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58 Best Thanksgiving Recipes

ByLana Stuart Published: Last Updated:

58 Thanksgiving recipes your guests will rave about all year. Everything from roast turkey to southern cornbread dressing to cranberry sauce and caramel cake!

Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday! Are you ready? Just in case you need some ideas, I’ve put together my 58 Best Thanksgiving Recipes.

Collage of recipes from the post.

I started with a few of my favorite pre-dinner nibbles and then went on to the main event – the turkey and cornbread dressing! Or if you prefer stuffing, I’ve also included a recipe for you.

And if turkey isn’t your “thing,” there are a few recipes for alternatives. You’ll also find a selection of great side dishes, from salads to vegetables.

And no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a few fabulous desserts. I even included some of my favorite recipes for using up the leftovers.

I’d love to know what you’re planning to cook for the big day, and if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask away!

Best of the Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Appetizers

1. Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves

Cheese ring surrounded by crackers on a serving board.
Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves
This Cheddar Pecan Cheese Ring with Strawberry Preserves is a vintage cheese ring recipe attributed to first lady Rosalynn Carter. Good for any get together!
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Cheese ring surrounded by crackers on a serving board.

2. Bacon Wrapped Sausage Balls

Bacon wrapped sausage balls and dipping sauce on a wooden board.
Bacon Wrapped Sausage Balls
If you're a bacon or sausage fanatic, this recipe is for you! You'll get the best of both in this recipe for Bacon Wrapped Sausage Balls with Peach and Dijon dipping sauce!
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Bacon wrapped sausage balls and dipping sauce on a wooden board.

3. Puff Pastry Cheese Straws

Puff Pastry Cheese Straws mounded on a serving board.
Puff Pastry Cheese Straws
Recipe for the famous Rich's Department Store (Atlanta) Puff Pastry Cheese Straws. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan encased in light, flaky puff pastry.
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Puff Pastry Cheese Straws mounded on a serving board.

4. Hot Artichoke Dip

Finished hot artichoke dip in a baking dish.
Hot Artichoke Dip
This retro Hot Artichoke Dip recipe will be the hit of your next party. This blast from the past is still as good today as it was decades ago!
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Finished hot artichoke dip in a baking dish.

5. Spicy White Bean Dip

Spicy white bean dip in a small brown bowl.
Spicy White Bean Dip
This quick and easy Spicy White Bean Dip is packed with bold flavors, perfect for game day or any gathering. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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Spicy white bean dip in a small brown bowl.

6. Sausage Balls with Two Dipping Sauces

Finished sausage balls in a white serving bowl.
Sausage Balls with Two Dipping Sauces
Traditional, classic, and always a hit! These Sausage Balls are even better with a choice of dipping sauces.
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Finished sausage balls in a white serving bowl.

Main Dishes

7. Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy

Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy on a white serving platter.
Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy
A simple method for cooking a beautifully moist Oven Roasted Turkey with golden, crispy skin and instructions for making the best pan gravy.
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Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy on a white serving platter.

8. Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Dressing in a white baking dish.
Southern Cornbread Dressing
My cherished family recipe for Southern Cornbread Dressing is wonderfully moist and seasoned with onions, celery, and sage.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing in a white baking dish.

9. Rolled Stuffed Turkey Breast

Sliced stuffed turkey breast on a serving tray.
Rolled Stuffed Turkey Breast
This Rolled Stuffed Turkey Breast filled with Italian bread, dried cranberries, shallots, celery, pine nuts, and Italian sausage. Perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.
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Sliced stuffed turkey breast on a serving tray.

10. The Best Marinated Pork Loin

Pouring sauce over finished pork loin in a serving dish.
The BEST Marinated Pork Loin
My Marinated Pork Loin recipe uses a simple, savory marinade to create a roasted pork loin that is moist and flavorful every time!
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Pouring sauce over finished pork loin in a serving dish.

11. Pork Loin with Creamy Celery Sauce

Sliced Braised Pork Loin with Creamy Celery Sauce on a serving plate.
Pork Loin with Creamy Celery Sauce
Pork Loin with Creamy Celery Sauce – A lovely pork loin served with a luscious creamy celery sauce is perfect for a special occasion dinner.
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Sliced Braised Pork Loin with Creamy Celery Sauce on a serving plate.

12. Apricot and Prune Stuffed Pork Loin

Cooked stuffed pork loin on a cutting board.
Apricot and Prune Stuffed Pork Loin
Succulent dried fruits make this Apricot and Prune Stuffed Pork Loin a great choice for a dinner party or an alternate entree for holidays!
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Cooked stuffed pork loin on a cutting board.

