the Thanksgiving turkey to cook, only to realize the breast is dry, and the legs aren’t done.
Not this time! Spatchcocking is the trick that guarantees perfectly even cooking. By flattening the turkey, you get crispy skin all over and juicy, tender meat in no time.
Plus, with a buttery maple and herb coating, every bite is infused with flavor. It’s quicker, easier, and dare I say, tastier than the traditional roast turkey.
2. Cranberry Butter
If you’ve never made cranberry butter before, you’re in for a treat! This sweet and tangy spread adds a festive twist to any bread or roll.
With dried cranberries soaked in orange juice, it’s like a burst of holiday flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up ahead of time.
Spread it on everything from warm cornbread to your Thanksgiving turkey, and watch it disappear from the table. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but this version takes it to the next level.
The sweet, spiced filling gets a little kick from smoked paprika and cayenne, while the pecan crumble topping adds the perfect crunch.
And of course, there are marshmallows! Toasted to golden perfection, they bring the ideal touch of sweetness to this savory side dish.
4. Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread is always a good idea, but have you tried pumpkin cornbread? The pumpkin keeps it extra moist, while the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring those warm fall flavors we all love.
It bakes up perfectly golden with a slightly crisp top, and when you serve it with butter and honey, it’s out of this world.
Whether it’s a side dish or a snack, this cornbread will quickly become a Thanksgiving staple at your table.
5. Turkey Brine
Want to make your Thanksgiving turkey extra juicy and flavorful? A good brine is the secret!
This apple cider and herb brine is packed with fresh rosemary, garlic, orange peel, and just the right amount of salt and sugar. It’s like a spa treatment for your bird.
Let the turkey soak in all that goodness for up to 24 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly seasoned, tender turkey. Trust me, once you brine your turkey, you’ll never skip this step again.
6. Pecan Pie
If there’s one dessert that screams Thanksgiving, it’s pecan pie. The sweet, sticky filling made with corn syrup, butter, and sugar is perfection in every bite.
And don’t get me started on the crunchy pecan topping! This pie bakes up with a golden crust and a rich, gooey center that’s just the right amount of sweetness.
Make sure to let it cool before slicing—if you can wait that long! Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly classic holiday treat.
7. Cornbread Salad
Cornbread salad? Oh yes, and it’s as delicious as it sounds. Layers of savory cornbread, crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and a creamy chipotle dressing come together in this southern-inspired dish.
It’s like a casserole and a salad all in one! This vibrant, colorful salad is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it gets even better as it sits in the fridge, letting all the flavors meld together.
Serve it as a side or bring it to your next potluck—it’ll disappear fast!
8. Pumpkin French Toast
Who says pumpkin is just for pie? This pumpkin French toast casserole is the ultimate brunch dish, perfect for feeding a holiday crowd.
Layers of soft brioche bread are soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard, topped with sweet cream cheese, and finished with a crunchy pecan-brown sugar topping.
Pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a golden, fluffy masterpiece that smells like fall. Drizzle with maple syrup, and breakfast is served!
9. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes, especially when they’re this easy? Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you prepare the rest of your meal.
The secret to these fluffy, flavorful potatoes? Chicken broth, butter, and a dollop of sour cream. Want them even creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
Garnish with chives or scallions for a pop of color, and you’ve got a no-fuss side dish that’ll please any crowd.
10. Green Bean Casserole With Mushrooms
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, but this version adds a gourmet twist. With crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy, homemade sauce, this dish is far from the canned classic.
The green beans stay crisp thanks to blanching, while the brown sugar-glazed bacon brings a sweet, salty crunch. Topped with toasted almonds, this casserole is a blend of flavors and textures that’ll steal the spotlight on your holiday table.
11. Chicken Stuffing Casserole
What’s better than stuffing at Thanksgiving? A whole casserole of it, mixed with tender chicken, peas, and a creamy sauce!
This hearty dish is comfort food at its best, combining savory herb stuffing with a rich filling of veggies and chicken.
Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect way to use leftover chicken—or just to satisfy your stuffing cravings. Bonus: the buttery topping makes it irresistible!
12. Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, and this version delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors you crave.
Tart Granny Smith apples are sliced thin and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before being topped with a buttery oat crumble.
Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. It’s so good, that you’ll find yourself making it all year long.
13. Biscuits and Gravy
There’s nothing like starting the day with a plate of warm, flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. Making biscuits from scratch is easier than you think, and trust me, the difference is worth it!
With a touch of buttermilk, these biscuits are perfectly tender, and they bake up golden brown in just minutes. And the gravy? It’s rich, savory, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of peppery kick.
This is comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
14. Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these roasted Parmesan potatoes are the ultimate side dish. Thin slices of russet potatoes are coated in a delicious blend of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and Parmesan, then roasted to golden perfection.
The edges get crispy while the insides stay tender, making each bite irresistible. Topped with fresh parsley, they’re the perfect complement to any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
15. Apple Dumplings
These apple dumplings are pure magic! Each slice of tart Granny Smith apple is wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked in a sweet, cinnamon-infused sauce made with—you guessed it—Mountain Dew!
As it bakes, the dough puffs up and turns golden brown, while the sauce thickens into a delicious syrup. It’s warm, gooey, and completely irresistible.
Serve these dumplings straight out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect fall dessert. Trust me, they’ll be gone in no time.