Side Dishes – Vegetables and Fruits

13. Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing

Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing in baking dish.
Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing
This Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing with sausage, raisins, celery, and onions is a perfect choice for your Thanksgiving table.
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Sweet Potato and Pecan Stuffing in baking dish.

14. Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a spoon.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This heritage recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features a cooked sweet potato layer topped with a simple pecan streusel.
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Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a spoon.

15. Butternut Squash with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Blue Cheese in a serving bowl.
Baked Butternut Squash
Baked Butternut Squash topped with blue cheese and pecans is a deliciously different side dish for your holiday table.
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Baked butternut squash with blue cheese and pecans in a white serving bowl.

16. Old Fashioned Copper Pennies

Copper pennies salad in a serving bowl.
Old Fashioned Copper Pennies
This delicious vintage recipe for Old Fashioned Copper Pennies is a sweet-sour combination of carrots, onions, and peppers that will keep your guests coming back for more!
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Copper pennies salad in a serving bowl.

17. Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans

Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans with ham hocks in a serving dish on a tabletop.
Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans
These Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans and ham will have your house smelling amazing and your mouth watering with anticipation.
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Old Fashioned Southern Style Green Beans with ham hocks in a serving dish on a tabletop.

18. Baked Acorn Squash

Baked Acorn Squash on a baking sheet with a chef's knife in the background.
Baked Acorn Squash
You'll love the delicious caramelized flavors of my Baked Acorn Squash with butter and brown sugar, an easy side dish for a cozy autumn meal.
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Half a baked acorn squash on a white plate.

19. Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

Finished potatoes au gratin in a white baking dish.
Perfect Potatoes au Gratin
These luxurious Potatoes au Gratin, baked in a rich sauce with cream, cheese, and a hint of garlic are the perfect side dish for almost any meal.
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Finished potatoes au gratin in a white baking dish.

20. Hot Baked Curried Fruit

Finished baked fruit in a dish.
Hot Baked Curried Fruit
This classic southern Hot Baked Curried Fruit recipe features canned fruits baked to perfection in a rich butter, brown sugar, and curry mixture.
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Finished baked fruit in a dish.

21. Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce

Bowl of applesauce with a basket of fresh apples on a kitchen towel.
Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce
This recipe for Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce couldn't be easier. Pop everything in the slow cooker and six hours later you have applesauce!
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A serving of applesauce in a white bowl.

22. Cheesy Baked Broccoli Casserole

A serving of broccoli casserole on a small decorative plate.
Cheesy Baked Broccoli Casserole
A cheesy baked broccoli casserole topped with sliced almonds.
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A serving of broccoli casserole on a small decorative plate.

23. Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Green beans in a white serving dish.
Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
Nutritious, convenient frozen green beans are combined with caramelized onions and bacon in this delicious side dish.
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Green beans in a white bowl on a black and white checked napkin.

Side Dishes – Cold Salads

24. Apple Cranberry Salad

Finished salad in a decorative bowl.
Apple Cranberry Salad
This refreshing Apple Cranberry Salad highlights beautiful autumnal flavors with a counterpoint of blue cheese drizzled with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette (recipe included).
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Finished salad in a decorative bowl.

25. Carrot Cranberry Salad

Carrot Cranberry Salad in a serving bowl on a kitchen towel.
Carrot Cranberry Salad
This 15-minute Carrot Cranberry Salad is a twist on the classic carrot-raisin salad with crunchy carrots, toasted pecans, and vanilla yogurt.
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Finished carrot cranberry salad in a white serving bowl.

26. Vintage Broccoli Salad

A wooden spoon holding a bite of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad
This Vintage Broccoli Salad is pure comfort food and the perfect side dish for any summer party. Guests always ask for the recipe!
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Finished broccoli salad in a blue and white salad bowl.

27. Pear Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Pear and blue cheese salad on a white serving plate.
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
This Pear and Blue Cheese Salad features fresh pears topped with blue cheese dressing and almonds for a balance of both sweet and savory.
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Pear and blue cheese salad on a white serving plate.

28. Not Quite Classic Waldorf Salad

Finished salad in a white serving bowl.
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
Enjoy a fresh twist on a classic with this Cranberry Waldorf Salad recipe, blending tart cranberries with apples and pecans for a flavorful side.
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Finished salad in a white serving bowl.

29. Sunshine Salad

A serving of jello salad on a white plate.
Sunshine Salad
Sunshine Salad is a traditional gelatin salad, or congealed salad, made with lemon jello, pineapple, carrots, and chopped nuts.
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A serving of jello salad on a white plate.

30. Lime Congealed Salad

A serving of Lime Congealed Salad on a red lettuce leaf.
Lime Congealed Salad
An old fashioned southern favorite, Lime Congealed Salad stands in as a fantastic salad, side dish, or dessert.
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A serving of Lime Congealed Salad on a red lettuce leaf.

31. Blueberry Pineapple Congealed Salad

A serving of congealed salad on a white plate.
Blueberry Pineapple Congealed Salad
This Blueberry Pineapple Congealed Salad is topped with sweetened cream cheese, sour cream, and walnuts for a wonderfully sweet and tart dish.
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A serving of congealed salad on a white plate.

32. Strawberry Banana Jello Mold

Strawberry banana jello mold on a glass pedestal.
Strawberry Banana Jello Mold
A refreshing summer jello mold with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, sour cream, and nuts.
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This Strawberry Banana Jello Mold is a refreshing summer-y jello salad with strawberries, bananas, and pineapple. https://www.lanascooking.com/strawberry-banana-jello-mold/

33. Raspberry Jello Mold (Polly’s Pink Stuff)

Raspberry jello mold on a silver serving tray with vintage serving pieces in the background.
Polly’s Pink Stuff
Polly’s Pink Stuff (Raspberry Jello Mold)
A retro recipe for a festive Raspberry Jello Mold. My grandmother's holiday specialty served for every Christmas and Easter dinner.
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Polly's Pink Stuff - A retro recipe for a festive raspberry jello mold. http://www.lanascooing.com/pollys-pink-stuff-raspberry-jello-mold/

Side Dishes – Other

34. Squash and Cornbread Casserole

Finished Squash and Cornbread Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash and Cornbread Casserole
Yellow summer squash combine with convenient cornbread mix, sour cream, and onion for a Squash and Cornbread Casserole to accompany any weeknight dinner.
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Finished casserole in a baking dish.

35. Old Fashioned Cornbread

A slice of cornbread topped with a pat of butter.
Old Fashioned Cornbread
Old Fashioned Cornbread made with white cornmeal, buttermilk, and no sugar (!) is perfect with everything from fried chicken to chili.
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A slice of cornbread topped with a pat of butter.

36. Southern Cornbread Muffins

Finished muffins in a baking tin.
Southern Cornbread Muffins
Quick and easy Southern Cornbread Muffins ready for the table in under 30 minutes. Serve plain or add a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey!
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Finished muffins in a baking tin.

Condiments and Extras

37. Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry orange sauce in a white serving dish.
Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce
A must-have for Thanksgiving, my Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce uses 5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes to make the perfect sweet and tart condiment.
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Cranberry orange sauce in a white serving dish.

38. Kumquat and Dried Cherry Chutney

Kumquat and Dried Cherry Chutney in a cut glass serving dish.
Kumquat and Dried Cherry Chutney
Kumquat and Dried Cherry Chutney is an elegantly delicious accompaniment for your Thanksgiving dinner. Perfect with turkey!
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Kumquat and Dried Cherry Chutney in a cut glass serving dish.

39. Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce

Jezebel sauce in a small canning jar.
Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce
Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce with its spicy sweet heat is so versatile that it's used as a condiment, appetizer, marinade, or dipping sauce!
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Jezebel sauce in a small canning jar.

40. Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Brittle in a basket.
Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Brittle with pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts and the addition of cinnamon. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
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This Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Brittle swaps out the traditional peanuts for pumpkin seeds and adds a little cinnamon. A nice extra for Thanksgiving dinner. https://www.lanascooking.com/cinnamon-pumpkin-seed-brittle/

Desserts – Cakes

41. Old Fashioned Southern Caramel Layer Cake

Southern caramel layer cake on a white cake stand.
Old Fashioned Southern Caramel Layer Cake
This old fashioned southern Caramel Layer Cake with an easy homemade caramel frosting tastes like a little slice of heaven!
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Southern caramel layer cake on a white cake stand.

42. Chocolate Little Layer Cake

A slice of cake held on a spatula.
Chocolate Little Layer Cake
This southern heritage Chocolate Little Layer Cake consists of tiny layers baked individually and topped with boiled chocolate icing.
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A slice of cake held on a spatula.

43. Chocolate-Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake with floral decorations on a glass pedestal.
Chocolate-Chocolate Cake
My Chocolate-Chocolate Cake recipe produces a moist, flavorful cake layer paired with a decadent cocoa frosting for a match made in chocolate heaven.
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Finished cake decorated with sugar violets on a pedestal.

44. Glazed Pumpkin Pound Cake

Pumpkin Pound Cake on a wooden board with a spoon and serving plates.
Glazed Pumpkin Pound Cake
This Glazed Pumpkin Pound Cake is made with a rich, buttery batter of pumpkin and warm fall spices, topped with a sweetened buttermilk glaze.
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A slice of cake with a fork inserted in the top.

45. Classic Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Slices of pumpkin roll on a serving tray.
Classic Pumpkin Roll
This classic Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is the perfect dessert for any fall dinner.
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Slices of pumpkin roll on a serving tray.

46. Fast and Easy Pumpkin Crunch Cake

A slice of pumpkin pecan crunch cake on a white plate.
Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake
This Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake is jam-packed with all the best fall season flavors. You'll mix up this delicious dessert in 10 minutes using cake mix for a shortcut!
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A slice of pumpkin pecan crunch cake on a white plate.

Desserts – Pies & Cobblers

47. Pecan Cheesecake Pie

A slice of pecan cheesecake pie on a white serving plate.
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
A delicious grand finale for any holiday meal! Two all-time favorite desserts combine in a luscious Pecan Cheesecake Pie with a cheesecake layer on the bottom and pecan pie on top.
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A slice of pecan cheesecake pie on a white serving plate.

48. Apple Patchwork Cobbler

Apple Patchwork Cobbler in a baking dish with serving plates in the background.
Patchwork Apple Cobbler
This taste tempting Patchwork Apple Cobbler is made with fresh fall apples, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange liqueur topped with a patchwork style crust.
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A serving of cobbler with a scoop of ice cream.

49. Gingerbread Apple Cobbler

A white serving bowl filled with cobbler and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Gingerbread Apple Cobbler
This gingerbread apple cobbler takes advantage of a boxed mix and canned pie filling for one of the easiest, tastiest desserts of the fall!
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A white serving bowl filled with cobbler and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Desserts – Other

50. Charlotte Russe

A serving of Charlotte Russe in a crystal dessert dish.
Charlotte Russe
Charlotte Russe is a light, creamy, combination of eggs, whipping cream and whiskey. A traditional Southern dessert typically served for Christmas holidays
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A serving of Charlotte Russe in a crystal dessert dish.

51. Hot Curried Georgia Peaches

A serving of curried peaches in a dish.
Hot Curried Georgia Peaches
Peaches spiced with curry, cinnamon, and cloves, served with butter pecan ice cream.
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Curried peaches with ice cream in a bowl.

52. Old Fashioned Gingerbread with Lemon Glaze

A serving of gingerbread with a vintage fork.
Old Fashioned Gingerbread with Lemon Glaze
You'll love this Old Fashioned Gingerbread with Lemon Glaze with warm spices topped with a sweet-tart lemon glaze.
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A serving of gingerbread with a vintage fork.

53. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies

A serving of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies on a plate dusted with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies
Luscious swirls of cream cheese running through these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Brownies infused with all the best fall spices make them an extra special dessert for your holiday dinners.
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A pumpkin cream cheese brownie on a white serving plate.

54. Black Walnut Pumpkin Bread

Sliced black walnut pumpkin bread on a serving board.
Black Walnut Pumpkin Bread
You'll love this moist, flavorful Black Walnut Pumpkin Bread with warm autumn spices, luscious pumpkin flavor, and fragrant American black walnuts.
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Sliced black walnut pumpkin bread on a serving board.

Leftovers

55. Asian Inspired Turkey Noodle Bowl

Noodles, turkey, and accompaniments in a white serving bowl.
Asian Inspired Turkey Noodle Bowl
Use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey to create this Asian Inspired Turkey Noodle Bowl – a brothy bowl full of noodles with turkey, lime, hot chili sauce, cilantro, green onions, and soy sauce.
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Noodles, turkey, and accompaniments in a white serving bowl.

56. Old Fashioned Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole

Turkey tetrazzini in a casserole dish with serving tongs.
Old Fashioned Turkey Tetrazzini Casserole
Turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into one of the most delicious casseroles ever – Turkey Tetrazzini! Combine chopped roasted turkey and pasta to create a dinner your whole family will be excited about!
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Turkey tetrazzini in a casserole dish with serving tongs.

57. Easy Leftover Turkey Soup

Leftover turkey soup in a vintage serving bowl with a spoon.
Easy Leftover Turkey Soup
This delicious, hearty, and easy Leftover Turkey Soup with potatoes and mushrooms is topped with a generous amount of cheese and served with crusty bread on the side.
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Leftover turkey soup in a vintage serving bowl with a spoon.

58. Apple Cranberry Quesadillas

Two quesadillas on a white serving plate.
Apple Cranberry Quesadillas
A fantastic use for your Thanksgiving leftovers! Apple pie filling, cranberry sauce, pecans, and jack cheese combine for a delicious treat.
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Two quesadillas on a serving plate.
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Lana Stuart is the cook, writer, and founder of Lana’s Cooking. Lana has been cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove and started this blog in 2009 to share her delicious home cooking recipes. You'll find about 700 recipes here so there's sure to be something your family will like!
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